Hold a Party for Your Canine Friends

November through January are often a whirl of parties and socializing
for humans. Why not include your best friend in at least
one celebration? Early November is a perfect time to
host a party for your canine companion and his friends.

Here are some tips to help you plan a fun event.

Decide if it will be indoors or outdoors

Certainly if your weather is still nice, it's best to do it outdoors.
You have space in backyards and if a guest has a little
accident, it's easy to clean up.

If the weather isn't cooperating, do you have a basement
or could you empty a garage for the event? Maybe a local
dog training center or day care facility would allow
you to have a party there.

Develop
your guest list

Make certain your human and canine guests are compatible.
A group activity is not the time to introduce new dogs
and owners. Pick a group that already knows one another.
Decide how many humans and canines can fit in the area
where you're holding the party.

You may want to ask your friends not to bring children,
or restrict child guests to those at least in elementary
school. Toddlers and dogs may be difficult to watch
in a party setting.

Buy or make bone-shaped invitations and ask the humans to
RSVP.

Get
your food ready

Make or buy doggy treats. I offer several recipes at

http://www.toybreeds.com/treats.htm.

Don't forget to put out several bowls of water for your canine guests. Be sure to use non-breakable bowls and sit them
on rubber mats which prevent slips and slides and make
clean up easier.

Plan
some entertainment

Let the dogs play together if they're use to it. Try throw
and fetch with rubber toys if the dogs like that. It's
always fun to try to have a doggy race (although dogs
new to this will need a good deal of coaching).

Remember these are small dogs so don't
make the 'track' too long. Have a treat, such as a biscuit
or piece of cheese, for those who make it all the way
to the end.

If the weather is warm enough, have two buckets with water
and food. One will have apples for the humans to bob.
The other will have hot dogs or other meat that floats.
Both humans and canines will enjoy it.

If you want to play a version of musical chairs, put newspapers down on the floor or grass. Have the dogs sit on the
papers instead of chairs. It's fun once the dogs understand what they're supposed to do!

Invite someone take photographs or make a video

Maybe you have a family member who's
willing to do this. Older children or teens might be
willing to help (especially for a small fee). If you
do something really creative like have your pets in
costumes, you'll definitely want to remember the occasion.

Expect doggy behavior

Have poop bags, scooper, plastic gloves and newspaper on
hand. You'll need trash bags and if you're not having
the party at your home, know the nearest place where
the poop may be placed in the trash.

If you're indoors, be sure to have Urine Be Gone, Nature's
Miracle or other cleaning products and towels to prevent
stains and elminate lingering odors.

Mark off some areas for a doggy bathroom and if there are
areas where dogs should not go, be sure to mark those.
Use a black Magic Marker on cardboard to create signs.

Keep an eye on the dogs at all times. If you have more than
four dogs, I'd ask a friend to help with this. You need
to watch for impolite behavior that often is triggered
in pack behavior. Prevent or quickly break up any dog
fights before they get out of control.

One other thing - don't be afraid to ask for help to clean
up afterwards.

Have a great time.

P.S. Visit http://www.ToyBreeds.com
next month for a new edition of the Bone-Mot™.

Reduce Shedding

FURminator®
deShedding Tool

Pperfect product or gift for owners of Pomeranians, Spaniels,
Pekingese and other dogs with long or thick coats. I
like to use it once or twice a week depending how much
my dogs are trying to shed.

This comb-like tool really reduces the undercoat and
removes loose hairs. The manufacturer says it reduces
shedding up to 90% and I believe it!

The stainless steel edge deShedding Tool does not cut hair;
it just gently pulls out the fluffy undercoat, leaving
the topcoat shiny and undamaged. Leaves coat shiny and
shed-free. It's also easy to use and my dogs love to
have their coats combed.

The patented design helps create a shed-less environment
by reducing the amount of dander and hair, making it
the ideal tool for allergy sufferers. Designed for use
on both long and short-haired pets.

The tool will work on all shedding dogs and even on some
traditionally "hair-cut-only" dogs, like Terriers and Spaniels to coarsen the coat and blend clipper tracks.
About $30.

NOTE:
A few Toy breeds that are typically not good candidates
for the FURminator Shed-Less Treatment are Poodles,
Shih Tzus, and Maltese.

For best results, use in conjunction with FURminator®
deShedding Shampoo and FURminator®
deShedding Solution
(both sold separately).

_______________________________________________

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Blessing of the Animals - October 4

One of the nicest celebrations a dog and owner can share is the Blessing of the Animals, a Catholic tradition that is duplicated by other denominations. Don’t worry, I’m not going to try to convert anyone!

I’m just going to describe this celebration and suggest that the church goers among my readers might see if their church offers something similar. Both our local Episcopalian and Lutheran churches have similar celebrations.

The Blessing of the Animals commemorates the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi (October 4) and his love for all animals.

St. Francis was born in Assisi, Italy around 1181 and founded the Franciscan Order of Monks.

He loved the larks flying about his hilltop town. He and his early brothers, staying in a small hovel, allowed themselves to be displaced by a donkey!

St. Francis wrote a Canticle of the Creatures, an ode to God’s living things. “All praise to you, Oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures.” He died in 1226.

In the celebration which usually takes place outdoors, a priest sprinkles holy water on your pet and says the following:

“Blessed are you Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters.

“We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures. Amen.”

At the last celebration at my church there were about 30 pets consisting of guinea pigs, one goat, cats, dogs, birds and a small goldfish bowl. Incidentally all pets were well-behaved except for one cat who did not like being sprinkled!

This celebration has gained popularity especially in areas with large Latino immigration. Rural residents in Mexico and other Latin countries still depend on animals for their livelihood and are reassured by the priest’s blessing.

Whatever the spiritual benefits that result, this is a lovely way to celebrate the love we get and give our pets and our common relationship to the Creator.

P.S. If you'd like to send an electronic greeting card with a St. Francis Pet Blessing to a friend (human or canine), visit this website: http://www.catholicgreetings.org/PetBlessings/

Tips for a Safe Canine Halloween

Halloween can be fun you and your dog, provided you take a few precautions.

1. NEVER leave Fido alone outside.

There are malicious youngsters (and adults) who could
do anything from taunting him to killing him as a Satanist sacrifice. Sorry to sound so grim, but this night does bring out the worst in many.

2. Patrol your yard and home for tin foil and cellophane
candy wrappers.

Dogs love these, but they can get stuck in his digestive
tract and cause serious injury.

3. If you have candles in a pumpkin, make certain it is
high enough to be out of Fido's reach.

It's easy for a swinging canine tail to knock one over.

4. If you put Fido in a costume make certain --

a) any mask has eye holes big enough so he has peripheral
vision;

b) his costume is not constricting his movement including his ability to go the bathroom;

c) he can breathe and bark in it; and

d) there are no breakable, chewable pieces.

5. No matter how much he begs for it, never give Fido chocolate.

It's poisonous. If your dog does pick up something he shouldn't,
call the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center at (888)
426-4435. It's open 24/7. The $55 fee may be applied
to your credit card.

6. If your dog is nervous, afraid of commotion or shy,
keep in him a separate room away from the trick-or-treaters
and other visitors.

Strangers - especially ones in weird costumes - can
frighten any dog.

If you do encounter strangers while he's with you, don't
baby him if he seems frightened.

Remain calm and friendly with the strangers and let your dog
sense that you are fine with the weird looking people
in front of you.

If you pick him up and try to comfort him, you are teaching
him to be afraid and get attention in that manner.

Remember all your emotions go down your leash right to your dog.
If you're calm, he'll be calm.

7. If you do have Fido with you, don't give him the opportunity
to bolt out the front door when you open it.

Hold him, leash him or keep him a crate.

Keep these few tips in mind and you'll both have a safe and
sane Halloween.

P.S. Visit http://www.ToyBreeds.com
next month for a new edition of the Bone-Mot™.

Easy to Put On Dog Cape

Polarctic
Patchwork Cape

Attractive, a bit different and easy to put on a dog!

I hate, or rather my dog hates, clothing that has to go
on over his head. That's why I look for wrap-arounds
with Velcro.

A great choice for the hard-to-fit dog. Warm and lightweight,
Polarctic fleece provides maximum coverage, with adjustable Velcro closure.

100% polyester that can be machine washed and dried. Perfect
for rainy cold days of Fall and early Winter.

Available in Blue (8"-20") and Brown (8"-22")

To determine size, measure from neck to base of tail.

Madein U.S.A. $24.99



P.S. This weighs less than a pound and is fine for even
Chihuahuas.

For more information or to order, click on the photo above
or the link below:

Polarctic
Patchwork Cape

_______________________________________________

I Hate Dog Parks

I hate all dog parks but I absolutely despise off-leash dog parks where dogs run at will.

Dog parks have multiplied around the country, from 20 in 1995 to more than 600 today. Rarely does a day go by that I don't read about another city being petitioned to create a dog park and owners clamoring for an off-leash park.

The results are what any intelligent dog owner would expect.

In Boulder, CO, and Central Park in New York City large dogs have killed smaller dogs at the parks. Pit bulls have been banned from dog parks in Nashville, TN., because they attacked other dogs. In Madison, WI an unleashed black Labrador killed a leashed puppy in front of the horrified owner and her two children.

Even well trained dogs can act like dogs. A 100-pound service dog killed a 4-pound Yorkshire Terrier at a Cape Cod, MA area dog show. The service dog was a Bouvier des Flandres who helped a woman in a wheelchair.

Don't take your dog to a dog park. I don't how to state it any stronger. They are horrible - let me count the ways.

The typical owner does not understand how strong the pack instinct is in their dogs and how readily it is triggered when a dog is taken into a park with other dogs. Owners often are not prepared for how difficult it may be to control their dogs.

Dogs will try to establish rank. Aggressive dogs will bully dogs that are more cautious or reserved. Those are often smaller dogs like ours who are unskilled in the ways of the canine jungle.

Dogs innately try to form packs and sometimes threaten incoming dogs. They love to congregate around gates and entrances. This can threaten and overwhelm a small dog - not to mention a small child - even when the dogs are not menacing.

If your dog is the victim of an attack, even if he successfully defends himself, you can expect him to suffer emotional damage that will be difficult to overcome.
Your dog may be too frightened to ever be around new dogs again and may not even want to go outside. If your dog turns out to be aggressive and attacks other dogs, he may transfer that aggression to your home and become difficult to control.

Your dog may pick up worms or worse diseases at dog parks. Many owners do not have their dogs vaccinated beyond rabies. They also don't bother to treat their dog for worms, even heartworms, and never pick up their dog's poop.

Communities rarely spend the money necessary to ensure a clean and sanitary dog park. It's pretty common to see parks with nothing but gravel and dirt. Who wants to work for the city and pick up dog poop? If your dog is attacked, good luck getting animal control if it's on a weekend or evening.

Owners who lobby for dog parks and use them the most are often the worst kind of owners. The ones who think their dogs are furry human beings and are shocked when their dog acts like a dog. Or, they're too lazy to make the slightest effort to train and control their dog. That's why they want an off-leash park.

At the end of the day, a dog will act like a dog. He may run away to chase a squirrel, he may jump up on a dog of the opposite sex, he may challenge another dog who offends him, he may chase after a smaller dog. These are normal doggy behaviors but ones that can result in damage to your dog or another owner's.

Yes, I recognize the benefits of socialization for dogs. I'm not saying keep your dog inside. Take him out on a leash, just not to dog parks. Let him meet other dogs but make play dates with dogs you know are mellow and trained. In large cities, owners of small dogs are using the Internet to make play dates only for small dogs.

Bottom line - dog parks are diseased ridden areas where a small dog will sooner or later be the victim of an attack. Stay out of them.

Visit http://www.ToyBreeds.com next month for the Bone-Mot™

Stop Dog Attacks

I don’t even like dog parks, let alone off-leash areas. Too many irresponsible owners don’t have their dogs vaccinated or treated for worms (which all dogs can get). There’s also the problem of aggressive dogs and owners who can’t or won’t control their dogs.

Anytime you’re out in public, you and your small dog run the risk of being attacked by a dog. That doesn’t mean keep your dog at home but instead take some preliminary cautions to make the outing safe.

1. Stay out of harm’s way.

Last month’s Bone-Mot discussed how to keep your small dog from provoking an attack. Some of the same tips apply to humans.

• Do not make eye contact with a strange dog.
  
  
• Do not disturb a strange dog who is eating, drinking, with puppies or sleeping.
  
  
• If a strange dog approaches you, stay still and let him sniff you. If you don’t react, the odds are he will leave you alone.
  
  
• If a dog seems aggressive or you’re unsure, use your ultrasonic device (see #2) or find something to place between you and dog. That can be taking off your jacket and putting that in front of your body or picking up an object even a rock.
  
  
• Depending on your personality, if a dog starts to attack you or you small dog, you can yell NO in a loud, stern tone of voice and see if that stops the dog. If you have pepper spray or ultrasonic device, use that.
  
  
• NEVER, NEVER turn your back on a dog and run. That will trigger his prey instinct and he’ll hunt you down – with bad results.
  

2. Carry a pepper spray and/or the Dazer Ultrasonic Dog Deterrent.

Dazer is the only brand I like and it even it won’t work on every dog. Dazer and other ultrasonic devices emit ultrasonic sound bursts which dogs don’t like. A cheaper version is to carry an air-horn, such as the type boaters have, and try it.

I think pepper spray is effective on more dogs than ultrasonic devices but only if you spray it in the attacking dog’s eyes and nose.

Nonetheless, I recommend the Dazer because 1) under stress, it may not be possible to aim the pepper spray and spraying the dog’s side or back won’t stop it and 2) if the other dog’s owner is a moron, he may be incensed at what he perceives as YOUR attack on his dog. The Dazer can be used so that the other dog owner doesn’t see it. Dazer is great – when it works.

Either product can be found in stores or ordered over the Internet at amazon.com.

3. Rescue your dog – carefully.
If a dog grabs your dog, resist the natural urge to get in a tug-of-war with your dog and the attacker. Your pulling motion will only inflame the attacker and cause him to tighten his grip. Even if you were successful in
pulling your dog away, expect his coat and skin to remain in the attacker’s mouth.

Do NOT try to grab the dog’s collar and pull him away. All you’re likely to do is get badly bitten by one or both dogs. Instead,

• Lift the attacking dog by his legs and sway him back and forth as you back away with the dog’s leg paws in your hands. That may stop the attack. You’ll need to hold the dog until he hopefully calms down or you can turn him over to his owner or other person.
  
  
• An alternate is to blind the dog. This can be a clothing article that you can put over his face and tie around him, but that’s going to be difficult to do. Or, more effectively, find a object (key, shovel, rock, whatever) and poke his eyes as hard as you can.
  
  Yes, this is brutal but it may save your dog’s life. Hitting an attacking dog on the head, between the ears, as is so often requires many strong blows. You need a shovel and the strength to swing it forcefully for this technique to work. Anyone – man, woman or child – can poke a dog’s eye.
  
  
• What is unlikely to work is spraying them in the face with water or even vinegar. One or both dogs may be well beyond being aware of having something thrown in their face.

4. Save yourself if you’re the one attacked

Some of you may feel you’d rather be mauled to death than try this technique: stick his finger up his butt! That will create a physiological force that makes the dog gasp and thereby release whichever of your appendages he was biting. Then roll the dog over and put all your weight on a knee which you put on his ribs. Hopefully you can hold him down until help arrives or you reach some weapon that you can use to quiet the dog.

Hopefully, you’ll never have to use that one. Avoid areas where dogs run free and stay still and calm if you’re ever approached by a menacing dog.

Get Ready for Fall

Depending on where you live, you may have another month of summer or you may find that the weather in September can turn cool or wet very quickly.

Here are five tips to help you be prepared for sudden changes.

1. Check your dog's coat after walks when you venture in rural or wooden areas.

It's easy for burrs to get stuck in long coats. Also check his feet and ears - the dense coat there can hide these little boogers.

2. Keep old towels by the door.

You'll want to dry your dog and especially wipe his feet. You should teach you dog to sit at the door both before and after you two venture out. That will give you time to ensure your dog is ready for the climate outside and give you a chance to ready him for the inside and your carpets and furniture.

3. Clean up or replace winter clothing.

Now's a good time to make sure any winter clothing still fits either one of you. Your dog should have boots to wear and a jacket or rain slick. See my favorite products for ideas. Make sure wool items don't have insect or odor problems.

4. Get your car ready for your dog.

As the weather gets wetter, make sure you have some waterproof covers for car seats if you take your dog for rides. You'll want to protect your seats and flooring from muddy paw prints.

5. Watch for an abnormal amount of scratching.

Fall is a perfect time for mite and other insect infestations. If your dog starts scratching more than normal, he could have picked up some unwelcome guests. Key areas for attack are the skin around the armpits, head, stomach and between the toes.

Take your dog to the vet if you suspect he has been infested.

Debarking - the Surgical Option

What It Is

Debarking is a surgical procedure that reduces (but doesn’t remove)
tissue in the vocal chords. The surgeon, in effect, nips the muscles
on each side of the voice box, which reduces the volume of the dog’s bark.

Your dog will still bark but the sound will be a low, raspy one that
you will be able to hear if you’re in the same room with your dog. It’s
very unlikely his ‘bark’ would be heard by your neighbors.

Is It Cruel?

I’m sure you’ll hear from hysterical people claiming that this is a cruel procedure or asking how would you like it if someone nipped your larynx.

The answer to the second question is that I wouldn’t like it because I have ognitive abilities that exceed those of a canine. Dogs are not furry human beings. They are dogs. If you have your dog debarked, he will never know! He will be just as happy as he was before you had him debarked.

This surgery takes about 20-minutes to perform if the surgeon is experienced. It’s less invasive and has less after-effect than having a dog spayed or neutered. There’s nothing ‘cruel’ about this surgery.

It amazes me that the animal rights cultists become hysterical about this procedure but constantly advocate neutering. Removing a dog’s sex organs and permanently changing his hormone production has far more lasting (some positive, some negative) effects on a dog than debarking surgery will.

It's Not My First Choice

I don’t recommend debarking as a first choice because it is a surgery and especially if you have a small dog, the risks of surgery and anesthetic remain.

You should make an effort to train your dog to stop barking on a
command. You might use "Stop" or "Quiet." Teach it as you do
any command. Example - reward him with praise and/or treat
when he stops barking, turn your back on him if he keeps barking
or spray him in the face with a water spray. Reward him as soon
as he is quiet.

Most Common Reasons Dogs Bark Incessantly

Boredom is number one. If you leave your dog home alone with
nothing to keep him occupied or put him outside in your back
yard, he's going to bark his head off. That's the only way
he can communicate to you. (He can't write you a poison pen
note for leaving alone!).

Give him things, such as Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter,
to keep him occupied and leave a radio or TV on at a low
volume while you're gone.

Right after boredom is Mother Nature. She spent generations
instilling the barking action in dogs. Some dogs, such as
Yorkshire Terriers, are always going to bark no matter what
type of training you use.

Don't beat yoursefl up if you can't stop chronic barking.
You're fighting against your dog's innate nature.

If your training hasn't worked, barking collars haven't worked
and your neighbors/landlord/police are about to insist you
give up your dog, look at debarking.

Summary

You can try all the training techniques, collars and
electronic corrections that you want but some breeds will always
bark. This surgery is an option when other things fail.

Citronella Dog Bark Collar

NOTE: No one collar will work on every dog. Barking is a common
problem because so many dog breeds, especially small
dog breeds, have an innate love of barking.

Mother Nature spent generations developing a barking mechanism
in dogs. Don't be surprised if you find that behavior
difficult to stop.

If your regular training isn't working or you have to leave
your dog alone and your neighbors complain of his barking,
see if one of these collars may be the answer.

This type of collar works better for some dogs and appeals
to owners who consider electronic colars cruel and a
form of shock treatments.

Features:

• Has a battery-operated, electronic bark-sensing unit.
  


• Releasesan all-natural citronella spray when your dog barks.
  


• Citrus smell os harmelss but the quick action of the spray
  mist startles and confuses your dog'ss highly developed
  olfactory sense. That may cause him to stop barking.


• 
  Unit includes spray control receiver and collar, citronella spray refill (additional refills sold separately),
  battery, and operations manual. Manufacturer provides
  a lifetime warranty.


• Collar adjusts to fit necks up to 25". The collar will
  be large on most Toy breeds so you may need to manually
  shorten it. Any sewing skills you have will be handy.


• Spray will not function at temperatures under 25 degrees
  F.


• $89.99

Possible problems with citronella collars:

• They are not as precise as the electronic collar reviewed
  on the previous page. Barking sets them off but it
  may not be your dog barking. They only use sounds
  to trigger the spray.


• I've seen collars, especially the cheaper ones, emit the
  total supply of citronella in one blast. That stops
  the dog for a minute but once he resumes barking,
  there's no more citronella.

If you want an all-natural bark collar, this is a good
one to try. Again, neither the electronic nor the citornella collar is going to work on all dogs.

For more information or to order, click the photo above
or use

this link: Citronella
Bark Dog Collars by Premier Pet Products

Click
here to read about electronic collars

_______________________________________________

Electronic Dog Bark Collar

NOTE: No one collar will work on every dog. Barking is a common
problem because so many dog breeds, especially small
dog breeds, have an innate love of barking. Mother Nature
spent generations developing a barking mechanism in
dogs. Don't be surprised if you find that behavior difficultto stop

If your regular training isn't working or you have to leave
your dog alone and your neighbors complain of his barking,
see if one of these collars may be the answer.

Finally, an electronic collar small enough for Toy breeds!
This collar can be worn by dogs as small as 4-5 pounds.

Put the collar on and when it senses barking, it emits a
harmless static electrical impulse.

Features:

• PetSafe is the most reliable brand I've found because it uses
  both vibration from your dog's throat and sound sensors
  to detect barking.


• The collar has 10 levels of correction. If excessive barking
  continues after the first low level of correction,
  the intensity will increase with each bark until the
  barking stops.


• Once your dog has learned to reduce the barking, the initial
  warning corrections are reduced.


• Collar is waterproof and has a low battery indication.


• Safety feature will shut off the correction for 3 minutes
  if the dog barks more than 15 times in 30 seconds
  


• WARNINGS - don't use longer than 8-hours at a time and don't
  use on puppies less than 6-months of age


• My Note - the batteries don't last long. Always have
  a replacement on hand.


• $89.99

For more information or to order, click the photo above
or use

this link: PetSafe®
Deluxe Little Dog Bark Control Collar

Click
here to continue to Citronella collar

_______________________________________________

Review of Cesar's Way

The New York Times best seller lists contains one book on training dogs: Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems by Cesar Millan. (234-pages for $14.97 at amazon.com) As I write this, the book is #6 on Amazon.com's best seller list.

Many of you may know Mr. Millan as the Dog Whisperer from the National Geographic television show. Although many of the popular dog trainers are not well regarded among dog business professionals, Mr. Millan is the real deal. Someone well regarded by his peers and someone who offers realistic advice to dog owners.

Mr. Millan was born in Mexico and writes that he had an innate ability to relate to dogs. I'm not surprised. The truth is many dog trainers become dog trainers because they have communication skills with dogs that elude so many. He doesn't mention it in his book but that's one reason dogs often do well in classes but act like brats at home.

Things to be aware of before buying the book:

Although the book's subtitle states 'correcting common dog problems,' this is not a how-to manual. It's philosophy and canine psychology more than practical steps.
The chapters on famous people he's dealt with, such as Oprah Winfrey, may or may not appeal to you.

There's a good deal about Mr. Millan's personal history.
A key recommendation for having a well adjusted, obedient dog is EXERCISE. There's an old saying: 'a tired dog is a good dog' and Mr. Millan is a firm believer in that. This may not play well with couch-potato owners.

You're not Cesar Millan. He does things like running and feeding his dogs in packs that can be tricky for average owners. This won't be an issue for the owner with one or two dogs but if you have more than that, I'd be leery. There's a reason he's getting rich training dogs and you're not.

Things I like about the book:

One reason there's such a demand for dog training books is that too many people see their dogs as furry human beings and never discipline them. Mr. Millan's approach is that a dog should be allowed to be a dog. Placing unrealistic expectations on a dog is going to make the owner and the dog unhappy.
His stress on being a calm-assertive leader will prevent many problem behaviors from developing. If you're Mr. Millan or other innately gifted dog communicator, you may be able to retrain a dog with bad behaviors but most owners won't have the time or patience to do this. Listen to Cesar Millan and prevent bad behaviors.
This book is worth reading but it isn't the how-to manual many owners want and need.

Why this book

Not everyone is a fan of Mr. Millan and his methods. Some people claim they are out-of-date and we now know so much more about dog psychology now.

The out-of-date claim reinforces the fact that his approach has been around a long time. That's because it works and has worked for years. Lassie and Rin Tin Tin never attended a clicker class!

It's funny how after the 'enlightenment' that the critics claim has happened in the canine world that there is such an explosion of dog training books, tools, training aids and even drugs for dogs (doggy Prozac).

I concur that he does not stress all the popular approaches such as all-positive training or clicker training. I'm not opposed to those but Mr. Millan's way works with real dogs and real problems. As he states "I rehabilitate dogs - I train owners." If you have a dog with a problem behavior, you need to correct it - not ignore it.

One last thing as to all the knowledge we supposedly have. I subscribe to Tufts and Cornell University newsletters for dog owners. They both get asked questions such as 'why does my dog eat grass?' Know what the most common answer is to those questions - 'we don't really know why a dog does that.'

They're dogs, not people and if you persist in treating them as such, it's unfair to the dog, unfair to people and other animals who have to be around the dog and unfair to you when the dog can't meet all YOUR emotional needs.

Be a good owner which also includes being a realistic owner.
Get the book at Amazon.com's.

Avoid Little-Dog Aggression on Walks

A neighbor of mine is concerned about her Yorkshire Terrier. A widow, she sold the family farm and moved into our urban area. When she starting taking her dog for walks, Arthur, her Yorkie, would growl and bark at bigger dogs.

Fortunately, all the dogs have been on leashes so the owners were able to restrain them and no dog fights ensued. There’s no way to know if Arthur will always be so fortunate.

This is not an uncommon problem. Some dogs like Arthur have not been exposed to many other dogs and don’t understand canine etiquette. Other small dogs may be fearful of larger dogs and react aggressively as a defense. Trying to get the first bite, so to speak.

This is dangerous behavior for small dogs! A larger dog attacked or challenged is liable to bite. That is normal behavior in dogdom. A bite that might not harm another Labrador could snap the neck of a 5-pound dog.

For puppies

If you have a puppy, it’s important to establish play dates for your puppy with older, big dogs that you KNOW are mellow and won’t harm your puppy. The ideal situation is that your dog learns how to behave with other dogs from other dogs.

Limit the play group to only one big dog although you can have other small dogs. It’s never a good idea to let one small dog alone with two or more big dogs – no matter how well trained the big dogs are. If one big dog in the pack becomes aggressive to the small dog even in play, all the other dogs are likely to join in. That’s instinctive pack behavior Remember, bites that wouldn’t harm a big dog can kill a small dog.

Four tips for any dog walker

1. If your dog is inclined to growl, stare or lunge at other dogs, especially big dogs, distract him before he reacts. Use a command, a toy or a treat to get your dog’s attention before encountering the big dog. Carry with you a ball or squeaky toy that your dog likes. Use the toy to make your dog watch you instead of other dogs.

2. Another alternative is to put your dog on your side away from the other dog so they don’t look at or pass one another. Do whatever you have to do so that your dog can’t stare at or make eye contact with the big dog. In dogdom, eye contact means challenge.

3. I don’t recommend picking him up unless the other dog seems aggressive. Picking up your dog all the time will teach him to be afraid. It’s also no guarantee the other dog won’t attack you as well as your dog.

4. If you’re amused when your 6-pound dog challenges a big dog, you should plan ahead on where you want to bury your dog when the inevitable happens. Don’t let your dog be the aggressor. That’s a death sentence for small dogs.

Next month we’ll discuss how to stop dog attacks.


P.S. Visit http://www.ToyBreeds.com next month for a new edition of the Bone-Mot™.

Safe Way for Small Dogs to Enter and Leave Pools

Stop Your Dog from Digging in Your Yard

Summertime often means that dogs are outside for longer periods of time and that often results in their innate desire to dig becoming a problem.

You're probably spending a good deal of time and money to grow and maintain an attractive lawn or garden and having mounds of dirt and holes in your yard will not increase the value of your property.

Unfortunately, many dogs love to dig and stopping this behavior can be difficult. You can try to give him commands to "stop" but it's often difficult to be outside with your dog every minute so I like to offer ways to stop his behavior that don't require your constant supervision.

I have three suggestions that have worked well for me over the years.

1. Make it undesirable

If there is a certain area of your lawn where your dog loves to dig, make that area unappealing to him. Bury something your dog hates to smell in that area.

For many dogs, pepper - ground or cayenne - does it. One snout full of pepper is often enough to make that area off limits. You may enhance its aroma with hot sauce.

Some owners have success burying some of their dog's poop in the area. Dogs often do not like to dig up their own excrement; however, this also may turn that area of your yard into his new bathroom. Dogs do like to go in the same spot over and over. Be careful not to switch one undesirable behavior to another!

If you can't find anything he doesn't like to smell, then go for sounds. Find a toy or noise maker of some type that he hates and bury that. When he pulls it up and it makes a horrible sound, he'll learn to stay away from that area.

Obviously do not use something like a mouse trap that could harm your dog especially small dogs with small paws and do not use moth balls. Many dogs will try to chew moth balls and these may have harmful, even toxic, side effects.

2. Create an alternate

Digging is instinctive doggy behavior. Instead of fighting it, build a sandbox for your dog where he can dig to his heart's content.

This is sandbox similar to what small children use. Bury one or two of his toys as well as favorite treats in the sandbox and then let him dig. If you catch him digging where you don't want him to dig, just pick up and put him in his sandbox.

3. Wear him out

Digging also can be sign of a bored dog. Take him for a walk at least once a day and play fetch in the backyard while the weather is warm and daylight enables you to be out longer.

One of the oldest rules of dog training is "a tired dog is a good dog."

Dogs on Boats Need Life Jackets

Even if you consider your dog a good swimmer, a life jacket is very important if you take him with you on a boat.

If there's an emergency on your boat or even at a marina,
your dog could be hurt, disoriented or in shock and
unable to swim to safety. This vest could save his life.

Lightweight, comfortable vest style closes with Velcro and adjustable locking straps at the neck and belly. The design means the size can be adjusted easily for a comfortable fit.

The material it is made from provides warmth and protection from abrasion.

It also features a convenient grab handle to help fish him out in the event he heads overboard, and a leash loop.

This jacket also is suitable for hydrotherapy pools if your dog is getting some type of treatment in a pool.

Bright safety orange color.

Product Information:

• $15.99
  Life Jacket X Small (fits weight up to 18 lbs., Girth 15-19")

• $17.99 Life Jacket Small (fits weight 15-25 lbs., Girth 19-24")
  

  
  To measure girth, use a tape measure and measure around
  the body (the rib cage) behind the front legs.

  
  
• Rated Four Paws" (top rating)for pet floatation
  devices by the Whole Dog Journal, July 2003
  
  

For more information or to order, click the this link: Life
Jacket by Outward Hound

P.S. Visit http://www.ToyBreeds.com
next month for a new edition of the Bone-Mot™.

Tips to Help Your Dog Enjoy the Summer

There's no reason your dog can't stay happy and safe all summer long. Here are some tips to help you both cope.

1. Identification - You're both likely to be outside more and may be traveling to strange places. Does your dog have a microchip (see http://www.toybreeds.com/microchips.htm) or a tattoo or at least a collar with your name and phone number on it?

No one expects to lose their dog but it happens to thousands of owners each year. Increase the chances of being reunited with your canine companion back by ensuring he has identification. And, if you have a microchip (I highly recommend it), make sure your service has your current contact information.

2. Temporary placement - Start looking NOW for a pet sitter, kennel or boarding facility if you're going to be on vacation this summer without your dog. Commercial facilities and pet sitters get booked quickly. Don't wait any longer to start looking for a place.

At the same time, get all his medical records in order. Commercial boarding places will want to know he's had his shots and is dewormed. If you have pet insurance, be sure to provide the care givers with the information they need in case your dog gets ill.

3. Fleas and Ticks - Protect your dog from both these menaces with regular medication. I use Frontline on my dog but other owners like Revolution or Kiltix. Ask your vet for a recommendation. You can buy medication from the vet or get it through an Internet pet pharmacy. It's much, much, much easier and better for your dog to prevent fleas and ticks than try to treat them once your dog has been infected.

4. Protect him from cables - Those electric cords of mowers, trimmers, and other gardening tools can easily tempt a dog who loves to chew. Keep your dog indoors or contained in a safe area (such as crate) when you're working outdoors.

5. Protect him from the grill - Don't let your dog run lose around a barbecue grill. He could bump into it and be severely burned by falling ashes or hot scraps of food. NEVER give him meat hot off the grill. Let it cool a bit. After you clean your grill, keep the hot ashes in a place he can't reach while you're letting them cool.

6. Keep him away from the plants - It's a good idea to use organic yard and garden products for your dog's sake as well as the environment's. At a minimum, keep products out of his reach and keep him away from the garden or lawn while they're being treated with any chemicals. While you're outside and he's inside, also check your fence for holes that he could crawl out.

7. Keep up his grooming - Just because you're on vacation doesn't mean your dog's needs go on holiday. Comb and brush him daily especially if he's outside more than usual. This also is a good way to examine him for injuries or insect infestation. Better to treat problems when they're minor rather than let them grow into major problems.

8. Buy or create a pet first aid kit - If your dog is going with you on holiday, be sure to have first aid materials for him. For less than $30, you can an excellent kit from Medi+Pet First Aid Kits.

If your vacation will be on a boat with him, be sure to look at the Dog Life Jacket at Product of the Month.

9. Get him ready for the trip - If you're going to take him to a place where he'll get more exercise or be outdoors more than usual, get him prepared. Start increasing his daily walks either in duration or frequency. Your dog needs to build his stamina just as you do before undertaking major physical exertion.

Take him out for brief periods to strange places with unfamiliar people and sites before you leave your hometown. Expose him to a new experience but then take him back to the safety and comfort of his regular home. You'll gradually increase his ability to remain calm and collected in new settings.

10. Travel with some of his favorite things - If you're going by your own vehicle, you can take his bed and favorite toy as well as his regular food. If you can, take the water he usually drinks. Many dogs are sensitive to minerals in water and his stomach could be upset by unfamiliar water.

If you can't take much with you, either something he normally sleeps with or a favorite toy is good. After all, you're the most important element in your dog's happiness. As you as you're there, he'll be fine.

Have a great summer and a wonderful vacation.

Neutering - Will this Fix Your Dog?

There's so much propaganda today about having male dogs neutered that owners sometimes have unrealistic expectations about how neutering will affect a dog's behavior.

Animal rights activists have done a great job co-opting the mainstream media so that owners never read anything positive about leaving male dogs intact. Yet, many intelligent, educated and experienced owners do just that.

Many animal rights groups do not believe dogs should be subjugated to serve humans as pets. Restricting the population of dogs is one way to curb our ability to have pets. That's one reason why animal rights groups are such vocal advocates of neutering.

Neutering means the surgical removal of the reproductive organs of a dog which for males means that both testicles are removed.

The following are some considerations for you in making your choice.

1. Show/Breed - Show dogs in American Kennel Club sanctioned events may not be neutered. This is a long-standing rule that probably derived because show dogs usually turn into studs once their show career is over.

2. It's an operation - Although neutering is widely performed and is generally considered a safe operation, it is an operation and does require a general anesthetic. There is always a risk when small dogs are subjected to anesthesia. You should not unthinkingly decide to have your dog neutered.

Talk to your vet and understand what type of anesthesia and pain medication s/he will give your dog. Ask about the risks and chances of complications as a result of the the surgery. Understand the after care you should provide your dog until he heals.

3. Cancer - You often read that neutering will help your dog avoid getting cancers associated with reproductive organs. This is true to the same degree that having a hysterectomy or being castrated will prevent cancer associated with reproductive systems in humans.

If you look beyond the old wives tales, you'll find that veterinarians disagree on the best practice.

For example Veterinary Oncologist Keven Hahn writing in Veterinary Practice News said that after reviewing studies over the last 30 years, he's not sure what to recommend to his clients. There is a higher incidence of testicular cancer unneutered dogs, but also a higher incidence of cancer of the blood vessels in neutered males. This issue is whether there is a cause and result relationship to any of these.

4. Behavior changes - Owners often look at neutering as cure all for unwanted behaviors. Sometimes undesirable behaviors such as marking territory may be decreased if not stopped altogether. Other times, behaviors such as humping go on because they are instinctive in a dog.

Neutering will ameliorate unwanted behaviors directly related to the influence of testosterone levels such as behaviors related to sexual frustration. It will not magically correct all behavior problems.

According to a study by Dr. Benjamin Hart of University of California at Davis:

"with urine marking in the house, mounting, and roaming, one can expect a resolution in 25–40 percent of dogs neutered. Aggression toward strange dogs should be resolved in 10–15 percent of dogs. ...There is no way of predicting in advance which dogs will respond the most to neutering."

Contrary to old wives tales, an aggressive dog may be just as aggressive after neutering. He could even be worse because testosterone levels often give male dogs a higher level of conference than they would otherwise have. Fearful dogs are often aggressive and bite in defense; i.e., striking the first blow to prevent being attacked.

5. Behaviors that supposedly get worst - Almost everyone agrees that it's nothing more than old wives tale that dogs get fat after neutering. Dogs get fat for the same reason we do - they eat too much and exercise too little. I personally know slim neutered dogs and slim intact dogs.

However, there is a significant population of dog professionals who believe neutering often has an impact on a dog's personality. I'm sure some of you read that and are outraged that I would be writing something that everyone else has told you is poppycock. I agree there is no scientific evidence (how would you measure a dog's personality?) and the evidence is purely anecdotal.

But use your common sense. Hormones matter. We accept that hormonal changes in human females during menstruation and menopause affect behavior. Doesn't it make sense that hormonal changes caused by removing a dog's reproductive organs might have an impact on a dog's personality?

If you are seriously into something like agility or dog dancing, talk to other people at shows about the benefits and detractions of having your dog neutered. The most common problem I hear is that a neutered male loses his edge and becomes more complaisant.

If your dog is purely a companion, this shouldn't be an issue in making your decision. The change apparent to professionals who work seriously with hundreds of dogs may be imperceptible to regular owners. As your dog ages, he will be "losing his edge" anyway.

6. Remaining behavior - If you leave your male dog intact, you run the risk of his impregnating any female dog within his reach. Females dogs in heat give out a scent that no intact male dog can resist.

If you have a male dog, you must keep him confined at all times - either in your home, in a fenced yard or on a leash. Your neighbor could turn ugly - not to mention litigious - should your dog create a litter of puppies with his female dog.

7. Age for neutering - It's standard practice in America for dogs to be neutered at very early ages (even as early as 8-weeks!). I believe the reason for this is that it's easier for the vet to operate on a young dog. There is no definitive answer to this question of what age is best. Your vet will have his/her own preference and you're at his/her mercy.

Keep in mind that spaying and neutering are the most frequent veterinary surgery in America today and for many dogs, the only surgery they will ever have. It's only prudent to be aware that a vet's encouragement to have your dog neutered is a financial benefit to him.

8. Genetics - no dog with a genetic disease or hereditary defect should be bred. If you get a dog from a shelter or rescue group, he probably will already be neutered but if not, I do recommend these dogs be neutered. There is no way to know their medical history and there's no reason to take chances on the health of any offspring. Any dog with significant personality disorders such as extreme aggression evidence by attacking other animals or humans should not be bred.

I am not advocating either neutering or not neutering your dog. My goal is to present realistic information that you are unlikely to find elsewhere on the Internet.

Do your own investigation using the Internet to read veterinary journals from veterinary schools. You'll find that the evidence on the benefit of neutering is not 100% positive! You'd never know that if you didn't look for it.

If your vet offers an opinion, it's appropriate for you to ask if this is based on some study or his/her personal opinion. Exercise your right to analyze your choices and make an informed decision.

Good luck.