Exercise Clubs for Dogs

The post Exercise Clubs for Dogs by Bryn Nowell appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

I was sitting in the veterinarian’s lobby with a fidgety Boston Terrier on my lap. While waiting, we observed at least eight dogs, and one very cranky cat, being ushered into the office. As they checked in at the front desk, I focused my attention on the pet. I observed the first pup and realized that it looked a bit “pudgy.” The second looked even more overweight. The third was weighed by its owner, who said, “Wow, I didn’t expect you to have gained that much!”

The non-scientific study I performed is supported by data. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, in 2018, an estimated 56% of dogs in the United States were overweight or obese.

To help fight the weight gain epidemic for dogs, an increasing number of locations across the country have established exercise clubs for dogs. Some settings provide offerings where dogs and their owners can work out together, while others allow dogs to be dropped off for their own activities. A third option includes dogs and owners, as they work toward a goal like agility training. Let’s jump into some of these clubs.

Fitdog Sports Club

Sometimes pet parents have their own fitness routine where their dog isn’t a part of the equation or they simply don’t have the time needed to exercise their high-energy dogs. If that’s the case, Fitdog can help. Described as “gym classes for dogs,” Fitdog provides classes and day excursions for small groups of dogs to a variety of settings, including beach walks and canyon hikes. Just book your class, and drop off and pick up your dog; the instructors will do the rest.

“It doesn’t matter what kind of dog you have,” says Andrea Servadio, the co-founder and CEO of Fitdog, “they can all join in, and there’s value for them at any skill level.”

Andrea is enthusiastic about the value and importance of mental stimulation along with physical fitness in dogs. “Your dog doesn’t need behavior modification training for separation anxiety, your dog needs to be engaged mentally and physically during the day. If they’re properly engaged and their mind is working, they’re going to be so much happier.” It’s in this light that the services Fitdog offers help to address the mental and physical needs of dogs.

Photo: K9 Fit Club

K9 Fit Club

One day, K9 Fit Club founder Tricia Montgomery was at the veterinarian’s office with her dog. The blunt vet said that not only was her dog overweight and on the verge of diabetes, but that Tricia was “not getting any thinner, either.” His statement changed the rest of Tricia’s life. “When it impacted my dog, it made a difference to me and my behavior,” Tricia says. Following thatvisit, Tricia lost more than 130 pounds and got a job at the same veterinary office. In the veterinary field, she and colleagues noticed the “mirror-image” trend, where a pet resembles their owner and vice versa. The idea for K9 Fit Club born.

K9 Fit Club lets you work out along with your dog, with classes like Nama Sit Stay, Bow Wow Boot Camp, Bark & Burn and Fungility. Photo: k9 Fit Club Darian Love

K9 Fit Club has 25 programs that allow pet parents to work out with their dogs. Names like “Bow Wow Boot Camp” and “NamaSitStay” illustrate the various types of activities dogs and their owners can do together. Classes are small, and the variety of classes help to serve folks on all ends of the fitness spectrum.

Zoom Room offers sporting activities for you and your dog, with classes in dog agility, obedience, tricks, therapy and training. Photo: Zoom Room

Zoom Room

If you’ve watched dog agility on TV, images of ramps and tunnels may come to mind. Pet owners are with their dogs, helping to guide them across the course. While some pet owners want to be competitive in dog agility, others do not.

Zoom Room allows pet owners to perform agility training with their dogs, minus the competitive nature of the sport. Recognizing the value in providing non-competitive sporting options for dogs, Zoom Room offers a variety of activities, such as urban herding, where dogs learn how to herd using yoga balls instead of livestock. Zoom Room also has scent training and therapy dog training, which work on mental stimulation while also enhancing the bond between dog and owner.

Photo: Zoom Room

Liz Claflin, director of operations for Zoom Room says, “People are starting to realize all the fun things you can do with your dog, and the bond that you can form when you work together can be intensely deep.”

These three different business models help to illustrate the variety of ways exercise clubs for dogs can be arranged. There’s no reason why a person has to choose one type of setting. A person could go work out with their dog on a Monday, drop him off for a beach excursion on a Thursday while doing some scent training together a couple times a month. Do your research to determine which setting is best for your dog. Ask about the training staff members have received, if they are connected with local veterinarians in the event of an accident and how the location is insured.

So what do you think? Is an exercise club in the future for you and your dog? Go ahead and give it a try.

Top photograph Mariana Mikhailova | Getty Images

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Why Do Dogs Need Their Teeth Brushed?

The post Why Do Dogs Need Their Teeth Brushed? by Martha M. Everett appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Why do dogs need their teeth brushed? Two words: doggie breath. But that’s just one reason — and a mild one. Poor oral health can take a bite out of your dog’s well-being, causing tooth loss, mouth sores, pain that limits ability to eat and infections that can lead to heart, liver and kidney disease.

Sometimes there are no signs of dental trouble until it takes root. And it doesn’t take long. Dental disease can start in dogs as young as 2, and some statistics show it affects as many as 80% of dogs older than 3.

Signs of Dental Disease: Bad breath; broken or discolored teeth; tooth loss; ted or swollen gums; avoiding chewing or eating; weight loss

When plaque attack

Unfortunately, plaque buildup happens quickly. Periodontal disease (gum disease) starts with the filmy, bacteria-filled substance that sticks to the surface of teeth within hours of eating. In only a few days, that plaque can harden into tartar (calculus) above and below the gumline, causing damage to the bone and soft tissue around teeth.

Toy and small dogs, Brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs, senior dogs and dogs with compromised
immune systems are prone to dental disease. Photo: ThamKC | Getty Images

Fortunately, it also doesn’t take long to brush a dog’s teeth: one minute a day. Yet fewer than 10% of people brush their canine’s canines regularly. Busting some myths helps explain why you should:

A dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s mouth, right? Wrong. This myth might have originated from the fact that zoonotic diseases (those transmitted from dogs to humans) are relatively rare compared to the myriad illnesses humans contract from each other through saliva. But that rarity is due, in part, to dogs and humans having only about 5% of the same mouth bacteria. And let’s admit that dogs eat and lick all kinds of gross things.

Wolves don’t brush their teeth, so dogs don’t need their teeth brushed either, right? Wrong again. The dog’s wild canid cousins eat a different diet from domesticated dogs, including hard things like raw bones and tree bark that help scrape teeth clean. In addition, many of the processed foods and treats pet dogs eat contain carbohydrates (sugar) — sometimes as much as 70%. And bacteria feed on sugar. What’s more, wolves live an average of 6 to 8 years compared to 10 to 13 years for dogs, so a wolf’s teeth experience less wear and tear and don’t have to last as long.

A dog’s instinct to lick his wounds proves that dog saliva is healthy, doesn’t it? Not quite. While a dog’s saliva contains some anti-bacterial enzymes, much of the healing that results from licking is because it cleans the wound and stimulates new cell growth.

Dog saliva contains fewer bacteria than human saliva, correct? Nope. Dog and human mouths house about the same number of different types of bacteria (around 600). While dog saliva is more alkaline than human saliva, any dark, moist, warm environment like the mouth is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.

Brush up on brushing

Not sure how to brush your dog’s teeth? Here are some tips to get you started. Try to start young (dogs generally have their adult teeth by 30 weeks), and acclimate your dog to brushing in stages and brief sessions:

1. Start by touching the teeth and gums with your fingers.
2. Next, touch the brush to his teeth.
3. Let your dog taste a bit of the toothpaste.
4. Brush in circles slowly and gently along the gumline and teeth.
5. Focus on outer surfaces but, if possible, brush all teeth surfaces.
6. Brush for 30 seconds on each side.
7. Praise your dog throughout, and offer a reward when done.
8. Rinse brushes well, replace every few months and do not share among dogs.

Tools with teeth

Toothbrushes should have soft bristles, and the head should be an appropriate size for your dog’s mouth. Dog toothbrushes include ones with angled heads, long handles and multiple heads of differing sizes. Finger brushes fit on the end of your finger, and three-sided brushes clean all tooth surfaces at once. You also can use a child’s toothbrush or a strip of gauze around your finger. Brush bottom and top teeth, starting in the front and moving to the back.

Unlike you, your dog will swallow the toothpaste, so always use toothpaste formulated for dogs. Canine toothpaste comes in flavors that appeal to dogs, like bacon, beef, chicken, peanut butter and salmon. Never use baking soda (it can cause digestive upset) or human toothpaste (some are high in sodium and some contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs). Ask your veterinarian, and look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal on products.

Brush off

In addition to brushing, these products can help reduce plaque and tartar:

• Dental and teeth wipes
• Dental-formula dog foods
• Oral-hygiene treats and enzymatic chews
• Dental-care water and food additives
• Oral gels, sprays and foams
• Textured, rope and floss chew toys

Give your dog something to smile about by keeping his pearly whites white while preventing or slowing oral disease. If you’ve been brushing aside brushing, now is a great time to start: February is National Pet Dental Health Month.

Top photograph: luriiSokolov | Getty Images

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Helping to Feed Pets in Need

The post Helping to Feed Pets in Need by Lauren Katims appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Have you ever opened a new bag of dog food, and your pup turns up her nose? It’s happened many times at my house — in fact, I’m convinced that my Chiweenie is the pickiest eater on the planet.

If she only knew how lucky she is. After speaking to Eileen Lambert, executive director of Colorado Pet Pantry, a food bank for animals, I learned that many dogs don’t get the luxury of being picky eaters. They are lucky if they get a meal at all.

“I have clients tell me they have to make a choice between paying rent and their utilities and buying pet food,” says Eileen, who started the Denver-based nonprofit in 2013 when, as a shelter volunteer, she noticed dogs were consistently given up because their owners couldn’t afford to take care of them.

Now, Eileen and her team have grown Colorado Pet Pantry into the largest pet food bank in the country, she says, with 45 locations throughout Colorado, plus 90 donation bins at local businesses. By collecting donations, such as that opened bag of dog food that your dog refuses to eat, in 2019, the organization fed 3.7 million meals to pets.

Colorado Pet Pantry is the largest pet food bank in the country and fed 3.7 million meals to pets in 2019. Photo: Steve Hostetler/Colorado Pet Pantry

Benefiting pets, owners and shelters

Pet food isn’t covered under food stamps or other subsidized programs, yet it’s frequently requested at food banks for people. Pet owners end up using food allocated for themselves to feed their animals, says Eileen, who found that by giving out pet food, it frees up money for other pet costs like housing and vet expenses.

This, in turn, keeps these pets — sometimes a homeless person’s sole companion — out of the shelters.

“If we can keep an animal in its loving home, that’s truly the best situation for everyone,” she says, adding that it costs shelters about $500 — between intake, food, boarding, training and vet care — to rehome an animal.

Getting food to the pups who need it

The pet food banks are set up similarly to human food banks with the goal of covering 50 percent of people’s pet food costs, Eileen says of this traditional charity model that encourages people to work out their own expenses for half the year and get back on their feet.

Some of the pet pantry’s larger locations, situated near human food banks, can hold enough food to feed 100 to 200 animals per month.

The organization also partners with housing complexes, shelters, universities, senior centers and other nonprofits to distribute food, typically through a volunteer point person, to have it available for individuals who frequent those locations.

“It’s extremely efficient,” Eileen says.

For more information on the Colorado Pet Food Pantry, see coloradopetpantry.org. Photo: Steve Hostetler/Colorado Pet Pantry

Donations

Much of the food that the pet pantry distributes was on its way to the landfill, discarded by owners of picky pets or companies that changed their packaging label or have damaged goods, for example, if the packaging got wet on a delivery truck while it was raining. Eileen partners with these companies and local pet stores that donate their kibble that’s about to expire and can’t be sold on the shelves.

She also collects other dog supplies, such as collars, leashes and toys.

The animal welfare share program

The supplies are kept in a warehouse, and in 2017 Eileen had the idea of sharing them with local animal welfare organizations, which, ultimately, are all working toward the same cause.

“The animal rescues don’t need to spend hard-owned donations on dog food,” she says, adding that it’s also a place where these organizations can store supplies like crates for transports that they might need occasionally.

“It’s become a library,” she says of the 87 organizations that participate.

The program is still growing as Eileen expands outreach and opens more food banks across the state.

“It gives everyone a way to work together,” she says. “Let’s do this for the animals.”

#PawsForThisCause: What you can do to help

• Check for a pet pantry in your area. Most cities have one. If not, ask your local shelter if it has a pet-food donation program.
• Consider your local human food bank. “Most human food banks are very grateful if you bring pet food in,” Eileen says.
• The most-needed item is kibble because it’s easy to transport and has a long shelf life.
• Set up a pet food drive. Raise awareness in your community by asking friends and family to donate their expired or discarded pet food, treats and old supplies.
• Always check with your local shelter before dropping off food. Not all shelters are able to collect dog food, and it oftentimes becomes a hassle for them to transport it elsewhere.

Top photograph: Steve Hostetler/Colorado Pet Pantry

The post Helping to Feed Pets in Need by Lauren Katims appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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Meet Rampart — GMR Therapy Dog in Training

The post Meet Rampart — GMR Therapy Dog in Training by Wendy Newell appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Rampart is only a puppy, but he already knows he has a very important job in his future. He is one of the newest members of the Global Medical Response (GMR) Therapy Dog Team. The dogs and their handlers are trained to help emergency personnel who experience trauma while in the field or on 911 calls.

A group that started with just two pups has since grown to more than 20 and gone from a program at American Medical Response (AMR) to its parent company GMR, allowing it to reach out to more paramedics and EMTs.

Photo: Courtesy Michael Romo

An important job

Rampart’s handler, Michael Romo, operations manager for the San Bernardino AMR, has had family dogs but had never even gone to a dog-training class before. It wasn’t until he was deployed to Florida to help after Hurricane Michael in 2018 that he saw the importance of having a therapy dog available to the crews. After a week helping in an area completely devastated, the 200-plus paramedics and EMTs were showing signs of understandable fatigue. Morale, which was never high due to the work being done, was dipping even lower. “The dogs showed up at camp one day, and people lit up,” Michael remembers. When he got back to his office in Victorville, California, he looked into what it would take for his county to have access to its own therapy dog.

All employees in the Victorville office were polled to verify that they were OK with a dog in the facility and would be comfortable looking after him if Michael wasn’t available. Everyone was excited. Many had been following the GMR Therapy Dog Team on its Facebook page and knew about the program. Michael admits, “To be able to say that we were going to have that here in our operation was pretty exciting.”

Once the office and Michael’s home passed inspection, they needed to identify a breeder and trainer. GMR requires that the dogs in their program be hypoallergenic and be low shedding so that they can be in the office, on location, in public and loved up by personnel without leaving behind a trail of discarded fur. A Goldendoodle breeder had a dog who herself was a therapy dog. It seemed like the perfect fit. GMR purchased three dogs from her litter. These three boys would be trained to be working pups in California — one in San Diego County, one in Ventura County and a fluffy, light-brown love bug named Rampart would find his way to Michael. Training started almost right away. Rampart passed his puppy obedience class. His next test is coming soon and will prove his knowledge of the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy training. Two more months of training after that, and have access to its own therapy dog.

All employees in the Victorville office were polled to verify that they were OK with a dog in the facility and would be comfortable looking after him if Michael wasn’t available. Everyone was excited. Many had been following the GMR Therapy Dog Team on its Facebook page and knew about the program. Michael admits, “To be able to say that we were going to have that here in our operation was pretty exciting.”

Once the office and Michael’s home passed inspection, they needed to identify a breeder and trainer. GMR requires that the dogs in their program be hypoallergenic and be low shedding so that they can be in the office, on location, in public and loved up by personnel without leaving behind a trail of discarded fur. A Goldendoodle breeder had a dog who herself was a therapy dog. It seemed like the perfect fit. GMR purchased three dogs from her litter. These three boys would be trained to be working pups in California — one in San Diego County, Rampart will be tested for his Canine Good Citizen award. At that point, Rampart will start his training to get his final certification — that of a therapy dog.

Rampart isn’t the only one in class. Michael, his co-worker and secondary handler, and wife all attend classes with Rampart. “They don’t train the dog, they train the human,” Michael explains. Michael and Rampart’s secondary handler also must go through Critical Incidence Stress Debriefing (CISD). He explains it as peer-counseling class for paramedics and EMTs, and it is mandatory for all GMR therapy dog handlers. The CISD offers a number of layers of help to the emergency personnel. One of those layers is a therapy dog. There are also professional counselors available over the phone or in person, but some people may want to talk to someone who can relate to them peer to peer, and that is what the handlers need to learn to do.

Making people happy

GMR now has dogs and trained handlers in locations all over the United States. The dog and handler are flown to wherever they are needed. During the recent El Paso shooting, for example, a duo was sent to help. Soon that will be Rampart and Michael. Until then, every day Rampart puts on his vest and collar, which is a signal to him that it is time to work, gets his seatbelt put on and heads to the office with his dad.

Field responders come through the office, or Michael and Rampart will take a trip to a station.

“As I am pulling in, you hear the crews yelling ‘Rampart!’ They get so excited to see him.” Even without all his certifications and awards, Rampart is already performing an important part of his worker dog duties — making people happy. “When you walk in, people light up when they see a dog coming into the workplace.”

There is no doubt that Rampart realizes he is special and has an important job. He can be seen prancing through the hall like the rock star he is.

Michael is looking forward to getting to work with his new partner. He likes the fact that they are helping people. In what can be a stressful and sometimes thankless job, he thinks it makes a big difference for them to make people smile and make their day a little better.

“We are helping the people that are helping others in the community and that is a big positive for me.”

Photo: Courtesy Michael Romo

A Q&A With Michael Romo

Q: What is Rampart’s diet?
A: Nature’s Logic and occasionally some vegetables (carrots, broccoli, green beans).

Q: What type of gear does Rampart use?
A: Dog Gear travel bag, Amazon Basic Crate, Mighty Paw Safety Belt and
Bolux Vest.

Q: Do you groom Rampart yourself or do you take him to someone to be groomed?
A: Rampart is groomed about every four weeks at PetSmart, by a groomer who has Goldendoodles herself.

Q: Does Rampart have any nicknames?
A: Not really, although we sometimes call him Buddy.

Q: If Rampart had a super power, what would it be and why?
A: Making people laugh and smile, his natural puppy clumsiness and his love of being petted. He will come to people and plop his head on their lap, and once you start petting he will awkwardly flop onto his back to have his belly rubbed.

Q: What is the weirdest or funniest thing Rampart does?
A: Pretty much every good nap during the day he will dream and “talk” in his sleep. He barks and makes noises as his paws flinch, and his mouth looks like he is nibbling or just licking the air. We say he is chasing balls in his sleep.

Learn more about the GMR Therapy Dog Team on Facebook.

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Beware Blue-Green Algae Poisoning

The post Beware Blue-Green Algae Poisoning by Jackie Brown appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Toxic blue-green algae blooms have been identified in all 50 states. Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) is found in stagnant freshwater sources like ponds and lakes during warm weather.

The Michelson Found Animals Foundation shares the following tips for keeping your dog safe:

• Inspect water before allowing your dog to swim. Bluegreen algae looks like green slime or paint on the surface of the water.
• Do not allow your dog to drink stagnant water.
• If your dog swims in stagnant water, immediately rinse him off with clean, fresh water.
• Blue-green algae poisoning can be fatal. Seek immediate veterinary care if you notice the following symptoms after exposure to stagnant water: panting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, seizures, disorientation, vomiting or difficulty breathing.

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Dug Up at Dogster: March 2020 Dog Events and Premieres

The post Dug Up at Dogster: March 2020 Dog Events and Premieres by Melissa L. Kauffman appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Forget the rain and snow — grab your pup and have fun at one of these March 2020 dog events or premieres. If you don’t see your dog event or premiere in our March 2020 dog event list, just email us your dog show information at dogstermag@belvoir.com.

March Monthly Dog Holiday Observances: Poison Prevention Awareness Month

March 1, 2020: 26^th Annual Mardi Paws Parade

More than 500 dogs participated in last year’s parade, with the theme of SuperPaws. This year’s them is Beyond All Boundaries. Photo credit Bach Imagery LLC

This annual event has moved to Covington, Louisiana,  this year and comes at the tail end of Mardi Gras season, the Sunday after Fat Tuesday. This year’s theme is “Beyond All Boundaries,” which celebrates the limitless exploration of sea, air and space. You are encouraged to dress you and your dog in everything from mermaids to astronauts. The parade will be led by actor Ian Somerhalder of the television shows “Lost” and “The Vampire Diaries, with proceeds from the parade to benefit both canines and kids through the Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF). Last year, more than 500 dogs participated, and there was an estimated crowd of 25,000 spectators. Get parade information at mardipaws.com.

March 13 and March 27, 2020: Premiere of The Dog Doc Documentary

 

 

The Dog Doc film poses a serious question about whether we are over medicating our pets and ourselves, combining touching stories of families with the hard science of integrative care. By casting an intimate lens over this unique world, The Dog Doc shows the healing powers of wellness, compassion and hope. The Dog Doc, veterinarian Dr. Marty Goldstein, is a pioneer of integrative medicine, which combines conventional medicine with cutting-edge alternative treatments. Attracting four-legged patients from around the world, Dr. Goldstein’s practice, Smith Ridge Veterinary Center in South Salem, NY provides holistic care for animals after other vets have given up hope. Directed by Cindy Meehl (Buck) the documentary hits New York theaters on March 13 and Los Angeles, CA theaters on March 27. Find out more details at the official website dogdocthefilm.com.

March 14, 2020: Pup Plaza Microchip Event

Whether you have a cat or dog, stop by Pup Plaza in San Jose, CA,  from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to have your pet microchipped. For $20 (including insertion and registration), get peace of mind knowing that your pet has permanent identification. Bring all pets on leash or in a carrier. Walk-ins welcome, no appointment necessary. Cats are 20 times more likely to be reunited with their families when microchipped and dogs are 2.5 times as likely to be reunited! Pup Plaza is in San Jose, 14408 Union Ave., in the Cambrian Park Plaza shopping center. For more information, visit svpetproject.org/info/events.

March 15, 2020: St. Patrick’s Day Dog Parade with Doga

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with your best furry pal with some relaxing Dogs benefitting Rocket Dog Rescue. Photo credit adogslifephoto/Getty Images.

This fun event kicks off with Doga (yoga and dogs) and then prances right into the red carpet where a canine community panel will award trophies for best-dressed dogs. 100% of proceeds goes to SF-based Rocket Dog Rescue. Raffle prizes, an agility course and an animal communicator will be part of the party. Event held at Patrick’s Park in San Francisco. Get tickets at Eventbrite.com.

March 15, 2020: Hills Are Alive Trail Canicross

This event welcomes all levels of CaniCross athletes and special equipment is not required. Perfect for all fitness levels, this event is dog-friendly for those not interested in participating in the CaniCross Event. Lake Geneva Canopy Tours/Arbor Trails is the home of this Hills are Alive Trail Run and Walk, with every turn of this 4-mile trail loop revealing emerging wildflowers to deer or other critters. This event is part of the 2019-20 CaniCross Event Series and offers 4- or 8-mile events. For the safety and comfort of all athletes, the CaniCross event starts 10 minutes prior to the start of the Run/Walk event. CaniCross athletes will start at 10:20 and Run/Walk athletes will start at 10:30 a.m. Go to xcthrillogy.com for more information.

March 23, 2020: National Puppy Day

The motto of National Puppy Day is “No love like puppy love.” Ain’t that the truth! Puppy kisses just can’t be beat. If you have a puppy, you can celebrate this day by spending extra time with your little one. Or, better yet, consider adding another puppy to your life. You may also want to look into volunteering with a local dog rescue, serving as a puppy socializer or even a foster home for puppies who are too young to be adopted out. For more ideas, visit nationalpuppyday.com.

Top photograph: Photography ©kozorog | Getty Images

Read Next: Everything You Need to Know About the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Program

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Everything You Need to Know About the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Program

The post Everything You Need to Know About the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Program by Sassafras Lowrey appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen, or CGC as it is more commonly known, is a test where dogs of any breed or mixed breed demonstrate proficiency with 10 basic skills designed to show good manners.

Since the program began in 1989, over 1 million dogs have earned their CGC title! For a dog to be awarded the CGC title, he must be able to pass all 10 areas of testing criteria:

1. Accepting a friendly stranger
2. Sitting politely for petting
3. Appearance and grooming (evaluator lightly brushes the dog)
4. Walking on a loose leash
5. Walking through a crowd
6. Sit and down on command and staying in place
7. Coming when called
8. Reaction to another dog
9. Reacting (or not reacting) to a distraction
10. Supervised separation (handler leaves the area for three minutes)

One of the biggest strengths of the program is for individuals who are interested in pursuing other canine sports and activities like competitive obedience and rally training, or even sports like agility. The CGC is also beneficial foundation training if you and your dog are interested in training to volunteer as a therapy dog team.

Photo: American Kennel Club

You can train for the test on your own or enroll in a class at a local training center or kennel club. Dogs can be tested privately by an AKC evaluator, or by an evaluator at AKC dog shows and fun matches. There are two additional CGC tests: the Urban CGC, which tests a dog’s ability to maintain calm and control in busy urban environments with traffic and crowds; and the Advanced CGC or Community Canine Test, which includes a recall to handler in a distracting environment from 20 feet away.

New in 2019 was the AKC’s Temperament Test, which evaluates a dog’s overall temperament and how he will react to a variety of stimulations. To pass, evaluators want the dog to demonstrate a temperament that is stable, inquisitive, cooperative and appropriately social for his breed, including recovering from being startled.

Why AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Program matters

The CGC is a seal of approval that your dog has a high standard of training and can appropriately engage with dogs as well as people. If you are a renter, your dog having his CGC title can help you be approved for apartments and show that your dog will be a good tenant. Unfortunately, some landlords are also starting to require dogs who live in their buildings pass the CGC.

While every dog is a good dog, not every dog is able to pass the CGC, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that a dog is a liability. Rather, dogs who are not able to pass the CGC are dogs who will need additional training and possibly lifelong management and commitment from their guardians to ensure they are able to be safe and successful when engaging with the world.

Top photograph: American Kennel Club

Read Next: Wondering How to Teach a Dog Tricks? Our Step-by-Step Guides

The post Everything You Need to Know About the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Program by Sassafras Lowrey appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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How to Stop Your Dog From Begging for Food

The post How to Stop Your Dog From Begging for Food by Victoria Stilwell appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

When was the last time you enjoyed a meal at home without a pair of pleading eyes staring at you? Most dogs love food, but if your dog has a begging habit, it might be time to make some changes.

The first thing to ask yourself: Are you part of the problem? Do you set a double standard by feeding your dog from the table and then getting annoyed when she begs for food? As long as you continue to feed from the table, however infrequently, your dog will keep begging.

If your dog jumps all over you or dives for the bowl during feeding time, teaching a “wait” cue can make a huge difference. This cue teaches your dog to exercise impulse control around a food source only when you are present, because true self-control will only happen when your dog can regulate her own behavior around food without your instruction or intervention.

Teach the wait cue

1. Take your dog’s empty food bowl, and ask her to “wait.”
2. Move the food bowl toward the floor a few inches. If your dog stays in place, keep lowering the bowl until you can place it on the ground.
3. If she tries to jump up, grab the bowl and simply say, “Oops!” and bring the bowl back up again.
4. Practice lowering the bowl a few inches at a time, and praise her as she waits patiently. Move in small increments so that you set her up for success.
Eventually, you should be able to place the bowl on the floor while your dog waits until you tell her it’s OK to eat.

Photo: ©Vivienstock | Getty Image

Teach the back-up cue

You can also teach your dog a new routine during mealtimes. Begin by teaching her to stay behind an “invisible line.” This technique is much easier if you have already taught your dog a “back-up” cue. Here’s how you do it:
1. Stand in front of your dog with your legs slightly apart. Place a piece of food on the ground in between your legs, and encourage your dog to move toward you and eat the food.
2. Once your dog has eaten the food, she will naturally take a few steps back to look at you again. When she does, use a marker word such as “yes,” and give her a piece of food from your hand.
3. Repeat the sequence, marking and rewarding her for backing up.
4. When your dog is fluent with the behavior at this stage, start using the cue “back up” as she is walking backward.
5. After successful repetitions, delay the food reward from your hand until your dog backs up a bit further.
Once she understands what the back-up cue means, she’s ready to learn how to stay behind the line.

Teach stay behind the line

1. Pick a spot away from the table, and draw an invisible line that you don’t want your dog to cross until you have finished eating.
2. Ask her to “back up” and then “stay” behind the line, and go back to the table and sit down.
3. If your dog starts to walk toward the table, ask her to back up to beyond the invisible line again.
4. At no point should you yell at your dog or physically move her in any way.
5. Sit back down and pretend to eat while quietly praising her for staying behind the line. If she moves over the line again, gently block her with your body and encourage her to go behind the line again with the “back up” cue.
6. When your dog is consistently staying behind the line, you can bring out some food for yourself and start eating. Try cold food first and gradually work up to the warm smelly stuff that is more tempting and harder for your dog to resist.

If you have more than one dog, teach this technique to each dog separately before putting them together.

Manage the issue

What happens if your dog is just too tempted by the food on the table and finds it hard to stay behind the line? Management is a great option. Put your dog in a crate, behind a baby gate or in a different room with an interactive toy she can enjoy chewing while you are eating.

Dog Still Begging for Food

If your dog continues to struggle with impulse control around food or in any other situation, it might be because she needs other outlets to fill up her day. Dogs will become ultra-focused on something because they have nothing else to occupy their time. Eating becomes the only activity that breaks up the monotony of the day, and for dogs who are always hungry, the anticipation and consumption of food is what drives them.
1. Up the physical exercise.
2. Provide more mental stimulation through added training or food toys.
3. Give three meals a day instead of two.
4. Or, feed their meals via activity toys that challenge them, rather than having food provided directly
from a bowl.

Understanding why dogs beg and using training and management techniques to set your dog up for success will extinguish what can be an annoying and intrusive behavior.

The post How to Stop Your Dog From Begging for Food by Victoria Stilwell appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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5 Reasons Dogs Howl

The post 5 Reasons Dogs Howl by Melvin Peña appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

No matter where you live, you almost certainly have had the experience of being out on the stoop or porch late at night and hearing the unmistakable sound of dogs howling in the distance. So, why do dogs howl?

Researchers believe that dog howling is bound up in dog genetics. The ancient dog breeds are recognized for how closely their DNA matches that of the wolves from which they descended. When answering the question, “Why do dogs howl,” we have to examine the following questions, too — Is dog howling an atavistic expression of a shared wild ancestry? A lingering vestige of wolf times and pack activity? Communication seems to be at the heart of things, so let’s seek to answer the query, “Why do dogs howl” — and find out what they might be saying.

1. Dog howling is a community organizing and homing beacon

In the wild, wolves and feral dogs howl to bring scouts back to the pack after a hunt. Dogs who remain behind howl to provide the location of their base. So, one of the answers to, “Why do dogs howl?” is that dog howling acts as a vocal homing beacon or a kind of auditory lighthouse which guides other pack members back.

Pet dogs howling can be a similar expression, particularly if you’ve been out of the house all day. Dogs howl to beckon their loved ones back home.

2. Dog howling is boundary demarcation and defense mechanism

Howling signals to other dogs that the area they are entering has been claimed and occupied. It is a warning to outsiders that encroachment risks the threat of violence. Howling dogs announce their presence and alert their community to changing circumstances. In this context, dog howling functions as a defense mechanism, warding off potential predators and ensuring the safety of the dogs in the pack.

In a domestic setting, like your home, the answer to, “Why do dogs howl?” might be for the same reason. Some dogs bark, others howl when a stranger comes to the door or a new car pulls up in the driveway.

3. Dogs howl to attract attention or express anxiety

A simple answer to, “Why do dogs howl?” A howling dog may simply want attention. Some dog owners know that dogs can be as emotionally manipulative as any human. The sound of a dog howling attracts the attention of his owner. Maybe you dash across the house to see what’s wrong, only to find yourself greeted by a dog who wants to be played with. Go through this routine enough times and the dog will learn that howling is an effective way to bring you running.

Of course, there are two sides to this coin. If your dog knows that you leave for extended periods of time, he may howl as an expression of separation anxiety. Dogs that don’t have toys or sufficient things to entertain them in your absence get sad, lonely and depressed. So, the sad answer to, “Why do dogs howl?” could be that your dog is howling in protest of being left alone. Imagine if someone put you in a crate all day or left you in some other space for an extended period of time. You’d howl, too!

4. Dogs howl in response to stimuli and bonding exercises

Dog howling can be a response to environmental triggers. Common provocations include ambulance, police or fire-engine sirens. The sound of these noises were the only times that my dog ever howled. The distant sound of approaching sirens always prompted her to sit up and join in the wailing. The reason remains uncertain, since she never howled at the sound of other dogs howling. Perhaps the pitch of sirens awoke some otherwise-dormant genetic memory.

Much of our research confirms that dog howling occurs when certain sounds are perceived. The prompts and triggers can be anything: music on a stereo at a party, popular television theme songs, or the sound of musical instruments. People who enjoy dogs howling even seem to encourage their dogs by howling themselves! It would seem that one reason dogs howl is the experience of community or of bonding. Why do dogs howl at sirens? Why do dogs howl when you howl? Perhaps it’s to join in and be a part of the action.

5. Dogs howl to alert you to injury or discovery

Another answer to, “Why do dogs howl?” could be that dogs howl to express injury. People weep when they get hurt; dogs howl in similar situations. Dogs howl to vocalize pain. Some dogs are also trained to howl when they make discoveries. Hunting dog breeds howl to signal the pursuit or apprehension of prey. If a dog has treed, cornered or caught something, he may howl to alert his owners to the location of the prize.

Does your dog like to howl, or “sing”?

Some dog breeds certainly tend to howl more than others. Breeds known for howling include Alaskan Malamutes, American Eskimo Dogs, Beagles, Coonhounds (Black and Tan, Bluetick, Redtick, English, Redbone and Treeing Walker), Dachshunds, Foxhounds (American and English), Hounds (Bloodhound, Basset), Huskies (Alaskan and Siberian), Native American Indian Dogs and Tamaskan Dogs, among others.

Some final thoughts on the question, “Why do dogs howl?”

One thing to consider is that dog howling, like any other form of vocal expression, has no fixed meaning. The answer to, “Why do dogs howl?” is a shifting signifier whose interpretation is situation-dependent. I enjoy going to karaoke; is it so difficult to imagine that a dog might not howl out of necessity, but out of joy?

Tell us: Is your dog a howler? When and how do your dogs get the urge to sing? Why do you think your dogs howl? Share your experiences with dog howling in the comments! Let us know the breed or mix, if you can.

Thumbnail: Photography ©srugina | Thinkstock. 

This piece was originally published in 2015.

Learn more about dog howling and barking with Dogster.com:

• Dogs That Don’t Bark: 5 Quiet Dog Breeds
• Why Do Dogs Bark? Reasons Dogs Bark and How to Stop Excessive Dog Barking
• Barking Dogs: 6 Dogs Who Were Bred to Bark
• Is Your Dog Barking and Annoying Your Neighbors? Here’s What to Do

The post 5 Reasons Dogs Howl by Melvin Peña appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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500 Female Dog Names That Start With A

I don’t know about you, but picking a name for a dog is a real challenge for me. With so many options it’s hard to know where to begin, let alone trying to come up with a bunch of name ideas on the spot.  Finding a name that sounds good and fits your dogs personality? It’s tough, and tougher still when you’re trying to find one the whole family will agree on.

So I decided to put together a list of female dog names starting with A to help you in your search for that perfect name for your new canine companion. Why names that start with A? Well one of my favorite ways of narrowing down the name search is by browsing through dog & baby name lists for inspiration.

Looking for names that start with A for your female dog? You’ve come to the right place. This list has 500 names to choose from, including a variety of classic and unique options . From Aaliyah to Azusa, here’s 500 female dog names that start with the letter A.

500 Female Dog Names That Start With A

Aaliyah	Aarsi
Aba	Abal
Abalina	Abbeline
Abbey	Abbo
Abby	Abela
Abelia	Abella
Abia	Abida
Abigail	Abila
Abina	Abira
Abiri	Abish
Abra	Abriana
Abrielle	Abril
Acadia	Ada
Adair	Adala
Adalee	Adalia
Adalie	Adalynn
Adama	Adamina
Adana	Adar
Adara	Adda
Addie	Addison
Addy	Ade
Adeera	Adela
Adelaide	Adele
Adelia	Adeline
Adelis	Adeliza
Adelma	Adelpha
Adelyn	Aden
Adena	Adi
Adia	Adie
Adila	Adima
Adina	Adine
Aditi	Adiva
Adley	Ado
Adola	Adona
Adonia	Adora
Adore	Adowa
Adra	Adrah
Adri	Adriana
Adrina	Adva
Adwin	Adzoa
Afri	Afton
Agaja	Agate
Agatha	Agele
Aggie	Agie
Agnes	Agnola
Agota	Agrata
Aida	Aiden
Aidy	Aija
Aiko	Aila
Ailee	Aileen
Ailis	Aimee
Aina	Ainsley
Airlea	Aisha
Aislin	Aja
Ajo	Aju
Aka	Akako
Akala	Akasha
Akayla	Aki
Akibe	Akiko
Akili	Akira
Akita	Akiva
Akiyo	Aknes
Aksi	Aku
Akua	Akuba
Akudo	Akuna
Akuwa	Alaina
Alaine	Alais
Alamea	Alana
Alandra	Alanis
Alannah	Alanza
Alaska	Alayna
Alba	Albany
Alberta	Albi
Albia	Albie
Albina	Albine
Alcie	Alcina
Alcine	Alcott
Alda	Aldea
Alden	Aldene
Aldis	Aldith
Aldora	Alecia
Alena	Alessa
Alessandra	Aleta
Aletta	Alex
Alexa	Alexandra
Alexandria	Alexia
Alexie	Alexis
Alfie	Alfonsa
Alfre	Alfreda
Ali	Aliah
Aliana	Alice
Alie	Alika
Alima	Alina
Aline	Alisa
Alisha	Alison
Alita	Aliza
Alize	Alke
Alkina	Alkira
Alla	Allana
Alle	Allegra
Allena	Allerie
Allie	Allma
Allona	Allta
Allura	Ally
Alma	Almas
Amila	Almira
Almita	Alodie
Aloha	Aloisa
Aloise	Aloma
Alonza	Alora
Alphie	Alpina
Alsie	Alta
Althea	Altin
Alto	Alula
Alura	Alva
Alvira	Alvit
Alysia	Alyssa
Alzea	Alzena
Alzira	Ama
Amal	Amalda
Amalisa	Amanda
Amani	Amar
Amara	Amari
Amarit	Amarli
Amata	Amaya
Amba	Ambelin
Amber	Amberly
Ambra	Ambre
Ameera	Amelia
Amelie	Amelina
Ameline	Amena
Amerie	Ami
Amia	Amiah
Amiah	Amica
Amie	Amina
Aminah	Amita
Amor	Amora
Amory	Armit
Amy	Amya
Ana	Anahi
Anais	Anala
Analia	Analisa
Analise	Anara
Anastasia	Anci
Andi	Andora
Andra	Andrea
Andrina	Anelie
Anetta	Anga
Angel	Angelica
Angelina	Angeline
Angelique	Angie
Angil	Ani
Ania	Anice
Aniela	Anika
Anima	Anis
Anisa	Anise
Anisha	Anisi
Aniston	Anita
Anitra	Anja
Anji	Anju
Anjuli	Anka
Ann	Anna
Annabelle	Annele
Annette	Annica
Annick	Annie
Annik	Annis
Annisa	Annuska
Anoki	Anora
Anouk	Anoush
Ansa	Ansley
Anthe	Anthea
Antoinette	Antonia
Anu	Anya
Anzu	Apia
Apolline	Apple
Appollina	Apria
April	Aquila
Ara	Arabella
Arah	Araja
Aranya	Arcana
Arcene	Arden
Ardis	Ardith
Arella	Arene
Aretha	Ari
Aria	Ariana
Arie	Ariel
Ariela	Aries
Ariette	Arij
Arina	Aris
Arissa	Ariza
Arizona	Arla
Arlene	Arley
Arlise	Arliss
Arlo	Armani
Armel	Armela
Armida	Armisa
Armona	Arnita
Arona	Arria
Arrie	Arrow
Artemis	Artis
Artrice	Aruba
Arwen	Ary
Arya	Aryanna
Asa	Asako
Aselma	Ash
Asha	Ashanti
Ashia	Ashlea
Ashley	Ashlyn
Ashra	Ashton
Asia	Asima
Asli	Asma
Asmee	Aspen
Asta	Aster
Astera	Asteria
Asti	Astor
Astra	Astrid
Astro	Asya
Atala	Atalie
Atara	Atari
Athena	Atia
Atlanta	Atta
Arrie	Aubra
Aubrey	Aubrie
Auburn	Audrey
Audri	Audria
Audriana	Audrina
August	Augusta
Augustine	Aura
Aurelia	Aurelina
Auerelle	Auri
Aurora	Austra
Autumn	Ava
Avalon	Avani
Aveline	Avena
Averil	Avery
Aveza	Aviana
Avie	Avila
Avis	Avita
Avivi	Avrie
Avril	Aya
Ayana	Ayanna
Ayden	Ayla
Aylin	Aysha
Azalea	Azalee
Azami	Azar
Azelia	Aziza
Azora	Azra
Azriel	Azul
Azula	Azura
Azure	Azusa

How Did You Decide On Your Last Dog’s Name?

How do you come up with dog name ideas? What inspired your last dog’s name? Do you browse through dog & baby name lists like me, or stick with a theme? Do you struggle finding a dog name the whole family agrees on? Let me know in the comments below.

Recommended Reading

500 Popular Dog Names
Girl Names Starting With A
500 Popular Female Dog Names
500 Old Fashioned Dog Names
Baby Girl Names That Start With A
500 Cute Puppy Names

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