How to Raise a Puppy to be a Guide Dog

The post How to Raise a Puppy to be a Guide Dog 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.

Imagine blindfolding yourself and letting your dog lead you down the stairs, out of your house or apartment, around the block and back home. Sounds risky, right? My Chiweenie and I would never make it past my front door without an injury.

Guide dogs get extensive training for five to nine months, depending on the organization, to succeed with these tasks. Their guidance helps visually impaired or blind people go to work, navigate busy airports, avoid traffic and many other unexpected obstacles.

Photo: Courtesy Fidelco

Related: 10 Types of Service Dogs and What They Do

How do these dogs get accustomed to so many different scenarios? Most of this work is done before the official guide dog training even starts.

At 7 to 8 weeks old, the puppy lives with a foster family, just like yours or mine, called a puppy raiser, which has the job of raising the dog to be socially adaptable, well-mannered and calm in various situations.

“We rely pretty heavily on our puppy raisers to get the dogs off to a strong start,” says Kerry Lemerise, program manager of puppy raising at Guiding Eyes for the Blind, based in New York, which has 39 regional centers along the East Coast.

Once the puppy turns 14 to 16 months, he graduates and goes into the guide dog training program before being paired with his new life partner.

Guiding Eyes Puppy Raiser Class. Photo: Mark Shimahara

No experience is required to be a puppy raiser — the guide dog organizations provide all the guidance and training necessary. All you need is the time, patience and understanding that you’ll eventually say goodbye when your dog graduates.

Here, two organizations that train guide dogs for people with vision loss, talk about the puppy raisers’ responsibilities and how they help change lives for hundreds of visually impaired people each year.

Guide dog trainers expose their puppies to various situations — anything from going through airport security to crossing
a busy street. Photo: Miguel Cano | Getty Images

Socializing the puppy

Each organization wants a wide range of puppy raisers, from singles to large families to homes with other pets, because that represents the diversity of the clients who will be matched with the service dogs after graduation.

“We want every type of home imaginable,” says Eric Gardell, supervisor of the puppy raiser department at Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation in Bloomfield, Connecticut.

Fidelco breeds their own German Shepherd Dogs, which are known for loyalty and intelligence.

Families are encouraged to expose the dog to as many situations as possible — the very same experiences the dog will be required to handle as a guide dog.

This includes taking them through airport security, up and down stairs, to busy restaurants, work and through grocery stores. The goal is to raise a dog who is unfazed by cats, children, traffic or tempting buffet tables.

“The puppy raisers are invaluable,” Eric says. “They are making a dog that someone else can live with.”

For puppies who show signs of discomfort in traffic, or on staircases or escalators, which would eliminate them from being guide dogs, the organizations connect them with other jobs like K9 programs, security, and
search-and-rescue teams. Some even go home as pets. Photo: bobbymn | Getty Images

Training weekly

As dog owners, we want our dogs to have good manners: no excited jumping on neighbors or barking at passing dogs, no digging holes in the backyard and no chewing on shoes. But for service dogs, obedience skills are necessary for a successful partnership.

“Our clients have higher needs for good house manners,” says Kerry, from Guiding Eyes. “You might think it’s OK if your dog picks up a shoe and moves it, but for our clients, that could mean being late to work.”

Each family is required to bring their puppies to a weekly training class, and eventually every other week, where obedience skills like nice leash manners, proper vet and groomer etiquette, walking under different leveled underpasses, distraction avoidance and basic commands are taught.

Guiding Eyes breeds Labrador Retrievers because of their trainability, flexibility in different situations, and comfortability around people, Kerry says.

Graduating

Ken Bernhard, a lawyer in Connecticut, is currently fostering his seventh German Shepherd Dog puppy, Gypsy, through Fidelco. He became so inspired by his experience raising his first puppy in 1989, he succeeded in getting a law passed to allow dogs in training to go into public places, and also now serves as the organization’s chairman of the board.

The hardest part is saying goodbye, he admits, but even so, “there isn’t a person who would say it wasn’t the most rewarding and interesting experience.”

For this reason, many puppy raisers come back time and time again. Both organizations have families on their 20th puppy.
“Initially (people) come to us because they love dogs,” says Kerry, who estimates about 70 percent of puppy raisers return at least a second time. “Then they meet our graduates, and it becomes this really powerful experience.”

To learn more about being a puppy raiser, visit fidelco.org and guidingeyes.org, or look for an organization in your region.

Featured photo: c-foto | Getty Images

Read Next: What Happens to Guide Dogs When They Retire?

The post How to Raise a Puppy to be a Guide Dog 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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3 Books to Read This Fall

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Books get your tail wagging? Here are some great reads we hope you enjoy!

The Meaning of Woof: What Your Dog Really Thinks
Wonder what all your dog’s barks, licks, growls and tail wags mean? This book by Pamela Weintraub will help you decipher them. Recent research has uncovered surprising information about the secret language of dogs; here, you can learn how to interpret their behavior and what they’re trying to communicate, leading to a happier, healthier and more confident pet. The book explores the nature of our relationship with dogs, including personal tales, scientific explorations and inspiring stories. Published by Centennial Books.

Citizen Canine: Dogs in the Movies
If you’re a dog lover and a movie buff, this is the book for you! Written by Wendy Mitchell, it looks at the wonderful moments when dogs and movies come together and features 60 of the cutest and bravest pooches from the silver screen. You’ll learn about the history of dogs in the movies, from the silent films of Charlie Chaplin all the way to modern cinema. It’s also a reminder of the talented dogs who taught us about loyalty and love. You’ll get fun facts and behind-the-scenes stories that celebrate the caring and dedicated trainers, as well as the actors and directors who found clever ways to work with their canine co-stars. Published by Laurence King Publishing.

How to Teach Philosophy to Your Dog
A scruffy Maltese named Monty enjoys sniffing at trees and barking at other dogs. But after one too many confrontations with the local Rottweiler, author Anthony McGowan decided it was time to talk to Monty about what it means to be a good or bad dog. Using Monty’s antics, McGowan takes you on a hilarious but enlightening trip through the major debates of philosophy. Will Kant convince Monty to stop stealing cheesecake? How long will Socrates keep poking holes in every argument? This fun take on morality and ethics shows that man’s best friend deserves to know the secrets of how to live a good life as much as humans do. Published by Pegasus Books

The post 3 Books to Read This Fall by dogedit 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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Is Benadryl Safe for Dogs? What to Know About Benadryl for Dogs

The post Is Benadryl Safe for Dogs? What to Know About Benadryl for Dogs by Melvin Pena and Stephanie Osmanski 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.

Our dogs experience allergies differently than we do. Rather than sneezing, they tend to express allergic reactions through persistent itchy skin. Excessive scratching can cause dogs to develop sores, exposing them to needless infection. So, is Benadryl safe for dogs? Can Benadryl for dogs help with allergies and other minor canine health issues?

Is Benadryl safe for dogs? The answer depends on a few different factors. Photography © Photoboyko | iStock / Getty Images.

First, what is Benadryl?

Is Benadryl safe for dogs? First, let’s look at what Benadryl is. Giving dogs Benadryl, like any human medication, can be a dicey proposition. While it is among the most commonly prescribed over-the-counter medicines that veterinarians recommend for dogs, it is not without its risks.

The active ingredient in regular-strength Benadryl is diphenhydramine. Note the modifier, “regular-strength,” since, as we know, there are always a range of additional ingredients in common meds that help with a range of other human ailments. Even normal Benadryl can have unexpected benefits for dogs, and is used to treat a number of issues. These include:

• Environmental allergies
• Insect stings and parasite bites
• Anxiety
• Motion sickness

So, the answer to, “Is Benadryl safe for dogs?” really depends. Let’s look at dog health conditions that Benadryl may help with and ways it can be administered — after consulting with your vet.

Is Benadryl safe for dogs with allergies?

When you hear “environmental allergies,” you may think of pollen, dust or mold, things typically found in both our indoor and outdoor environs that trigger allergic reactions. We express these through sneezing, watery eyes, and other responses we associate with our respiratory system.

Dogs can react to the same stimuli, but in radically different ways. Atopic dermatitis is their most frequent allergic reaction, and involves scratching that starts at the head before encompassing the whole body. Depending on the severity of a dog’s allergies, cortisone is far more effective than Benadryl for dogs. Benadryl isn’t the only form of diphenhydramine, though, and your vet can recommend better ones for these sorts of allergic reactions.

Can you use Benadryl to treat insect stings and parasite bites?

Dog allergies also include adverse reactions to bites and stings. An upset bee or wasp, or a particularly vicious flea bite on your dog’s body can provoke similar scratching.

So, is Benadryl safe for dogs — who have gotten bitten or stung? Treating these kinds of dog allergies with Benadryl is a far more reliable use of the drug. The dog’s skin may reveal more in these cases than their responses to environmental allergies. You may notice swelling in particular, along with a rising skin temperature.

If swelling and a rising skin temperature is something you recognize in your dog and you can also pinpoint the origin of a bite or sting, then it might be safe to administer the correct dosage of Benadryl to your dog — after consulting with your vet.

“If a dog is stung by a bee or bitten by another insect Benadryl, or its generic equivalent diphenhydramine, is safe to give at a dose of about 1 milligram per pound of body weight up to every eight hours,” says Dr. Ben J. Carter, a veterinarian-and-owner at the Animal House Veterinary Center in Delray Beach, Florida.

“For example, if a dog weighs 50 pounds, he or she can safely be given 50mg (2 tablets). Most Benadryl are 25mg, but check the packaging to be sure,” Dr. Carter advises.

In the event that your pet is experiencing a severe or “acute” allergic reaction, one signified by facial swelling and difficulty breathing, it is best to forgo home remedies. Instead, take your dog straight to the veterinarian so that a professional can access the situation and decide on treatment accordingly.

Is Benadryl safe for dogs with anxiety? Photography ©hidako | Thinkstock.

Is Benadryl safe for dogs with anxiety?

Dogs experience and express anxiety in any number of scenarios, from separation anxiety to adversely reacting to meeting new people and dogs. Whether it’s protracted noises from construction, thunderstorms or fireworks displays, or the restriction of movement that comes with being put in a crate when guests arrive, some dogs have extreme reactions to anxiety.

The answer to, “Is Benadryl safe for dogs with anxiety?” depends. One of Benadryl’s more interesting, as well as risky, off-label uses, is as a very mild sedative in dogs. Certain drugs that are capable of quickly moving from the blood into the brain, like Benadryl’s active ingredient diphenhydramine, have calming, even mildly sedative properties. Because it can pass into the brain so rapidly, usually taking effect within 30 minutes after ingestion, Benadryl’s fast-acting nature might be useful to treat occasional and anticipated episodes of anxiousness.

Is Benadryl safe for dogs experiencing motion sickness?

As a sedative, another major off-label usage for Benadryl is for dogs who can be counted on to experience motion sickness, whether by land, sea or air, during infrequent travel. When a long trip is planned and the dog is along for the ride, motion sickness can cause some dogs a great deal of stress. Canine reactions can range from restlessness to barking, and from vomiting to defecation.

If thundershirts, music or restricting a dog’s line of sight have proven ineffective in the past, ask your veterinarian if Benadryl might make your dog sufficiently drowsy to endure a long voyage. Keep in mind that, as with other sedative medications, there may be lingering effects once the trip is concluded. There may be disorientation and continued grogginess, which is one reason any human medication you employ with your dog should be under veterinary supervision and used very rarely.

Can you give Benadryl to dogs who are hyper?

Diphenhydramine may have a wide safety margin, but it’s worth repeating the scientific name to remind ourselves that it is still a powerful and fast-acting drug that should not be used casually. By that, we mean that it is not recommended if your dog is barking late at night or otherwise bothering you and you just want them to settle down. Yes, Benadryl can make your dog drowsy and sleepy, but it is not intended to be used on a regular basis as a dog tranquilizer. Regular and consistent exercise is a much more effective and drug-free method for soothing an overactive dog.

Benadryl dosage for dogs

After answering, “Is Benadryl safe for dogs?” the next most obvious question is, “How much Benadryl is safe for dogs?”

Aside from the multiple formulas — regular strength, extra strength, or any other variation which may include additional, less-safe active ingredients — Benadryl is available in a number of formats. From ingestibles, including pills, tablets, gel caps and liquid varieties, there are also infant and children’s versions, and topical creams that have diphenhydramine as their active ingredient. The type, strength and formula can all make a difference, and have a distinct impact on a dog. Always consult with your dog’s veterinarian before giving a dog any kind of human medication.

Every piece written by canine health specialists and veterinarians on the internet agrees with a very basic dosage standard for dogs. The most thorough treatment of Benadryl dosage by format that we consulted addresses each format and provides warnings and cautions for each. The rule of thumb for regular-strength Benadryl, where diphenhydramine is the only active ingredient is 1mg per 1lb of body weight. That is only a rule of thumb, not an infallible nor universal guideline. Naturally, a Chihuahua, a Pug or a Yorkie will need less than a Bulldog or a Great Dane.

Be aware, if your dog is suffering from an allergic reaction to something, it may take a few days for whatever is causing the reaction to work its way through your dog’s body. Speak with your veterinarian about how long to give your dog Benadryl. Dogster’s Executive Editor Melissa Kauffman came home one night to find half of her dog’s face swollen. “We immediately took Tampa Bay to the emergency vet,” she says,”as there was swelling around the throat and I wasn’t sure if it was effecting his airways. The emergency veterinarian couldn’t find the cause but prescribed one 25 mg tablet for our 26-pound dog every 12 hours. When I followed up with my regular veterinarian, he told me it could take a few days for whatever caused the issue to work through Tampa’s body and to continue giving Tampa the Benadryl. And that was true. It took about three days for the swelling and itching to completely subside.”

Side effects of Benadryl for dogs

So, is Benadryl safe for dogs? It depends and you should always consult with your vet when it comes to Benadryl for dogs. It is important to remember that this family of human over-the-counter medications, while frequently recommended by vets, is not FDA-approved as a medicine for dogs, per se. Sleepiness is one side effect you know of; it may surprise you to learn that another is excitability and an increased heart rate.

“The most adverse effects seen [after treating a dog with Benadryl], include lethargy and dry mouth with vomiting and diarrhea being a possibility,” says Dr. Carter. “There are mostly self-limiting. If using Benadryl, it is always a good idea to consult with your established veterinarian, as sometimes other methods of treatment may prove to be more efficacious.”

Other side effects of Benadryl for dogs include increased drooling, panting and depression. They are rare, but there have also been reported and documented instances of dogs who have fatally overdosed on diphenhydramine, especially when its ingested with other chemicals. Take care of your dogs, and always seek veterinary advice before administering any OTC product to them.

Featured photograph: Chalabala | iStock / Getty Images Plus.

Originally published in 2017. 

Read Next: My Dog Ate Ibuprofen: Now What

 

The post Is Benadryl Safe for Dogs? What to Know About Benadryl for Dogs by Melvin Pena and Stephanie Osmanski 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 Feed Your Dog If You’re Food Insecure

The post How to Feed Your Dog If You’re Food Insecure by Beth Ann Mayer 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.

One of the bright spots of COVID-19 has been seeing shelters clear out. Because people have spent more time at home, they’ve been able to find room in their schedules, homes and hearts for a fur baby. And while this is great news, there’s another side to the pandemic: Record unemployment has made many people food insecure. When mom and dad are struggling to put food on the table, it begs the question: How can they fill up their dog’s dish?

“There’s a lot of uncertainty,” says Marc Peralta, Chief Program Officer at Best Friends Animal Society. “How is that going to impact every aspect of their life, including pets that they may not have the resources and funding to keep? We want to keep families together, which includes the furry family members as well.”

There are resources out there to help you help you feed your dog if you’re food insecure. Marc shares where to look, how to manage and why you shouldn’t feel guilty about asking for help.

A Dalmatian dog eats her dinner in the family kitchen. Photo: SolStock

Food pantries can help you feed your dog if you’re food insecure

Marc says the best resource for pet parents is food pantries and banks. There are ones specifically set up for pets. Try Googling “pet food pantry near me” or “pet food bank near me.” If you’re not having much luck, pick up the phone.

“Call a local shelter because if they are not doing a pet food pantry, I can guarantee they’ll know who is,” Marc says. “Same with veterinarians.”

Communities often have resource numbers you can dial, such as New York City’s 311.

“That’s something else really quickly if you don’t want to do Google searches,” Marc says.

Try to save

Marc also suggests sitting down and looking at your weekly and monthly expenses. Is there something you can cut temporarily that would enable you to purchase pet food?

“I have been a man who has lived on very little at many points in my life,” Marc says.

Check weekly circulars for coupons as well. You may be able to find some for dog food. If not, you may find some for people food and other necessities. If possible, you can put the leftover money toward dog food.

Pet supplies section in grocery store. Photo: Bill Oxford/Getty Images

Look for samples

Often, pet stores and even big-box retailers like Wal-Marts will have an abundance of food samples you can stock up on. If they don’t, you’re struggling or if your dog only eats a certain kind of food and there aren’t any samples available, call the vendor.

“Tell them the situation,” Marc says. “I’d be shocked … if they wouldn’t be willing to send you coupons to help you get through a tough time and keep you long-term.”

Don’t feel guilty about needing help

It can be humbling — and even embarrassing — to ask for help. We promise our pets we’ll be able to help them their entire lives, and you may feel inadequate for needing assistance. In these unprecedented times, Marc wants you to know you’re not alone in these unprecedented times, and it’s not your fault.

“People want to help,” he says. “They need to understand that you need help. … Sometimes we have to rely on the help of others, and hopefully, we can give back at some point.”

Featured photo: SolStock/Getty Images

Read Next: 8 Ways to Find Affordable Vet Care for Your Dog

The post How to Feed Your Dog If You’re Food Insecure by Beth Ann Mayer 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 The Golden Retriever Comforting California Wildfires Emergency Workers

The post Meet The Golden Retriever Comforting California Wildfires Emergency Workers by Kellie B. Gormly 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 Kerith the Golden Retriever arrives to visit with firefighters in Marin County, California, both the workers and the dog are gushing.

“She wags her tail and we wag our tails,” says Michelle Detrick, 34, a firefighter for Central Marin Fire. “We get so excited and she gets so excited. It’s really great to have the dogs around to remind us of the happy things.”

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Everyone needs some Kerith love.⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #firefighterlife#firefighterheros#firefighter#firstresponders#firefighters_daily#firedepart#firerescue#firefighter_brotherhood#firetruck#animalassistedtherapy#therapydogs#therapydog#mentalhealth#peersupport#nextrung#creekfire

A post shared by Kerith (@kerith_the_golden_retriever) on Sep 18, 2020 at 12:37pm PDT

In the disaster zones of some of the West Coast wildfires, Kerith, a certified crisis-response therapy dog provides stressed-out firefighters with fuzzy TLC and comfort. Kerith, who turned 2 in April, began life intended as a future Guide Dogs for the Blind pooch. Too friendly and attention-loving to serve in that role, she made a “career change” into a therapy dog and stayed with Heidi Carman, the San Rafael woman who raised her as a puppy for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Related: What Happens to Guide Dogs When They Retire?

After Kerith got her certification, Heidi started her as a therapy dog at a local hospital’s ER. Kerith and her human mom visited families and patients in the waiting and treatment areas. There, firefighters and paramedics often entered the ER, and Kerith developed a special fondness for emergency workers. The feeling was mutual, Heidi says, adding  Kerith has a soothing effect on the mental health of people in a high-stress profession.

“It’s really clear to me that she is doing exactly what she was meant to do with her life,” says Heidi. When they’re with Kerith, they don’t have to say anything; they can just be with her, just to be OK. She’s really good at sensing when a firefighter is stressed; she will sit really close to them and lean in and … be present with them.“It’s really amazing to watch her do that.”

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Kerith loves to be with her firefighter friends so much sometimes I think she needs them more than they need her. Or, maybe it’s a mutual love affair.⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #goldenretrievertherapy #therapydogsofinstagram #dogsofinstagram#goldenretrieverlovers #pettherapy #goldenretrievertoday #goldenretrieversworld #officialretrievers #goldenfloofgang #goldensofinsta #goldensofig #goldensdaily #dailygoldens #beautifulgoldens #golden_glee #goldenretrievers #therapydogs #retrieveroftheday #ilovemygolden #rippinwild #goldenretrieverslovex #goldenretrievertoday#welovegoldens #creekfire #goldenretrieverphotos #animalassistedtherapy#therapydogs#therapydogsofinstagram#therapydogsofthegram#behavioralhealth

A post shared by Kerith (@kerith_the_golden_retriever) on Sep 13, 2020 at 7:33am PDT

Amber Henderson, battalion chief for CAL FIRE Employee Support Services, works with fire departments around The Golden State. One of the services she provides to fire departments in need is pet therapy, and Kerith is one of the dogs on her list.

“It’s become pretty popular in the last couple of years,” says Amber, who calls Kerith a beautiful dog that adapts to every firefighter’s individual energy. “There is science-backed information that the oxytocin that humans and dogs release creates a happier sense. I think there is more to it than just that: It’s a little reminder of home, and a little sense of normal life.”

Kerith has a chameleonlike personality that adjusts to fit her audience.

“She’s really good at matching people’s energy,” Heidi says. “With an older elderly person who can’t handle a lot of energy, Kerith will be calm. If a firefighter comes in who … has more energy, then she’ll be more energetic and match his energy.”

Kerith had been visiting workers at fire stations, but when the Woodward Fire broke out in August, she started going every morning to the Marin County base camp,. There she mingled with firefighters either starting their day or ending their evening.

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Kerith is spreading some love at the #creekfire base camp. ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #firefighterlife#firefighterheros#firefighter#firstresponders#firefighters_daily#firedepart#firerescue#firefighter_brotherhood#firetruck#animalassistedtherapy#therapydogs#therapydogsofinstagram#therapydogsofthegram#behavioralhealth#essentialworker#essentialworkers#therapydog#mentalhealth#peersupport

A post shared by Kerith (@kerith_the_golden_retriever) on Sep 10, 2020 at 9:33am PDT

Heidi and Kerith now visit other wildfire areas in California, including the Creek Fire near Fresno. They take road trips and stay in a hotel for a few days providing comfort to lonely, traveling firefighters, who often take pictures of Kerith to send home to their loved ones.

“Those firefighters battling these wildfires are away from their families … and their dogs for like a month at a time,” Heidi says. “They miss them terribly. I think seeing Kerith helps them feel a little bit at home.

Read Next: Meet the Service Dog Helping the Mystic Aquarium Save Seals

The post Meet The Golden Retriever Comforting California Wildfires Emergency Workers by Kellie B. Gormly 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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Use Food to Engage Your Dog

The post Use Food to Engage Your Dog by Arden Moore 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.

Dogs don’t care about dollars or diamonds or if you have a hefty bank account or a vacation home in the Bahamas. No matter the age, size, breed or activity level, dogs are laser focused on the coveted canine currency: f-o-o-d.

Use this meaty knowledge to your advantage. Engage your dog strategically with tasty treats and yummy meals to boost his brainpower, elevate his emotional mood and hone his physical shape. Oh, and make him view you as the top dog in his life.

“It’s true. A dog’s emotions are tied to food,” says Cara Armour, a certified professional dog trainer and president of Active Paws based in Waltham, Massachusetts. “What is good for the body can be good for the mind.”

Dogster reached out to leading professional dog trainers to discover specific ways to use food to engage your dog so he can enjoy a fuller life with you. Consider these tactics:

Photo: eregraff | Getty Image

Reduce anxiety by practicing mealtime flexibility.

It may seem like your dog sports an invisible watch — especially near mealtime. However, serving meals the minute you get up and, say, 5 p.m. sharp every day can actually cause distress and anxiety in your dog if you run late serving his meal. Maureen Patin, head trainer and co-founder of What A Great Dog training center in Frisco and Richardson, Texas, recommends not being a clock watcher.

“Resist feeding your dog the minute you wake up because you may motivate your dog to wake you up earlier,” Maureen says. “Wait 30 to 45 minutes after you get up so your dog does not associate you getting out of bed with instant feeding. As for dinner, feed your dog within a range of one to two hours. Mixing up mealtime will reduce the anxiety in your dog.”

Feed your dogs in separate rooms.

Or use visual blocking barriers like putting each food bowl on the floor on opposite sides of the kitchen island to keep your dogs from seeing one another as they eat.

“This will prevent what is known as ‘stink eye’ — one dog stopping and staring at the other dog in a defensive or offensive manner,” Maureen says. “Mealtime should feel safe. If a dog feels stressed and the need to eat quickly, the food will not be digested well. Visual blocking or feeding dogs in separate, closed rooms can reduce stress and even food-triggered fights.”

Photo: alexei_tm | Getty Images

Unleash your dog’s inner hunter.

One of your dog’s prized hunting tools is at the end of his muzzle — his nose.

“Nose work highlights one of a dog’s top senses and engages his brain,” Cara says.
She recommends cutting up small pieces of cheese. With your dog watching, “hide” a piece of cheese in an easy-to-find spot and tell your dog to “find it.” Your dog smells the cheese, finds it and eats it quickly.

“Gradually increase the distance and location so your dog may have to push away something to get a treat,” Cara adds. “Dogs like to problem solve, especially when there is a food reward.”

Related: Why Dogs Love Nose Work

Photo: spirit_of_nature | Getty Images

Brighten rainy days with engaging indoor food games.

Purchase or get crafty and create a snuffle mat to hide treats in for your dog to sniff out. A snuffle mat is made of fleece strips tied on to a rubber mat with holes in it to provide perfect hiding spots for the treasured treats.

Related: 5 Rainy Day Ideas to Keep Dogs Active Indoors

Or, go low-tech and turn an empty paper towel roll into a homemade treat puzzle, Cara says.

“Dogs like to work for their food, so my husband and I save paper towels to make into food puzzles for our Boxers,” she says. “It is fun watching them figure out how to find the treats.”

Test your dog’s now-you-see-it-now-you-don’t skills.

Professional dog trainer Teoti Anderson is a fan of the cup game. With your dog watching, place a treat in one of three plastic drinking cups lined up. Shuffle them.

Then call your dog over and have him try to sniff out the cup harboring the hidden treat.

“Make it easy for your dog to find so he doesn’t become frustrated,” adds Teoti, past president of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers.

Photo: RyanJLane | Getty Image

Engage your dog with a “sniffari” walk.

Many dogs get bored on walks done at the same time, for the same duration and at the same location. They can get anxious if they sense your impatience to quickly potty so you can return home. On occasion, take him to a new place and give him time to sniff and even choose which direction to safely take. Dole out treats at random intervals to reinforce your dog’s sniffing adventures.

“A sniff walk is a positive enrichment for a dog,” Maureen says. “Sniffing is so important for dogs of all ages to experience their world. You may find yourself feeling less stressed as well when you focus on the present moment of spending time with your dog.”

Become your dog’s personal chef.

For special occasions, such as birthdays, adoption anniversaries or winning an agility ribbon, don your apron and treat your dog to a homemade meal or treats.

Let him hang out with you in the kitchen as you prepare this canine feast. Select recipes containing dog-safe people foods and, if necessary, check with your veterinarian first. A favorite treat for my dogs, Kona, Bujeau and Emma is Marvelous Mutt Meatballs from my book, Real Food for Dogs.

Become more popular than squirrels.

Some dogs can go bonkers when they spot a squirrel just out of leash reach or get overly excited at the sight of a leashed dog coming his way. Scolding or hard staring at your dog when he lunges or barks can increase stress in your dog.
Maureen’s solution? Make yourself more appealing by rapid firing small treats to your dog to get him to shift his focus on you.

“Of course, doing body blocking and maintaining safe distance from another dog helps, but your goal is to get your dog to associate the sight of another dog — or a squirrel — with you handing out treats,” she explains. “Eventually, your dog will be trained that when he sees a strange dog, he will immediately look up to you and convey, ‘Hey, isn’t this the time to get treats?’”

Go high-tech with a treat-dispensing machine.

To keep your home-alone dog engaged while you are at work, set up a treat-
dispensing camera that enables you to keep an eye on your dog and remotely release treats for his enjoyment. Among the best sellers are Petcube Bites 2 Dog Camera, the Furbo Dog Camera and Petzi Treat Cam.

Photo: damedeeso | Getty Image

Engage your dog with low-calorie treats.

Dogs love treat time, but doling out too many treats can cause your dog to pack on the pounds and sport more waddle than wiggle.

“Obesity is the No. 1 health threat pets face, and the most important pet-health decision owners make each day is what and how much they feed,” says Ernie Ward, DVM, founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.

So, how do you still keep the thrill of being a treat dispenser while keeping your dog at a healthy weight? Select healthy treats high in nutrition and low in calories.

That means paying attention to the ingredients on the label and the percentage of fat content.

Veterinary nutritionists recommend fat content to be within 5% to 20%. Fat, at a safe amount, helps provide your dog with energy, boost the flavor of some foods and maintain a healthy, shiny coat.

Boost your dog’s self-confidence with alone time.

Especially during COVID-19, with people and their dogs quarantined in place, the need for quiet alone time is invaluable for your dog.

“Allow your dog some me-alone time with treat puzzles or safe chews in a separate closed room away from the noise and distractions of the family,” says Mikkel Becker, lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets. “You are teaching your dog to develop positive independence at a mealtime or treat time. It teaches them that they do not need constant love and attention from you to feel safe and OK.”

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Explore The Museum of the Dog

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“There’s a social media post by Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel where they had pictures of what dogs they thought they looked like,” says Alan Fausel, the executive director of the American Kennel Club’s Museum of the Dog in Manhattan, New York City. “So I took both of their pictures and put them into our interactive Find Your Match machine, which uses facial recognition technology to tell you what dog you look like.” Alan reveals that the singer Timberlake came out as a Yorkshire Terrier and the actress Biel was cast as a Border Terrier.

Decades before the days of assigning dog breeds to celebrities, the Museum of the Dog was founded back in 1982 with the goal of celebrating the role of dogs in society and educating about the benefits of the human-canine bond. After relocating to St. Louis, Missouri, in 1987, where the museum ran for 32 years, a decision was made to return the establishment to New York City in 2019 — a move that prompted a transformation from an analogue institution into a more cutting-edge organization that embraces virtual technology and interactive experiences.

“The quote I’ve used is we’re taking it from a Ford Model T car to a spaceship,” says Alan, who formerly worked for the auction house Doyle, where he came to deal with dog- and cat-centric artworks. He adds that the museum is proud of the way it integrates digital kiosks, including one where visitors can learn to train a virtual dog, with the traditional foundation of a 4,000-volume library of historical dog books and a 1,700-piece collection of canine art and artifacts.

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One of the Museum of the Dog’s most revered historical displays is a 30 million-year-old fossil of an ancient dog called the Hesperocyon, which is now extinct.

“Today, it would look more like a meerkat or a mongoose,” Alan says.
Pride of place goes to the skeleton of Belgrave Joe, a Fox Terrier who prospered in the late 19th century. “He was a very prolific breeder and they sort of called him the Abraham of his breed,” Alan explains. “They say that before Belgrave Joe there were Terriers that chased foxes, and after him there were Fox Terriers.”

Know the dog

Allowing visitors to gain an insight into the history of various dog breeds while also gaining a better understanding of the animal’s role in modern society is a key part of the museum’s focus.

“These are purpose-bred dogs, and they have jobs and they take it seriously,” says Alan, who has a 2-year-old Welsh Springer Spaniel called Gemma. “It’s about knowing what those dogs’ tendencies are and what they want to do. They’re effectively looking to you as the alpha member of the pack.”

After a reflective pause, Alan adds, “You learn a whole lot about the history of dogs and why they look the way they look and act the way they act.”

For more info, visit: museumofthedog.org

Photos Courtesy of American Kennel Club/Museum of the Dog

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Recipe: Doggone Easy Snow Cones

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The dog days of summer may be over, but if you and your dog are still trying to beat the heat, we’ve got the perfect treat to help your pup cool down. Even if you don’t have a snow cone maker, a blender or even just crushed ice from your fridge will work.

Doggone Easy Snow Cones Ingredients

Crushed Ice
Blender
½ cup of your dog’s favorite fruit or veggie
Low-sodium chicken stock or water

Doggone Easy Snow Cones Directions

1 Use the blender to puree your dog-friendly fresh or frozen fruit or veggies. If using veggies, make sure they are cooked first. For the best looking snow cone, think colors — like raspberries, watermelon, carrots, pumpkins or peas.

2 Add chicken stock or water to your puree to thin the mixture. Add just a little bit at a time, as this will vary based on the type of fruit you’re using. Make thin enough to pour but thick enough that your dog will get some of the fruit and veggie goodness.

3 Crush the ice using a snow cone machine or blender. A snow cone machine will give you the most traditional powdered ice, but I promise your dog won’t mind a little bit of crunch if you don’t have one.

4 Pack the ice into a cup or bowl and pour topping over the ice.

 

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Pretty Pet Portraits

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Give your beloved dog pride of place with a one-of-a-kind pet portrait.

Inspired by the love and adoration people have for their pets, Crown and Paw is dedicated to helping pet parents show that love by creating masterpieces based on photos of their dogs.

The company curates authentic 19th century portraits and rare Renaissance era oil paintings, and digitally combines them with your pet’s photo, creating a fun and original custom work of art. You just choose a costume and upload a photo, and the talented team of artists does the rest. These portraits capture your dog’s unique characteristics and facial features, and express his personality.

Learn more at crownandpaw.com.

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3 Tricks Your Dog Will Love

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Dog tricks are a fun way to spend quality time with our dogs and give them
physical and mental exercise. Tricks are even a competitive sport where your dog can earn titles via video submission from Do More With Your Dog and The American Kennel Club. To teach your dog these fun tricks, you don’t need any fancy props. You just need lots of small pieces of treats your dog is excited about! Each is on a different level, so your dog can learn one no matter her experience.

Photo: K_Thalhofer | Getty Images

Easy: A Crawl

1. Start with your dog in a lie down position. If your dog doesn’t know how to Down, put a treat in front of her nose, then move your hand with the treat down toward the ground and slightly back toward her feet, which will naturally bring her into the down position.
2. Next, put a treat a few inches in front of your dog. Start slow — if you put the treat too far away, your dog will be more likely to get up instead of crawling.
3. Show your dog the treat and encourage her to pull her body to the treat. When she does, give her lots of praise and let her have the treat.
4. If your dog gets up, that’s OK. Don’t say anything, just pick up the treat before she can get it, ask her to Down and start again.
5. Each repetition you can increase the distance you are asking your dog to crawl an additional couple inches.
6. When your dog is constantly crawling to get the treat, add in a verbal cue
   of your choice
7. Slowly phase out placing a treat in front of your dog and ask her to “Crawl,” then immediately praise and treat when she crawls forward.

Photo: Janet Horton | Alamy Stock Photo

Intermediate: Leg Weaves

1. Have treats in both of your hands.
2. Show one treat to your dog and with the treat on her nose, lure your dog between your legs.
3. Reach behind you and between your legs with your other hand that has the second treat.
4. Get your dog’s attention with the treat in this second hand and lure your dog back around to the front.
5. Repeat several times to get you and your dog comfortable with the movements.
6. When your dog is getting the idea, introduce the verbal cue of your choice, like “Weave.”
7. After a few repetitions, your dog will be familiar with the verbal cue and the behavior you are looking for, so you can begin to phase out the physical lure and instead point to the path between/around your legs.

Bonus Level. When your dog is an expert leg weaver with you standing still, very slowly begin walking forward.

Difficult: Put Your Toys Away

1. With this useful trick you can ask your dog to help you with the daily chores of putting her own toys away!
2.  Start with your dog’s toy box that has an open top, a few toys that your dog really likes and some treats
3. Encourage your dog to pick up a toy and then call her toward the toy box.
4. If she drops the toy, just start again, encouraging her to pick up the toy.
5. When your dog reaches the toy box ask her to “Drop” the toy. If she does, praise and treat.
6. If your dog doesn’t know how to Drop yet or is reluctant to drop a favorite toy, take the treat and put it in front of your dog’s nose while over the toy box. When your dog drops the toy to get the treat, praise your dog and give her the treat.
7. Encourage your dog to get another toy, call her toward the toy box and ask her to drop the toy into the box. When she does, give lots of praise and a treat. As your dog is bringing toys toward the toy box, begin to incorporate verbal cues like “Clean up” or “Toy box” as your dog moves toward the toy box. Go slow as your dog builds understanding of the trick. You can phase out the “Pick up” and “Drop” cues and just ask your dog to clean up.

Bonus Level. As your dog gets more experienced, send her to put her toys away without you needing to be next to the toy box.

Read Next: Yes, Old Dogs Can Learn New Tricks

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