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Greetings!
 It's official! Finian the Papillon passed his Delta Society Pet Partner evaluation, and he's now a registered therapy dog. I'm so proud of the little guy! I wrote about the Pet Partner Team Training workshop in the last issue. Unfortunately, we had to cancel it due to low registrations. The last one we had was full, with a waiting list! So it can be hard to predict. If you missed it and were interested, we will likely offer it again in the late summer or fall. In this issue, you'll find Part Two of the series on dog parks. You'll also find information on the H1N1 "swine flu" virus and the new AKC program that will allow mixed breed dogs to compete alongside their purebred cousins. I also need your assistance in choosing which advanced class to offer beginning June 11 in West Columbia. I've had some folks ask for Family Manners II, and others ask for Rally for Fun. The majority will win! So if you're ready to enjoy some fun summer school, check out the schedule information and cast your vote. Give your dogs cookies from me!
Teoti Anderson, CPDT
Pawsitive Results, LLC
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Dog Star Daily is a free Web site for dog lovers -- a daily magazine with news, blogs and articles about dog behavior. Created by my friends Dr. Ian Dunbar and Kelly Gorman Dunbar, the Web site is packed with helpful information. You can also submit your dog's photo to become a dogstar!
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Class Schedule
Thursday, June 11 at 8:30 p.m. - EITHER Family Manners II OR Rally for Fun**
Prerequisite: Family Manners I.
**NOTE: Classes are held by popular demand. Which class would you prefer for June -- Family Manners II or Rally for Fun? If you'd like to sign up for one of these classes, e-mail us with your choice by May 18.
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Pets and the "Swine Flu"
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has announced that the recent H1N1 ("Swine Flu") outbreak appears to present a low risk of infecting cats and dogs.
"At this time there is no data demonstrating any risk of dogs and
cats contracting this strain of the virus," says Dr. Louise Murray, the
Director of Medicine at the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Hospital in New York
City. "However, owners of pet pigs, as well as farmers, should monitor
their animal's health more closely during this outbreak. Steps to limit
possible transmission from humans to pigs and vice versa are
recommended."
Owners of Vietnamese Potbellies, African Pygmies and other pet pigs
should be aware that there are Influenza type A vaccines available and
recommended for healthy swine.
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AKC Launches New Program for Mixed Breed Dogs
 The American Kennel Club (AKC) recently announced a program to allow mixed breed dogs to compete in its events. "Our goal in creating a program specifically designed for mixed breeds
is to share our passion for dogs and our sport," said AKC President and
CEO Dennis Sprung. "AKC will broaden its legislative influence by
representing more dog owners and achieve greater exposure for our
responsible dog ownership messaging. But ultimately, the positive
developments that this program creates will benefit dogs the most, and
this is what we value above all." As of
October 1, 2009, owners can begin enrolling their pets and receive an
AKC ID number. Then beginning April 1, 2010, enrolled dogs will be
eligible to compete in mixed breed classes at stand-alone AKC Agility,
Obedience and Rally events. They will also have access to benefits and discounts offered through the AKC. The third phase will offer a dedicated Web site where dog owners can
interact via an online community. |
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About Pawsitive Results, LLC
Pawsitive Results, LLC offers reward-based group dog training classes in Lexington and West Columbia. Owner Teoti Anderson is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT), author and public speaker.
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Dog Parks, Part II: Finding the Right Park
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| Dog parks can be fun places for you and your dog to socialize and exercise. They can also be dangerous.
In our last issue, we helped you determine if your dog was a good candidate for park playtime. If he is, now it's time to learn what makes a quality dog park.
The Basics
All dog parks should have materials for cleaning up after dogs, including bags and garbage bins. Many canine diseases are passed through feces. Dog feces also attract insects, which can pass diseases onto humans.
Cleaning up after your dog is part of being a responsible pet owner. A good dog park will have bags and garbage bins for waste disposal.
It will also have plenty of shade and clean water for dogs to drink. This is important year round, but especially in the South Carolina summer months!
A quality dog park must also have ample space to prevent overcrowding. When there are too many dogs in a small space, it can lead to packs forming and bullying behavior. This can lead to dog fights.
Other Important Features
The best dog parks separate small dogs from large dogs. Large dogs may hurt small dogs without even meaning to ... just take a boisterous Lab puppy and match him against a toy Poodle puppy! One swipe from a large paw could break a bone, or worse.
Tiny dogs running around can also trigger predatory instinct in some dogs. Dogs are predatory by nature, and even if a larger dog has never hurt a small dog before, the high excitement of a dog park could trigger those instincts.
If you have a small dog, don't take it to a park that doesn't safely separate dogs by size.
Better parks also have several entrances and exits. If there is only one way in and out, dogs soon learn where everyone enters. This can lead to crowding, fighting and escaping.
What to Avoid
Avoid parks where you observe bullying behavior, with dogs ganging up on other dogs. Even one dog consistently bullying other dogs is not acceptable. This will happen from time to time at any park, but if it persists, it means the owners are not paying attention to their dogs.
Another problem to watch for is dogs forming loose packs. If no one breaks them up, there is a chance the pack will start picking on weaker dogs. The pack could even attack.
If you see the same dogs forming packs over and over again, this is not an ideal situation.
Only visit parks where you find conscientious owners who are paying
attention to their dogs' behavior, and interrupting behavior that is
not acceptable.
Of course, this means you, too! Be a good dog park citizen. Make sure your dog is behaving nicely to the other dogs and people in the park.
What If You Can't Find A Good One?
Make your own mini park! Get together with your friends who have safe, friendly dogs. Meet up at a house that has a secure, fenced back yard with plenty of room. You don't have to go to a formal dog park in order for your dog to socialize with his canine friends. You can arrange a doggie playdate right in your own backyard.
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