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Greetings!
 Late last month I attended the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) Annual Educational Conference and Trade Show, held in Oakland, Calfornia. What a whirlwind week! I gave three presentations, participated in a book signing and hosted a roundtable discussion. In between, I attended great workshops from some of the top canine professionals in the world. I even took a workshop on training a chicken! (Let me tell you, training a chicken is a humbling experience. That's me and my chicken friend, Donna, in the photo.) Each year I attend the conference I learn so many new things, and come back recharged with ideas for making Pawsitive Results even better. It's also a great chance to catch up with old friends, and make new ones. In this issue, you'll find information on half-priced spay surgeries in Columbia, some pet food recalls, how to get your dog to bring you items instead of running away, and a caution to keep your dog trim during the holiday season. I hope you and your families have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving. Please know I'm very thankful to know you and your dogs. I sincerely appreciate your support of Pawsitive Results! Teoti Anderson, CPDT
Pawsitive Results, LLC
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Class Schedule
Our classes are currently full and underway through the rest of the year. There will be no classes in January while we take our annual break.
In December, we will post the  schedule for next year and begin taking registration for classes. We've got some exciting new plans in store for 2010! Classes will begin in February.
Please stay tuned to the newsletter and Web site for updates. The Pawsitive Results team is looking forward to seeing you and your dogs next year!
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Second Helpings This Holiday?
No Thanks!
The holiday season is time to give thanks for all the wonderful things in our lives ... and to eat ourselves under the table. It's one thing if you want to overindulge -- you know how it will affect you. Your dog doesn't.
Some dogs know when to stop eating, but many believe life is one big holiday buffet. Please don't be tempted to share extra food with Fido this Thanksgiving.
- Don't slip your dog food from the table, or indulge him in extra treats. Otherwise, you may have to deal with vomiting, diarrhea or pancreatitis.
- Make sure your family and friends are all on the same page! It won't help if you stick to Fido's diet, but Uncle Joe gives him extra goodies.
Stick to your dog's diet, and you'll save yourself a trip to the emergency clinic this holiday. And that's something to be thankful for!
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Playing Fetch Can Save You Money
Has your dog ever taken something and run off with it? You may be tempted to chase him in hot pursuit, but don't! That's one of the worst things you can do, because your dog will just run away from you, holding onto his prize. He'll think this is a great game. Worse yet, don't catch him, yell at him and take away the prize -- you'll just be punishing him for giving up the item.
When dogs get hold of items they shouldn't, it can be frustrating. It can also be expensive. Take 1-year-old Labrador/hound mix, Oscar, who started chewing on his owners' XBox game controller. Sure, the plastic controller got some dents -- but the dog also managed to charge $62.50 on his owners' Xbox Live account. (See the article on Switched.com.)
Instead of chasing your dog when he grabs something, try this instead. Hold your arms out towards your dog and say in an excited (not mean!) voice, "Bring it!" You can also use "Fetch!" or whatever, just use the same cue to mean the same action every time. Remember, your dog will not understand what the words mean until you teach him.
Encourage your dog to come to you. You can clap your hands, motion towards yourself, even jog backwards. Every time he takes a step towards you, praise him. If he starts to run away, just jog backwards more. Don't chase him. Make him want to come to you.
When he does, gently take hold of the item and make a huge deal about your dog's delivery. Praise him, and run to where you keep his treats and give him one. The goal is to reward him for bringing the item to you.
Take time to dog proof your home and prevent your dog from getting hold of items he shouldn't. If he does manage to grab something, always praise him for bringing it to you. If you scold him, you'll just teach him to run off and hide with it, and this could prove dangerous. If you consistently reward him instead, it will become habit for him to bring things to you. This can save your items from being destroyed ... and may even save your dog's life!
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 What Do You Want to See Here?
Do you have a general question about a dog training issue? Something about dogs or training you'd like to learn more about? Let me know! I may include it in an article for an upcoming issue.
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Get Your K-9 Chic Fixed
The Columbia, SC Humane Society will be offering half-price spay surgeries through November.
Get Your K-9 Chic Fixed is open to the public. Here are the requirements for female dogs:
- They must be no older than 7 years old.
- They must weigh at least 3
pounds.
- Rabies and distemper vaccines are required, but can be provided at
the time of surgery for $18.
- Animals must be in good health to have the surgery. This will be at the discretion of the attending veterinarian.
You can fill out an application online or by going to the Humane
Society office located at 121 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC 29209. Clients
do not have to live in the Midlands area to qualify.
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Pet Treat Recalls
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a health alert to warn consumers not to use pig ears and beef hooves pet treats manufactured by Pet Carousel because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella. You can find the information at http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm189400.htm
PetSmart has voluntarily recalled two Dentley's Beef Hoof products made by Pet Carousel. For details, visit here: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm189296.htm
It's a good idea to stay on top of pet food recalls so you can protect your pet. To get the latest pet food recall information, visit the FDA Web site at http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/newpetfoodrecalls/
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About Pawsitive Results, LLC
Pawsitive Results, LLC offers reward-based group dog training classes in Lexington and West Columbia, SC. Owner Teoti Anderson is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT), author and public speaker.
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