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| Issue: Five |
February 2010 |
New Training Books and New Puppies
This month we are pleased to announce that I have been included in "Top Tips from Top Trainers: 1001 Practical Tips and Techniques for Successful Dog Care and Training," a new book by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. Available March 1st. The book includes some tips from kona's touch, and some awesome dog trainers around the world.
We will also begin our "Spring is Coming and So Is The New Dog" series. We hope to help with decisions starting with, "thinking about getting a new dog" through "that first year with your pup". We will begin with education on where to get a new pup and where not to get one. For the next few months our "Loose Leash Talking" section, as well as our new blog, will feature information for "your new dog"
Remember to pass this on to friends contemplating a new dog or puppy.
Enjoy,
Be gentle, after all isn't that what you would want for your best friend,
Laura Dorfman, CPDT-KA
Owner and Founder |
Loose Leash Talking
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 Please DON'T Buy That Doggie In The Window
How much is that doggie in the window? It used to be a cute song and a great way to find a beautiful new healthy puppy. Not anymore.
Our country is going though a crisis with our canine companions and we can make it stop. We have lost perspective of what's humane, let alone compassionate. Breeding has become an industry about speed, cost efficiency, and most importantly, money. I'm talking about dog factories, and they are called puppy mills. They exist all over the United States. Ease and cost effectiveness rule the way they breed and they are brutal. The puppies almost always come out with health or genetic behavioral issues. Unbelievably, the puppies are the lucky ones. Some make it. Many end up in shelters or euthanized. BUT the mothers stay in small cages, often not big enough for them to even turn around or walk. They often never see the light of day and are forcefully bred TOO many times a year. Some of them NEVER touch the earth.
Web-sites can FOOL the public. Beautiful, manicured web-sites from puppy mills are aimed to mislead the public to promote sales.
There are plenty of good, responsible caring breeders out there. IT'S IMPORTANT TO FIND THEM. Do not buy that puppy in the window.
Next month we will start to talk about choosing a great shelter, rescue or breeder. If you need to know sooner:
e-mail us at konastouch@yahoo.com and we will be glad to give you information or check out our new blog for upcoming articles. An educated choice is your best chance at having a long, safe life with your dog or new puppy.
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| Healin' News |
 February is Pet Dental Health Month
Has your dog stopped eating crunchy treats or slowed down eating his kibble at mealtime?
Has he not had a rousing game of tug lately, now that you think about it?
Is he burrowing his head and mouth in the snow or in the grass?
Is his breath terrible or worse than usual?
These could be signs of dental disease that could keep your dog feeling poorly and is easily treatable when caught early.
Check out the information from the American Veterinary Medical Association. Your dog's mouth can be the precursor to many hidden illnesses or infections affecting your dog. Brushing your dog's teeth can be instrumental in saving unnecessary health problems and surgeries.
With positive training and chicken flavored toothpaste, your dog can learn to love teeth brushing day. Every Sunday Kona used to jump up on the dinning room chair and practically open her mouth and say Ahhh. she would wait happily until the toothbrush came out and she got to eat chicken flavored treats while Mom ran the brush up and down her canines removing plaque.
Remind your vet if they don't check, to look at your dog's teeth when they go in for their yearly checks. Please check out the details from the AVMA website on dental month. Just as with humans, alot can be told about general health by looking in your mouth. |
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kona's touch offers positive dog and puppy training or consultation for Chicago's North Shore. Our positive training and consultations help you and your dog to create a respectful, loving relationship.
At kona's touch, we use peaceful clicker training techniques based on scientific knowledge and years of experience in canine behavior for fun family dog training. For dog training or your personal consultation, call 847-204-7100 or email me at konastouch@yahoo.com.
Sincerely,
Laura Dorfman, CPDT-KA
kona's touch, inc. |
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