The Relationship between You and Your Dog

Cesar Millan, famous as National Geographic’s dog whisperer, recently released his latest book entitled Be the Pack Leader: Use Cesar's Way to Transform Your Dog . . . and Your Life. Intended to build a positive relationship between you and your dog, the book highlights the importance of good pet behavior and positive or negative reinforcement. Most of us hear positive and negative and we think “good” and “bad”. This is not the case. Positive reinforcement is adding something, whether we add something good for good behavior or add something bad for bad behavior. Negative reinforcement is taking something away, so we can take away something bad for good behavior and take something good away for bad behavior. Acting out of anger when working with your pet is never effective and only serves to make your pet fearful of you or even escalates the bad behavior to a higher level. Keep a level head, Cesar calls this “calm, assertive” and your pet will feel this attitude and will become “calm, submissive”, ready to behave.

Proper training can assist with:

• Crate Training
• Destructive Chewing
• Dominant Dogs
• Fearful Dogs
• Separation Anxiety

Millan has focused on an issue vitally important to the dog world: good behavior. While it might seem inconsequential, the truth is the majority of dogs surrendered to pet shelters today are due primarily to poor behavior. An alarming amount of people purchase puppies, yet choose not to properly train them. As these dogs grow older and display undesirable behaviors, many owners turn them over to humane societies.

At any age, your dog can be guided to maintain good behavior – although it’s admittedly easier when younger – it just takes time and a dedicated effort. Dog trainers are available throughout many communities to help. Many books, including Cesar Millan’s, can provide owners with the tips and techniques necessary for training your pooch through proper reinforcement and good attitude.

Protecting Your Pets…

From the Cold Weather

As the temperature drops and the holidays draw near, it’s important to protect your pets from the extreme cold. Contrary to the popular belief that all dogs and cats can tolerate the cold, many small dogs, cats, and young pets are not designed for outdoor living.

Tips for Protecting Pets from the Cold:

• Bring outdoor pets into the basement or garage.
• Supply ‘warming’ pet beds and covers.
• Dress your pet in sweaters, jackets, or booties.
• Make sure water bowls do not freeze.
• Clip fur between toes to prevent snow from collecting.

For dogs who live outdoors during the spring and summer months, try moving them into a garage or basement to keep them warm. Especially helpful in drafty areas, you can place a ‘warming’ bed for your pooch when they lay down. Also be sure to keep checking and refilling water bowls to prevent them from freezing.

When taking your pet outdoors in the cold, dress them in warm clothes. Sweaters, jackets, and paw booties are among the most effective clothing. You’ll want to find apparel that is a good fit and covers your pet from the nape of the neck to the base of the tail. Lastly, be sure your dog’s underbelly is protected from the snow and ice by whichever sweater you choose.

Diabetes in Dogs
Information on Symptoms and Treatments

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month and the ideal time to educate yourself on diabetes in dogs. Many owners forget their pets are susceptible to some of the same ailments people develop. Unfortunately, Type I Diabetes is the perfect example of a condition endured by humans and dogs alike.

Type I Diabetes in dogs can be a result of some infections, or even medications such as steroids and hormones. Veterinarians use blood and urine tests in conjunction with symptoms to diagnosis a dog with Type I Diabetes.

Subsequent symptoms include:
• Cataracts (Blindness)
• Eating More, Yet Losing Weight
• Increase in Water Intake
• Poor Hair Coat & Dandruff
• Urinating More Frequently

Insulin injections are the primary treatment for Type I Diabetes in dogs. Injections are paired with special diets and strict schedules. This is doubly important for dogs without Cataracts yet, because it can prevent blindness from developing. More severe cases may require intensive care in the veterinary hospital and can be costly.

With proper treatment and regular care, however, dogs can recover from the more severe instances of Type I Diabetes. Although these dogs will require special attention, they can continue to lead rich and happy lives – bringing joy to their families.

Remember Your Pets…

When Preparing for a Disaster

The recent California wildfires, which have ravaged homes and disrupted lives, have been a devastating reminder that disasters (both natural and man-made) can affect us all. It is vital to prepare ahead of time for such occurrences to ensure the safety of your family and any essential belongings. When making these preparations be sure to take into account the well-being of your pets and livestock as well.

Many evacuation shelters do not have the proper accommodations to house pets and families are forced to leave their companions in less than ideal conditions. Even so, no one can be certain you will be able to return and tend to animals left behind during a disaster. So if possible, take your pets with you!

However, in the event your companions cannot accompany you to a shelter, take the necessary precautions to keep them safe at home. Place stickers on appropriate windows and doors to inform rescuers of the presence of your animals and where they can locate pet evacuation supplies.

Include the following items in your supplies:

• Contact information for you, your vet, and anyone else who may be of assistance.
• Current tags and proof of ownership.
• List of #, type, and location of animals (Note favorite hiding spots)
• Muzzles, gloves, etc - animals can become unpredictable when frightened.
• Pre-signed release for veterinary treatment and list of any medical conditions.

For further information on keeping your animals safe during an emergency, check out the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Saving the Whole Family – Informative Booklet.