Dogviews

Puppy Mill Experience Leaves Me Blue

I got a call about a week ago from a breeder who wanted to donate some poodle/lab mix puppies to our assistance dog organization. I talked with her for quite awhile on the phone and learned that she's donated dogs to other organizations, as well. She sounded like a winner. And then I saw her operation.

My first clue that something wasn't right was when I asked to see the parents and she hesitated. In fact, she wouldn't let me see the dam, citing kennel cough as the reason. She did let me see the sire, a standard poodle, and I was horrified! She let him out of his crate (which he probably rarely leaves) and he did nothing but cower and move in circles. He wouldn't approach me. His coat looked terrible, and he wasn't the only one. The entire garage was loaded with crates of adult dogs that looked neglected, to say the least.

Then I saw the puppies...all six litters of them. There were 5 week old doodles in a plywood whelping box with no paper, towels or bedding. They were walking in their urine. There was a pregnant dam, whose water had just broken. Once again, the plywood was soaked and there was no bedding.

She brought the puppies out from the litter she wanted to donate. They were 16 weeks old, and I'm not sure they had ever been out of their crate. The couldn't stand up straight. They wouldn't approach me.

What's crazy is that this woman lives in a very nice house. It was SPOTLESS! She works for a vet.

I didn't take the puppies, knowing that their lack of socialization couldn't be reversed. It was a depressing day.

I'm taking action on Monday.

Most Expensive Dog Collar

I've been to Santa Monica. I've been to St. Helena. I've seen some pretty fancy pet shops in Chicago. I thought $100 was too much for a dog collar. How about $2500...yes twenty-five hundred! But you can get a deal...some are available for $1500.

Only 1,00 collars total are made each year in Italy. You'll have to get on a waiting list if you want one for your pampered pooch.

I have to admit...they are pretty cool looking.

Twil Animal

She can throw away the trash, but she can't hold a Sit Stay!

Roxi, Service Dog-in-Training went to  class on Saturday to test out of her beginner level. She failed because she couldn't hold a sit stay for 1 minute and because she was afraid of a giant freaky doll (it scares me!). Of course, she  can retrieve and drop items into the trash can and open and close cupboards, but the goof can't sit for a minute.

To give her a bit of credit...she didn't move except to lie down. I guess she's just lazy.

Roxi's only a year old, and staying in one position is just not her cup of tea. But, food is! So here's the new drill...

While I fix her food, she is going to sit and wait patiently for it until I release her. She already does this in a down stay, but so far, the sit position has been a challenge. She just wants to lie down. I can relate. A tip for those of you with similar problems: make sure you are working your dog on a rug or other non-slip surface.

As for the doll...it's been slathered with peanut butter and is no longer a problem. And I've been seen dancing with that dumb doll, which is sure to give Roxi confidence.

Norman the Poodle's New Year's Resolutions

Because Norman has the most positive attitude of my two dogs, he, of course would be the one to believe in resolutions for the New Year. So, if Norman could talk to you, this is what he'd tell you (in his words, of course) are his hopes for 2007:

1. Get a butt scratch from every new person I encounter.
2. Eat one bully stick per day.
3. Run in the mud a minimum of six times a day...WITHOUT having my feet washed.
4. Eat my dinner without my mom putting my ears in a scrunchie.
5. Get my dinner/a treat/attention before my brother Vino, who isn't very nice.
6. Get a drink from the toilet whenever (I love it when the guys are home).
7. Only get brushed when I get on my beauty table...NOT have my toenails filed.
8. Have my foster sister Roxi with me at all times.

Life doesn't get much better than that!

Against Cesar Milan: Top Articles

I'm certainly not a dog training expert. But, still I'm smart enough to know that Cesar Milan's training methods are wrong for the everyday dog owner. He doesn't stress positive training methods. He wants busy homeowners to walk their dogs for 60 minutes every day. How impractical is that?

I'll say it again: I do agree that we don't give our dogs enough exercise, or discipline. But there are better ways to train than choking a dog until his eyes roll to the back of his head.

A lot has been written about him...mostly negative from the experts. Following is a collection of my favorite articles/posts on the why you shouldn't emulate his methods.

Jean Donaldson, Director of The SF/SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers andauthor of "Culture Clash" -
Donaldson says, "I am... along with my colleagues here at The San Francisco SPCA, somewhat agog at the stunning success of 'The Dog Whisperer'".

American Humane Association - this article says that Milan's methods are "inhumane, outdated and improper.

Esquire Magazine - Misguided Expert of the Year - author Curtis Pesmen quotes several leading experts who think Milan's methods are wrong.

Bark Magazine editor Pat Miller's review of "Cesar's Way" - Miller not only disagrees with Milan's methods but asserts how unhelpful his book is at giving advice. She writes there are no clear steps for dog owner's to follow, a point I made in a former post on this blog.

I've always thought that the National Geographic brand stood for high standards, quality and truth. Why, even with many letters to them from experts admonishing Milan's tactics, do they continue to broadcast his show? I know, I know...it sells.

Favorite Christmas Gift

The Mallard Duck from Loopies Toys was the hands down hit for my dogs at Christmas. It's great as a tug toy, has a squeaker and quacks just like a duck when it hits a hard surface. It sends my dogs into a complete frenzy! It has been played with for two days straight and still looks compeltely new.

Here's a picture of Norman with his duck.

Rainy Day Game for You and Your Dog

It was rainy all Christmas day here in Toledo and my backyard is like a marsh. As you can see from this picture, I have a white dog, and pretty nice carpeting. A poodle wrestling match in the mud and the resulting mess was not my idea of a fun holiday.

So the dogs and I played a hilarious game of Hide and Seek. My husband was upstairs in his office and thought a herd of buffalos had invaded our house.

Here are some tips: First your dog needs a solid stay or wait. Wait for my dogs means "stay here for just a little while until I release you." A regular stay means "you'll be here for awhile, so just settle in until I release you."

So, I put all three dogs in a down and told them to wait. Now young miss Roxi, the service dog-in-training, would rather be working on tasks, versus staying in one position, so this was good practice for her. As she got more into the game, her waits became better. She figured out she couldn't be released until she layed quietly.

I then took one of their favorite toys and went and hid. I yelled "Free" and they came running. At first I made the game easy and celebrated by throwing the toy when they found me. Each time I made the game a little harder. I hid in a closet with the door open. I hid in a corner in the dining room. It was pretty dark in the house, so they had to work to find me. My scent is all over the house, so their nose wasn't as helpful as it would have been in a new environement.

They had a ball! I have to admit, I was pretty entertained, too. I made it difficult enough that sometimes they were just running in circles, so I gave short whistles to give them a clue. When they did find me, they'd dance and jump on me. Vino the cocker spaniel was the first to find me everytime.

What's really great is that their "Wait" performance got better and better. Their motivation was strong. They knew that the game didn't start if they didn't stay in position. If someone broke the stay, I'd take them back to the kitchen and put them back in position.

Best of all, they were exhausted at the end of the game and I had no mud in the house!

New Pet Web Site Launches

Merial, makers of Heartguard and Frontline recently launched a new web site, mypettroubles.com, featuring Dr. Scott Line DVM and specialist in animal behavior.

While the concept of the site is good -- a place where pet owners can learn about their animals' behavior issues -- the execution falls short, in my opinion.

For starters, there is a section on training tips that only includes 5 tips: how to find a dog trainer, clicker training, how to train a cat, litter training, and how to feed your cat. New pet owners can get more information than that in their Purina puppy care kit on the first visit to the vet.

There is a section on pet products, but it only includes Merial products. Are you helping me or promoting your products?

In order for a web site to be successful, it needs to have the following attributes:

1. It needs to have depth. If you're going to cover a topic (training tips) then cover it in some depth. Five paragraphs just doesn't cut it.
2. It needs to be objective. If the marketing people position this site as a resource, then make it a resource. There must be other products besides those made by Merial that interest consumers.
3. It needs to stay fresh. The content has been the same for a week, including the question on the home page supposedly posted by a consumer. If I can read all the information on the site in ten minutes, why would I come back if nothing changes?
4. It needs to deliver on the promise. The only behavior problem covered is aggression. My dog pees on the bed. I need some help figuring that out. If I spend the time to go to the site and you don't deliver, I'm not visiting again.

There are many great blogs with useful information (see my list in the column on this site) that problably cost a fraction of the cost of mypettroubles.com. We even got chosen as Time magazine's Person(s) of the Year! Because we control the Information Age!

"It's about the many wresting power from the few and helping one another for nothing and how that will not only change the world, but also change the way the world changes."

How cool is that?

Betty the Boxer Mix

One of my "jobs" now at the assistance dog organization I volunteer for is to evaluate the new dogs that come into the program, including rescues. One of the first dogs on my list was a 1 1/2 yr. old boxer/lab mix now called Betty. She was scheduled to be euthanized until someone called us about her.

Betty did fairly well on the temperament testing portion of our evaluation. She enjoyed being handled, noises didn't startle her, she was confident and not food or toy aggressive. On the trainability section, she did just OK. She wasn't very food motivated and she was more interested in other dogs than in humans. We need service dogs that want to work and please and who love food.

I'm happy to say that Betty and I have found her weakness when it comes to food:  dried chicken breast jerky from Sam's Club. No one knows her background, but I'd bet she's never had chicken breast that didn't come from a garbage can.

Betty has also learned to trust humans. She bops over to me when I or the other trainers call her. She's not like your average lab/retriever who loves to work. But, I suspect that will improve a bit over time.

I've never been a rescuer of anything. But, I'm pretty proud of Betty. She's going to have a great life -- whether she makes it through the program, or not. There are about 4 people on the waiting list to adopt her if she flunks out. So either way, her future looks brighter than it did before I met her.

Top Ten Dog Gifts for Christmas

I really should be out shopping for humans, but that's no fun! Here are my top ten picks for gifts for your dog (OK, maybe you'll like them, too!).

1. C’Mere
When you call your dog inside as he’s playing in the mud, does he act like he’s deaf? If your dog doesn’t come when called try the new C'mere Audible Target. Using simple, positive conditioned response training techniques, your pet can be trained to come instantly when the C'mere is activated. The hand-held unit emits a high pitched "chirp" that both you and your dog can hear. The manufacturer claims it can be heard by dogs for over 100 yards. I’ve tried this with my dogs and it works!! It’s amazing how fast they come running. And if that’s not enough, the unit includes a flashlight for late night poop pick-up (it’s not very bright) and 
a personal alarm activated by pulling on the cord which was inconveniently demonstrated by my son at a recent holiday dinner party. The dogs were following him around like he had liver!

19.95
www.twomutz.com

2. Loopies
My dogs love their Loopies. There is something about the squishy and plus loops that make them want to carry it everywhere. It’s big, about 8 inches in diameter. The manufacturer states that it is not a chew toy and please use under supervision. Colors
Assorted. The manufacturer also makes many other very cool dog toys.

10.95
www.doggonegood.com
www.loopiestoys.com

3. Wubba Wubbas
The incredibly dog-popular Wubba Wubba combines a tennis ball (which gives the toy weight so that you can throw it a distance) and a giant squeaky ball. Roxi, my service dog-in-training carries hers around everywhere. Its outrageous design makes the Wubba Wubba great for dogs to fling around and toss into the air. The Wubba Wubba is 17" long and 4" in diameter at its widest point; a perfect size for medium and large dogs. The Wee Wubba is made from two squeaky balls and is 8" long and 2" wide at its widest point; it's perfect for smaller dogs or for a toy that you can keep in your pocket while you train. Comes in bright royal blue and red.

7.95 – 11.95
www.cleanrun.com

4. IQube II Cagey Cube Puzzle Plush Dog Toy
If you have a poodle or dog that’s nearly as smart, then you have to get an IQube II. Inside the cage-like square are 5 squeaker shapes: jack, ball, cylinder, square, and triangle. This is a toy that challenges and develops your dog's confidence and puzzle-solving skills as he attempts to remove the squeaker shapes from the cube. I love to watch my point-nosed poodles stuff their noses inside and shake their heads like crazy until they free their prize. You need to help your dog learn how to use the toy properly (otherwise the dog could become frustrated and chew on the toys and ruin them). You also need to be there to replace the squeaker toys once they have been removed. Machine-washable fabric is made with safe, non-toxic materials.

9.95
www.cleanrun.com

5. Tuffies
I volunteer for a prison puppy training program and the inmates were looking for tough toys for their lab and golden puppies. I found Tuffies and they have worked great. They have 2 layers of industrial grade nylon backing underneath the soft fleece outer for strength, and are stitched twice crosswise and twice linear to withstand chewing and abuse.  Stuffed with non-toxic fiber, edged with heavy-duty grade webbing.  Each toy has multiple squeakers with a protective pouch around each one for extra safety and a quieter squeak toy, plus it rattles. They float, and are great for toss or tug games.  Machine washable, air dry.

Junior  7"     8.50
Large 10"   12.95
www.doggonegood.com

6. Itty Bitty Buddy Biscuits
Itty Bitty Buddy Biscuits are an all natural, low-calorie, small crunchy biscuit (a mini version of the Buddy Biscuit).  My dogs love them and they are cute! Each biscuit is about the size of of a woman's pinkie and they hold up good in pockets. I hate treats that crumble and stink up my jackets. NO corn, soy, sugar, dairy, artificial flavors or sweeteners and there are wheat free flavors. Flavors: Bacon & Cheese
Chicken
Peanut Butter (wheat free)
Veggie (wheat free).

8 ounce box: 4.50
8 lb. box: 30.00 
www.doggonegood.com

7. Bungee Ball Tug Dog Toys
If your dog loves to shake toys, he’ll love the way the Bungee Ball flings around My dogs swing it  back and forth so that the tennis balls whack them in the head! The Regular Bungee Ball Tug is made from 1" soft-touch nylon webbing and has standard size tennis balls. It's 23" long, but it's elastic core allows it to stretch to 30". The Mini Bungee Ball Tug is made from 1/2" nylon webbing and the balls are 2" in diameter. It's 13" relaxed and stretches to 21".

11.95 – 12.95
www.cleanrun.com

8. Cuz Dog Toys
Cuz dog toys are another great toy for tough chewers. Cuz rubber squeaky dog toys are made of thick-walled, heavy-duty rubber and finished with a long-winded squeaker. Available in Good Cuz and Bad Cuz characters in three sizes: Small is 2.5", Medium is 4", and Large is 5". Assorted colors.

2.95 – 5.95
www.cleanrun.com

9. Microfiber Towel
I know there are a lot of microfiber towels on the market, but this one works better than any I’ve tried. I keep it by the back door and it cleans muddy paws thoroughly. A special Aquitex microfiber is ultra-absorbent and draws water and dirt from your pet's coat. It’s very thick and mine has lasted forever!. Color
Red




Large  19 x 39: 17.50

X/Large  29 x 55: 29.50
www.doggonegood.com

10. Kong Stuff'n TOTs
Kong Stuff'n TOTs are a few calories each and very small. This liver based treat is great for training or as treats for small dogs .The shape is cylindrical and consistent, so they are easy to work with.  Dogs love the taste and they are low fat and gluten-free.  Their smell is moderately strong (part of the reason dogs love them!). Packaged in a resealable bag.

NO wheat, corn or soy
NO artificial ingredients
NO preservatives
YES low fat

7.69
www.doggonegood.com