First Time Parents

Sometimes, we can get so caught up in the 'dog world' that we forget that some people out there are "Pet Virgins". (Never owned a pet before). Every now and then I am blindsided by what to me seems like a very simple 'common knowledge' question, and I remember, it isn't common knowledge.

So, here is my first installment geared towards First Time Parents.

First of all I'd like to say Congratulations! And welcome to the wonderful world of pet ownership. This will be a life changing experience for both you and your new pet. There will be hard work but also plenty of happiness.

Now, the first question that needs to be answered is where is your new pet coming from? The answer...Adopt! Adoption saves lives and helps you to be part of the solution and help fight pet overpopulation. Many shelters and rescues will give you a pet that is already spayed or neutered and has already received all of their vaccinations.

Before you choose a pet, do your research. What type of pet will be best for you? What size? What breed? What activity level? When thinking about these questions try not to become too focused on looks or breed type. Ask yourself more important questions like what your life style is like, and look for a pet that suits your needs.

Questions to ask:

What do you see yourself doing with your new pet?

Are you active or a couch potato?

How long are you away from home?

Next, go shopping for all of your new pets needs.

What to buy:

Leash, collar, food,toys, bowls, litter/litter box, crate or carrier...

Yes, your new pet will cost you, so make sure you are ready for the added expenses:

Adoption fee

Vet bills

Emergencies

Food

Heartgaurd

Flea prevention

Toys

Treats

Scratching posts

Litter

Litter boxes

Cleaning supplies

Grooming supplies

Pet deposits

Etc...

Your new pet will also require a time commitment for training, exercise and play.

Pet proof your home, get a vet, make rules and set a routine.

Come back next time when we will discuss feeding, grooming and more!

Pit Bull "Attack"

Recently I was asked to appear on a local news station, to talk about a pit bull 'attack' in the area.

Admittedly, the phone call from the news room was the first I'd heard of the incident. So I looked it up on the good old Internet and this is what I found.

A pregnant woman was walking in a not so nice area of town, when two LOOSE dogs (one thought to be a pit bull and the other a Labrador) "attacked" her. Actually, what happened was that one of the dogs bit the woman on the leg. So, this was a dog BITE not ATTACK. The dogs were captured by Animal Control and no owner has yet been found. Meanwhile the woman was treated, and she and her unborn child are fine.

My question is...how is this news?

I do not know whether or not it was actually the pit that bit the woman or whether or not the dog was actually a pit at all. Also, I have to wonder what the woman may have done...did she try to yell or intimidate the dogs? Did she stare at them? Did she run?

If the news reported on every dog bite that occurred daily, they'd barely have time for the weather and traffic! But of course not every dog bite is news worthy...just the pit bull ones.

It will never cease to amaze me that THIS is news but when we have our Incredibulls events and invite the media out to see 30 pit bulls and their responsible owners all getting along and having a good time...they are not interested.

Amazing...

Trick or TREAT!?

Anyone who knows me knows that Fall is my favorite season, October is my favorite month and Halloween is my Favorite holiday.

As with most of our human celebrations, this holiday freaks our dogs out. Spooky decorations, mom and dad dressed up as unrecognizable ghouls, continuous door bell ringing, and perhaps worst of all, the donning of some horribly embarrassing costume.

Below are some pointers to help you and your dog enjoy a happy and safe Halloween.

-Make sure all chocolate is kept out of reach!

-If you throw a party, make sure everyone knows the 'dog' rules. Or consider keeping your dog in your bedroom during the festivities.

-Get your dog ready for lots of doorbell action. If your dog cannot handle this, you may want to baby gate them away from the door, so they wont be able to get to it.

-Desensitize your dog to their new spooky surroundings. Have a particularly scary decoration? Feed your dog yummy treats in it's presence.

-Get your dog a costume. Normally I am not a fan of dressing up dogs, but this day is my one exception. They may hate it, but it makes for some irresistible pictures!

-Make your dog pumpkin Cookies! Pumpkin is extremely healthy for dogs!

-Take your dog trick or treating with the family. It will be less stressful than staying home, plus an extra walk for your dog is always a good thing.

If any of you have tips of your own, feel free to leave them in the comment section!

And...have a Happy Halloween!

Pit Bull World

Recently, a local radio talk show host who shall NOT remain nameless, Bud Hendinger, spoke on a topic of which he obviously knows nothing about: Pit bulls.

He claims to have the solution to the state of Florida's "Pit Bull Problem."

His "solution" is this: To do the "responsible" thing and ban the breed, but not round them up to be euthanized, oh no, he proposes starting a new theme park called Pit Bull World where people can come to see he savage beasts such as they do at a zoo, and where the dogs can do what they do best; fight each other to the death. Among his other ideas are for everyone who willingly turns in their pit bulls to pit bull word, to receive a voucher that they can take to their local shelter to get a free 'other' dog of their choice, thereby giving thousands of homeless dogs who really 'deserve' it, a home.

No I'm not kidding and unfortunately, neither was he. It is so scary to think of all of the people out there listening to his insanity, believing it and agreeing with him.

Of course pit bull advocates around the state (and country) have been flooding him with emails, none of which he will probably read.

I of course invited him to my next pit bull education class, though I'm sure he will not come.

The world is indeed a frightening place, and not because of pit bulls, but because of ignorant people with a microphone.

Vick's Broken Wing

As to not devote too much of my life to blogging about Micheal Vick, this entry will be brief.

Yesterday, the Eagles took on the Washington Redskins in Donavon McNabbs highly publicized return to Philly. Overall, the game all but fizzled out.

I am by no means a fan of Washington, however on this occasion I rooted them on with intensity. If Vick is going to be a starting quarter back in the NFL, at least I might see him lose.

Turns out, I got more than I bargained for.

Not too long into the game, Vick took off running, aiming for a touchdown. Right at the goal line he was tackled simultaneously by two defenders. Vick was hurt. He left the field and the game and headed for the locker room. (On a side note, all was for not, as there was a holding penalty on the play!)

At first they thought Vick may have cracked a rib, but X-rays came back negative, looks like just a bruise, but still he never returned to the game, leaving former starter, now Vick back up Kolb to finish the game. The Eagles lost to the Redskins 17-12.

After the game I couldn't help but think...if we played by Vicks rules, he should be 'put down' right? I mean, he was no longer able to compete, and contribute to a win...an "Eagle" with a broken wing that could not fly....a dog with a broken leg that cannot fight....

Lucky for Vick, we crazy "dog people" don't run the NFL. But I can't say the same for those 'crazy Philly fans...they have been known to turn on quarter backs, and are quite possibly the nastiest fans in the league.

I know one thing for sure, they do not like a quarter back that gets injured a lot. A few more stunts like Sunday's and they could be calling for Vicks head.

Well...one can hope anyway...

Extraordinary Dogs with Ordinary Stories

Lately I have been feeling like the world is maybe a bit too caught up in sob stories. Every time we turn on the TV or check our email boxes, we are flooded with sad stories followed by even sadder ones. It seems like shelters and rescues across the country are in constant competition with each other for the biggest sob story. This dog was shot, this one starved and still this one shot and starved!

I know the reason these stories are exploited and I get it, really I do. They are money makers, plain and simple. Also, not being born yesterday I realize that not all of these stories are true. It is a sad reality I know as there are plenty of real tear jerkers to go around, people really needn't make up their own, but they do. The answer as to why again is money.

Please do not think that I am heartless or that I believe that the poor shot/starved dog does not deserve a loving home and a happily ever after because believe me I do. I'm only saying....what about the rest? I know plenty of dogs that have never been fought or abused but have still been abandoned by those they loved and languish in shelters waiting for some one to save them. These dogs may seem quite ordinary, but they need love too.

If you own a former puppy mill, bust or even Vick dog, thank you. But if you, like myself adopted a dog with no particular past traumatic event, then I would also like to say a heartfelt thank you.

The bottom line is: They all need love, they all need care and they all need homes.

Seemly ordinary dogs can become extraordinary in the eyes of their families. So thanks again to all of you who, when it came time to add a dog to your family, chose adoption from your local shelter, wherever that might be. Whatever dog you chose, you made a difference in their life, and that, to me is what is really extraordinary.

I'm a Stage Mom

About a month ago, a photographer friend of mine let me know about an upcoming gig she had. Usually, her photo shoots have one thing in common; people paying her good money to photograph their dog. This time however, a company (DogiPot) was paying her to take pictures of their products, and needed a dog model. They wanted a dog, medium to large build, not black, not white, well trained. Well, that's MY dog!
Although I didn't know I had it in me, I immediately went into 'stage mom' mode and submitted my baby's pictures. Within an hour I had gotten her an audition!
I'd love to say she passed her auditi0n with flying colors, but she did not. She actually charged her auditioner, hackles raised and barking. Luckily he came equipped with doggy steak treats, and she soon changed her tune. After about 15-20 minutes, she had the job!

The big day came, and I wondered how she would do. The shoot lasted about 3 1/2 hours and she was such a trooper! (I'm sure it helped that she had a tent, plenty of water and treats, and of course lots of love and everyone telling her how pretty she was!)
During the shoot it was as if she could read the photographers mind. When she asked her to look up, she looked up when she thought she should sit, she'd sit before the sentence was even finished!
One of the very last shots sent a wave of pride over me. The photographer asked if she'd put her paw on a box of poop bags. I honestly didn't think she would, as she doesn't enjoy having her paws touched. We set up the shot and I took her paw, placed it on the box and asked her to STAY...and she did! Then the photographer asked her if she wanted to go for a WALK and she put her ears up and cocked her head to the side. Evey one in attendance gasped. It was perfect.

So now I'm not only a stage mom, but a proud one. She received compensation (a REAL working model!) and over 6000 doggy poop bags! It was a great experience all together, and I am quite grateful for it. But most of all, I am proud.

Are You Ready?

In case you haven't noticed...Football is back. Fans across the country (and the globe) are apparently quite excited by the fact, as ratings are soaring farther than they have in years. I am not sure if the release of the new book; The Lost Dogs, was timed so near the start of the season on purpose or not, but it just goes to further illustrate the absurdity of the fact that Micheal Vick is once again playing in the NFL.

During the Eagles season opener, starting Quarter Back Kevin Kolb was knocked out of the game with an apparent concussion, so in came Vick.

The Eagles lost the game against the Green Bay Packers (thank GOD) but that didn't stop Vick from making several highlight reels.

I just have to wonder the lesson this all teaches us....

It must be OK to do reprehensible things, and even get caught as long as you say you are 'sorry' (you don't have to actually mean it!). The world will not only forgive you, but actually REWARD you for it. Giving you your job again, paying you royally and acting like those horrible things you did never really happened or at least weren't that bad, because after all, they happened years ago.

I DARE any 'normal' working class person out there to get arrested for something, go to jail for it and then come out and GET YOUR JOB BACK! Most ex-cons have a hard time finding work that involves hard labor or deep frying something let alone a paycheck worth MILLIONS.

I am a dog trainer, therefor I understand dogs pretty well...humans on the other hand...well, that's a whole other animal indeed.

May I Have the Attention of the Class?

Yesterday was the first day of Fall Obedience classes.

So much promise, so much hope, so much work!

As always, we start our program with a people only information session. By the end of the class I already know what dogs are going to be more work than others, even though I haven't met them yet.

As many of you undoubtedly know, teaching a dog to sit, lie down or stay is the easy part. It's teaching their human counterparts to interact with them and community with them effectively that is the real challenge.

Generally I feel the owner with the widest eyes by the end of the class is probably going to be my biggest challenge.

Basic obedience classes will always hold a special place in my heart, because you can really see the change in owners and dogs by the end of the series. The confidence level increases as stress levels decrease for both human and canine.

Wish me luck!

Dog Friendly

Recently I went on a road trip with my Dog. Fun right? Well it was, mostly...

I was traveling in a somewhat rural area of the southern US, and hotels were not as plentiful as I am used to. Finding a dog friendly hotel on my route actually turned out to be impossible. So I ended up driving about an hour out of my way to stay in a La Quinta. (All of the hotels in this chain accept dogs, all sizes, no deposit.)

Although I am a HUGE fan of La Quinta's pet policy, I have to say, our accommodations were less than satisfactory. The lady at the front desk told me she didn't want to say my room number out loud, and wrote it down for me instead. When I asked where I could park my trailer, she told me to park in the back...if I wasn't worried about anything getting stolen! When I pulled around the backside of the establishment I could not believe my eyes. Drug deals and prostitution. Seriously. At this point I was weighing my options of making it to my next destination, a 6 hour drive, before falling asleep at the wheel.

We ended up staying the night, hoping our car would still be there come sun up. Our dog had one of the double beds all to herself, but that didn't last long. The loud music and voices from out side made her nervous, and she soon joined us on our small bed. None of us got much sleep that night.

This all made me ask: Why is it so hard to find a decent pet friendly hotel in ANY location you wish? We drove by several lovely looking places, where we were not welcome, all because we choose to travel with our well behaved dog. Is it really that hard to set aside a room or two in a hotel for dogs? We'll pay our pet deposit. And what's with the size limit? 25lbs is the most common. I have never owned a dog that small in all of my life, why am I being discriminated upon? Just because a dog is small does not mean it is well behaved or less destructive or quieter. It angers me that we are treated like second class citizens because we are 'dog people'. Perhaps I am alone on this one, but I don't think so.

And although this particular La Quinta wasn't the nicest place I've ever stayed, (but maybe the worst), I still feel better about giving them my money, because as a cooperation they do not discriminate. They open their doors to us 'crazy dog lovers' who would rather travel with our loyal companions than leave them behind.

Maybe someday other corporations will catch on that they are missing out on a huge market. Until then, it's a good thing that we are traveling with our "over the normal weight limit" dogs, as we'll need them to feel safe during our 'dog friendly' travels.