COULD THIS BE SAFE?

When you watch this video you must ask yourself if you could do this and be safe?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfZMVzckClE

Aggressive dogs are mostly misunderstood. It is fear mismanaged. Yet when they do become aggressive we must rehabilitate them in a safe and humane manner.

The dog in this video is aggressive and there could be many reasons why and I won't go into this just now. Yet, this is a very common occurrence for many dogs and it's very unfortunate. If you take the time to acquaint your dog with a brush, with a grooming table, with his body, ears, mouth, feet, nails, being touched, then grooming, medicating, or any kind of handling of your dog will be respectfully and willingly permitted and often times enjoyed. My dogs rolls over to get groomed.

Often times people don't take this time and the dog suffers, while injuring yourself or someone else in the process. Now we are dealing with undoing aggressive behavior that with just a little preparation time and leadership skills, we would never be having to deal with.

But when it is a reality and your dog needs behavior modification, please make sure that you call in a professional dog behaviorist who will not only be able to help your dog, but also help you become the leader so you can groom your dog or put medication in her ears or whatever you need to do to keep your dog healthy and vibrant.

How did he not poke an eye out with those scissors so close to that dogs eye? Or was that edited out of the shot? Who knows, but what I do know is that dealing with an aggressive dog needs time, patience and a whole lotta know how.

Seek a highly recommended trainer who specializes in humane ways of modifying aggressive behavior.

TRAVELING WITH YOUR DOG

Spring is here and we're all getting spring fever, ready to be in the great outdoors. Good preparation is key to a happy and successful adventure with your family dog.

Checklist:

Weather:
If your are camping... is there a water source for your dog? If not, make sure to include Fido in your plans because he is surely going to be on the go much more than he is at home and given the water shortages, there may be limited water in campgrounds and on backpacking trips. Know the signs of heat exhaustion. Ease into activities so your dog can acclimate herself. Bring portable water/feed bowls that can attach to your hip or backpack.

Car safety:
Make sure your dog is used to the car before you go on a long trip. Take lots of shorter trips in the weeks before travel. Make sure you have good training under her belt, so when you stop at a rest stop your dog is safe and won't jump out of the car. If it's hot and you have to leave your dog in the car for short periods, park in the shade even if it means walking a good distance to your destination. If it's 90 degrees outside, it can warm up to 120 in about 5 minutes. Leave all four windows cracked so that there is ventilation and a water bowl in the car.

Air Travel:
Make sure your dog is crate trained, that is comfortable in a crate for weeks before travel to help lessen anxiety. Don't feed your dog before travel. You don't want him to get sick in his crate and you don't want her to have to go potty. You can feed when you arrive and fasting one meal is actually good for your dog. She'll be much more comfortable. Make sure you have all the necessary health documents before you get to the airport. Arrive in time for one last potty break and ask if you can wait till the last possible minute to board your dog. Less time in the crate the better. Only book a non-stop flight. This will prevent the potential loss of your dog in switching flights, and less handling of the crate and less travel time.

Hiking:
Even if you hike regularly chances are the terrain is different than what your dog may be accustomed to. Beware of rocky trails and cuts on the pads of the feet. Make sure you have an extra leash in case you need to hoist him up a steep trail or help across a rushing stream/river. Bring first aid for you dog as well. Bring portable water/food bowls. Camelbak backpack has extra bladders for water that will fit inside with your own water bladder. Make sure dog has his current tags on in case he gets lost. Please make sure your dog has sufficient training under her belt, so she comes when you call and is well socialized with other dogs and won't bother wildlife.
If you plan on having your dog pack his own food and water, be sure to do some trial runs at home for weeks before travel, so he can get used to the extra weight and learn how to balance on hills around trees and single track trails and swimming.

Wildlife:
If your dog isn't used to wildlife, you can all be in for quite an adventure. Most important is to have a trained dog. LEAVE IT is a good command to know because you can use it when she sees a deer, a cow, even a rattle snake. Know the habits of the wildlife in the area you will be traveling so there won't be any surprises along the way. Know how far you are from the closest emergency vet and bring a first aid kit for your dog as well as yourself.

Hotels:
Many hotels allow dogs and have areas just for you pets. Check online and in books for dog friendly places.

Don't leave your dog in the car overnight, even if you are close by. Bring him into your tent with you at night. Even if your dog is used to the car, staying in a new place can have your dog be on alert and bark at every little sound keeping camping neighbors awake during the night, invite other critters into the site like coyotes and wolves. If your dog is in your tent with you, you will be able to better manage him.

Don't leave his food or water bowl out. This will invite raccoon, bear, deer and other wildlife to your campsite. Don't leave food in your car either, as this can still attract bear.

Bring extra bowls, leashes, food and water as one should always be prepared for anything when traveling.

Happy trails,

jill, the shewhisperer

If you have any further questions, please feel free to twitter at www.twitter.com/shewhispers or comment on this blog.

Managing Fleas and Ticks in a Healthier Way

Find an article on my website about managing fleas and ticks alternatively.

http://www.shewhisperer.com/resources_flea_and_tick.php

This site always has plenty of great information on ways to keep our pets healthy.

www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com

EPA, finally making stricter rules on flea and tick products

Please, before you use any flea and tick products do your homework. Many of these products are the cause of the rise in cancer we now see in our dogs, and cats. They critically impair the immune systems of most, leaving our pets compromised. The EPA is now recognizing the negative effects from skin irritations, to seizures and even death. There are many articles on this, w/in this last week. Just google EPA, flea and tick products and tell everyone you know. If you have any stories that you feel will help bring people on board to NOT use these products, please let me know. We need to help our furry friends, so your support is helpful.

When is a good time to trim your dog for summer?

I'm getting so many queries about the right time to trim your dog. Many folks who live an active lifestyle on trails, in pools, ponds and any kind of travel find it much easier to give their dog a puppy cut. Giving your dog a summer doo helps with brushing out the burrs, preventing mats if they swim a lot, and keeping those muddy paws out of your tent.
I'm not just talking about your typical grooming breeds like Tibetan Terriers, Yorkies, Wheatens, etc, but also Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, little Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and many more. Trimming your dog at the wrong time could expose your dog to very harsh sunburns, or to the lingering cold spring nights.

A great time to trim is usually in mid-April to early May. This is a good time because it's before the ever increasing temps which cause sunburn on their newly exposed hairless back. This will also allow the hair to grow back in time for fall/winter.

Enjoy the warmer weather without compromising her health.

Let me know if you have other concerns or tips you'd like to share or hear more about.

Happy tails