Wrigley
Tucker fka Canada
Sparky
Smudge fka Champ
Gabby ~ Happy 2nd Birthday!
Ella
Abbie & Gem
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Sunday Sweets
Sunday is full of SWEETS! Each week we will showcase the sweeter side of Cairns. If you have a sweet filled cairn and would like us to consider YOUR picture for an upcoming "Sunday Sweets" send it to us at cpcrnblog@gmail.com! (All photo submissions become the property of CPCRN and may be used for fundraising, promotion and/or outreach purposes.)
Wrigley
Tucker fka Canada
Sparky
Smudge fka Champ
Gabby ~ Happy 2nd Birthday!
Ella
Abbie & Gem
Wrigley
Tucker fka Canada
Sparky
Smudge fka Champ
Gabby ~ Happy 2nd Birthday!
Ella
Abbie & Gem
Saturday, August 20, 2011
CP has TRANQUILITY & FASCINATION
Written by CP's VP of Intakes
I often wonder what thoughts go through the minds of these little furkids when--after years in small crates, producing litter after litter of puppies with little care or concern given to them--they reach freedom and for the first time ever enjoy a bath, a clean, soft place to lay, don't have to fight for food or water. These sound like the very basics and the bare minimum might be considered neglect by our own spoiled little snots who are accustomed to so much more!
The words Tranquility and Fascination come to mind as emotions these new found freedom furkids might experience as they learn to adjust to this new wonderful, yet scary and very different world. I would hope a sense of tranquility would envelope them and in time allow them to relax and feel secure. Fascination, even through their fear, would have to get the better of them simply because they are Cairns and it's their nature to be inquisitive and love to explore.
This week, two female Cairns won their freedom and now will hopefully experience the emotions they are named after.
Tranquility - black brindle, 5 years old, very shy and frightened
Fascination - black brindle, 5 years old, shy and frightened with a cute underbite.
In order for Col. Potter to be able to continue to help Cairns like Tranqulity and Fascination, we need the help of all volunteers, but especially need foster homes right now. The very busy season when dogs are released by breeders is just around the corner. In order to be ready to welcome these Cairns to freedom, we need to have the foster homes, ready and waiting to take them in. If you would like to foster for Col. Potter, please fill out our application online and someone will contact you.
Please help me Welcome Tranquility and Fascination -- your journey to a wonderful happily ever after has just begun girls!
I often wonder what thoughts go through the minds of these little furkids when--after years in small crates, producing litter after litter of puppies with little care or concern given to them--they reach freedom and for the first time ever enjoy a bath, a clean, soft place to lay, don't have to fight for food or water. These sound like the very basics and the bare minimum might be considered neglect by our own spoiled little snots who are accustomed to so much more!
The words Tranquility and Fascination come to mind as emotions these new found freedom furkids might experience as they learn to adjust to this new wonderful, yet scary and very different world. I would hope a sense of tranquility would envelope them and in time allow them to relax and feel secure. Fascination, even through their fear, would have to get the better of them simply because they are Cairns and it's their nature to be inquisitive and love to explore.
This week, two female Cairns won their freedom and now will hopefully experience the emotions they are named after.
Tranquility - black brindle, 5 years old, very shy and frightened
Fascination - black brindle, 5 years old, shy and frightened with a cute underbite.
In order for Col. Potter to be able to continue to help Cairns like Tranqulity and Fascination, we need the help of all volunteers, but especially need foster homes right now. The very busy season when dogs are released by breeders is just around the corner. In order to be ready to welcome these Cairns to freedom, we need to have the foster homes, ready and waiting to take them in. If you would like to foster for Col. Potter, please fill out our application online and someone will contact you.
Please help me Welcome Tranquility and Fascination -- your journey to a wonderful happily ever after has just begun girls!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Emergency Long Distance Downs from Taming the Wildside Dog Training
Contributed by Taming the Wildside Dog Training
or click here to watch on youtube
Thank you Terri Elkins, trainer at Taming the Wildside in Fort Worth, Texas, for sharing this with us. Please visit Taming the Wildside's blog by following this link.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Taming Tip from Taming the Wild Side Dog Training
Contributed by Terri Elkins, Owner / Trainer -
Taming the Wild Side Dog Training
Note from from CP Blogger: We would like to thank Terri Elkins for allowing us to post her weekly taming tips on our blog. Her training facility is located in Fort Worth, Texas.
Taming Tip #18:
Practice one behavior that your dog already knows, but add distance to it. Such as, "coming when called", "sit", or "down". Reward your dog for performing the behavior and staying as you increase the distance, but remember to increase the distance slowly and do not always add distance but "Ping Pong" your distance. You "Ping Pong" distance by taking two steps away, four steps away and then only take one step away, then you might go five steps away, keep the number of steps random and do not always increase, make it easier for your dog by decreasing the distance, and keep the number of steps random. Remember to click and treat to help your dog succeed
Each week we'll share a Taming Tip for you, your family and friends to do with your dog(s)! These tips will help teach your dog real world manners in a fun way. Leave us a comment and tell us how it went!
Please follow this link to visit their blog!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
CP foster Dividend arrives in Texas!
Contributed by Dividend's foster mom
There's a new girl in town. I picked up little Dividend this morning from Miss Kim's husband, who was nice enough to bring Divi home from her spa week. She is much sturdier looking than I expected from the report of severe tick infestation when she came in. She was good for my husband, and kept her crate dry last night. I gave her a little shower, and then we did some brushing. No vermin at present, but her hair is VERY thin/almost moth eaten in places. She investigated the toy bed and selected an orange snake to drag around. She wasn't thrilled about picture taking. This was the best I could do.
She seems like a sweet girl. I hope my guys don't ruin her.
Amy in Texas is fostering Dividend who will be available for adoption after her evaluation period.
There's a new girl in town. I picked up little Dividend this morning from Miss Kim's husband, who was nice enough to bring Divi home from her spa week. She is much sturdier looking than I expected from the report of severe tick infestation when she came in. She was good for my husband, and kept her crate dry last night. I gave her a little shower, and then we did some brushing. No vermin at present, but her hair is VERY thin/almost moth eaten in places. She investigated the toy bed and selected an orange snake to drag around. She wasn't thrilled about picture taking. This was the best I could do.
She seems like a sweet girl. I hope my guys don't ruin her.
Amy in Texas is fostering Dividend who will be available for adoption after her evaluation period.
Wacky Wednesday!
Wednesday is the day to be WACKY! Each week we will showcase a terrierific cairn picture with an appropriate caption. If you have a terrierific cairn and would like us to consider YOUR picture and caption for an upcoming "Wacky Wednesday" send it to us at cpcrnblog@gmail.com! (All photo submissions become the property of CPCRN and may be used for fundraising, promotion and/or outreach purposes.
A big shout out to Stella, for being our Wacky Wednesday model this week!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Back to School Anxiety
Lowcountry Dog Magazine
by Erin Thomas
So, you’ve gotten used to the kids being home all summer. The hustle and bustle, the midday grilled cheese sandwiches, a yard full of neighborhood playmates- what a fun time of year! But guess who else was used to having the extra company at home? Yep, your pup! Now that the house is empty and the kids have gone back to school, it’s like an empty-nest syndrome, except that the remaining occupant of the home is busy chewing the remote control and the couch!
The simple fact is that dogs are pack animals. It's natural for them to want to be with companions, canine or human. If the family's schedule changes and a dog finds himself alone for longer periods, he definitely may experience loneliness or anxiety.
"Any living being can have a hard time transitioning from a care-free life of fun, games, and cavorting outdoors all day with loved ones to being suddenly all alone inside the house with little to do," says Dr. Kat Miller, assistant science advisor for the ASPCA.
Separation anxiety can spark many different behaviors, including chewing or scratching at windows and doors, excessive barking, compulsive grooming, chewing or tearing up furniture or household items, excessive drooling, and even soiling the owner’s belongings. Most of these behaviors typically occur within the first hour of the owner leaving the pet. Although pet owners may believe that their pet is trying to punish them for leaving them alone, the dog is actually experiencing panic.
So, what can you do to make Fido feel better- and to stop the destructive behaviors? Have no fear, there is hope! Here are some helpful tips:
- Always tell your dog goodbye (or Ciao or Ta-ta or anything as long as it’s always the same!) every time you leave him. The idea is to condition your dog to hearing the phrase often and knowing that you always return later.
- Leave clothes with your scent on them around the house for an added sense of security while you’re gone.
- Leave the television or radio on while you’re gone. Human voices can provide reassurance that humans still exist during your absence.
- Hire a professional pet sitter for midday play-and-potty visits. Not only will this give you peace of mind, but it will give your pup the added human interaction, as well as the extra exercise!
- Leave your dog with an interactive toy (a Kong filled with peanut butter, for example) to help keep him busy, especially during the first hour after your departure when he’s most anxious.
- As difficult as it sounds, ignore the dog for several minutes before leaving the house and when you return. Excessive excitement (or consoling) will only emphasize that there’s a reason for him to be upset and may add to his anxiety.
- “Give your pet plenty of exercise and interaction when your family is home, or in the morning before he'll be left alone, and feed him breakfast afterwards,” suggests Dr. Bonnie Beaver, Executive Director of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. "An important equation to learn is: tired muscles + full belly = a relaxed, sleepy pet.”
We all know just how tough it is to leave our four-legged companions at home, especially when you know that they suffer in your absence. Luckily, with a bit of knowledge and care, you can help make the periods of separation much easier. And best of all, getting your kids involved will not only make them feel as if they’re contributing to Fido’s care, but it will help Fido not miss those dog days of summer quite as much!
Erin Thomas is the owner of Summerville’s Lowcountry Pet Sitters, the area's premier in-your-home pet care service. For more information, please visit www.LCPetSitters.com or call 843-327-7487.
by Erin Thomas
So, you’ve gotten used to the kids being home all summer. The hustle and bustle, the midday grilled cheese sandwiches, a yard full of neighborhood playmates- what a fun time of year! But guess who else was used to having the extra company at home? Yep, your pup! Now that the house is empty and the kids have gone back to school, it’s like an empty-nest syndrome, except that the remaining occupant of the home is busy chewing the remote control and the couch!
The simple fact is that dogs are pack animals. It's natural for them to want to be with companions, canine or human. If the family's schedule changes and a dog finds himself alone for longer periods, he definitely may experience loneliness or anxiety.
"Any living being can have a hard time transitioning from a care-free life of fun, games, and cavorting outdoors all day with loved ones to being suddenly all alone inside the house with little to do," says Dr. Kat Miller, assistant science advisor for the ASPCA.
Separation anxiety can spark many different behaviors, including chewing or scratching at windows and doors, excessive barking, compulsive grooming, chewing or tearing up furniture or household items, excessive drooling, and even soiling the owner’s belongings. Most of these behaviors typically occur within the first hour of the owner leaving the pet. Although pet owners may believe that their pet is trying to punish them for leaving them alone, the dog is actually experiencing panic.
So, what can you do to make Fido feel better- and to stop the destructive behaviors? Have no fear, there is hope! Here are some helpful tips:
- Always tell your dog goodbye (or Ciao or Ta-ta or anything as long as it’s always the same!) every time you leave him. The idea is to condition your dog to hearing the phrase often and knowing that you always return later.
- Leave clothes with your scent on them around the house for an added sense of security while you’re gone.
- Leave the television or radio on while you’re gone. Human voices can provide reassurance that humans still exist during your absence.
- Hire a professional pet sitter for midday play-and-potty visits. Not only will this give you peace of mind, but it will give your pup the added human interaction, as well as the extra exercise!
- Leave your dog with an interactive toy (a Kong filled with peanut butter, for example) to help keep him busy, especially during the first hour after your departure when he’s most anxious.
- As difficult as it sounds, ignore the dog for several minutes before leaving the house and when you return. Excessive excitement (or consoling) will only emphasize that there’s a reason for him to be upset and may add to his anxiety.
- “Give your pet plenty of exercise and interaction when your family is home, or in the morning before he'll be left alone, and feed him breakfast afterwards,” suggests Dr. Bonnie Beaver, Executive Director of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. "An important equation to learn is: tired muscles + full belly = a relaxed, sleepy pet.”
We all know just how tough it is to leave our four-legged companions at home, especially when you know that they suffer in your absence. Luckily, with a bit of knowledge and care, you can help make the periods of separation much easier. And best of all, getting your kids involved will not only make them feel as if they’re contributing to Fido’s care, but it will help Fido not miss those dog days of summer quite as much!
Erin Thomas is the owner of Summerville’s Lowcountry Pet Sitters, the area's premier in-your-home pet care service. For more information, please visit www.LCPetSitters.com or call 843-327-7487.
Monday, August 15, 2011
What's that Lump?
Lowcountry Dog Magazine
by Daniel IslandVet on Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011
by Daniel IslandVet on Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011
Dogs and cats are notorious for developing lumps and bumps on their bodies over their lifespans. {Ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, and rodents are not immune to lump (mass) formations either}. Many of these are benign growths, and often self-resolving, but some may be malignant or infectious in nature so an accurate diagnosis is warranted.
We recommend any new swelling or growth on your pet be examined as soon as possible once detected. We will examine the mass by visual inspection and by palpation. Some common growths may be identified by gross examination alone, for example, oral papillomas and sebaceous adenomas. However, the vast majority of growths need to also have a microscopic evaluation to obtain a diagnosis. This is accomplished by a Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) of the mass.
Fine needle aspiration is performed in the clinic during most routine exams and sedation is very rarely needed. A small gauge needle is inserted into the growth and gently maneuvered within it. Gentle suction is often applied to a connected syringe. The maneuvering of the needle and the suction help to obtain a sample of the cells that make up the growth. The sample is then delivered onto a slide which is allowed to dry, then stained, and viewed under the microscope. General veterinary practitioners are able to make confirmed diagnoses a vast majority of the time. There are some instances where suspect diagnoses need to be sent to a veterinary pathologist for further identification and/or confirmation.
I try to inform pet owners ahead of time that growths may be “wall-to-wall” cells, so obtaining and observing a cell sample is relatively easy in that case. However, there are many growths where the cells may not exfoliate well or the growth may be more like a blueberry muffin and the abnormal cells are the blueberries that we are attempting to “blindly poke”. In these scenarios we may not always get a diagnostic sample (even after repeated sticks with the needle) and so we’ll often recommend that a surgical biopsy or complete excisional biopsy should be performed.
It’s important to pay attention to any new growth/lump/bump/swelling on your pet and have it examined as soon as you can. We will often be able to give you a diagnosis of what it is the day we check it out and then lay out a recommended treatment plan. Many times we’ll recommend “watchful neglect”, but there are those lumps that may be cancerous or painful to your pet and so the sooner we diagnose the sooner we can manage it.
Many of these are benign growths, and often self-resolving, but some may be malignant or infectious in nature so an accurate diagnosis is warranted.
Daniel Island Animal Hospital is a small animal veterinary clinic located in Charleston, SC on Daniel Island. They focus on general medicine and wellness including surgery, dentistry, radiology, and emergency care for dogs, cats, and small mammals. Teri Macklin, of Island Dog Cuts, provides grooming for dogs and cats in the facility. Their team is dedicated to personalized patient care and friendly client service.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
His name is Earl!
Written by a CP Intakes volunteer
Please help me welcome Col. Potter's EARL. This adorable four year old wheaten boy was found last fall running loose on a busy street. Luckily, he was friendly and a dog loving woman was able to catch him. Despite doing all she could to reunite him with his owners, she was not able to do so. She and her husband fell in love with him and kept him. Fate had other things in mind though, and he wasn't able to stay. This loving family reached out to Col. Potter, hoping we could take him in and find him a wonderful home. CP said yes!
Earl is friendly, loves to play ball, run through the water sprinkler, and enjoys a good belly rub. He will be a wonderful addition to a very lucky family.
Please help me welcome Col. Potter's EARL. This adorable four year old wheaten boy was found last fall running loose on a busy street. Luckily, he was friendly and a dog loving woman was able to catch him. Despite doing all she could to reunite him with his owners, she was not able to do so. She and her husband fell in love with him and kept him. Fate had other things in mind though, and he wasn't able to stay. This loving family reached out to Col. Potter, hoping we could take him in and find him a wonderful home. CP said yes!
Earl is friendly, loves to play ball, run through the water sprinkler, and enjoys a good belly rub. He will be a wonderful addition to a very lucky family.
Sunday Sweets
Sunday is full of SWEETS! Each week we will showcase the sweeter side of Cairns. If you have a sweet filled cairn and would like us to consider YOUR picture for an upcoming "Sunday Sweets" send it to us at cpcrnblog@gmail.com! (All photo submissions become the property of CPCRN and may be used for fundraising, promotion and/or outreach purposes.)
Radar
Finnegan & Miri Meadow
Chance (fka Jumbo)
Carmen
Radar
Finnegan & Miri Meadow
Chance (fka Jumbo)
Carmen
Saturday, August 13, 2011
ADDED DIVIDEND TO CP's BALANCE THE BUDGET
Written by CP's VP of Intakes
While the federal government finally came to an agreement on the US budget, the stock market across the globe has reacted with a wild ride the last few days. Investors have had to fasten their seat belts once again and prepare for losses in their portfolios. Col. Potter, on the other hand, managed to reap a Dividend yesterday amid the chaos on Wall Street.
The final member of the Balance the Budget kids finally made her way to the safety and security of Col. Potter. Little Dividend was not able to join CP a couple of weeks ago because she had recently whelped a litter of puppies and had to stay behind to care for them and wait until they were weaned to earn her freedom. We were not able to bring her puppies into CP, but they will all be heading for family pet homes shortly.
Please help me welcome Dividend, an adorable little 3 year old black brindle girl to the Col. Potter family.
My thanks to Don S. who provided the ride to freedom for Dividend.
This just goes to show that CP will always endeavor to deliver a Dividend to our bottom line ...
While the federal government finally came to an agreement on the US budget, the stock market across the globe has reacted with a wild ride the last few days. Investors have had to fasten their seat belts once again and prepare for losses in their portfolios. Col. Potter, on the other hand, managed to reap a Dividend yesterday amid the chaos on Wall Street.
The final member of the Balance the Budget kids finally made her way to the safety and security of Col. Potter. Little Dividend was not able to join CP a couple of weeks ago because she had recently whelped a litter of puppies and had to stay behind to care for them and wait until they were weaned to earn her freedom. We were not able to bring her puppies into CP, but they will all be heading for family pet homes shortly.
Please help me welcome Dividend, an adorable little 3 year old black brindle girl to the Col. Potter family.
My thanks to Don S. who provided the ride to freedom for Dividend.
This just goes to show that CP will always endeavor to deliver a Dividend to our bottom line ...
Friday, August 12, 2011
A lucky girl joins CP!
Written by CP's VP of Intakes
Sometimes it takes a little longer for some furkids to find their way into the loving arms of Col. Potter. Sometimes love just isn't enough when a family's circumstances change and they find themselves in an emergency situation and need Col. Potter to step in immediately. That's what happened to this little girl and how her life has been intertwined with CP for the past few years.
It all started a couple of years ago when a neighbor of Kathy and Barney's answered an ad for a free female Cairn. They had seen Kathy and Barney's pack in the yard and thought they were neat little dogs. They didn't have this little girl home two minutes when she yanked her leash out of their hands and was off to the races. Immediately Kathy and Barney jumped in to help and luckily she was caught and returned to the family. Over the next couple of years, Kathy and Barney mentored the family and beat the drum to get her spayed in their efforts to keep this little girl safe, always offering CP's help if needed.
The family was unexpectedly asked to move out of their rental home a week ago and could only find a different rental to fit their needs that would not allow dogs. Then this weekend it became urgent that they find somewhere for her to go within 24 hours or they would be forced to take her to the shelter today. Yesterday this little girl said a sad good-bye to her former family and joined the CP family.
Please help me welcome Besame, meaning "kiss me" in Spanish. Sometimes it's our volunteers who make the difference in a little Cairn's life and that certainly was the case for Besame!
Sometimes it takes a little longer for some furkids to find their way into the loving arms of Col. Potter. Sometimes love just isn't enough when a family's circumstances change and they find themselves in an emergency situation and need Col. Potter to step in immediately. That's what happened to this little girl and how her life has been intertwined with CP for the past few years.
It all started a couple of years ago when a neighbor of Kathy and Barney's answered an ad for a free female Cairn. They had seen Kathy and Barney's pack in the yard and thought they were neat little dogs. They didn't have this little girl home two minutes when she yanked her leash out of their hands and was off to the races. Immediately Kathy and Barney jumped in to help and luckily she was caught and returned to the family. Over the next couple of years, Kathy and Barney mentored the family and beat the drum to get her spayed in their efforts to keep this little girl safe, always offering CP's help if needed.
The family was unexpectedly asked to move out of their rental home a week ago and could only find a different rental to fit their needs that would not allow dogs. Then this weekend it became urgent that they find somewhere for her to go within 24 hours or they would be forced to take her to the shelter today. Yesterday this little girl said a sad good-bye to her former family and joined the CP family.
Please help me welcome Besame, meaning "kiss me" in Spanish. Sometimes it's our volunteers who make the difference in a little Cairn's life and that certainly was the case for Besame!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
10 Things every Dog Owner should Know Part 2
Lowcountry Dog Magazine
6. Body language is the dog's primary mode of communication.
Dogs rely heavily on body language to communicate, and a person’s body language can easily be misinterpreted. If a dog jumps on you and you respond by pushing it down with both hands, the dog may think you want to play, in much the same way it would play with other dogs. When people greet a dog, they often do not consider whether or not the dog actually wants to meet the person.
7. You can teach an old dog new tricks.
Although we cannot teach dogs to reason, we can teach them to “think.” Dogs are continuous learners and have good memories. The three things that primarily influence a dog’s behavior are association, instinct and experience. Dogs recall information with associative stimuli, such as similar situations. People cannot explain to a dog—as they would to a child—not to eat food off the floor. The only way for a dog to learn that lesson is for the owner to correct it immediately using voice sounds and body language as soon as the dogs tries to eat the food. By conditioning your dog and effectively showing it what you consider good and bad behavior, you can help any dog change its behavior.
8. Bad behaviors may be natural, but they do not have to be normal.
Most people consider digging, chewing and jumping as unacceptable dog behavior. To dogs, however, these are natural actions. Dogs will do what their instinct tells them unless otherwise trained. To teach a dog what behaviors are and are not acceptable, a dog owner must leverage a dog’s association and experience to directly impact how it behaves. A dog owner needs to associate a dog’s bad behavior with a bad experience, such as a harsh voice tone, and good behavior with a good experience, such as high-pitched praise. In this way, a dog will learn what acceptable behavior is.
9. What is the right way to discipline a dog?
Since dogs cannot reason like humans, they are not deliberately naughty, despite what many people might think. Instead, their behavior is always determined by either instinct or experience. A dog will do only what comes naturally or what it has learned through association; therefore, it is not productive (or even logical) for humans to get angry with a dog. Moreover, physical force is both inappropriate and counterproductive. This includes using your hands for correcting. Since dogs do not have hands, they find that form of discipline to be provocative and threatening. For this reason, dog owners should use their hands as little as possible when training, and when you do, dogs must always associate your hands with gentleness and pleasure. Because dogs learn from association, they will comprehend your message only if it is delivered in a timely manner. A correction must be issued at the precise moment the dog is either contemplating or actually doing something wrong. Sometimes it may be difficult to catch your dog in the act, but you can create situations that will cause a dog to misbehave and then correct it on the spot.
10. Do dogs sense the world differently than humans?
Dogs experience the world nose first. Smell is the most dramatic sensory difference between humans and dogs. Dogs have about 25 times more olfactory (smell) receptors than humans do and can sense odors at concentrations nearly 100 million times lower than humans can. A dog’s sense of smell is also closely linked to taste. A dog is so scent sensitive, it is usually the smell not the taste that will cause a dog to reject food before it even enters its mouth. In contrast, humans have 5 times more tastes as dogs and tend to taste something before deciding if they like it. Also, a dog’s eye lacks certain components found in a human eye. As such, dogs see the world in shades of black, white and gray and have better night vision. Visual acuity also varies by breed. Due to the positioning of their eyes, short-nosed dogs can see things in the distance with more depth perception than longer-nosed breeds. Hearing is also acutely developed in dogs. The distance from which it can hear things is 4 times farther than a human. Dogs’ hearing is also selective: they can sleep beside a blaring TV but wake up as soon as they hear something not related to the TV sound. Dogs process only what they want to hear.
Information presented by Amy Clear, Dog Behavioral Therapist & Trainer, Bark Busters.
Bea, Zander and Neha
(Continued from yesterday, please scroll down to see Part 1)
6. Body language is the dog's primary mode of communication.
Dogs rely heavily on body language to communicate, and a person’s body language can easily be misinterpreted. If a dog jumps on you and you respond by pushing it down with both hands, the dog may think you want to play, in much the same way it would play with other dogs. When people greet a dog, they often do not consider whether or not the dog actually wants to meet the person.
7. You can teach an old dog new tricks.
Although we cannot teach dogs to reason, we can teach them to “think.” Dogs are continuous learners and have good memories. The three things that primarily influence a dog’s behavior are association, instinct and experience. Dogs recall information with associative stimuli, such as similar situations. People cannot explain to a dog—as they would to a child—not to eat food off the floor. The only way for a dog to learn that lesson is for the owner to correct it immediately using voice sounds and body language as soon as the dogs tries to eat the food. By conditioning your dog and effectively showing it what you consider good and bad behavior, you can help any dog change its behavior.
8. Bad behaviors may be natural, but they do not have to be normal.
Most people consider digging, chewing and jumping as unacceptable dog behavior. To dogs, however, these are natural actions. Dogs will do what their instinct tells them unless otherwise trained. To teach a dog what behaviors are and are not acceptable, a dog owner must leverage a dog’s association and experience to directly impact how it behaves. A dog owner needs to associate a dog’s bad behavior with a bad experience, such as a harsh voice tone, and good behavior with a good experience, such as high-pitched praise. In this way, a dog will learn what acceptable behavior is.
9. What is the right way to discipline a dog?
Since dogs cannot reason like humans, they are not deliberately naughty, despite what many people might think. Instead, their behavior is always determined by either instinct or experience. A dog will do only what comes naturally or what it has learned through association; therefore, it is not productive (or even logical) for humans to get angry with a dog. Moreover, physical force is both inappropriate and counterproductive. This includes using your hands for correcting. Since dogs do not have hands, they find that form of discipline to be provocative and threatening. For this reason, dog owners should use their hands as little as possible when training, and when you do, dogs must always associate your hands with gentleness and pleasure. Because dogs learn from association, they will comprehend your message only if it is delivered in a timely manner. A correction must be issued at the precise moment the dog is either contemplating or actually doing something wrong. Sometimes it may be difficult to catch your dog in the act, but you can create situations that will cause a dog to misbehave and then correct it on the spot.
10. Do dogs sense the world differently than humans?
Dogs experience the world nose first. Smell is the most dramatic sensory difference between humans and dogs. Dogs have about 25 times more olfactory (smell) receptors than humans do and can sense odors at concentrations nearly 100 million times lower than humans can. A dog’s sense of smell is also closely linked to taste. A dog is so scent sensitive, it is usually the smell not the taste that will cause a dog to reject food before it even enters its mouth. In contrast, humans have 5 times more tastes as dogs and tend to taste something before deciding if they like it. Also, a dog’s eye lacks certain components found in a human eye. As such, dogs see the world in shades of black, white and gray and have better night vision. Visual acuity also varies by breed. Due to the positioning of their eyes, short-nosed dogs can see things in the distance with more depth perception than longer-nosed breeds. Hearing is also acutely developed in dogs. The distance from which it can hear things is 4 times farther than a human. Dogs’ hearing is also selective: they can sleep beside a blaring TV but wake up as soon as they hear something not related to the TV sound. Dogs process only what they want to hear.
Information presented by Amy Clear, Dog Behavioral Therapist & Trainer, Bark Busters.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
10 Things every Dog Owner Should Know - Part 1
Lowcountry Dog Magazine
At Planet Bark, we feel that education is important and each month we pick topics that we find relevant to our clients and offer them opportunities to ask questions and receive information. We do this in several ways; we have a bulletin board that we post informative information on in our resorts, we provide handouts and written materials for our clients to take with them, and we offer free quarterly seminars to our clients and the community on an array of topics related to their dog and dog behaviors.
Since there is a plethora of things that every dog owner should know, we tried to narrow it down to ten. A lofty goal, but we tried none the less! If you have a questions, please feel free to comment on this post and we will get back to you shortly with our response.
1. A dog is a dog.
Some people assume their dogs communicate the same way that humans do and, therefore, they try to communicate with dogs the way they would with another person. This is the greatest misconception of many dog owners. Although domesticated for thousands of years, dogs in the wild have always lived in packs. Today, dogs live by the same rules and exhibit many of the same behavioral patterns as their wild ancestors. Therefore, as dog owners, you need to realize dogs have different needs; to effectively train your dog, you must first understand its instinctual pack behavior.
2. All dogs think in terms of the pack.
In the wild, dogs have always lived in packs. They instinctively know that living with others, under the leadership of a dominant member of the pack, enhances their chances for survival. Therefore, pack animals not only want to live with others, but they also are content having leaders who are strong, consistent and fair. As a dog owner, one of your responsibilities is to learn and model these characteristics so that you will be accepted as the pack leader. Thus, your dog will learn to respect and obey you.
3. Dogs don't understand English.
To believe your dog fully understands human-based communications is as unreasonable as thinking you know everything your dog is trying to say when it barks. A dog’s communication is limited primarily to barking, growling and other guttural sounds, and they also rely heavily on body language. By understanding how dogs communicate, you will avoid the mistake of telling your dog one thing while your body language and voice sound tells it something completely different.
4. Dogs are not spiteful.
Dog owners often say, “My dog chewed the furniture because I left him home alone.” There are a number of reasons why dogs misbehave, but spite is not one of them. Although many people want to believe that dogs think like humans, dogs do not. They have only two sections to their brain and, therefore, have limited ability to reason. Thus, they cannot disobey out of spite. Knowing the real reasons why dogs misbehave requires understanding how they think and learn. Dogs react in a way that makes sense in their environment. When a dog disobeys, it is usually for one of three reasons: 1) it does not understand what you want, 2) it does not consider you its leader, or 3) it is suffering from some kind of stress or fear. By understanding the true nature of dogs, you will be better prepared to diagnose problems or behaviors of your dog.
5. What makes some dogs aggressive?
One of our favorite sayings is, “You can take the dog out of the wild, but you cannot take the wild out of the dog.” This means simply that the dog’s natural instincts are never far below the surface. Sometimes this behavior manifests itself as aggression because a dog will do only what its natural instincts tell it to do unless trained otherwise. The most common cause of aggression is fear of the unknown, that is, whatever the dog cannot understand or does not recognize as normal. A dog’s response to fear is instinctual. When a dog becomes frightened, it will do one of two things: fight or take flight. One breed of dog is not necessarily more aggressive than any other. The diminutive Chihuahua can be just as aggressive as the larger German shepherd. The only real difference is the amount of fear we perceive based on a dog’s size and its ability to cause harm. As dog owners, one of our responsibilities is to condition our dog daily to reinforce dominance (leadership) over the dog. Leadership increases our ability to control and teach our dogs what is and is not acceptable.
Bea, Zander and Neha
At Planet Bark, we feel that education is important and each month we pick topics that we find relevant to our clients and offer them opportunities to ask questions and receive information. We do this in several ways; we have a bulletin board that we post informative information on in our resorts, we provide handouts and written materials for our clients to take with them, and we offer free quarterly seminars to our clients and the community on an array of topics related to their dog and dog behaviors.
Since there is a plethora of things that every dog owner should know, we tried to narrow it down to ten. A lofty goal, but we tried none the less! If you have a questions, please feel free to comment on this post and we will get back to you shortly with our response.
1. A dog is a dog.
Some people assume their dogs communicate the same way that humans do and, therefore, they try to communicate with dogs the way they would with another person. This is the greatest misconception of many dog owners. Although domesticated for thousands of years, dogs in the wild have always lived in packs. Today, dogs live by the same rules and exhibit many of the same behavioral patterns as their wild ancestors. Therefore, as dog owners, you need to realize dogs have different needs; to effectively train your dog, you must first understand its instinctual pack behavior.
2. All dogs think in terms of the pack.
In the wild, dogs have always lived in packs. They instinctively know that living with others, under the leadership of a dominant member of the pack, enhances their chances for survival. Therefore, pack animals not only want to live with others, but they also are content having leaders who are strong, consistent and fair. As a dog owner, one of your responsibilities is to learn and model these characteristics so that you will be accepted as the pack leader. Thus, your dog will learn to respect and obey you.
3. Dogs don't understand English.
To believe your dog fully understands human-based communications is as unreasonable as thinking you know everything your dog is trying to say when it barks. A dog’s communication is limited primarily to barking, growling and other guttural sounds, and they also rely heavily on body language. By understanding how dogs communicate, you will avoid the mistake of telling your dog one thing while your body language and voice sound tells it something completely different.
4. Dogs are not spiteful.
Dog owners often say, “My dog chewed the furniture because I left him home alone.” There are a number of reasons why dogs misbehave, but spite is not one of them. Although many people want to believe that dogs think like humans, dogs do not. They have only two sections to their brain and, therefore, have limited ability to reason. Thus, they cannot disobey out of spite. Knowing the real reasons why dogs misbehave requires understanding how they think and learn. Dogs react in a way that makes sense in their environment. When a dog disobeys, it is usually for one of three reasons: 1) it does not understand what you want, 2) it does not consider you its leader, or 3) it is suffering from some kind of stress or fear. By understanding the true nature of dogs, you will be better prepared to diagnose problems or behaviors of your dog.
5. What makes some dogs aggressive?
One of our favorite sayings is, “You can take the dog out of the wild, but you cannot take the wild out of the dog.” This means simply that the dog’s natural instincts are never far below the surface. Sometimes this behavior manifests itself as aggression because a dog will do only what its natural instincts tell it to do unless trained otherwise. The most common cause of aggression is fear of the unknown, that is, whatever the dog cannot understand or does not recognize as normal. A dog’s response to fear is instinctual. When a dog becomes frightened, it will do one of two things: fight or take flight. One breed of dog is not necessarily more aggressive than any other. The diminutive Chihuahua can be just as aggressive as the larger German shepherd. The only real difference is the amount of fear we perceive based on a dog’s size and its ability to cause harm. As dog owners, one of our responsibilities is to condition our dog daily to reinforce dominance (leadership) over the dog. Leadership increases our ability to control and teach our dogs what is and is not acceptable.
Part 2 tomorrow!
Wacky Wednesday!
Wednesday is the day to be WACKY! Each week we will showcase a terrierific cairn picture with an appropriate caption. If you have a terrierific cairn and would like us to consider YOUR picture and caption for an upcoming "Wacky Wednesday" send it to us at cpcrnblog@gmail.com! (All photo submissions become the property of CPCRN and may be used for fundraising, promotion and/or outreach purposes.)
A big shout out to Carmichael, for being our Wacky Wednesday model this week!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
May I Pet Your Dog?
American Dog Magazine
By Doug and Elizabeth Simpson
Owners of Tenderfoot Training
We are asking all people who encounter someone else's dog to please be courteous enough to ask permission to pet someone else's dog, and be respectful of what people ask of you. Unfortunately, some folks just don't listen and always want to counter with "It's fine, animals like me" or "I have a way with dogs, its okay." It doesn't matter that dogs love you and you have never been bitten before, there's always a first time for everything. We know it is exciting to meet a new dog, especially if you are a dog lover. Unfortunately, most people feel driven to approach with high energy and have to touch the dog immediately. This can cause many adverse reactions from an unbalanced dog.
You don't know the 'dognality' of this four-legged standing in front of you. Is this a balanced and nice dog? Does he seem likely to jump up? Is he nervous and likely to bite? Is he mouthy or aggressive? Ask the guardian about his dog before you approach a new dog and please respect their wishes. When greeting a new dog there is a correct way to approach - see the American Dog Magazine's, fall of '08, article Minding Your Canine Manners by Tenderfoot Training for more details.
The way you approach a dog matters; your energy, getting closer (distance), facing the dog, bending over towards the dog, and eye contact can be forms of pressure which feeds into the dog in a good or bad way.
Think about it, if a stranger came rushing at you, hugged you and stroked your hair, then kept starring into your eyes as he spoke gibberish to you, you would find that very creepy, and depending on your personality you might get scared, or you might try to push that person off of you. Well, that's just what a dog is doing when he stiffens, growls, or worst yet - snaps at you.
The responsibility lies with both parties when encountering each other, so to the dog owner we ask, please have the confidence to ask someone not to approach your dog, or teach them how to approach your dog. Most of all, teach your dog to feel comfortable in the world.
Teach your friends, old and new, how to greet your dog. If someone asks to pet your dog, you could answer by saying, "Thank you so much for asking, but he is too nervous right now and I am working on his training." You could even ask them to walk by a few times and toss a treat towards the dog so they are helping to socialize the dog but not actually approaching him. That way it's a win-win - the dog gets a positive experience with a stranger and the person gets to interact with the dog.
Or you could say, "So great that you asked, I would love to have you pet him but I need your help first. He is a bit nervous and I am working on his training, so could you please (whatever helps make your dog more comfortable around strangers)." Then explain to the person that sideways body language is calmer to a dog, have them squat down beside the dog, ask them to avert their eyes until the dog seems interested, and then have them stroke the dog evenly when all seems calm. Set everyone up for success. It is the human's job to ensure that his dog feels safe in the world, and the world is safe with his dog. This is accomplished through cooperation between all people and their dogs working together to stay safe and create harmony.
For more information: Doug and Elizabeth Simpson
www.tenderfoottraining.com
By Doug and Elizabeth Simpson
Owners of Tenderfoot Training
We are asking all people who encounter someone else's dog to please be courteous enough to ask permission to pet someone else's dog, and be respectful of what people ask of you. Unfortunately, some folks just don't listen and always want to counter with "It's fine, animals like me" or "I have a way with dogs, its okay." It doesn't matter that dogs love you and you have never been bitten before, there's always a first time for everything. We know it is exciting to meet a new dog, especially if you are a dog lover. Unfortunately, most people feel driven to approach with high energy and have to touch the dog immediately. This can cause many adverse reactions from an unbalanced dog.
You don't know the 'dognality' of this four-legged standing in front of you. Is this a balanced and nice dog? Does he seem likely to jump up? Is he nervous and likely to bite? Is he mouthy or aggressive? Ask the guardian about his dog before you approach a new dog and please respect their wishes. When greeting a new dog there is a correct way to approach - see the American Dog Magazine's, fall of '08, article Minding Your Canine Manners by Tenderfoot Training for more details.
The way you approach a dog matters; your energy, getting closer (distance), facing the dog, bending over towards the dog, and eye contact can be forms of pressure which feeds into the dog in a good or bad way.
Think about it, if a stranger came rushing at you, hugged you and stroked your hair, then kept starring into your eyes as he spoke gibberish to you, you would find that very creepy, and depending on your personality you might get scared, or you might try to push that person off of you. Well, that's just what a dog is doing when he stiffens, growls, or worst yet - snaps at you.
The responsibility lies with both parties when encountering each other, so to the dog owner we ask, please have the confidence to ask someone not to approach your dog, or teach them how to approach your dog. Most of all, teach your dog to feel comfortable in the world.
Teach your friends, old and new, how to greet your dog. If someone asks to pet your dog, you could answer by saying, "Thank you so much for asking, but he is too nervous right now and I am working on his training." You could even ask them to walk by a few times and toss a treat towards the dog so they are helping to socialize the dog but not actually approaching him. That way it's a win-win - the dog gets a positive experience with a stranger and the person gets to interact with the dog.
Or you could say, "So great that you asked, I would love to have you pet him but I need your help first. He is a bit nervous and I am working on his training, so could you please (whatever helps make your dog more comfortable around strangers)." Then explain to the person that sideways body language is calmer to a dog, have them squat down beside the dog, ask them to avert their eyes until the dog seems interested, and then have them stroke the dog evenly when all seems calm. Set everyone up for success. It is the human's job to ensure that his dog feels safe in the world, and the world is safe with his dog. This is accomplished through cooperation between all people and their dogs working together to stay safe and create harmony.
For more information: Doug and Elizabeth Simpson
www.tenderfoottraining.com
Monday, August 8, 2011
Introducing Megalyn!
Written by a CP Intakes volunteer
Can you imagine the fear an 11 year old cairn felt when she was confiscated from her home by strangers, taken to a vet, shaved, poked and then back into a van and dropped off at a county animal control shelter? That’s exactly what happened to little Megalyn.
According to the shelter personnel, there was a small kitchen fire and when the fire department arrived and saw the condition of the home (feces everywhere, empty dog food bags, dirty water) and a terribly matted, filthy little dog, they contacted animal services. Someone at the shelter vet’s office cut away the mats so they could get a better assessment of her condition before taking her to the shelter. Fortunately, animal services contacted us asking if we could take her and thanks to Col Potter, we did. If we couldn’t have taken her, I doubt she would have made it out alive.
Megalyn arrived today at our vet for her spa week. She is still somewhat frightened and confused, but seems to have that wonderful cairn spirit. When she was let out of her travel crate, she looked around for a few minutes and then trotted off with the vet tech ready to begin her new life.
Welcome little girl! Your lovely coat will grow back and you’ll have plenty of good food, clean water and all the comforts of a loving home that you deserve.
Can you imagine the fear an 11 year old cairn felt when she was confiscated from her home by strangers, taken to a vet, shaved, poked and then back into a van and dropped off at a county animal control shelter? That’s exactly what happened to little Megalyn.
According to the shelter personnel, there was a small kitchen fire and when the fire department arrived and saw the condition of the home (feces everywhere, empty dog food bags, dirty water) and a terribly matted, filthy little dog, they contacted animal services. Someone at the shelter vet’s office cut away the mats so they could get a better assessment of her condition before taking her to the shelter. Fortunately, animal services contacted us asking if we could take her and thanks to Col Potter, we did. If we couldn’t have taken her, I doubt she would have made it out alive.
Megalyn arrived today at our vet for her spa week. She is still somewhat frightened and confused, but seems to have that wonderful cairn spirit. When she was let out of her travel crate, she looked around for a few minutes and then trotted off with the vet tech ready to begin her new life.
Welcome little girl! Your lovely coat will grow back and you’ll have plenty of good food, clean water and all the comforts of a loving home that you deserve.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
CP LITERATURE FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT
Written by CP's VP of Intakes
There are several different mediums to enjoy fine literature. There is nothing like spending a lazy summer afternoon relaxing under the shade of a tree enjoying a good book or collection of prose, or there is the excitement of enjoying a live performance at the theater. No matter which genre you prefer, all forms endeavor to captivate you with a story.
Recently, three little Cairns found their way to literary history in the loving arms of Col. Potter, each with their own story to tell. In their cases, the story has just begun because the best chapters lie ahead of them ... their future of freedom, love and a happily ever after will complete each of their stories.
So, sit down, relax and get ready to enjoy CP Literature:
We are in need of foster homes for Literature. They are being boarded and vetted on the east coast, so would prefer to find foster homes on the east coast so we can ground transport. However, if we can't find enough foster homes on the east coast, then we will have to fly them to foster homes farther away. If you do not already foster for Col. Potter, please fill out the online foster form if you are able to foster one of these precious furkids or another one that may be in need of a foster home.
There's nothing like good Literature to enjoy, and I know these three are destined to become classics!
There are several different mediums to enjoy fine literature. There is nothing like spending a lazy summer afternoon relaxing under the shade of a tree enjoying a good book or collection of prose, or there is the excitement of enjoying a live performance at the theater. No matter which genre you prefer, all forms endeavor to captivate you with a story.
Recently, three little Cairns found their way to literary history in the loving arms of Col. Potter, each with their own story to tell. In their cases, the story has just begun because the best chapters lie ahead of them ... their future of freedom, love and a happily ever after will complete each of their stories.
So, sit down, relax and get ready to enjoy CP Literature:
Novel: Male, born 7/14/07, red wheaten with black ears
Poem: Female, born 7/24/05, wheaten
Drama: Female, born 8/7/05, wheaten with black ears and will celebrate her 6th birthday next Sunday in FREEDOM
We are in need of foster homes for Literature. They are being boarded and vetted on the east coast, so would prefer to find foster homes on the east coast so we can ground transport. However, if we can't find enough foster homes on the east coast, then we will have to fly them to foster homes farther away. If you do not already foster for Col. Potter, please fill out the online foster form if you are able to foster one of these precious furkids or another one that may be in need of a foster home.
There's nothing like good Literature to enjoy, and I know these three are destined to become classics!
Sunday Sweets
Sunday is full of SWEETS! Each week we will showcase the sweeter side of Cairns. If you have a sweet filled cairn and would like us to consider YOUR picture for an upcoming "Sunday Sweets" send it to us at cpcrnblog@gmail.com! (All photo submissions become the property of CPCRN and may be used for fundraising, promotion and/or outreach purposes.)
Neha & Zander
Munchkin and Kenzie
Marzi & Roni
Lucky
Fergie
Neha & Zander
Munchkin and Kenzie
Marzi & Roni
Lucky
Fergie
Saturday, August 6, 2011
CP'S OWN VERSION -- BALANCE THE BUDGET!
Written by CP's VP of Intakes
Debt ceilings, fiscal responsibility, budget cuts, additional taxes, good faith bargaining--no matter what side of the aisle you favor, let's hope the politicians can put aside their party differences and come to an agreement soon!
While the world holds its breath to see how this will all play out, Col. Potter already has Balance the Budget. No, this is not a statement on the financial well-being of CP, but rather a statement of how CP continues to help the Cairns in need. Balance the Budget are four little Cairns who found safety and security in the loving arms of Col. Potter from some very hot and harsh conditions.
I am pleased to introduce CP's version of Balance the Budget!
These furkids are all getting some much needed vetting and spa treatment this week before moving to their foster homes this weekend. My thanks to the volunteers who had a very long trip to get these kids and a smelly drive home.
Remember Col. Potter can only help as many Cairns as we have the resources for including both foster homes and finances. Please consider becoming a foster home and Balance the Budget thanks you for your financial support!
Debt ceilings, fiscal responsibility, budget cuts, additional taxes, good faith bargaining--no matter what side of the aisle you favor, let's hope the politicians can put aside their party differences and come to an agreement soon!
While the world holds its breath to see how this will all play out, Col. Potter already has Balance the Budget. No, this is not a statement on the financial well-being of CP, but rather a statement of how CP continues to help the Cairns in need. Balance the Budget are four little Cairns who found safety and security in the loving arms of Col. Potter from some very hot and harsh conditions.
I am pleased to introduce CP's version of Balance the Budget!
Debit: Female, wheaten with dark tips, 4 years old
Revenue: Male, dark brindle, 6 years old
Credit: Female, light wheaten, dark muzzle, 10 months old
Fiscal: Male, dark brindle, 6 years old
These furkids are all getting some much needed vetting and spa treatment this week before moving to their foster homes this weekend. My thanks to the volunteers who had a very long trip to get these kids and a smelly drive home.
Remember Col. Potter can only help as many Cairns as we have the resources for including both foster homes and finances. Please consider becoming a foster home and Balance the Budget thanks you for your financial support!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Chain joins CP!
Written by a CP Intakes volunteer
Some cases Col. Potter's Intake Team tries to bring a cairn but ends up closing without an intake--another rescues stepped up, the owners changed their mind, the shelter adopted out locally, etc. In some cases, we try to work with the owners to help them handle the "cairn spirit". The “easy” cases we deal with come into CP within a week or two. Then there are cases that are a little harder to maneuver, bouncing back and forth between all scenarios. This was one of those cases.
CP was needed, then not, then again we were, and then again we weren’t. Everyone wanted to help, but nothing was working out. For weeks, while everyone was in a scramble, a 1-year-old male cairn was chained, outside, in the South. Some days the temperature got to over 100 degrees! Finally, early this week, CP got the go ahead from his owner to take him in.
Within 2 days, with a little outside help, we were able to get him off of that chain, out of that heat, into an air conditioned home, and 12 hours later, he was at the vet’s office for his week long spa stay.
I’d like everyone to give Chain a big, cool CP welcome. Little guy deserves that, and much more.
Some cases Col. Potter's Intake Team tries to bring a cairn but ends up closing without an intake--another rescues stepped up, the owners changed their mind, the shelter adopted out locally, etc. In some cases, we try to work with the owners to help them handle the "cairn spirit". The “easy” cases we deal with come into CP within a week or two. Then there are cases that are a little harder to maneuver, bouncing back and forth between all scenarios. This was one of those cases.
CP was needed, then not, then again we were, and then again we weren’t. Everyone wanted to help, but nothing was working out. For weeks, while everyone was in a scramble, a 1-year-old male cairn was chained, outside, in the South. Some days the temperature got to over 100 degrees! Finally, early this week, CP got the go ahead from his owner to take him in.
Within 2 days, with a little outside help, we were able to get him off of that chain, out of that heat, into an air conditioned home, and 12 hours later, he was at the vet’s office for his week long spa stay.
I’d like everyone to give Chain a big, cool CP welcome. Little guy deserves that, and much more.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Please welcome "McNally" to the CP family!
Contributed by a CP Intakes Volunteer
McNally is a 2 year old fellow! Not much is known about this boy as he was picked up as a stray. He was found on the street where his leash was tangled up on a fence, which in a way was his saving day. He must have been someone’s pet because he had a collar, harness and leash on him but, no one came to claim him. The shelter has a contract with a local vet to house pets if they are filled up so, again he was lucky not to have to go to the shelter.
CP was contacted and on the day he was to be euthanized CP stepped in to take ownership of him. He was able to stay at the vet office for his neuter/vetting. This vet office was very helpful in working with us to save this boy! Thanks again to all the volunteers of CP that give not only of their time but, their money to help save cairns in need or cairns like McNally would not be here. I’m sure he will be ready in no time for a forever family that will love him and be happy to claim him as their own!!
A big welcome to McNally!!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Pilots and Paws!
Contributed by a CP Volunteer
Vinny and his pilot
Yes, a member of the Transports team, is our contact person with them. She got us connected, and we actually used them when I had a puppy here, Vinny, that needed to get to his foster-to-adopt home in TX. The foster to adopt home drove up to friend's house in Arkansas and spent the night, and a pilot in Sullivan flew him to AR to meet them. There was another dog we also used them with out east, but I don't remember who it was as I wasn't involved with it.
It's hard to coordinate them into a leg of a transport for a number of reasons. Contact time is a factor - Intakes e-mails Transports, Transports searches for pilots in the area and then e-mails them (most people don't read their e-mail multiple times daily like CRM people do), they e-mail back with more info on where they could fly to, then we look for people that could pick up in that area and contact them. Conversing back and forth like that in search for a destination that will work for them/us can take a week in itself - it's a lot of work putting the pieces together using another group. They usually need more notice than what we can give them to get it arranged (we usually can give only a week's notice for the coming weekend, and many times they've got full schedules for weeks). We don't want a dog sitting in boarding for an extra week or two. Then if the weather is bad (last minute notice for us), they can't fly so we have a hole in the transport to scramble to fill. They also can't really give a time frame of how long the flight will take because it depends on the wind and such, so we have trouble setting up the person at the other end as we don't want them sitting at an airport for hours before driving the next leg of the transport. Most fly small planes and can only go about 2.5-3 hours before they need to stop for gas. Most small planes aren't heated/cooled, so you can't fly unless temps are right, for both the comfort of the dog and the humans.
So while they could do a distance in a much shorter time than driving it, we lose that benefit in the lag time involved of the unknowns and the limits to the airports they can use. It would be super if it was a one leg/flight move for a dog, but it usually doesn't work that way. I think Vinny's pilot said he flies about 100 MPH if I remember right, in his little plane.
So while it's a great program, all the factors have to be in the right place, and it just hasn't "fit" many times into getting CP kids moved.
Hope that makes sense.
Vinny and his pilotQuestion: does Col. Potter ever use Pilots and Paws for Transports?
It's hard to coordinate them into a leg of a transport for a number of reasons. Contact time is a factor - Intakes e-mails Transports, Transports searches for pilots in the area and then e-mails them (most people don't read their e-mail multiple times daily like CRM people do), they e-mail back with more info on where they could fly to, then we look for people that could pick up in that area and contact them. Conversing back and forth like that in search for a destination that will work for them/us can take a week in itself - it's a lot of work putting the pieces together using another group. They usually need more notice than what we can give them to get it arranged (we usually can give only a week's notice for the coming weekend, and many times they've got full schedules for weeks). We don't want a dog sitting in boarding for an extra week or two. Then if the weather is bad (last minute notice for us), they can't fly so we have a hole in the transport to scramble to fill. They also can't really give a time frame of how long the flight will take because it depends on the wind and such, so we have trouble setting up the person at the other end as we don't want them sitting at an airport for hours before driving the next leg of the transport. Most fly small planes and can only go about 2.5-3 hours before they need to stop for gas. Most small planes aren't heated/cooled, so you can't fly unless temps are right, for both the comfort of the dog and the humans.
So while they could do a distance in a much shorter time than driving it, we lose that benefit in the lag time involved of the unknowns and the limits to the airports they can use. It would be super if it was a one leg/flight move for a dog, but it usually doesn't work that way. I think Vinny's pilot said he flies about 100 MPH if I remember right, in his little plane.
So while it's a great program, all the factors have to be in the right place, and it just hasn't "fit" many times into getting CP kids moved.
Hope that makes sense.
If you would like to volunteer to help transport a cairn to its foster home, please click here. No distance is too short and we have needs all over the country!
Wacky Wednesday!
Wednesday is the day to be WACKY! Each week we will showcase a terrierific cairn picture with an appropriate caption. If you have a terrierific cairn and would like us to consider YOUR picture and caption for an upcoming "Wacky Wednesday" send it to us at cpcrnblog@gmail.com! (All photo submissions become the property of CPCRN and may be used for fundraising, promotion and/or outreach purposes.)
A big shout out to Abby and Gem, for being our Wacky Wednesday models this week!
A big shout out to Abby and Gem, for being our Wacky Wednesday models this week!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Lost Cairn Terrier Smokey - on Bainbridge Island, WA
Smokey - have you seen me?
Smokey- help bring me home
Bainbridge Island is an island city in Kitsap County, Washington, United States, located in Puget Sound.
Dog Park Etiquette
Lowcountry Dog Magazine
by Anonymous on Sunday, July 31st, 2011
Bring or use treats and toys when other dogs are nearby
Allow dogs to form packs and to bully one another
Ever let your dog off-leash in an un-fenced dog park if they are not responsive to your verbal commands
Worry if some dogs don’t play with other dogs in a dog park
Association of Pet Dog Trainers. © 2010 APDT, http://www.apdt.com/
by Anonymous on Sunday, July 31st, 2011
Often we get asked at Planet Bark about how we feel about dog parks and our opinions about how other people’s dogs behave at them. We feel that Dog Parks allow dogs a place to exercise and socialize safely, they allow owners to meet people with similar interests, and can be instrumental in promoting responsible dog ownership.
Dogs that are accustomed to playing with other animals and people other than their owners are more likely to be well-socialized and behave appropriately toward strangers. With some basic guidelines to follow, dog parks can be a safe and fun place for both dogs and owners alike.
Guidelines to consider as you make your way to the nearest dog park
Know and understand your dog’s temperament and never assume that they are having a good time- watch your dog’s demeanor and look for behaviors that would be a cause for concern.
Some dogs will have no desire to play, but will enjoy being outside content with nature; other dogs will be excited to meet new friends and will play until it is time to go home. Both types of dogs can benefit from the dog park – they just enjoy it in different ways.
Do
Consult your veterinarian about your dog’s overall health before going to a dog park and make sure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations
Observe the dogs in the dog park to see if there are any potential health or behavior problems
Dogs that are accustomed to playing with other animals and people other than their owners are more likely to be well-socialized and behave appropriately toward strangers. With some basic guidelines to follow, dog parks can be a safe and fun place for both dogs and owners alike.
Guidelines to consider as you make your way to the nearest dog park
Know and understand your dog’s temperament and never assume that they are having a good time- watch your dog’s demeanor and look for behaviors that would be a cause for concern.
Some dogs will have no desire to play, but will enjoy being outside content with nature; other dogs will be excited to meet new friends and will play until it is time to go home. Both types of dogs can benefit from the dog park – they just enjoy it in different ways.
Do
Consult your veterinarian about your dog’s overall health before going to a dog park and make sure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations
Observe the dogs in the dog park to see if there are any potential health or behavior problems
Clean up after your dog
Supervise dogs when they are playing and interrupt any rough play
Be willing to leave if you feel that your dog is being a bully, the play is getting too rough, or your dog is just not having fun
Make sure your young dog is not learning bad manners from the other dogs
Be cautious about taking advice from other park patrons who are not dog professionals
Don’t
Take your dog to a dog park if they are uncomfortable - take them to a place that they enjoy
Supervise dogs when they are playing and interrupt any rough play
Be willing to leave if you feel that your dog is being a bully, the play is getting too rough, or your dog is just not having fun
Make sure your young dog is not learning bad manners from the other dogs
Be cautious about taking advice from other park patrons who are not dog professionals
Don’t
Take your dog to a dog park if they are uncomfortable - take them to a place that they enjoy
Bring or use treats and toys when other dogs are nearby
Allow dogs to form packs and to bully one another
Ever let your dog off-leash in an un-fenced dog park if they are not responsive to your verbal commands
Worry if some dogs don’t play with other dogs in a dog park
Association of Pet Dog Trainers. © 2010 APDT, http://www.apdt.com/
Monday, August 1, 2011
Check in Fido at America's best dog friendly hotels!
Travel and Leisure Magazine by Sherri Nachman
Some lucky dogs not only go on vacation, they also get in-room massages, their own seasonal room service menu, and a welcome gift that they can chew on.
A record 65 percent of American families now own a pet, and many are taking them on vacation. Last year, more than 15 million Americans traveled with their pets, and 8.5 million stayed more than three times in a pet-friendly hotel, according to Pet Friendly, Inc. Hotels are responding to these travelers with dog-friendly perks that provide dogs and their owners with winsome extras, like yoga classes and practical necessities, such as clean-up bags.
According to Len Kain, cofounder of DogFriendly.com, a website that helps connect dog owners with the most welcoming properties, hotels are becoming increasingly accepting of dogs of all sizes. These dog-loving accommodations don’t just tolerate dogs, they embrace them with first-class services. “Luxury properties are creating their own high-end brand of products that appeal to both dogs and their owners,” he says.
Hope Schultz, who has been hitting the road for the last 12 years with her dog, Max, says that’s exactly what she likes about staying at a W Hotel. “They give you and your dog the same level of respect and are gracious whenever you make a dog-specific request.” Schultz, who is the editor in chief of Webvet.com, says that she and Max also like that they both get a treat on their pillows at night — and the fact that the hotel concierge can always lead her to a reputable dog-sitter.
In addition to what is now considered standard fare at dog-friendly hotels — dog beds, dog bowls, etc. — certain properties are offering dogs the chance to have the same five-star experiences as their owners. The Loews Coronado Bay Resort in California gives surfer dudes the chance to share the waves with their dogs during a doggy surfing lesson — a package that also includes doggy board shorts, a surf-and-turf dinner, and a copy of "The Dog’s Guide to Surfing."
Mountain-loving dogs will no doubt enjoy the twice-daily hikes available at the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, Colo., especially since they can end their day with an in-room massage and light bath spritz. The Ritz-Carlton also provides an extensive room service menu with three sumptuous choices for dessert — including liver “kisses.”
After a stay in one of these canine-friendly retreats, your dog will be begging for more than leftovers when he gets home.
You and your pet can each get a treat on your pillow at night
Trump International Hotel & Tower in Chicago provides canines with their own bed, gourmet treats and a water bowl (with bottled water to fill it). There’s also easy access to an outdoor dog park around the Trump Riverwalk.
Some lucky dogs not only go on vacation, they also get in-room massages, their own seasonal room service menu, and a welcome gift that they can chew on.
A record 65 percent of American families now own a pet, and many are taking them on vacation. Last year, more than 15 million Americans traveled with their pets, and 8.5 million stayed more than three times in a pet-friendly hotel, according to Pet Friendly, Inc. Hotels are responding to these travelers with dog-friendly perks that provide dogs and their owners with winsome extras, like yoga classes and practical necessities, such as clean-up bags.
According to Len Kain, cofounder of DogFriendly.com, a website that helps connect dog owners with the most welcoming properties, hotels are becoming increasingly accepting of dogs of all sizes. These dog-loving accommodations don’t just tolerate dogs, they embrace them with first-class services. “Luxury properties are creating their own high-end brand of products that appeal to both dogs and their owners,” he says.
Hope Schultz, who has been hitting the road for the last 12 years with her dog, Max, says that’s exactly what she likes about staying at a W Hotel. “They give you and your dog the same level of respect and are gracious whenever you make a dog-specific request.” Schultz, who is the editor in chief of Webvet.com, says that she and Max also like that they both get a treat on their pillows at night — and the fact that the hotel concierge can always lead her to a reputable dog-sitter.
In addition to what is now considered standard fare at dog-friendly hotels — dog beds, dog bowls, etc. — certain properties are offering dogs the chance to have the same five-star experiences as their owners. The Loews Coronado Bay Resort in California gives surfer dudes the chance to share the waves with their dogs during a doggy surfing lesson — a package that also includes doggy board shorts, a surf-and-turf dinner, and a copy of "The Dog’s Guide to Surfing."
Mountain-loving dogs will no doubt enjoy the twice-daily hikes available at the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, Colo., especially since they can end their day with an in-room massage and light bath spritz. The Ritz-Carlton also provides an extensive room service menu with three sumptuous choices for dessert — including liver “kisses.”
After a stay in one of these canine-friendly retreats, your dog will be begging for more than leftovers when he gets home.
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