He is tan with a black mask and black markings on his tail.  He HAS been spotted and he is now completely shaved down.

If you have seen King, please contact his owner at 832-322-3040- they are heartbroken without him!

PAWS Houston was founded ten years ago based on the knowledge that, in many instances, individuals suffering from a terminal illness experience significant financial burdens.  These burdens often compromise their ability to care for their pets and force them to make undesirable choices regarding these important “family members.”  PAWS Houston recognizes the tremendous bond between humans and their companion animals and seeks to assist individuals-in-need in the preservation of that bond during a critical period in their lives.

Photo courtesy Paws Houston

In the last decade, the medical community has come to recognize the tremendous impact that companion pets have on our lives, especially during a time of illness and convalescence.  The pet’s impact in contributing to the improved outlook of a terminally ill patient is undeniable.  Pets have physical, emotional, social and cognitive impact on people.  They encourage increased exercise and provide sensory stimulation and comfort.  They are often key in decreasing the blood pressure of their human companions and offer a diversion from pain.  Pet ownership is also associated with better perceived control of illness and treatment.

PAWS Houston partnered with Methodist Hospital over 9 years ago to provide patients “a different kind of medicine” by creating the “Hospital Personal Pet Visitation Program.”  PAWS Houston now has a partnership to provide the “Hospital Personal Pet Visitation Program” to “ALL” major hospitals in the Houston Medical Center, which includes:  Methodist Hospital, MD Anderson Cancer Center, M. D. Anderson Pediatric Unit, Memorial Hermann Hospital,  Memorial Hermann Children’s, St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, Texas Children’s and other smaller hospital in the Med Center.

• PAWS Houston “Hospital Personal Pet Visitation Program” was founded on the vision of bringing chronic and terminally ill patients and their own pets together while separated when in hospital.  In essence, patients are given hope and joy to revitalize their mental and physical health by seeing “their own” pet in the hospital, many times allowing comfort and closure when at the end of life.
• Many times patients are unable to walk and care for their pet, but the companionship of that pet is a key element in dealing with the patient’s illness and recovery process.  Their pet is their only “family.”  Pets provide continuous, non-judgmental acceptance and love, a connection to the outside world.  Their pets contribute to an improved outlook of critically or terminally ill patients.

• PAWS Houston Hospital Personal Pet Visitation Program provides patients that are critically ill (and in many cases unlikely to go home) the opportunity to visit with and say goodbye to their own pets in their hospital room.  All patients, excluding those in the bone marrow unit, are eligible for a visit.  Visits were designed to elicit a patient response, help with depression, or to provide closure to a patient at end of life.

Photo courtesy Paws Houston

PAWS Houston has seen companion pets provide such love and comfort to their owner when visiting them in the hospital.  But the most gratifying visits are with the children.  Their face lights up when they see their furry friend and for a moment they forget the hospital environment and pain.  Who more than a child would need the love, support and comfort of their beloved companion pet to help them deal with their illness?  Children with cancer are scared, Texas Children’s and M.D. Anderson Pediatrics have found that a child is able to deal with testing and treatments better if their pet is by their side in the hospital.

When the policy was established over nine years ago at Methodist Hospital, no one knew the significant impact that the policy would have on the patient being allowed to see their best friend and companion pet.  PAWS Houston first visit was to an 83 year old woman suffering from breast cancer.  Her chart in CCU read, “comatose, not eating, no color and no will to live.”  We placed her beloved companion dog on the end of her hospital bed and the dog immediately snuggled on the patient’s chest where the cancer was.  The patient’s eye’s fluttered and she said, “my baby, my child.”  Within 15 minutes, she had become animated, her color returned and she wanted everyone to see her “child.”  The patient went home for another 3 years of very happy life with her pet and when she passed away, her obituary referenced her doggie and angel who has blessed her life.  Each visit is special and over the years, PAWS has seen many miracles, recoveries, peace and serenity with the patients we have served.

Additional programs and services provided by PAWS Houston to the community:

• In-Home Care – Many times patients are at home but receiving treatment for cancer and too weak to care for their companion pet.  Volunteers from PAWS Houston exercise and care for the companion pet in the home.  PAWS Houston also provides pet food, veterinary services and grooming.
• Foster Care – If the patient has no one to care for their companion pet while in the hospital, PAWS Houston provides foster care for their pets.

Photo courtesy Paws Houston

In 2005 63% of American households own a pet which equates to 69.1 million homes, with 45% owning more than one pet.  Pets play an important role in a person’s life not only when they are healthy, but also when they are facing a life threatening illness.   Many times an individual is hospitalized unexpectedly and then deteriorates once they are in the hospital.  These patients are able to have their “human” family come to the hospital for support and closure, but their animal companions are barred from entering the acute care facility.

At PAWS Houston, we understand the impact that a pet can have on someone’s life.  We are all blessed in many ways, and we know that our beloved pet is a special “gift” from God to us that makes our world a better place.  PAWS Houston is funded only by special events and individual donations.

Come join the fun at PAWS Houston’s Beach Party at the Hotel ZaZa!

Wednesday May 16th from 6pm- 10pm

R.S.V.P. to Scott@pawshouston.org or call 713-840-7297 

MIX 96-5 is throwing the pet event of the year! This FREE 1-day pet festival held at Discovery Green in downtown Houston and celebrates the animal lover in all of us. Round up your pets & family and come on down to Discovery Green for a day filled with on-stage entertainment, pet demonstrations, accessories & services.

WHO: MIX 96-5
WHAT: Pet-A-Palooza
WHEN: May 12, 2012 1p-4p
WHERE: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney Houston, TX 77010

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About CBS RADIO
CBS RADIO, one of the largest major-market radio operators in the United States, is a division of CBS Corporation and owns and operates 130 radio stations, the majority of which are in the nation’s top 50 markets. CBS RADIO owns and operates MIX 96-5 KHMX-FM, 100.3 KILT-FM, HOT 95-7 KKHH-FM, Mega 101 KLOL-FM and SportsRadio 610 KILT-AM, as well as the Texans Radio Network broadcast on 100.3 KILT and SportsRadio 610 in Houston, TX. 

Spring has sprung here in Houston!  Many of you have grand plans for re-landscaping, especially after last year’s drought left most of our gardens and yards with much to be desired.  But before you start planting, do a little research to find out what kind of dangers might be lurking in your yard.  Many beautiful plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees pose a harmful and even fatal threat to our dogs and cats.  A quick visit to the ASPCA’s website showed an overabundant amount of toxic foliage commonly found around us.

Most of us know to avoid sago palms and lilies, but did you also know aloe vera, azaleas, and English ivy also need to be avoided?  How about daffodils and tulips?  And elephant ears, wisteria, and tomato plants?  In fact, there are reports of over 700 plants that have been identified as toxic or harmful to pets.  It is highly recommended you learn what not to plant in your own yard or garden and to familiarize yourself with many of the toxic plants you might encounter at parks, along your walk route, even your neighbor’s yard!  If your dog or cat doesn’t seem interested in chewing on plants or foliage, still do your homework.  Various plants have different levels of toxicity.  Be sure you make an informed decision before planting something dangerous.  Know what dangers to avoid when you are out and about with your pet, and keep them safe.  For a full list (including photos) check out http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/.

Sago Palm

Very popular in Houston, this plant can be very harmful to pets. If ingested, the leaves and seeds can cause vomiting, bloody stools, damage to the stomach lining, severe liver failure and, in many cases, death.

Castor Bean

This plant contains a highly toxic glycoprotein called ricin and ricicine, an alkaloid found in both the seeds and leaves. When ingested lack of appitite, drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, severe bloody diarrhea, abdominal straining, weakness, trembling, drop in blood pressure, and sudden collapse may be seen. This plant has a very narrow margin of safety; only a small amount ingested can result in severe poisoning. Death can occur with even a very small ingestion of the beans.

Azalea

A common landscaping plant in Houston, azaleas can have serious effects on pets. Eating even a few leaves can result in vomiting, diarrhea and excessive drooling; without immediate veterinary attention, the pet could fall into a coma and possibly die.

Dumb Cane

Popular in many homes and offices, Dumb Cane (also known as dieffenbachia) can cause intense oral irritation, drooling, nausea, vomiting and difficulty swallowing if ingested.

Pic from www.pittstate.edu

Water Hemlock

Water hemlock, which is also called Cowbane, poison parsnip, or poison parsley, is often referred to as the most violently toxic plant in the United States. Water hemlock is considered a natural wildflower and prefers wet areas, such as irrigation ditches, marshes, damp areas in pastures, and riverbanks. Water hemlock contains the toxins cicutoxin and cicutol, which affect the neurons in the brain and central nervous system. All parts of the plant are poisonous, with the roots containing the highest concentration of the toxin.

Lilies

There are dangerous and benign lilies out there, and it’s important to know the difference. Peace, Peruvian, and Calla lilies contain oxalate crystals that cause minor signs, such as tissue irritation to the mouth, tongue, pharynx, and esophagus – this results in minor drooling. The more dangerous, potentially fatal lilies are true lilies, and these include Tiger, Day, Asiatic, Easter and Japanese Show lilies – all of which are highly toxic to cats!

Daffodil

Daffodil is a name commonly applied to all varieties of Narcissus flowers. Daffodils are highly toxic, especially if the bulb is ingested. They can cause intense stomach problems, resulting in vomiting and diarrhea. When eaten, they can also cause high blood pressure, tremors, and irregular heartbeat. In some cases, ingestion of the bulbs can even be fatal. Daffodils are toxic to both humans and pets.

Hyacinths

Hyacinths share the same symptoms with daffodils when ingested–primarily nausea that leads to vomiting and diarrhea. Also like daffodils, they can be fatal.

Photo by www.guide-to-houseplants.com

English Ivy

English Ivy is a vine plant grown both indoors and outdoors for decorative purposes. It is poisonous to humans, pets, and livestock when ingested. Symptoms include breathing difficulties, convulsions, vomiting, and in extreme cases, paralysis and coma.

Texas Mountain Laurel

The Texas Mountain Laurel is a popular plant because of its purple flowers and artificial grape smell.  Unfortunately, the entire plant is toxic to animals.  The plant contains grayanotoxin. It affects the nervous system as well as skeletal and cardiac muscle.  Common symptoms of poison ingestion include vomiting, diarrhea, profuse salivation, weakness, impaired vision and a slow heart rate.

The Houston Humane Society wants you to Be Alert! Canine Influenza is making headlines once again, and Houston Humane Society wants you to know the facts:

• What is Canine Influenza?  A strain of the influenza A virus known as H3N8, a highly contagious “flu” that is able to cause respiratory illness in dogs.  Canine influenza only affects dogs.  Humans are not at risk of contracting it.
• How serious is canine influenza?  It can be very serious!  Not only is it highly contagious, but virtually all dogs are at risk.  Cases have been reported in 38 states, including Texas.
• What are the signs of canine influenza?  The most common sign is a persistent cough, which makes it very hard to initially diagnose (due to its similarity to what is commonly referred to as kennel cough).  In mild cases, signs can include a low-grade fever, nasal discharge, lack of energy, loss of appetite, and a cough that can last for up to a month.  In more severe cases, a high grade fever and pneumonia can develop.
• Is your dog at risk?  Did it come from a shelter, rescue center, breeder, or pet store?  Do you board your pet at a kennel or go to doggie daycare?  Attend group dog training?  Visit a grooming facility or dog parks?  Enter or attend dog events?  Come into contact with other dogs in the waiting room during visits to the vet?  If so, your pet may be at risk.
• How is it spread?  The same way as human flu: direct contact (touching noses, sharing water bowls & toys), through the air (sneezing & coughing), and via contaminated surfaces.
• How to protect your dog against canine influenza:  There is a vaccine to help protect your dog.  The initial vaccine requires 2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart, followed by annual revaccination.  If your dog is currently vaccinated for kennel cough (bordetella), it is a likely candidate for the canine influenza vaccine.
• The Houston Humane Society offers the canine influenza vaccine at our low cost Wellness Center.  And we feel it is so important that we also vaccinate all of our adoptables upon arrival at the shelter.  For more information about canine influenza, please visit the Houston Humane Society.

About the HHS: The Houston Humane Society is a private, non-profit animal welfare organization dedicated to ending cruelty, abuse and the overpopulation of animals.  The HHS does NOT receive any government funding or operating funds from national animal welfare organizations, and relies solely on donations, special events and program services  For the 6^th consecutive year, the HHS has received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.

PUBLISHER NOTE- We are hearing more and MORE cases of the Canine Flu DAILY!!!  PLEASE keep this in mind if your planning to take your dog to any pet friendly events coming up and either have them vaccinated or LEAVE THEM SAFELY AT HOME! 

]]> http://texasdogsandcats.com/latest-news/family-pets-could-be-at-risk-for-the-flu/feed/ 0 http://texasdogsandcats.com/latest-news/fight-animal-overpopulation-one-collar-at-a-time/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fight-animal-overpopulation-one-collar-at-a-time http://texasdogsandcats.com/latest-news/fight-animal-overpopulation-one-collar-at-a-time/#comments Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:52:07 +0000 admin http://texasdogsandcats.com/?p=3794 Collars For A Cause® Launches to Raise Much-Needed Awareness and Funds to Fight Animal Overpopulation!

For many years Houston has been dealing with the devastating effects of animal overpopulation. Each day, countless animals roam the streets, homeless, hungry and frightened or end up in shelters. In a seemingly endless cycle, many of these animals are euthanized because there are simply not enough homes. Houston-based charity, the Spay Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) has been working for more than 18 years to stop this cycle by providing free and low-cost sterilization services to the community, preventing the birth of unwanted animals and giving shelter and rescue animals a better chance at adoption. Through their stationary Spay Neuter and Wellness Clinic and their one-of-a-kind mobile clinic SNAP provides free and low-cost options for anyone that wants to do the right thing for their companion animal, but may lack the funds.

This collar to be auctioned off was designed by Missy Johnson and Ron Burns and Carol Quinn from Follow My Lead. Photo by Houston Dog Blog

SNAP would not be able to provide these valuable community resources without the help of the community through donations and participation in their fundraising events, like the Collars For A Cause® Celebration being held Friday, April 13, 2012, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Momentum Volvo at 10150 SW Fwy. in Houston, Texas.

The Collars for a Cause Celebration, presented by LIFE+DOG, Momentum Volvo and Pet Paradise Pet Resorts, is a fun and fabulous evening to share the company of fellow SNAP supporters and animal lovers while enjoying great music, fine food, refreshing drinks, exciting auctions, fun photo ops, and gleaming automobiles! The event not only features a silent auction full of amazing packages and items, it also kicks off the Collars for a Cause collar auction, an online auction of beautiful one-of-a-kind collars custom made by celebrities, designers, artists and dignitaries! The annual event raises much- needed funds to help SNAP provide free and low-cost services to those in the community that need it the most!

“We are thrilled to partner with SNAP and to host this worthwhile event at Momentum Volvo,” said Diane Caplan, e-commerce and marketing director for Momentum Motercars. “Organizations like SNAP are a vital resource to our community, providing low-cost, high-quality healthcare options for Houston’s animals and free services to those in the community who need it the most.”The Collars for a Cause Celebration is sure to be the event of the season! Attendees will have the opportunity to preview the online auction items up close and personal as well as bid on amazing silent auction items featuring some of the most unique and sought after animal products and goodies, as well as valuable sports memorabilia, boutique and restaurant certificates, animal resort packages, custom jewelry and much more! All funds raised benefit SNAP and will be used to improve the quality of life for countless area animals.

“By providing free and low-cost spay and neuter services, SNAP is helping to end the cycle of animal overpopulation in Texas,” said Fred Goldsmith, CEO of Pet Paradise Pet Resorts. “Preventing the birth of unwanted, unloved animals not only decreases the amount of animals that will enter area shelters, it also makes for a happier and healthier companion animal. Pet Paradise is proud to be a part of the solution to animal overpopulation and to support SNAP’s vision of a world where there are no homeless dogs or cats.”

For those unable to attend the celebration, there is still an opportunity to help fight animal overpopulation thanks to the online auction at www.collarsforacause.org, which begins April 13th and runs through May 15. The site features one-of-a-kind collars created by designers, celebrities, artists, and other public figures who are passionate about making a difference for animals throughout the nation. Joining us for 2012 are the inaugural Collars For A Cause designer ambassadors: artist Ron Burns, actress Margaret Cho, actress and singer Jordin Sparks, and designer Elaine Turner. In addition, supporters will have a chance to bid on designs from omg!Yahoo’s Kristen Aldridge, Chrome Canine, Missy Johnson, Broadway stars Orfeh and Andy Karl, television personality Dina Manzo, Annise Parker, Denise Richards, Tori Spelling, and more! The auction provides winning bidders with the opportunity to directly affect the animal welfare crisis while adorning their own walls, or wigglebutts, with incredible art pieces that symbolize working together for the common good of the entire community.

A stunning collar on the auction block designed by Isabella and Ryan Rice of the Houston Dog Blog. Photo by Houston Dog Blog

Collars for a Cause was created by LIFE+DOG Magazine’s founder and publisher Brett Chisholm who has been an avid supporter of SNAP since learning of their impact in the community. “I have personally witnessed the appreciation on the faces of animal guardians who line up early in the morning to receive SNAP’s services at the mobile clinic, which further ignites my passion for making these services available to those who need it the most,” says Chisholm. “Additionally, I think SNAP serves as a great example of what communities across the nation can do to effectively address and eradicate animal overpopulation. With that in mind, we wanted to create this opportunity to engage an entirely new set of people and bring attention to an issue that is often overlooked,” says Chisholm. “We’re so grateful for the support of our sponsors and creative collar designers who are helping us take the message of the importance of spaying and neutering your companion animals to the masses.”

The Collars for a Cause auction begins on Friday, April 13, 2012, and will end on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. This auction provides you with chance-of-a-lifetime opportunities to acquire unique and beautiful objects created by talented people who love animals, so be sure to check them out on the Collars for a Cause website starting on the 13th, or visit the Collars for a Cause page on Facebook for a preview of this year’s designs.

The Collars For A Cause Celebration and auction would not be possible without the generous support of this year’s sponsors which include: LIFE+DOG; Momentum Volvo; Pet Paradise Resorts; Digital Function; Merial; ADP; Office Effects, Inc.; the SNAP Board of Directors; Phylis Anazlone; Capital One Bank; Tito’s Vodka; Nothing Bundt Cakes; Best Friends Animal Society; the Vander Ploeg Family; Friends of BARC,; Joe and Jewell Maida; Kim Hartz Photography; The Upper Hand Salon; Deogi Dog Daycare, Spa and Resort and Texas Dogs & Cats Magazine.

Please join SNAP and their wonderful sponsors in becoming a solution to the animal overpopulation crisis by attending the celebration event in Houston on April 13, 2012, bidding on the incredible collars online, or making a donation to SNAP directly. Event tickets are available for purchase at www.snapus.org and the collars will be available for bidding at www.collarsforacause.org beginning at TIME. To preview this year’s designs visit the Collars for a Cause page on Facebook and visit www.snapus.org to learn more about SNAP and the services they provide.

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About SNAP:

SNAP, the recipient of the 2009 and 2011 Pinnacle Award from the Better Business Bureau, is a 501(c)(3) organization that operates in Houston, and San Antonio, Texas, with a mission to prevent the suffering and death of cats and dogs due to overpopulation, especially in low-income areas. SNAP envisions a world without homeless dogs and cats. Both Houston and San Antonio have expressed the desire to become “no kill” cities in the near future. SNAP recognizes that sterilization programs, which by definition reduce the number of animals that could possibly be born, are essential to these communities’ reaching that desired status. SNAP will focus on helping these cities reach their goal by designing, delivering, promoting, and advancing community-based animal sterilization services. For more information about SNAP and its programs, visit www.snapus.org

About LIFE+DOG:

Debuting in 2011, LIFE+DOG is a lifestyle publication that caters to the dog lover. LIFE+DOG brings together award- winning photography, compelling interviews, innovative content and pertinent information in a fresh new way. Whether integrating their dog’s needs into home decor, searching for great animal-friendly destinations, or staying up to date on the latest national trends, LIFE+DOG guides our readers through “Modern Living with Man’s Best Friend.” www.lifeanddog.com.

About Momentum Volvo:

Momentum Volvo, located at 10150 SW Fwy. in Houston, Texas, offers Volvo’s latest must-have models as well as previously owned automobiles. They serve the entire greater-Houston area as well as the growing number of online automobile consumers. Momentum Volvo understands the internet customer and provides a hassle free internet experience which includes long-distance transactions and shipping to locations throughout the nation as well as overseas. To view available automobiles or to learn more about Momentum Volvo, visit www.momentumvolvo.net or call 800-548-2952.

About Pet Paradise:

Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla. With more than 250 employees, Pet Paradise was formed in 2002 and currently has 16 facilities in operation of which nine are located throughout Florida; three are in Houston, and one each in New Orleans, Plano and Charlotte. The Pet Paradise facilities include spacious dog and cat boarding suites as well as day care and grooming services. For more information visit:www.petparadiseresort.com

In a perfect world, we would all walk our dogs on a six foot leash attached to a plain buckle collar.  For some dogs the six foot leash with a plain buckle collar will work, for others, more specialized equipment is needed.  One of the least known, but most useful, types of collars is a limited slip, or martingale collar.  This kind of collar is also called a greyhound collar.  A Greyhound’s neck is actually wider than its head.  A normal collar would slip off right away.  A limited slip or martingale collar tightens just enough to stay on the dog’s neck.  If your dog has a history of slipping out of his collar, or if you have a dog with a large neck and a not so big head, try a martingale collar.  Many martingale collars do not have a buckle and are designed to slip on and off the dog, however I prefer a martingale collar with a buckle.  With or without a buckle, a martingale collar with tighten just a bit when the leash pulls, keeping your dog safely with you and on leash.

For very small dogs, or very young puppies, I strongly encourage you to use a harness with a strap between the front legs.  Most collars put pressure on a dog’s throat.  Unfortunately, there is a lot of important soft tissue in a dog’s neck.  Young dogs and small dogs can easily have their throat permanently damaged from the use of a collar.  Using a harness with a strap between the front legs places the pressure on the dog’s breast bone. The breast bone is more able to withstand the forces applied during training and walking.  Consequently, the dog is much safer when using a harness.  I walk my cats on leash, and always use a harness for their safety.  If they become frightened, or I accidentally pull on the leash, the harness should prevent any neck damage.

If you have a brachycephalic (short nosed) dog like a Chinese pug, Boston terrier, or French bulldog, be aware that tight collars, pulling on a loose collar, or choke chains can cause eye damage.  Excessive pressure on the neck can cause an eye to pop out of its socket.  Harnesses are strongly recommended for brachycephalic dogs.

For those with large or strong dogs, we must be sure of our ability to control the dog.  Sometimes a plain collar does not offer enough leverage to the dog owner.  A wonderful solution to this predicament – the Gentle Leader – was developed by a veterinarian R. K. Anderson.   A Gentle Leader fits on a dog’s head much like a halter fits on a horse.  Having control over the head gives the person at the other end of the leash much greater control over the dog’s movements.  A number of inventors have developed variations of the head halter.  If you have a large dog that you cannot control, try a head halter.  Each variant has its own idiosyncrasies, be sure to read the directions carefully.  No matter what version of a head halter you try, you should NOT jerk on the leash.

Also available to the pet owner is an old fashioned choke chain, sometimes called a training collar.  A choke chain is well named:  made out of chain, it is designed to choke the dog.  As you might imagine, this type of collar can easily damage a dog’s neck.   While this collar is often called a training collar, it provides very little training.  This old fashioned collar is really designed to use physical punishment.  Now that we know more about animal learning, we know that physical punishment is not necessary for a well-trained dog.

Another old fashioned collar is a pinch collar.  The pinch collar looks a bit like a torture device.  It has lots of prongs that poke into the dog’s neck.  While many people use pinch collars without harm to the dog, this collar can cause serious damage.  If you are having difficulties controlling your dog, a head halter will provide much more control than a pinch collar.

Now that you have chosen a safe and effective collar, head collar or harness for your dog, think about the leash.  While the retractable leashes are very popular, your dog must pull to make them work.  Not the best plan for teaching your dog not to pull on leash.  The retractable leashes are often  unsafe.  With so much length between you and the dog, and the very thin strap, injuries to the human and the dog are easy to come by.  For young dogs, who often bite and grab the leash with their sharp teeth, I usually recommend the fattest, thickest leash you can find.  The sturdier leash is harder to chew into multiple pieces, an important consideration with an active, chewing puppy.  For dog owners who find their hands scratched by nylon leashes, I recommend a leather leash.  Leather is gentle on hands, making the walk a more enjoyable process.

Next month we will begin to teach your dog to walk nicely on a leash.

Tricia Fagan

Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed

DogS Gone Good

www.dogSgonegood.com

trainer@dogSgonegood.com

(713) 557-1949

To add the cue, “sit” to the dog’s behavior of sitting, first have your dog do a few sits.  With your dog on a leash, and a supply of yummy treats, wait.  When your dog does sit, give him a treat.  You may praise your dog for sitting, if you like.  Repeat this a few times.  When your dog is in a steady rhythm of sitting, say “sit” while your dog is standing.  In order for the association to be made between the word “sit” and the dog’s behavior of sitting, you must say sit before he begins to sit.

So, you are saying “sit”, and your dog sits.  Wow!  It looks like your dog knows the meaning of the word sit.  Not so fast.  It will take many repetitions before Fido makes the association between the word and his behavior.  Do this exercise fifteen to twenty five times a day for a week or two.  Fido will begin to understand.

Now we need to teach your dog the word associated with lying down.  As with sit, we need to have the dog lying down frequently.  With your dog on leash, and lots of yummy treats, wait.  Having just received lots of treats for sitting, Fido will sit, and sit and sit.  Don’t worry.  Just continue to wait.  When Fido is lying down quickly, you are ready to add the cue.  When Fido is sitting or standing, say, “down”.  Wait!  When your dog is lying down, give him a treat.  Repeat, repeat, repeat.

Again, it looks like your dog understands the word down.  He doesn’t, not yet anyway.  Practice sit and down every day.  Sometimes, start with fifteen to twenty five sits, and other times start with fifteen to twenty five downs.

Now that your dog sits, you can turn that behavior into something very useful, for example, sit at the door.  So many people call me, “My dog runs out the door when it is opened!”  If you teach your dog to sit every time the door is opened, you will not have to worry about losing him.

To ensure your dog’s safety while training, you will need a long leash.  A really long leash!  The faster your dog is, the slower you are, the longer the leash should be.  The leash prevents the dog from running out the door when you open it.  You can usually find twenty to fifty foot leashes at local pet stores.  A retractable leash will not work, you need an old fashioned leash.  Attach the long leash to your dog’s harness before attempting to teach sit at the door.  Treats in hand, and your twenty to fifty foot leash dragging on the ground, go to the door of your home.  Ask your dog to sit, and give him a treat when he sits.  While your dog is sitting, take one step toward the door.  If your dog remains in a sit, give him a treat.

Did your dog get up from his sit?  Try again, but be sure to take only one step.  Reward your dog when he successfully remains in a sit.  What?  He still did not remain in a sit?  Try lifting one of your feet, then put it back.  Was your dog successful?  Yeah!  Reward him.  If your dog is successful with you lifting one of your feet off the ground, try one step toward the door.  A tiny step.  Reward your dog each time he is successful.  Try again when he is not.  Slowly increase your movements toward the door.

When you are close enough, touch the door.  Reward Fido for remaining in a sit.  Next, touch the door handle, again rewarding your dog for staying in his sitting position.  Wiggle the door handle, give the dog a treat for sitting.  Open the door a fraction of an inch, close the door, reward your dog for staying.  Gradually open the door wider and wider, giving the dog a treat each time he succeeds.

Should your dog try to go out the door, step on your long leash, preventing him from enjoying  a romp around the neighborhood.  Practice until you can open the door, even go outside, and your dog remains in a sit.  Use the long leash until you are certain your dog will stay.  Congratulations!  You are on your way to a well behaved dog.

Tricia Fagan

Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed

DogS Gone Good

www.dogSgonegood.com

trainer@dogSgonegood.com

(713) 557-1949