Looks like you haven’t added anything yet, browse our bestsellers below!
Continue Shopping
How to Stop Your Dog from Destructive Chewing What is meant by the term 'destructive chewing'? Chewing itself is not destructive if the dog is not chewing on everything he comes across. Chewing begins at a young age when the puppy starts teething. If the chewing habit isn’t stopped then and there, it grows and turns out to be a lifetime habit. The dog owners sometimes promote destructive chewing. It’s tough to return to a home of destroyed shoes, cushions, blinds, etc. You can adequately channelize the destructive chewing once you understand the cause of it. Puppy chewing continues into adulthood due to various reasons such as ‘just for fun,’ to overcome boredom, to reduce the pent-up energy that's causing anxiety, etc. Here are some easy steps to channelize the chewing behavior of dogs: 1. Dog-proof Your House As with puppies, adult dogs need supervision or else they will chew on everything in the house. Dog-proofing the house can only control the curious canines whenever you are leaving home. Moreover, dog’s exercise or playpens are a great way to keep the dogs away from your stuff. Provide chew toys and bone within the play area to let the dog understand the boundaries of what he can chew or not. This little step can save your stuff from getting chewed on or destroyed. 2. Replace with Chew Toys If the dog begins chewing on your shoes in your presence, you can redirect his behavior by providing the chew toy to nibble on. Some dogs start chewing during a specific part of the day, so recognize the schedule and redirect the destructive behavior consistently. If your dog avoids brushing teeth and enjoys chewing, then you can give him some of the best dental dog chews that your pooch will love to chew every day. 3. Positive Reinforcement Old methods of punishment are replaced by positive reinforcement technique to promote a behavior rather than hinder a behavior. When the dog chews the chew toys or bones, reward him or praise him to reinforce the appropriate behavior. Positive rewards will encourage the dog to repeat the behavior and earn the appreciation. 4. Use Repellent and Sprays You can use bad-tasting sprays to keep puppies and adult dogs from chewing on your stuff. Bitter Apple sprays and boundary dog repellants will keep the dogs from nibbling on your shoes once they find them distasteful. It is somewhat counter-conditioning, that is, unpleasant reward means no repetition of behavior. If the dog finds the shoes distasteful, he will never return for it. 5. Daily Exercise or Play Exercise and play are essential routine habits that can keep your dog from destructive chewing or other inappropriate behaviors. Exercise causes the release of endorphins that have a calming effect. Hyperactive dogs require lots of exercises and play to exhaust their energies and get the feel of endorphins-the happy hormones. Most of the dogs start their chewing habit after you stop giving them proper time. As a result, their pent-up energy is invested in destroying your stuff to get a feel of endorphins'. 6. Identify Other Root Causes If nothing has worked so far, then, the dog might be suffering from separation anxiety. Find out the cause of tearing and chewing up of things in your absence. If it’s separation anxiety, you can consult the veterinarian. The Final Words Being aggressive with the dog for inappropriate behavior during your absence is of no use. Traditional trainers used punishments like hitting the dog or closing up its mouth using duct tape, etc. But, a better way to curb the behavior is to crate him or put him in the play/exercise pen to exhaust his energies. Moreover, take him out for a walk or play on a daily basis. James Shore James is a part-time dog-trainer and dog behavior consultant with years of experience in dog training and the man behind LabradorTrainingHQ.com. He is interested in finding out fun ways to handle dog behaviors, specifically, Labradors to help dog-owners enjoy their companions at all times. :|zpendofcontent|:
Learn more
9 Ways to Celebrate Spring With Your Dog (And Help Other Dogs, Too) Whether you are planting a garden, cleaning out your basement, planning a summer vacation or adopting a new dog, spring is the perfect time for a fresh start. The longer light-filled days, early tulips and other spring flowers remind us of the importance of living a healthy, happy, and compassionate life. For dog lovers, this means spending more time with dogs - both our own as well as others in the community who need some spring cheer. Here are 9 simple ways to celebrate spring, spend time with your dog while also helping other dogs in need. Have Fun, Help Dogs – Here’s How 1. Spring Cleaning If you are like me you have way more pet supplies than you can possibly use. Why not donate unopened bags of treats, new or gently used toys and beds to your local shelter. Have some extra towels, blankets or pillows that are in good shape - they might make a perfect bed or safe place for a frightened shelter dog. Of course, make sure all donated items are clean, new (or gently used), and machine washable. 2. Spring Cookout Host a dog-friendly spring cookout and ask guests to bring a donation for a shelter or rescue. You can even include a shelter’s wish list with your party invitation or make it a potluck but instead of bringing food, ask guests to bring something off the shelter’s wish list. 3. Spring Shape Up Get in shape by participating in dog walks for local shelters and rescues. Many rescues host walks in the spring and summer - you and your dog can sign up for several, maybe even one per weekend. Ask friends to pledge based on number of steps, miles, or walks completed. 4. Spring Photo Shoot Volunteer to take spring-themed photographs of adoptable dogs in shelters and rescues and then share widely. 5. Spring Check-In Check in with seniors or other homebound individuals with dogs in your neighborhood. If they are willing and able, take them out for a picnic or nice walk along the beach. If they are truly homebound, volunteer to give their dog a few extra walks per week. 6. Spring Foster Fostering a dog from a rescue or shelter is a great thing to do any time of the year. Why not make it a new spring tradition! 7. Spring Lessons Warmer temperatures bring the children outside. Why not use it as an opportunity to teach neighborhood kids how to interact safely with dogs. 8. Spring Sale Take spring-cleaning to the next level by organizing a neighborhood garage sale and donating the profits to a shelter or rescue. 9. Spring Dining Have a regular dog-friendly bar or restaurant that you frequent? How about asking if they would donate a portion of sales for one night to a shelter or rescue, or create a monthly drink or food special that benefits dogs? Offer to help promote the event and then make sure all your friends and family members participate! Have other suggestions for ways to celebrate spring and help dogs? Please share in the comments! Kristin Avery Kristin Avery is a writer and photographer with an extensive background in philanthropy and a life-long passion for animal welfare. Her blog, The Daily Pip, is an award-winning, lifestyle pet blog providing resources, support, and humor for rescue families. She was recently honored with two BlogPaws Nose-to-Nose Social Media Awards this year: Best Cause Blog and Best Written Blog Post. Kristin received her MFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago where she studied creative writing as well as installation and visual arts. After graduation, she was a founding member of Red Door Animal Shelter, a no-kill shelter for cats, dogs, and rabbits in Chicago. She enjoys working with local Chicago shelters and also recently spent several days at Best Friends Animal Society volunteering at Quincy House with cats with severe special needs including paralysis. Through her blog and volunteer work, she encourages and advocates for rescue and adoption, especially for those animals considered less adoptable. She currently shares her home with one dog, one rabbit, two cats, a husband and 10-year-old daughter. :|zpendofcontent|:
Learn more
An Alternative to Hip Dysplasia Surgery For Dogs Hip dysplasia in dogs is an abnormal formation of the hip socket that can eventually cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis of the joints. As a caring pet owner, we are willing to go to great lengths (and costs) to care for our pets and make sure they are pain-free and feeling good. Traditional medicine recommends surgery which can cost close to $5,000! But there is an alternative to traditional surgery that is pain-free and less invasive to your pet. Prolotherapy, also known as ligament reconstructive therapy, is a non-surgical orthopedic procedure used on both humans and animals. Prolotherapy consists of injecting a “proliferating” agent (such as dextrose or vitamin B12) combined with lidocaine, into the affected tendons or ligaments where they attach to the bone. I’ve had tremendous success treating dogs with prolotherapy and keeping them out of the operating room. Prolotherapy’s success rate is about 90 percent, which is equal to surgical intervention. It can also be used as a preventive treatment by keeping tendons and ligaments strong and joints stable. The solution acts as an irritant, stimulating the body’s immune system to “proliferate” – or rebuild – new tendons or ligaments at the injection site. This new connective tissue strengthens and stabilizes the afflicted joint, relieving pain. Prolotherapy is an excellent alternative to surgery for many dogs with chronic joint pain. It can restore joint stability without the pain, risks, and extended recovery time of surgery. Prolotherapy can treat a variety of conditions, including: Arthritis Hip Dysplasia and hip laxity and pain (DJD) Chronic tendonitis - Elbow Dysplasia Anterior Cruciate injury (ACL) - ligament injury Intervertibular disc disease Neck and back pain Spinal stenosis Sprained ankles and wrists Partially torn tendons-anywhere in the body Ligaments and cartilage Prolotherapy is generally administered as a series of injections spaced between one and four weeks apart. "Most dogs show positive results in one-to-three treatments but the key is to work with an experienced veterinarian who can determine your dog’s needs." Although prolotherapy must be repeated approximately every year, the cost is far less than surgery, and the side effects are minimal. The most common side effect is lidocaine sensitivity, which can cause vomiting. Before going under the knife, it’s worth looking into alternatives that will alleviate pain for your pet (and your wallet). Dr. Babette Gladstein Dr. Babette Gladstein practices integrative medicine in the greater New York area. For more information please visit her website: http://www.drbabette.com/, also her: Facebook page :|zpendofcontent|:
Learn more
Making Plans for Your Animals After You Pass Away Normally, with the short lives of our animals, we can count on them going before we do. We plan for how to handle them crossing the rainbow bridge, not the other way around. However, that’s not always the order of things. Some animal owners are older, some have serious illnesses, and some would like to prepare in case an accident happens. No matter your age or health, there’s a chance something will happen to you. In those situations, it can be scary to leave your pet without a plan. It’s important to know your options and be aware of the legal help that can leave you feeling at ease about your pet’s livelihood after you pass away. How Soon Should You Make Arrangements? You can’t make arrangements for your animals soon enough. In 2014, the average human life expectancy was 78.8 years old. That number may make you think you have a long time to be considering arrangements for your animals if you pass away. However, you really don’t know when something could happen to you that would leave your animal without a plan. If you’re healthy, you may consider making arrangements that are a little less formal. If you are not healthy, you may consider making plans that are a little more concrete. Either way, the sooner you make arrangements for your animals, the better. The Dangers of Not Making a Plan Sometimes, freak accidents happen and family members are there to pick up the pieces and take care of your affairs. However, you can’t always count on there being someone there who is willing or able to take your animal. The danger of not making a plan is that you run the risk of your pet being taken to a shelter, rehomed, or placed in an unsafe environment. You don’t want your pet to be without care if something sudden happens and no one knows who is taking care of them. Your pet may be left in a shelter and euthanized, left without vital medication if no one knows their medical history, or bartered over if family members don't agree on custody. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a pet. Truthfully, pets can offer a lot of benefits for people with health problems or people who are elderly. Dogs can improve your health by making you happier and more active. Many types of pets offer added psychological benefits and give their owners a sense of companionship. For those reasons, it’s great for everyone to have a pet — especially those who are older or have health issues. Just be sure to make a plan for them to avoid the dangers. If you don’t have a place for them to go when you pass, you might consider babysitting a family member’s pet or visiting a shelter in order to gain the benefits of being around an animal without having to adopt one into uncertain circumstances. Knowing Your Available Choices When you’re considering what kind of plan to make for your pet if something happens to you, it can be helpful to know the choices available to you. Having discussions with a friend, carrying an alert card, considering the involvement of an animal organization — there are a variety of choices when it comes to handling your animal’s care after you die. Make informal arrangements with a family member or friend: If you’re looking for an informal way to set the groundwork for your pet’s care after you die, you may consider discussing the matter with friends or family. Just finding a trusted person to agree to take your pet if the worst happens and letting a family member know can be enough to set your mind at ease and give loved ones an idea of what you would want if something happened to you. Carry an alert card in your wallet: This tactic is particularly helpful if you live alone or in a location without a lot of friends or family. Leaving an alert card in your wallet will tell authorities that you have a pet at home so they aren’t left without care for long. Leave a contact number for someone who can take your pet’s interests from there, but at least you know they won't be left without food or water if you’re in an accident. Making arrangements with an organization: Though this may not be the best option without some legal intervention or if you aren’t expecting to pass on soon, this is still an option available to you. Whether you’re seeking a reputable shelter to rehome your animal for you, or a sanctuary to keep them for a time until their new owner can get them, you may be able to set up help with them in order to keep your animals safe once you’ve passed. Legal Options Legal arrangements are a pretty important aspect of end-of-life planning. In reality, your plans are not completely safe unless they are legally agreed upon and you can provide documentation. For patients that are terminal, for instance, getting affairs in order and legal paperwork handled is an important part of the emotional process that shouldn't be put off because the topic is difficult. Part of that legal process is the handling of a person’s animals. Some people might prefer the informal planning process because adding or removing an animal from a will is a lengthy process each time. For others, end-of-life planning is something that is a little more relevant to their situation. Whichever situation you’re in, you should consider what makes the most sense for you. Your will: Adding your animal’s care in your will is a great way to ensure their well-being once you’re gone. You can include the person who will gain custody of them in your will so that it cannot be disputed, include any stipulations on their care of your animal, and leave them a certain amount of money to care for the animal. A trust: A trust is another option that tends to be a little more flexible in its financial terms. The drawback to a will is that it only works to care for your animal if you pass away and it’s not immediate. If you’re incapacitated, it doesn’t apply. A trust can provide for your pet right away, and you can appoint a trustee to use the funds in the trust to care for them. Instructions to a power of attorney: A power of attorney can be really helpful in situations where you are alive but are incapacitated. Not only do they make decisions regarding your health, finances, and property, they can also help make decisions for your pet. In the same way that you can assign power of attorney and write stipulations for them to follow in your finances, you can designate plans for your pets as well. Whether the arrangements you make are legal or informal, the most important thing to keep in mind is your animal’s well-being and safety. Of course, the ideal situation is for you to have a home in mind for your pet before you pass. Any situation in which an animal can avoid a shelter is a good one, though that’s not always possible. In truth, anything can happen to us at any time. Some people may have a better idea of their time left than others, but it’s a good idea for everyone to make some kind of plan for what happens to your pet until they cross the rainbow bridge and you see them again. Chelsy Ranard Chelsy is a writer from Montana who is now living in beautiful Boise, Idaho. She graduated with her journalism degree in 2012 from the University of Montana. She is passionate about animal rights, bad television, and white wine. She is a volunteer at Simply Cats in Boise. :|zpendofcontent|:
Learn more
How to Pick the Perfect Small Dog Breed for Your Family Small dog breeds can be a great addition to your family for so many reasons. They are much easier to welcome into the home mainly due to their small size. It is also very easy to go for car rides with them or take along on longer trips. A small dog eats less food (think budget) and is cheaper to have groomed. A small dog can also cuddle in your lap very easily! But what if your small doggie doesn’t blend well into your family? This would be a huge problem and wreak havoc on the entire crew, including the dog. My goal: ~ Identify some main traits of your family ~ This will help you evaluate which small dog would be best for your tribe. Identify 4 main characteristics of your family: Are they loud? Are there lots of family members? Are you a clean freak? Doggie hair okay until you vacuum? Is everyone asleep at the same time? Is the home highly dynamic with strong personalities? Are family members soft-spoken usually? …So you get the drift… go ahead now and write down 4 identifying family traits! Next, keep your family traits on hand as you read below to find some great recommendations. You will surely find a couple of good candidates that will fit well into your family life! COMMON FAMILY TRAITS: A. We are a soft-spoken family AND/OR there are not many of us. You will want a calm & sensitive dog to go with your reserved family style. I recommend: Bichon Frise A sensitive and gentle dog. American Eskimo A reserved and friendly breed - Also very protective. Tibetan Spaniel A bit aloof at times and laid back but are always happy. B. We are loud and boisterous and proud of it AND/OR we have a large brood AND/OR we have young kids You need a dog that can go with the flow. A tough doggie that can bounce back from anything. I recommend: French Bulldog A high affectionate and playful dog - Mr. Social and loves to be with their humans. Maltese A lively and fearless dog - not much phases them. Poodle A highly trainable dog that is full of high energy - maybe even more than your active family. C. We are clean freaks AND/OR not too keen on dog hair. You will want a dog that does not shed their fur. I recommend: Bichon Frise Havanese Maltipoo Yorkshire Terrier Maltese Poodle D. We don’t mind the dog hair and will vacuum it up AND/OR we have dog allergies (Note: I realize this doesn’t make logical sense but a dog that sheds is better on allergies than a dog that DOES NOT shed. This is due to the fact that dogs that do not shed keep the allergens on their body at all times.) You will want a dog that DOES shed on a regular basis. I recommend: Boston Terrier American Eskimo Cavalier King Charles Spaniel French Bulldog Tibetan Spaniel Beagle Please don’t be scared to get a “shedding” dog! With a regular maintenance routine of bathing and brushing your pup, you can keep the hair under great control. E. We want a lap doggie AND/OR want our dog with us at all times You are looking for a highly social dog that yearns to be with their humans always. I recommend: Boston Terrier Lively, very friendly, wants to be near you always. Shih Tzu Thinks they are human too. Maltipoo Wants to stay near you and your kids to get plenty of love. It can be a huge decision to select your next family dog. Please don’t choose them based solely on their cuteness factor. Let’s face it, they are all adorable! You should examine your family and identify several characteristics of your home life. Then, match a couple of your family’s top traits with a dog that will mesh well. A mismatched pup can spell trouble for both your family and the dog. However, a well-matched dog will be happy, healthy, and bring great joy to the whole family! Which dog did you match with your family’s traits? Donna Millwood Donna is the creator/owner of PetHangout.com, a vibrant online pet retail shop that is all things dog and cat. Prior to starting her own business, she devoted her professional career as a Software Analyst and System Engineer for over 3 decades. Her love of technology naturally fed over into giving back as a mentor to high school kids in design and programming. She has adored dogs and cats her entire life and makes it her heartfelt mission to create a richer, happier, and healthier life for our furry friends. You can find her intriguing reads at PetHangout.com/The-Tale-Wagger. Donna makes her home in the Upstate of South Carolina with her husband, Jeff, and 5 sweet fur babies, Drake, Gracie, CJ, Grey, and Sammy. She and Jeff beam with pride over their 3 grown children and 3 absolutely adorable grandchildren. Connect with Donna today - She is excited over networking opportunities with others who are turning their love for pets into a passionate endeavor. donna@pethangout.com https://www.facebook.com/PetHangout/ https://twitter.com/PetHangout https://www.pinterest.com/pethangout/ https://www.instagram.com/pethangout/ :|zpendofcontent|:
Learn more
Puppy Biting Hard: What Should I Do? When your puppy is biting hard you may begin to have concerns, you may even question whether he has aggressive tendencies. Fortunately, you do not have to fear, since it’s quite natural for puppies to bite too hard. When a puppy is still very young, he has not yet learned how hard is TOO hard. However, while it’s normal, it’s important that you nip the behavior in the bud before it gets out of hand, since dog bites can have major consequences, not only for the victim, but for you and your dog too. What is Bite Inhibition? Bite inhibition is simply your dog’s ability to understand the amount of pressure he is applying with his jaw. Within the first 8 weeks of a puppy’s life, the process of learning bite inhibition will have already started in the litter. One of the reasons that it’s important not to remove a puppy from the litter before 8 weeks of age is that he will have missed learning this important skill, and will therefore be more likely to act rough in play. How Puppies Learn Bite Inhibition in the Litter Puppies will often learn from their littermates how hard they can bite without causing pain. During play, one puppy may bite another too hard, causing the bitten puppy to yelp in pain and withdraw from play. Through a process known as negative punishment, the puppy learns to be gentler. “Negative” simply means removing something, in this case, the playmate. And it’s not only the littermates who play a vital role. The mother dog also plays a part. If a puppy is too rough while nursing, the mother dog will often leave. Teaching Your Puppy to Bite Softer Once you get your puppy home (which should be at 8 weeks of age or older), you need to take over the role of the mother dog/littermates and reinforce in your dog what is acceptable and what isn’t. One thing to keep in mind is that it is actually a BAD idea to teach your puppy to not bite at all – the reason being that without ever biting, he will never learn how to properly gauge the pressure of his bite. So how do you go about doing this? The best technique is to imitate the behavior of the littermates by yelping and withdrawing from play when your puppy nips a little too rough for your liking. Don’t expect instant miracles, bite inhibition is a process that takes a lot of time and repetition to hone! Furthering Bite Inhibition Once your puppy has learned a reasonable level of control, you may think that the training is over… But actually, it is a good idea to further your training by working on softer and softer bites. In other words, when your puppy nips at you, even if it is quite gentle, you can simply act like it hurt, yelp, and withdraw from play. Again, this process takes time so be patient. And remember to always give your puppy lots of praise when he puts his mouth on you without applying any pressure at all! Over time the puppy should become gentler and gentler, and by around 8 months of age, you should find he no longer puts his teeth on humans. Einstein the Dog Hi, I'm Einstein the Dog! My owner Adrienne Farricelli is a professional CPDT-KA certified dog trainer and creator of the popular online dog training course Brain Training for Dogs, which teaches owners how to train their dogs/puppies in the gentlest, fastest and most effective way possible. :|zpendofcontent|:
Learn more
Spring Safety Tips for Your Dog As we approach spring and warmer weather, people are more inclined to enjoy the outdoors with their dogs and this often brings us closer to wildlife and to farm animals and other potential hazards. Before hiking in an area where you may encounter wildlife or farm animals, make sure that your dog is either leashed or trained to such a degree that he won’t dash under a fence to investigate cattle, and that he or she will always respond to your cues — even when faced with distractions like wildlife and farm animals. Studies show that one of the top five most common human behaviors occurring at the time of an attack by a wild animal is walking an unleashed dog. The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) analyzed the circumstances of 700 documented attacks by members of six species of wild animals (brown bear, black bear, polar bear, puma, wolf and coyote) since 1955 in the United States, Canada, Sweden, Finland, Russia and Spain. These researchers found that close to 50 percent of large animal attacks on humans followed risk-taking human behaviors. That’s 350 apparently avoidable attacks! In addition to walking an unleashed dog, other attacks occurred when parents left children unattended when a person searched for a wounded large animal while hunting, when people engaged in outdoor activities at twilight/night (like jogging alone) and when humans approached a female with young. The causes of the other half of the attacks happened when someone accidentally walked close to a mother with young, or to a carcass with a bear nearby, or an encounter with a food-conditioned animal (which is an indirect result of a risk-enhancing human behavior). Spring is also when both wild animals and farm animals are reproducing and feeling, very understandably, protective of themselves and their young. Farm animals are often quickly stressed by the presence of unfamiliar dogs and farm animals. A University of Liverpool study reviewed details of attacks on the public. These attacks occurred between 1993 and 2013 and involved 54 reported cattle attacks on members of the public out walking. Cattle can do serious damage to a human or dog when they feel compelled to. In fact, of the 54 attacks, one-quarter of them resulted in the death of the human. Two-thirds of the attacks involved dogs that were not necessarily actively bothering the cow/cattle. A study measuring fear in dairy cattle concluded that cattle find dogs even more threatening than unfamiliar humans. It is believed that this is because dogs resemble potential predators. The ingredients in fertilizers, insecticides may be dangerous if a pet ingests them. Springtime plants such as rhododendron, hostas and azaleas are also highly toxic to pets and can be fatal if eaten. Be familiar with where you are walking before unleashing your dog. Know where there may be steep drop-offs or fast-moving water. Carry water with you for your dog. Diseases like leptospirosis are transferred through drinking from an infected water source like a puddle or pond. Prolonged exposure to water containing the virus increases the risk of transmission through swallowing, contact with mucous membranes or through an open sore. Dogs that walk in areas frequented by wildlife are at increased risk of this disease. Giardia is picked up from drinking water from water sources where Giardia may live (for example, untreated or improperly treated water from lakes, streams, or wells) and swallowing water while swimming or playing in the water, especially in lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, and streams. Check your dog for ticks after being in an area where there may be ticks and talk to your vet about tick and flea prevention. Lyme disease is spread through the bite of infected ticks especially in the spring and fall when ticks are seeking hosts. Enjoy the outdoors but be safe out there, and respect wild and domestic animals. Make sure that your dog is either leashed or trained to such a degree that he won’t create a risk to himself or others. Jane Bowers, B.A., CABC, CPDT-KA Jane Bowers has been training dogs for over two decades. She teaches people to train their dogs in group and private training courses and has a keen interest in assisting dogs with behavioral issues. Her company is Dogs of Distinction Canine Training Inc. Jane has a monthly newspaper column on dog related topics and is a former host of a live call in TV show on animals. She is a strong advocate for force free and humane training methods for all animals. Jane has a degree in psychology and is certified as a dog trainer through the Certification Council of Professional Pet Dog Trainers and as a behaviour consultant through the International Association of Behavior Consultants and through the Association of Animal Behavior Professionals. These organizations require a minimum number of continuing education units be obtained to retain certification. She is also a professional member of "The Pet Professional Guild," an organization committed to force-free training of animals and the "Association of Professional Dog Trainers," a professional organization of individual trainers who are committed to being better trainers through education. Jane is the content creator of the online course "Assessing and Interpreting Dog Behaviour," which is a course for law enforcement personnel who meet unfamiliar dogs in the course of their duties. She is the author of "Perfect Puppy Parenting," a guide to raising a happy, confident, well-behaved dog. Jane spent 17 years working for Customs Border Services and in joint teams with US Homeland Security and the RCMP. She spent a further 8 years working as an Animal Control Officer and Bylaw Enforcement Officer. Jane lives on a small farm with dogs, sheep, donkeys, and chickens. The dogs each came from situations that prevented them from living in their original homes. The dogs range in size and age and with the dog training and behavioral work, whether it's participating in the development of an online training course, working with a client's dog or tracking a lost pet or animal. :|zpendofcontent|:
Learn more
Why Do Dogs Sneeze? When dogs sneeze, humans almost always laugh. There's plenty of YouTube evidence of this! It seems to hit our funny bone in just the right way. It's tempting to think our canine friends are just natural born comedians who love to make us laugh. While there may be a sliver of truth to that, the role of sneezing in dogs is rather complex. Let's take a look. Sneezing Versus Snorting In the vernacular, any abrupt and forceful exhalation of air through the nose is called a "sneeze."Technically speaking, however, a "sneeze" is defined as an INVOLUNTARY act, i.e. it's uncontrollable. In plain English, a sneeze comes whether you want it to or not! The mucus lining of the nasal passageways get contaminated with foreign invaders and the body automatically jumps into action to expel them! A snort looks almost identical to a real sneeze but it differs in one very important aspect. It's a VOLUNTARY act, i.e. it's done intentionally! Unless your dog has allergies or is sick, most dog "sneezes" are actually snorts. You can tell the difference by noticing if the sneeze comes from deep down or not. The air of true sneezes comes from deep down in the lungs but the air for snorts are more shallow, although your pooch may be putting on quite the animation when it happens. It's common for people, sometimes even scientists, to use the word "sneeze" when they actually mean "snort." "Sneezing" (Snorting) Is an Important Social Cue When dogs interact, they speak to each other with signals, i.e. social cues. From a survival perspective, one of the most important signals for a canine to give is the "I want to be friendly, not aggressive" signal! Snorting at each other is one of these universal canine cues they send each other, and by extensive, to their human family and friends! For dogs, snorting is analogous to one human smiling and giving a friendly "hello!" to another human. Just head down to the dog park one day and watch the snort signals back and forth. Why Do Dogs Sneeze More When Laying On Their Backs? You may have noticed that your dog sneezes more when laying on her back, especially when outside. In some cases, this is because she's in a position where dust, pollen, and other airborne particles can more easily fall into her nostrils! If this is the case, she's letting out a genuine sneeze, not a snort. However, it may also be a snort if she is laying on her back to show she trusts you and just wants to play. "Sneezing" (snorting) is her special signal to say, "I'm playing, not fighting!" It's an added signal to the fact she's laying there exposing her tender belly to you! So, it's okay if you laugh. Try Pretend Sneezing With Your Dog If you want to have some fun, and prove your dog is just snorting (play sneezing voluntarily), try to pretend sneezing in the presence of your dog and see if she'll copy you and start sneezing back. Like yawning, play sneezing (snorting) can be contagious. This will work best if you grab a toy and start playing while you play sneeze at your dog. Just make sure your neighbors aren't watching because they may think you're loony tune! African Wild Dogs Use Sneezing To Make Group Decisions It's always fun to see our domesticated pooches give us a glimpse into their wild past when they were free roaming wolf-like canines. African Wild Dogs are endangered species living wild in Botswana. In an effort to save this species, researchers with the Botswana Predator Conservation Trust, have been studying their behavior in the wild. Through their observations, they have noticed that African Wild Dogs use sneezes to cast their individual "vote" on whether or not the pack should go out hunting. Of course, this is a much-needed activity but it is also dangerous and energy consuming. In these free-ranging African Wild Dog packs, they have a rather democratic process. Each member of the group gets a vote but the leader of the pack has their vote count more. So, if the leader is present, and he sneezes to indicate he wants the pack to hunt, it only takes a few more affirmative votes (sneezes) for the whole pack to follow. On the other hand, even the pack leader can be overruled if no one else sneezes! Further, if the leader isn't there, scientists estimated it takes about ten votes (sneezes) for the whole pack to go on the hunt! Dog Sneezing Is Complicated In canines, sneezing is more than just body language. It can indicate a precise social signal that is very important to the individual and to the entire pack. Now go practice your pretend sneezing in the mirror so you can try it out on your favorite pouch and see if she snorts right back!! Good luck to you and pooch! Sheri Renaud Sheri is the owner and founder of trainthatpooch.com, a blog inspired by her girl Bella, a five pound Yorkshire terrier with “attitude”. She was ready to have the perfect Yorkie… And she did… for about a minute. That’s when she realized that she had to train her if she wanted to have a well-behaved companion. Long story short, through many mess-ups and not knowing what she was doing, she was able to figure out a few things. Reading, researching and studying about dog training online helped her to better understand Bella and what she was going through, and she learned even more. As she talked to other dog owners at dog parks, out and about and at dog-related forums, she realized one thing – More people could benefit from what she was learning through trial and error. That was the moment that Train That Pooch was born. The only thing that outweighs her love for all things dog related is here love for Bella. She knows how much you love your pooch and wants you to have the same kinds of fun experiences and memories that Bella and she have had thus far. :|zpendofcontent|:
Learn more
Purple Day® for K9 Epilepsy Awareness – Show Us Your Purple! “People Affected By Epilepsy Will Change the Face Of Epilepsy.” ~Anita Kaufmann Foundation Purple Day® for Epilepsy is observed annually on March 26th. Why purple? Because the color lavender is the international color for Epilepsy awareness. Purple Day was founded in 2008 by then nine-year-old Cassidy Megan, who has Epilepsy, along with the Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia (EANS). The following year, the Anita Kaufmann Foundation (AKF) of New York teamed up with EANS to launch Purple Day internationally, and today, has teamed up with the AKF for their Purple Day Every Day initiative to encourage people to “go purple” on March 26th, and every single day all year long to support Epilepsy awareness. “I wanted people around the world to come together and teach others about Epilepsy.” ~Cassidy Megan, Founder Of Purple Day While Epilepsy affects humans, it also affects pets, including thousands of dogs from all different breeds and mixes across the globe each year. Known as Epi-dogs (epileptic dogs), a diagnosis does not mean euthanasia for a dog, as it once did. Today, there are many medications, treatments, and protocols to help a dog live a very happy life with Canine Epilepsy. Through my FiveSibes™ #LiveGibStrong K-9 Epilepsy Awareness and educational campaign, which was inspired by my own Epi-dog, Gibson, a wooly Siberian Husky, it is my hope and goal to continue to help other families who find themselves and their beloved dog(s) on this journey of life with Epilepsy. Epi-dogs are amazing, and with special care and a lot of love, they can—and do—live happy, full lives, for however long we are blessed to have them. Epi-dogs embrace life, the same as a dog who does not have Epilepsy. Epi-dogs love to play, swim, and pull sleds, compete in shows and dock diving, go hiking and bikejoring with their humans, play Fetch, race around a dog park with canine buddies, and snuggle up on the couch with their human families. “Epi-dogs are amazing, and with special care and a lot of love, they can—and do—live happy, full lives...the same as a dog who does not have Epilepsy.” ~Dorothy Wills-Raftery, Author & Purple Day Ambassador for K9 Epilepsy According to PurpleDayEveryDay.org, “Anita Kaufmann understood that it is people affected by epilepsy who will be the ones to create a kinder world for persons with epilepsy. And this change has to happen every single day!” Education starts with each and every one us. It can be something as simple as wearing something purple, sharing your story about a loved one who lives with Epilepsy – human or canine, or baking purple cupcakes to share with friends, coworkers, or classmates! Whatever you do, start a conversation! Things You Can Do This Purple Day to Share K9 Epilepsy Awareness: Join our FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong Annual Blog Hop on March 26th at www.FiveSibes.blogspot.com and link-up with your purple photos for Epilepsy awareness on social media! Blog Hop starts at 12:01 AM EST on March 26th. Join in the #Pets4PurpleDay Online Facebook Event for Canines and Humans—and share your photos and stories from now through March 26 at https://www.facebook.com/events/1629008390521025/?active_tab=about Post Pics of your Pets in Purple on Your Social Media and hashtag #Pets4PurpleDay. Watch our FiveSibes Purple Day Video together, share, and have a conversation about Epilepsy awareness. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_R_v99QnDY&feature=youtu.be Host a K9 Epilepsy Benefit Walk and dress your pup in a purple bandana. Hold a Purple Day Benefit Purple “Pup”Cake & Treat Sale at your local shelter or rescue. For More Ideas & Events, visit http://purpledayeveryday.org/. Not sure who to donate funds raised from a K9 benefit? Some suggestions include: The Wally Foundation (TheWallyFoundation.com). Epil-K9 Foundation’s Emma’s Fund through North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine Neurology Department. (canine-epilepsy.com). Local non-profit rescues for assistance with their rescued or fostered Epi-dogs vet bills. The Anita Kaufmann Foundation (https://secure.donationpay.org/purpledayeveryday/) Together, we are changing the face of Canine Epilepsy and removing the previous stigmas about dogs with seizures. Education is key and sharing IS caring. The more information people have about Canine Epilepsy, the more these beautiful and amazing dogs can be saved and live happy lives. And, hopefully, through awareness, support, and education, folks will be encouraged to adopt a dog diagnosed with Canine Epilepsy. While the journey with an Epi-dog is not always an easy one, the incredible bond between an Epi-dog and his/her family is one that will bring much joy and love to both human and canine. Now, show us your purple! Dorothy Wills-Raftery Dorothy Wills-Raftery is an award-winning photojournalist and author of EPIC Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy; the FiveSibes™ Tales children’s books: What’s Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy and Getting Healthy With Harley: Learning About Health & Fitness; and Buddy, the Christmas Husky~Based On A True Holiday Miracle books (ArcticHouse Publishing), as well as the FiveSibes.com, an online encyclopedia for the Siberian Husky breed and Canine Epilepsy information, as well as her international award-winning FiveSibes blog, based on the lives of her five Siberian Huskies. Her work has also appeared in American Pet Magazine, Ruff Drafts, The Sled Dogger, and Hudson Valley Paw Print Magazine. Dorothy is the writer and host of "The Sibe Vibe” Dog Works Radio show. Dorothy is a 9-time Dog Writers of America Association “Excellence” nominee, winning the prestigious Maxwell Medallion in 2017 and 2016 for her writing, photography, and design. Her book EPIC Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy received the 2018 Independent Press Award for “Excellence” in the Reference Book category and 2017 NYC Big Book Award for “Excellence” in the Animal/Pet book category. Dorothy was also named “Best Author” in 2015 & 2016 by Hudson Valley Magazine and all four books named “Best in Print” by American Pet Magazine, An official International Purple Day® for Epilepsy Ambassador since 2012 and a volunteer case manager for The Wally Foundation-Canine Epilepsy, Dorothy is the creator of the FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong K-9 Epilepsy Awareness campaign and partnered with The Anita Kaufmann Foundation for #Paws4Purple Project, both inspired by her own epileptic Husky, Gibson. In addition to her Siberian Huskies, Dorothy shares her home with her husband, daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. You can follow Dorothy and her FiveSibes on Facebook at FiveSibes: Siberian Husky K9 News & Reviews, on Google + , Twitter, and Instagram(@FiveSibesMom). :|zpendofcontent|:
Learn more
The Art of Dog Training: A Calm State of Mind Good dog training should ultimately give you the skills you need so that you can absolutely influence the decisions of your dog upon a request or command, and your training should result in your dog being able to accept and execute those requests. However, great dog training is when you don’t need to use those commands to be able to live life together. I’m the youngest of five children and never had my own anything. It was hand-me-down everything until I got my first dog for my twelfth birthday. All I wanted to do was learn how to train my new girl, my very own Australian cattle dog. I begged my mom to let me take Kizzie to obedience classes. She finally gave in, and off I went. My dog bit the instructor on day one. Not a very auspicious beginning for this young, aspiring dog trainer. I was mortified; plus, the lady who was going to teach me everything I desperately wanted to know just got bit right in front of me. I was more determined than ever to figure this all out! I learned heel/sit/down/stay/come with the best of them and won the top award in that novice class. And yet, even after all that, I still had a dog that had some strange, neurotic behaviors back at home. She would obsessively run the fence line or jump up and bounce against our windows when she was excited. I couldn’t treat it, yell it, command it, ignore it, or startle it out of her. Kizzie just wouldn’t stop, no matter what techniques I tried or classes I attended. Kizzie even ended up blind in one eye because I couldn’t get her to come when she took off after my horse and was kicked in the face. All those commands and blue ribbons didn’t work when real life distractions kicked in. They also didn’t take into account her strong cattle dog prey drive. But at that time, I had no insight into those things, which certainly weren’t prevalent ideas in the teachings I had access to. I knew something was missing, but it took years before I could put the pieces together. And then came Izzie, my very first labradoodle. She came into my life and helped me understand the missing links I didn’t know. My Izzie, the dog who stole my heart, was such a great communicator with other dogs and became the catalyst for my examination and understanding of dogs on a different level. What I’ve discovered on this journey of learning how to “speak dog” is that the art of dog training is knowing when you’ve done just enough, not enough, or more than enough. If the perfect down/stay or militant-style compliance is your ultimate goal, then we have different goals. And if you’ve done all you know how to do—all the commands, praise, clickers, or treats—and your dog is still not where you want her to be on some issues, then you’ve discovered this truth that has become my driving, burning conviction that compels me in my relationships with dogs: You can’t command calm, and you can’t compel acceptance! If we are commanding our dog every millisecond of the day, our dogs aren’t thinking, growing, maturing, or deciding anything. You should be able to be with your dog, on or off a leash, out in society without compelling him into a command. You should not have to put a dog into a sit/down/stay position when a person approaches, just because he will jump on the person otherwise. I want my dog to be able to handle the excitement of an approaching person and choose to be polite and respectful. I’ll even give my dog the option of choosing what makes him most comfortable in that situation, whether sitting, standing, lying down, or moving around a bit. I let him be aware of his world and aware of me. He is not sitting, glued onto the concrete with eyes glued to mine. He is learning how to relax and choose calm. At Aly’s Puppy Boot Camp (APBC), we expose our pups and dogs to other people of all ages, a variety of animals (dogs, cats, horses, goats, bunnies, chickens), and different sight sensations, smell sensations, texture sensations, noises, etc. Since life is often crazy, busy, noisy, smelly, and full of surprises, it is important that your pooch has the ability to maintain composure in the face of stimuli of all kinds. How your pup or dog is exposed to different stimuli is critical; the key—they must be calmly exposed! Once a dog can learn to think, make good choices, and handle all that life has to offer in a calm, safe, sane, and civilized way, then he is actually in the state of JUST BE. And truly, I believe that the greatest thing you can teach a dog is the art of JUST BE. Four Rules of JUST BE I have four general principles about how dogs should be acting and the choices they should be making when hanging out around me, no matter what we are doing together. I want my dog to relax and know that as long as he doesn’t break my four rules, it’s all good and he has some leeway about what he can and can’t do. These principles guide me in every facet of my working with a dog. The following should never happen: Dog, don’t make me spill my scalding hot coffee, not even one drop. Dog, don’t do anything to irritate me. Dog, don’t do anything to irritate anyone or anything around me. Dog, don’t do anything to piss me off. If a dog breaks one of these four rules of JUST BE, I shut down the silliness, instantly and effectively. To shut down the silliness (meaning anything a dog is choosing, other than what I’m asking for), it is imperative that you can hold your leash and quickly and firmly move your dog in a counter-clockwise motion back around to your side, then put him into a sit. As you are beginning to move your dog around in that “stirring a cauldron” motion, you take a step back simultaneously to aid in your arms momentum to get your dog around and back to your side as quickly as possible. Then immediately release the pressure of the leash the millisecond their butt hits the ground. Now, just breathe. Release ALL pressure and tension on the leash. Don’t do anything. Wait. Let your dog decide if he is done choosing silliness. If he chooses to break a rule again, no problem, you just efficiently and quickly move that dog around to your side, get a sit, and release the pressure. Timing counts on this. How many times will a dog test you on whether or not you will shut down the silliness? It varies from dog to dog. Stick with this, and I promise, before very long your dog will decide that learning how to JUST BE is way more easy and gratifying than being silly. That’s it, gang. It really is. Yes, sits are nice, heels are fabulous, long-distance downs are exceptional, tricks are fun, tasks are helpful; but the ability to JUST BE—well, it’s priceless. Alyson Rodges Alyson Rodges is a dog trainer specializing in puppies and all things DOODLE. She loves people as much as their pooches and teaches the necessary skills for them both to enjoy a balanced life with each other. Aly’s approach is rooted in relationship, not commands alone. Aly trains multiple dogs at once in her own home, complete with teenagers, a bit of chaos, and a lot of real life. Aly’s Puppy Boot Camp is located on the gorgeous central coast of California near Pismo Beach. You can find out about Aly at www.alysonrodges.com or email her at info@alysonrodges.com :|zpendofcontent|:
Learn more
How to Care for a Three-Legged Dog Dogs are amazingly resilient creatures. No matter the circumstance, many dogs are able to overcome and persevere. Tripod dogs exemplify that need and ability to overcome an obstacle and adapt to anything they come across. In truth, caring for a three-legged pup might not be all that different from caring for a dog with four legs. Though they may need extra attention, they are still just dogs looking to have new experiences and be loved by their owners. Stewart Black/Flickr If you own a three-legged dog, your dog is new to the tripod life, or you’re considering adopting a three-legged dog, you’re a valuable asset to the tripod dog community. Caring for a dog with three legs is just like caring for a dog with four, with just a few variables to consider. Encourage Exercise Exercise is important for every dog regardless of their leg count. For three-legged dogs, it can seem counterproductive to encourage time spent putting strain on one leg. However, exercise can be even more important for them than a dog with all of their legs due to the health benefits they get from the exercise. Keeping their weight down is really important in tripod dogs in order to limit the amount of weight on their one leg. Not every dog has the same abilities and limitations, but just a simple walk regularly can do great things for their exercise as well as your own energy and focus. If you’re really looking for the best exercise for them, look into swimming locations. Just as with people, swimming is a great low-impact exercise that will keep them healthy and their weight low while lowering strain on their legs. Know the Added Health Risks Though tripod dogs are just like any other dog in many ways, they do tend to have some added health risks when compared to their four-legged counterparts. For one, they may suffer from arthritis and joint issues earlier than normal due to the stress that the one leg takes to make up for their missing limb. You may also pay extra attention to their foot pads that can crack due to the extra weight and pressure as well. Younger tripod dogs may be susceptible to elbow hygroma, which is a fluid buildup around the elbow due to putting weight on one elbow before they are old enough for protective calluses to form on the elbows. Take extra care of their remaining legs and work hard to keep them healthy, especially as they age. Be sure your dog doesn’t overexert themselves and take care in making sure they rest their remaining legs during physical activity. Be Prepared for Expenses It’s not a sure thing that your three-legged dog could rack up your expenses more than a normal dog, but it’s possible. Since they have a few more health risks, or different health risks than a normal dog, you may have more visits to the vet throughout their lifetime. Though there are some things you want to avoid using a credit card for, getting a credit card for veterinarian bills is not a bad idea. There are even some credit cards that specialize in veterinary and medical care. This will ensure you don’t avoid going to the vet for financial reasons and that you can afford bigger payments without putting yourself in a difficult financial bind. You can also look into insurance for your pet or discuss a payment plan if your vet allows it. Alter Their Surroundings Dogs are great at adapting to their missing leg, but there are alterations you can make to their surroundings to help them transition. If you have your dog right after their surgery to remove the leg, the transitions and alterations can be more important as they re-learn their center of gravity, balance, and abilities. Be aware of falls and sores from laying in an area with too much pressure. It’s also important to note that transitioning to the loss of a back leg can be significantly easier than a front leg because dogs carry approximately 60 percent of their weight in their front legs. Either way, you can help them walk a little easier by eliminating slip risks, minimizing the need for stairs, and elevating their food and water dishes. Look into the best option for pet beds that are soft enough to eliminate elbow problems, provide them with a ramp if possible, and talk to your vet about any supplements they may need. Pay attention and make note of their struggles. If there is something specific they struggle with, see if you can make an alteration to make that task easier for them. Give Them All the Cuddles Caring for your three-legged pooch is pretty similar to caring for a pooch with all of their legs. Be sure to give them a lot of love and care. Tell them they are a good boy or girl, take them out to explore new things, and don’t hold them back from being a dog due to their handicap. Dogs thrive on new experiences and smells, so be sure to still allow them those experiences. A fall here and there will happen, and that’s OK. They will play with other dogs and get tripped up, but they will have fun anyway. Other people will see your pup and feel bad for their circumstance, but chances are, your dog will bounce back and forget they are any different. With your love, cuddles, and awareness, they will be as happy and active as ever. A dog losing a leg can be a traumatic experience for both dog and owner, but caring for a three-legged dog tends to be easier than many people think it will be. Dogs bounce back from an amputated leg rather quickly and get their energy and happiness back at a surprisingly fast rate. Being aware of the added care they need and scratching the spots they used to reach with their amputated leg is all they need to live happy and fulfilled lives with three legs. Chelsy Ranard Chelsy is a writer from Montana who is now living in beautiful Boise, Idaho. She graduated with her journalism degree in 2012 from the University of Montana. She is passionate about animal rights, bad television, and white wine. She is a volunteer at Simply Cats in Boise. :|zpendofcontent|:
Learn more
Beware of The So-Called "Internet" Pet Experts! Before the World Wide Web existed, we relied on books or knowledgeable professionals to help us figure out problems and gain understanding. It is true that once a book is printed it is already out of date but the same can be said for information on the internet. These days we don’t often reach for a huge tablet of an encyclopedia, we google it instead, but anyone can upload their opinions. It is the same on social media, dog owners are increasingly turning to dog-related Facebook groups, to seek out help for that behaviour problem or health issue our dog is suffering from. I don’t doubt there is a lot of experienced owners and trainers on the net, but for every good one, there are often ten more who can dish out the wrong advice, advice that can sometimes be downright dangerous to you and your dog. Too often I see people diagnosing the problem from scant information; no in-depth history means the real route of the issue or that vital piece of the jigsaw puzzle can be left in the box. In the worst case scenario, dogs can lose their lives due to bad advice given by keyboard experts. You may think I am exaggerating but believe me, I am not. The trouble is, if you need to ask about why your dog is doing this or that and how to stop it, it means you lack the knowledge to weed out the bad advice. That isn’t a criticism, I don’t know how my fridge works……. We also seem to be increasingly living in a society that wants something for nothing. People don’t think they should pay to help their dog overcome his aggression problem or separation anxiety; we want a quick fix. However, does that solution involve looking at the dogs' emotions and anxieties and asking, ‘What can I do to support you in this’ or does the advice you follow mean your dog goes on suffering because you have covered up the problem with a Band-Aid? I cannot tell you the number of times people quibble at the price of a good trainer or behaviourist. They don’t see why an hour’s lesson or a package of sessions should cost so much. What people fail to note is the time outside the session the trainer spends working. First there is the initial conversation and booking process, some trainers may have to travel miles to see you, (taking up more time), we work with you face to face, often putting ourselves at risk in doing so they have to travel home and write a detailed report and be on standby for any questions or support you may have going forward. Just one dog from one session can take a good eight hours of our time. Not only that, professional trainers have spent thousands on gaining an up to date education in their field. They have paid money joining organisations which show they are ethical and work to a high standard, and have to continue to do as much as 40 hours a year of continued profession development to stay current with the latest research and methods (How many occupations can you say insist on that to stay qualified in a professional guild?). So when looking for help, spend time doing your research before following someone’s advice or booking a trainer. Does the person have a qualification in training or behaviour and to what level? How long have they been working with dogs? Do they have testimonials from clients on their service? Are they a member of a professional organisation and if so, what are the ethics and mission statement of that body? Do you like how they interact with you and your dog? Do they have several ways to train the same thing, if one way isn’t working for your dog, can they be flexible and find a way he can learn? Just be careful who you entrust your precious pooch too, after all, you wouldn’t ask an unskilled person to fix the brakes on your car now, would you! Toni Shelbourne Animal Behaviourist, Tellington TTouch Practitioner, Real Dog Yoga Instructor & Author Toni has worked with domesticated and wild canids since 1989. After a long and successful career with the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, she started her own business as a Tellington TTouch Companion Animal Practitioner. She is now one of the highest qualified Practitioners in the UK. In 2001 her skills in TTouch took Toni to the UK Wolf Conservation Trust were she meet a pack of socialised wolves. She went on to work with them for over a decade as a Senior Wolf Handler and Education Officer for the organisation. In more recent years, Toni has gone on to become a Real Dog Yoga Instructor, (Visit www.therealdogyoga.co.uk to find out more) and updated her qualifications in behaviour with the International School of Psychology and Behaviour, for which she is also an affiliate. She is now a full member of The Association of INTO Dogs as a certified canine behaviourist. She teaches all over the UK and abroad, works with clients' one to one, and writes. Toni lives in Oxfordshire, England with her husband and their dog MrP. In more recent years, Toni has gone on to become a Real Dog Yoga Instructor, (Visit www.therealdogyoga.co.uk to find out more) and updated her qualifications in behaviour with the International School of Psychology and Behaviour, for which she is also an affiliate. She is now a full member of The Association of INTO Dogs as a certified canine behaviourist. She teaches all over the UK and abroad, works with clients' one to one, and writes. Toni lives in Oxfordshire, England with her husband and their dog MrP. Over the last two decades, Toni has been developing her writing. She spent two years editing and writing features for Wolf Print, the UK Wolf Conservation Trust's international magazine. She went on to write for national dog magazines, rescue society newsletters and blogs. Her first and second book, The Truth about Wolves & Dogs, (Hubble and Hattie 2012) and Among the Wolves (Hubble and Hattie 2015) have been a great success. Her latest writing collaboration with co-author Karen Bush sees a series of books entitled HELP! My Dog is…. Titles include, HELP! My Dog's Scared of Fireworks, HELP! My Dog doesn't Travel Well in the Car, HELP! My Dog is Destroying the Garden and HELP! My Dog has a Canine Compulsive Disorder. All are available in paperback and eBook format on Amazon. Toni and Karen have many more titles planned under the banner of Skinny Dog Books – named as they both own sighthounds and the books are small and concise. Visit www.tonishelbourne.co.uk for more details about Toni, her work and books. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Truth-about-Wolves-Dogs-216136181810393/ Twitter: @tonishelbourne Toni Shelbourne and Karen Bush’s book HELP! My Dog is Destroying the Garden: US paperback link: https://www.amazon.com/Help-My-Dog-Destroying-Garden/dp/1976563313/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1534250534&sr=8-6&keywords=toni+shelbourne US Kindle link: https://www.amazon.com/Help-My-Dog-Destroying-Garden-ebook/dp/B07622F3N5/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1534250597&sr=8-7&keywords=toni+shelbourne UK paperback link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Help-My-Dog-Destroying-Garden/dp/1976563313/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1534250633&sr=8-5&keywords=toni+shelbourne UK Kindle link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Help-My-Dog-Destroying-Garden-ebook/dp/B07622F3N5/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1534250633&sr=8-7&keywords=toni+shelbourne :|zpendofcontent|:
Learn more
Exclusive deal on all orders
Within 30 days of purchase with Redo
Contact us or Phone 888-602-2509
Visa, Master, ApplePay, & more
