Sunday Pomp & Circumstance: Canine Manners Class Graduates today

What a great day it was today! My first Canine Good Manners class of 2009 graduated today here in Ventura. Such a lovely group. Dogs were showing off their skills by checking in and paying attention to their guardians during discussion time, as well as all the other manners skills, while practicing their loose leash walking, going in and out of the studio, and the ever popular "leave it!"... Brandy even learned to ignore the enticing paper napkin his "parents" tempted him with.

Riley is getting better at remaining quiet and sitting to greet. Ferris was meeting dogs and people without hesitation. Dickens stayed focus during the more difficult exercise of dogs walking around him in close proximity. And Kona, who is one of the youngest, really showed off her sit and down stay with increased duration and distance...

All of the guardians really figured out how to troubleshoot as they went along, and that was one of my main goals; this is what I find to be rewarding... Sure it's great for dogs to perform all of the general behaviors in the studio here in Ventura, but it really means a lot to me when I see the human handlers getting what they want their dogs to do with the skills I've taught them. And then being able to figure out what they need to do in case their dog doesn't "get it" the first time. Click-treat for the humans!

Out and About at the Beach: Dog behavior and proper etiquette

I received a request from a writer for the AKC regarding "tips for taking your dog to the beach". I applaud them for publishing such great information. I say, the more responsible dog guardians are, the more places we will be allowed to bring our beloved four legged friends - We have so many wonderful beaches here in Ventura, Oxnard, Santa Barbara, Summerland, Carpinteria etc... it would be great to keep those places dog friendly!

Some general guidelines that can help promote a safe and happy time with your dog out at a beach or park are:

• Use leashes if they are required, and it is stated as such. If it’s an off-leash place, keep your dog off-leash as well. Leashes can cause frustration, fear responses, and even fights. If you aren’t able to take your dog off leash, don’t bring them – Unless you’re sitting stationary “camped” in one place and you’re managing their environment.
• Clean up after your pet. Carry proper elimination bags with you.
• Bring your dog to public places if they are healthy. If your dog is sick or injured, ask your vet what the best form of exercise should be.
• Monitor your dog and their behavior. Getting caught up socializing with friends can result in your dog wandering off on their own, or getting into an altercation.
• Spay or neuter your dog. Unaltered dogs tend to wander more, listen less, and are often targeted more often by other dogs. Plus, they don’t have much common sense when it comes to reproducing. The last thing you want is to come home with a pregnant dog, or be the owner of the expectant father.
• Learn to recognize dog play versus bully behavior. Is your dog being asked to play? Targeted by a bully? Is your own dog wanting to play? Or being a bully themselves?
• Be careful of humans wanting to say hello to your dog, or your dog wanting to go say hello to others. This goes double for younger kids. Not all dogs do well with kids – either afraid, or wanting to play.
• Bring dog friendly snacks and plenty of water to fulfill those doggy biological needs.
• Make sure your dog is up to date on all legally required vaccinations, and that they are licensed.
• Make sure you and your dog are up to speed with those much needed behaviors you learned in your manners classes. This includes: coming when called, "leave it", loose leash walking, greeting politely, and dropping things when asked to (rocks are fun to pick up and chew on). If you need help with those, you can attend one of our classes where we teach all of these behaviors.
• If your dog enjoys going in the water, make sure they know how to swim.

Again, I'd like to emphasize, the more responsible dog guardians are, the more places we will be allowed to bring them. Please don't be that one person that ruins it for the rest of us!

For additional information on training services for you and your dog, please contact us.

Pet First Aid & CPR Course Coming March 8th

Ninety-two percent of dogs and cats will experience an emergency during their life-time. Do you know what to do to help your four-legged friend? My friend Denise Fleck of Sunny-Dog INK knows what to do, and she wants to share it with you!

Her PET FIRST-AID & CPR CLASS will be offered at Veterinary Medical & Surgical Group (2199 Sperry Avenue – Ventura 93003) on Sunday, March 8th, 2009 from 10:00am – 3:00pm.

Cost is $55 per person with a portion of the proceeds benefitting The Humane Society of Ventura County. Fee includes class tuition, handbook, certificate and wallet card for each student.

Skills are taught through lecture, demonstration and hands-on practice.

Techniques include:

• Muzzling and Safe Approach of a sick or injured animal
  
• How to Find Your Pet’s Pulse, Respiration, Capillary Refill Time & Hydration
  
• Rescue Breathing & CPR
  
• Bandaging & Splinting Techniques
• How to handle Snake Bites, Bee Stings, Tick Removal
• How to Administer Medications
• Using the items in your Pet First-Aid Kit
  

Conditions covered include:

• Bloat
  
• Burns
  
• Choking
  
• Constipation
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Drowning
  
• Electric Shock
  
• Frostbite
  
• Heat Stroke
  
• Poisoning
  
• Seizures
  

Denise will also cover such topics as:

• The importance of developing a GOOD RELATIONSHIP with your VETERINARIAN
• How to take a more active role in your dog or cat's health & care
• Ten Situations that require IMMEDIATE Veterinary Care
• An Introduction to Disaster Preparedness

Hopefully you'll never need to use these fine skills, but it will be great to have them handy, just in case!!! Be prepared!