The Dog Company: Newsletter

June 13, 2003 - Volume 46

Materials in this newsletter are the sole possession of the authors and Dog Company. Please do not copy or use in any fashion without written permission

Once you've made up your mind to add a four legged pal to your life, you have to decide where that bundle of joy will come from. As I have advised before, stay away from pet stores. While some are very reputable, others are not and buy their stock from puppy mills. These dogs, while adorable in the store, are so prone to illness they will bankrupt you.

The Humane Society is always a good bet. And, if you want a purebred, you will want to go to a breeder. But there is another way to adopt a best friend and that's from a rescue league. Often when working dogs get too old for their jobs, they are put up for adoption through the rescue leagues. Usually these are registered pedigree animals, and are given to good homes for a minimal fee. These beautiful dogs are often young, sometimes as young as four. In the past they have been destroyed, but over the past few years, the rescue projects have saved them from this fate and adopted them out. They make wonderful pets

As incredible as it may sound, some dogs probably have never been in a house before and things will be strange. Initially, your dog will probably be confused by the new environment. As a result, the dog may be tense and possibly withdrawn. Dogs frequently exhibit very subtle signs of stress which may go unnoticed. It is normal for a new dog to be afraid at first.

At first your new dog may stare ahead and seem unresponsive. This is typical stress behavior. Remember your dog is undergoing stress and adjusting to its new environment. Quiet and calm is the way to go.

Your new dog may be very afraid the first few nights. Most are used to living in a crate where they feel safe and secure and surrounded by a large number of other dogs. The sounds, smells and shadows of your home are all new to it. Reassure the dog by having a crate (something he already feels secure in). The use of a crate can ease the transition for a new dog. Crates are available in a wide variety. Your local pet store will have them. The rule for sizing up the right one for your dog is it should be large enough for the dog to comfortably stand and turn around.

Dogs like their comfort and will make themselves at home on the sofa or the bed if permitted. If you do not want to share every soft surface in the house with your dog, start immediately to block it from those places and show it where it is acceptable. Be patient, gentle, quiet and use one word assurances. Use a firm quiet voice for unacceptable behavior. If you do not want the dog in certain rooms use your hand as a stop and say firmly but gently, "LEAVE IT," and show him by walking him away from the room or whatever it is you're teaching him; be consistant. That way the dog will get the message. Consistency, repetition, calm, and quiet are the keys to successful training. Please be consistent; a dog cannot differentiate between when it is alright and when it is not. Make rules right away and stick by them. Changing the rules after you think he is settled is very stressful on dogs.

Make sure that the dog has an opportunity to thoroughly relieve itself before entering a new home. At some point the dog will pick a spot to lie down (on an old blanket or someplace it feels relatively safe). Let it remain quiet unless he comes to you.

Your dog may be perplexed by its reflection in mirrors, fireplace glass, French doors and the like. Let it explore while dragging a leash or you walk with it.

Dog like to live regimented, scheduled lives. Your dog will adjust more easily if you establish a schedule for feeding and walking and stick to it. Your dog will learn how to let you know, but at first you need to take responsibility for establishing a schedule in place of the regular turn out your dog is use to. Time duty trips close to feeding time, usually within an hour before.

Time portion-controlled feeding. Remember that the hand that trains is the hand that feeds. Typically, your dog will start bonding at feeding times. Although others in the family may want to share in the feeding, at first it is best for one person to do the feeding.

Feed twice a day with high quality dog food; an abrupt change in dog food may cause a brief period of diarrhea which can be avoided if the transition is made gradually mixing the old and new feed in decreasing proportions until the new feed is fully integrated into your dog's diet.

If a dog comes to you underweight, avoid overfeeding. Dogs are not designed to carry extra weight; this can cause health problems and be harmful. If your dog needs to gain weight, it should be done gradually over several weeks.

If your dog is asleep, please do not startle it. Some dogs may make sassy "grumps" or even go to nip at you, in the same way they would with a kennel mate. Start talking to your dog as you approach it; you too are learning about this new dog and don't want to be bitten or whatever, but also you are learning just why this dog was given over from the previous owner and just what his problems are.

Your dog needs to learn that you will have to go to work or tend to other activities. Here is where your crate will come in handy and prove there is not a problem; he will learn to wait by sleeping and just remaining inactive for awhile. Most of your dog's life has been spend surrounded by other dogs so being left alone in a new house can be very unsettling. They may become very insecure if left with the run of the house when no one is around, and confining your dog to a small room without a crate seems to terrify some dogs. Your dog will figure out in no time it has not been abandoned.

Your dog has been surrounded by other dogs. The use of a crate for the dog while you are out can ease the transition for both the dog and the owner, and leaving a radio on during your absence can soothe an insecure dog. You are going to be gone for the day, so be sure to leave fresh water. If the dog is left in a crate, there are various ways to attach a water pail to the side of the crate so it cannot tip over when your dog is turning around or moving.

Your dog is essentially a puppy at heart and a runner. Do not let your dog loose. Your dog's safety and its life depend on your wisdom, care and understanding. Never allow the dog loose. You will not be able to catch your dog if it starts to run, so do not let it loose where it can escape even unintentionally.

From day one you need to start a class in Obedience to build the bond between you and teach trust and respect, along with all the regular commands so you will be able to have your dog run and play. The most important command, return when called, is also the most difficult to teach any dog. Do not let your dog loose in an unfenced area until you are absolutely certain it will return on command. It all starts with the walking ... if your dog doesn't walk beside you properly without pulling on the leash, sit & down on command and stay there ....... they will NOT come when called.

Best obedience classes are taught OUTSIDE in REAL LIFE SITUATIONS. If you are looking to have fun and adventure, get great training; remember, with patience, consistency and practice, all dogs can be taught typical obedience commands such as sit, stay, walk beside you, down and come. They are anxious to please, and have a brillant mind of their own and a need to use it.

(To our advertisers: we'd love to hear if your ad in the Woof was successful. Please drop us a line and let us know.)

Wanted: Five furry felines are in desperate need of a cat scratching post or two. We need a place to scratch and to get up high so we can look down on our Doggy brother. The bigger the better. Please email Diana at dlh@pacificcoast.net if you can help.

Wanted: Calling all small dogs! Are you ball crazy? Do you like to run fast? Do you get along well with other dogs? Canadian Chaos is recruiting new members. We're a flyball team in the Victoria, B.C. area, who are just trying to have a good time and we'd really like to have some more small dogs play with us so we don't have to jump so high. If you're interested, give us a call at 656 -1659 or mailto:woof@dogcompany.com

Wanted: Your 'articles', your 'For Sales', your 'Want Ads', your birthday wishes, your letters to Mam'selle, your names, your ......... ????? By Wed. June 25 .... for the next Woof, please...... mailto:peni@dogcompany.com

(Disclaimer: Advertisements posted by the Woof are done as a service, not as an endorsement. Please communicate directly with the ad contact for further information on any items.)

Dear Mam'selle,
My folks really like to take me everywhere with them, but I have to wait in the car most places. Now that the weather is hotter, I'm not really that comfortable. Can you give us some tips on dealing with the hot weather?

Panting in Pasadena

Dear Panting in Pasadena:

It's great to enjoy the summer heat. Sleeping in the sun and getting up and moving into the shade ....then back into the sun! YES, it's a dog's life! But it is also the time when we have the greatest risk of injury and heat related health problems.

Rapid panting, hot skin, twitching muscles and a dazed look are not always the signs you're in love! In the summer especially, that is the sign of HEAT STROKE.

Wrap yourself up in a wet towel soaked with cool (not cold) water if this happens to you. In severe cases, get placed carefully in the bath tub with the towel and a bit of cool water and call the Vet immediately for assistance.

NEVER stay in your parked car, not even with the windows cracked open. Get parked in the shade and have the windows really open will work if you have to stay in it. On a day that is 70°F (21°C) , in the car, the temperature can rise to 150°F (65°C) or more in minutes. It is the #1 cause of Heat Stroke.

ALWAYS have plenty of fresh water... because we dogs can only sweat through the pads of our feet and by panting. Evaporation from the wet surface of our mouth and nose helps lower our body temperature.

WATCH OUT for hot pavement and Beaches .... sensitive paws burn easily. EXCERISE isn't encouraged during the hottest part of the day. DIET? We should eat less on hot days ... overeating leads to overheating. Who would have figured that!

SUNBURN ... yes, we dogs get burned too! It hurts ,,,,,, short haired pets and those with pink skin, and adorable blondes or "white haired" dogs like me, are especially susceptible to the sun .. WE should limit our exposure to the sun.

FIND A COOL SPOT.... SHADE is good, even air conditioning if your folks have it, but a fan will do the trick too.

A few other tidbits about the summer....

Fleas, ticks, and ear mites thrive in warm humid environments. Being brushed daily more than once will provide early warning of parasites and skin infections. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date . This time of year we meet more dogs at parks, campgrounds etc. The yard can also be a unsafe place if pesticides and herbicides are used on lawns. If you do happen to contact these chemicals, have your folks wash your feet, abdomen and chest thoroughly, then call the Vet.

ALLERGIES....PEOPLE SNEEZE, WE SCRATCH..Pollen, grass and weeds are common allergies for dogs. If you are chewing and scratching excessively, a trip to the vet is on the agenda.....Vets can design a program to help and keep you more comfy.

HOW DO I LEARN TO SWIM ....NOW THAT IS THE QUESTION....not all dogs are good swimmers or like the water right away. If it's your first time, you should be eased in, never thrown or chased. Don't go in chlorine pools, and don't drink from any pools, streams or the ocean.

If you are an ocean swimmer .. make sure you get rinsed off. Salt and minerals can damage your coat and skin.

Have a safe and fun filled summer.

Woof "Poutine" ^..^~~!

IT'S A BOY! Birth: Minature Dachshund. "Rawley" April 18/03. Teena (his big sister by fate) is loving him more and more everyday. Proud parents are Em & Sal.

IT'S A GIRL! Birth: Border Collie. "Katie" Feb. 22/03. A new sister for "Jodie " & "Dougie" Star of her obedience class! Proud Parents...Ron & Karen

IT'S A BOY! or IT'S A GIRL! Birth: Skyler and his Mom & Dad, (Wendy & Howard) would like to welcome his new sister or brother, their new pup, into this big, wonderful world! Born: June 3, 2003. Litter of 6. Mom and pups doing fine. Will not arrive at our home until August! "I can't wait! I want the someone to play with now!" says Skyler.

Moved: Thoby - to the 'Big Smoke', Toronto. He and his Mom, Sue, moved June 8 and are already missing the doggy scene of Victoria and the serenity of the trail walks.

Open House: Hey, everyone. Here's your chance to see my art and that of some human people, too! Over 30 artists on the Saanich Peninsula (including me) open their studios on Sat. June 14 and Sun. June 15, from 10 - 4 p.m. to showcase our work.

Maps are available at any book store in Sidney, as well as at each of the studios. Free and Fun! For more info, call 656-7400 or click http://www.cacsp.com/

Wuf and arf from Emmy

A watchdog is a dog kept to guard your home, usually by sleeping where a burglar would awaken the household by falling over him.

"When a man's best friend is his dog, that dog has a problem"

- Edward Abbey

So summer is here and that means my newest favourite pastime is gonna start again and that means going out in one of the boats.

Now the first time I went in a boat was not an experience I like to remember. The folks got me in, but I was a basket case. It was like a car, but different. I climbed on Mom's lap, wrapped my arms around her neck and cried and shook. It was awful - getting back to dry land was a real relief. The second time was a little bit better - I didn't shake as much, and I didn't try to get on Mom's lap. She thought I was fine so let go of me .... big mistake. I jumped over the side, sank like a rock, but popped up and swam for shore. (I wonder how I knew how to do that!)

You've have thought after those two experiences, I'd never go near a boat again, but circumstances changed. Mom bought herself a little rowboat, and when she invited me to go with her, I knew I had to go to protect her. I didn't hesitate... I climbed right in with her and you know what, it was fun! The best spot was right between Mom's knees; that made it easy to move from side to side and rock the boat. Mom and I had lots of rows. (You can take that word however you want!)

Then one day, the folks came home with a canoe and that was even better than Mom's little rowboat. Now Dad came too. The canoe was a bit tippy, but I learned that if I sat still in the middle, I could look around and everything was just fine. I even got so relaxed about this boating stuff that I'd lie down and gaze as the folks did all the work. The only time I goofed up was when a couple of young otters surfaced right beside us - they splashed, I lunged, Mom and Dad both squeaked, and things got a little dicey. Luckily, I was a bit unsure of those things in the water, so I didn't actually tip us over. I'm sure all the other boats in the area looked around when they heard people yelling, "Trouble."

The three of us had some good paddles last summer, but I think Cleocatra wanted to come too. She'd follow us down to the wharf and cry....maybe this year she'll come. Then we'd all be together and she wouldn't feel left out.

Arf, arf and thanks, to Emmy and Monty who sent in the following:

The world's oldest dog, an ACD (Australian Cattle Dog) Bluey was 29 years, 5 months old. (He must be an ancestor of mine, says Emmy Stacy!) The current record holder for the oldest living dog is a beagle who is 27, but there's a border collie who is also 27.

GRRR ... Wuff! Yep, it's time to pop the popcorn ( I like mine with a bit of butter and a big bowl of water.) (These are all available at the video store)

Adult /Family Movie..............
HARVEY.... oldie with James Stewart; great story & funny too. Let's face it; I will watch anything if it has animals in ...even if they are 6 ft high, pink, welsh mythology, and did I mention also invisible to most.

JACKASS THE MOVIE....pathetic......what humans will do, spend money on and watch. No, we didn't watch it all. It was just tooooooo stupid!

EVOLUTION'S CHILD..... VERY GOOD. Keeps your interest right off the start, good story... It could happen!

Geeesh.......... I can smell the popcorn now! REMEMBER TO LICK UP ALL THE CRUMBS OFF THE FLOOR!

Did you read what that sister of mine said? Go for a ride in a boat? She's out of her mind! Now, mind you, I have heard of cats who enjoy boats, and make quite long voyages on them. You see their pictures in boating magazines sometimes, or read about them in the paper. And of course, there is the most famous one of all. "Pussy-cat". You remember her. She and her friend Owl went to sea in some sort of pea green boat.

A guy named Edward Lear wrote all about their trip and how they traveled about for a year, finally meeting up with a pig and a turkey. Personally, I think she was crazy. It's true I follow the rest of the family down to the wharf, but it's not because I want to go with them. I'm trying to warn them; don't they know that water stuff is cold and wet? I talk and talk and try to tell them, "Don't go out in that boat!" but they don't listen. So then I have to wait and worry until they come back. I certainly tell them off in no uncertain terms too, when they get back on land. Trouble tries to kiss and make up but I usually give her a good swift bat on the nose and that calms her down. Nope, boats are not for me.

Cleocatra

"Have you ever looked at the back of your eyeballs?" Tom I
"Nah, I'm fooling.... I'm not really asleep" Barb L
"A guy has to catch 40 winks when and where he can" J.W.

And this week ..... Captions please!

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