Showing posts with label you. Show all posts
Showing posts with label you. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
What would you miss more
Last Tuesday, March 10, our paper ran an item in the police blotter titled, “Dog named Zeus, gun, laptop taken from home.”
The dog was listed as the most valuable of the three items at $2,500. The gun was worth $1,000 and the lap top worth $1,500, the police report said.
But is that dog really worth $2,500? I have never met or talked with the dog’s owners, but I’m willing to bet that dog did not cost $2,500. Of course it’s possible, but unlikely.
I can’t imagine what these people must have gone through, trying to put a value on their dog. When it comes down to it, our dogs are priceless.
If someone stole my dog, and some other pricey things, I couldn’t imagine telling an officer my dog was worth just $200 — the price we purchased him for. Certainly, he’s worth much more than that.
Do I add in the vet bills? I could probably get that value up to $4,000 with vet bills included.
I wouldn’t be able to stand seeing him valued at $200 while I list a computer and other items worth more.
What it comes down to is, what would you miss more?
Would you miss your flat screen TV more than your dog? Your lap top? The iPod? Your boat? How about the car?
I like my TV. I love my laptop. I wish I had an iPod. I don’t know what I’d do without a car.
But I’d figure it out. I’d eventually get another TV and laptop. Maybe a cheap car if insurance didn’t cover my loss.
But my dog? He is irreplaceable. Sure, I can get another dog, but not another Sensi.
I feel for these people who had their dog stolen. I hope there is a miraculous recovery of this dog and that he is reunited with his owners.
What if you came home to find your house trashed, your valuables stolen and dog gone too? What would you miss the most?
Read More..
The dog was listed as the most valuable of the three items at $2,500. The gun was worth $1,000 and the lap top worth $1,500, the police report said.
But is that dog really worth $2,500? I have never met or talked with the dog’s owners, but I’m willing to bet that dog did not cost $2,500. Of course it’s possible, but unlikely.
I can’t imagine what these people must have gone through, trying to put a value on their dog. When it comes down to it, our dogs are priceless.
If someone stole my dog, and some other pricey things, I couldn’t imagine telling an officer my dog was worth just $200 — the price we purchased him for. Certainly, he’s worth much more than that.
Do I add in the vet bills? I could probably get that value up to $4,000 with vet bills included.
I wouldn’t be able to stand seeing him valued at $200 while I list a computer and other items worth more.
What it comes down to is, what would you miss more?
Would you miss your flat screen TV more than your dog? Your lap top? The iPod? Your boat? How about the car?
I like my TV. I love my laptop. I wish I had an iPod. I don’t know what I’d do without a car.
But I’d figure it out. I’d eventually get another TV and laptop. Maybe a cheap car if insurance didn’t cover my loss.
But my dog? He is irreplaceable. Sure, I can get another dog, but not another Sensi.
I feel for these people who had their dog stolen. I hope there is a miraculous recovery of this dog and that he is reunited with his owners.
What if you came home to find your house trashed, your valuables stolen and dog gone too? What would you miss the most?
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Did you know
Jessa do not liked to has puppies on Jessas head.
Jessa sleeped on the couch and we jumped on Jessas head!!!
Just like we do when Tamara comes to sleep on the couch too!!
We likes to snuggle up close where Jessa and Tamara can see we good!
Read More..
Jessa sleeped on the couch and we jumped on Jessas head!!!
Just like we do when Tamara comes to sleep on the couch too!!
We likes to snuggle up close where Jessa and Tamara can see we good!
Saturday, October 25, 2014
DOES YOUR DOG LICK YOU TOO MUCH ROUGHLY
I let my dogs lick my face, as long as…
A - I have invited them to do so;
B - They are not in an overly excited state;
C - They have not been eating anything disgusting;
D - They lick in a respectful manner and know when to stop!
It is normal, healthy expression of joy and affection for a dog to give you one or two gentle licks as a greeting, or to share affection.
Licking behavior is instinctive in puppies. Puppies lick their mother’s face as a sign of recognition and respect. A mother dog will lick her puppies to groom them. A dog will also lick another dog to indicate subservience.
My Australian Shepherd Tasha loves to groom my Chihuahua Carmen - when Carmen needs a grooming he always goes to see Tasha!
But when a dog licks in a dominating manner (never asks if you would like to be licked but just moves in and takes completely over) or incessantly licks in an anxious manner and refuses to stop it is time to put some limits in place.
Too much licking is not normal and indicates that your dog is either dominating you or is insecure and anxious. Left unchecked this behaviour can become obsessive. It can also indicate that your dog does not know how to relax. That is not good for the dog or you.
TO TEACH YOUR DOG LIMITS AROUND GIVING ‘KISSES’
If you enjoy getting a ‘kiss’ from your dog but would like to teach your dog that it needs to stop licking after a couple of licks and that it needs to lick respectfully (gently, slowly - not hyper and fast). First make sure that you are not inviting your dog to lick you when your dog is very excited - you can end of overwhelming and stressing your dog! To learn more you can read this short article Affection and Your Dog.
One - Make sure you are calm (without excess emotion), and ready to coach with fair, firm confidence. Dont be aggressive, annoyed, frustrated, angry etc., dont raise your voice in anger. To understand more about how you can make sure you are communicating properly with your dog you can read about the Sensitivity of Dogs and Communication.
Two - Once your dog has licked once or twice you can touch your dog firmly but quickly with your fingers - at its neck or waist, you can snap your fingers and say enough firmly, but not with anger. If your dog is too rough in the way he licks you can follow the same methodology and say ‘gentle’.
Three - Then tell your dog what you would like it to do instead i.e. go sit etc.
Four - Follow through...if your dog goes back to lick you again - dont get angry, simply correct as per the steps above.
TO STOP YOUR DOG FROM LICKING
If you do not want your dog to lick your face, your hands etc;
If your dog always licks your skin cream off, or is insistently / obsessively licking anything else… here is the proper way to it them not to stop…
One - Make sure you are calm (without excess emotion),and ready to coach with fair, firm confidence. Dont be aggressive, annoyed, frustrated, angry etc., dont raise your voice in anger.
Two - get your dogs attention, you can touch your dog firmly but quickly with your fingers - at its neck or waist, you can snap your fingers and say hey firmly, but not with anger. Never touch or talk in anger as you then lead by the wrong example!
Three - Tell your dog what you want i.e. no, dont touch and then say leave it I have ten dogs - different breeds, from tiny to large - they all understand this type of direction...as do the dogs I work with for my clients.
Four - Tell your dog what you would like it to do instead i.e. go sit etc.
Five - Follow through...if your dog goes back to lick you again - dont get angry, simply correct as per the steps above.
And by the way - dogs use the placement of their body to takeover and own space - you can too! If you lean or walk into the space your dog occupies your dog will naturally move out of your space - providing you are calm confident...this is also an excellent way of telling your dog - in a language it understands - to give you space. This helps your dog to further understand that licking and invading your personal space is not appropriate at that time!
Additional Assistance
If you require additional support and guidance I would be pleased to assist you via my In-Person or On-Line Services…
Dog Obedience Training and Behaviour Modification Services:
- In-Person sessions are available via this service
- On-Line consultation and sessions are available via this service
Diet, Nutrition Wellness Services:
- Unbiased Diet, Nutrition, Product Advice is available via this service
- Diet, Nutrition Wellness Plans are available via this service
Notes:
Please note - this article is for information purposes and is not a substitute for an in-person Session with me. When working with dogs I use many techniques - it is important to note that this article may touch on one or several techniques but not all. I select the technique that I use for a particular dog based on my observations of the dog and an intuitive, instinctive assessment of that dogs and its humans individual requirements. For example when I am working with a dog that is hyper sensitive and very physically reactive I will not use voice or touch. I use a lot of therapeutic touch on some dogs, others require the use of herding techniques and so on. Each and every technique must be combined with:
- an understanding of the real intelligence, sensitivity and capability of dogs;
- an understanding of how to read a dogs face and a dogs overall body language;
- an understanding of the full spectrum of ways that humans communicate and dogs communicate;
- understanding and recognition of the individual that is each dog - no two dogs are the same...taking a cookie cutter approach to techniques is not the way to work with a dog;
- a complete recognition and understanding of all the elements that feed a behaviour and create an issue:
- the vast majority of people can only identify one or two elements...which vastly inhibits the ability to resolve behavior issues;
- behaviours do not exist in isolation - there are always many elements that feed a single behaviour, there all always multiple behaviours that create a behavioral issue;
- self-restraint and discipline on the part of the human who is directing the dog;
- sensitivity, awareness, intuition, instinct and timing on the part of the human who is directing the dog;
- to understand, connect with and adapt quickly and effectively to a dogs learning requirements you must be able to employ the same tools a dog uses - acute sensitivity, awareness, instinct, intuition and timing;
- kindness, endurance, consideration, patience, persistence, perspective, the ability and know how to let the past go, the ability to set realistic expectations at any one point in time;
- the creation of structure, rules, boundaries and limitations for each situation at the macro and micro level;
- understanding of all the elements that make up an instruction and direction to a dog...there are multiple steps involved in an instruction - not just one!
- absolute honesty - if you cannot be honest with yourself you will not be able to communicate clearly with a dog.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Fish Fish Meal and Ethoxyquin – Danger Do you Really Want This in Your Dog and Cat Food
This article discusses two very important issues regarding your dog’s diet and health…
- Fish in your Dog’s Diet – is it really as good for your dog as the pet food industry purports it to be? and;
- The Very Dangerous Preservative used in Fish Meal – Ethoxyquin and why you should stop feeding your dog any product that contains fish meal.
First, Let’s Talk About Fish in Your Dog’s Diet and Pet Food Industry Deceit/Greed
Fish-based dog kibble has become a very in-demand consumer item on pet store shelves. But is it really good for your dog – the answer is NO, and here is why…
It is very important to understand that when provided in the right quantity - fatty fish (i.e. herring, mackerel, menhaden, salmon, sardines, sprat), are an excellent source of protein and omega 3 fatty acids.
If fish represents a large portion of a dog’s daily diet (or if fed fish exclusively) fish becomes a very dangerous food stuff. Large amounts can result in a thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency, leading to:
- Appetite loss;
- Weight loss;
- Seizures, and in severe cases;
- Death.
On a daily basis, my dogs each get a small piece of fatty fish; however this fish represents only a small percentage of their daily food intake.
So, in light of the fact that too much fish can be damaging to a dog’s health...
Why are pet food manufacturers producing lines of dog kibble that feature primarily fish? To make money from waste that would otherwise be thrown away...
Because...
- They use the by-product of fish processed for human consumption - which they would otherwise have to throw away - and instead make money on this waste product;
- Fishery waste is i.e. fin, tail, head, scales, sludge) which cannot be used in human-grade products;
- They use whole fish that cannot be used to produce human-grade food – i.e. the fish was dead, diseased or dying when harvested.
- They can use fish meal, an inexpensive source of protein;
- Fish meal is made from fish harvested for that specific purpose – i.e. herring, menhaden, pollack, etc.
And They Make It Sound Like You are Getting Great Value For your Money...
But What They Are Really Doing is...
It causes:
- Conning you into thinking the product is great for your dog by leveraging the ‘hot’ words Omega Fatty Acids;
- Taking advantage of the growing number of dogs that are acquiring food sensitivities to more typical protein sources (like beef and chicken) which are full of toxins (growth hormones, antibiotics). Also unless the label on the food says otherwise is from dead, diseased, dying or disabled (4D) animals.
In other words – the pet food industry is not introducing fish into your dog’s diet for your dog’s health but instead to make a tidy profit regardless of the health cost to your dog.
The irresponsibility does not stop there…
Having advised many client’s about truly nutritional and safe diets for their dog’s I have had a lot of opportunity to hear the expectations of those loving humans who try to provide the best for their dogs. I have heard so many say ‘but the pet store staff told us this was a good product’ or ‘the label says Omega Fatty Acids, and this is an expensive-to-purchase kibble so we thought it really did meet nutritional requirements for our dog’s daily intake of Omega Fatty Acids’. I then walk them through the ‘rip-off’. Most consumers have absolutely no idea what is the correct ratio of Omega 3:6. They also do not know the serious impact on their dog’s health of an non-balanced intake. The manufacturers know that the typical consumer is not well-informed regarding this issue – and take advantage they do – big time.
Despite the fact that manufacturers are leveraging the idea of great health via the provision of Omega Fatty Acids, I have not seen one dog food – including fish-based kibbles, that provide a proper balance of Omega 3 to Omega 6 Fatty Acids. The ratio should be in the range of 2:1 for Omega-3 to Omega-6. Meaning for every 1 part of Omega 6 there should be 2 parts Omega 3.
Commercially made dog food is - in every product I have looked at to date, in direct opposition to this essential balance. If you look at a dog food kibble label you will find copious amounts of Omega 6 and in comparison an infinitesimal amount of Omega 3. An out-of-balance ratio can disrupt the balance of pro and anti-inflammatory agents in the body resulting in chronic inflammation and elevation of the risk of health issues such as allergies, arthritis, diabetes and more – to understand more about the benefits and risks read more here.
And we have yet to talk about Ethoxyquin…
So what does this have to do with fish?
Well almost all fish meal used in dog and cat food contains Ethoxyquin. Ethoxyquin is used as a preservative in pet foods to prevent the (further) rancidification of fats. It should be noted that much of the meat and fat used in pet food is rancid prior to being processed into the kibble as the ingredients used may be waste that cannot be used in human grade food processing).
But you will NOT see it (Ethoxyquin) listed on the ingredients. And here is why…
Ethoxyquin isan anti-oxidant used as a food preservative and a pesticide (called ‘Stop-Scald’). It is listed and identified as a hazardous chemical by OHSA. It has a rating of 3 on a scale of 1 to 6; with 6 indicating super-toxicity and requiring less than 7 drops to cause death. The containers that Ethoxyquin is stored and shipped in are marked with the word/symbol ‘POISON’. The US Department of Agriculture lists and controls Ethoxyquin as a pesticide.
The FDA has mandated that Ethoxyquin is no longer legal for use in human food – with the exception of some spices. The use of Ethoxyquin remains legal for use in animal grade food.
Ethoxyquin Is a Known Carcinogen...
It causes:
- Cancer of the kidneys;
- Significantly increases the chance of stomach tumours, and;
- Bladder cancer, it has also been shown to cause;
- Allergic reactions;
- Behaviour problems;
- Deformity in puppies;
- Infertility;
- Organ failure;
- Skin problems.
Sixteen plus years ago, on August 14, 1997 the FDA issued a statement (you can read it here) in which the FDA reveals that on July 31, 1997 the FDA advised manufacturers and trade associations for the pet food industry regarding serious issues over the assumed ‘safe’ dosage of Ethoxyquin as related back to the FDA’s ‘voluntary’ request to pet food manufacturers to lower the level of this very toxic chemical in the making of dog food.
A year and a half ago, on May 25, 2012 the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) issued another notice – this one to remind the industry about the labelling and use requirements for Ethoxyquin. You can read it here.
Suffice it to say that Ethoxyquin is a seriously dangerous substance – banned from human consumption due to its grave and lethal dangers. It should be banned from dog and cat (as well as other animal) food, but to date it has not been.
Why?
Well it is not because it does not pose a very serious threat to non-human animal health but instead due to lobbying. And believe me the company that makes Ethoxyquin is no stranger to the practice of lobbying…
Monsanto the company responsible for lies and conceits, for damaging the environment and the food chain - with their (Monsanto’s) bevy of toxic pesticides and herbicides – with their round-up ready Genetically Modified seeds, knows how to keep their products from being banned…no matter what the cost to human and non human animals, and the environment. Monsanto are after all the masters of greed for profit, regardless of the cost to the health of living beings and ultimately the planet.
So, if you are feeding your dog or cat ANY product that contains fish meal – unless the manufacturer clearly states that the product is ethoxyquin free, throw it in the garbage!
And, in complete contrast to the pet food industry’s intent for your dog – let me just say… this article is for the true health of your dog!
And by the way if you have not had previous exposure to the evils of Monsanto – you can get a crash course by reading here.
You will see the importance and impact to your health as well. And then you will understand why I sign every petition I can against GMO and the evils of Monsanto.
The following are a few examples of food that the manufacturer states are ethoxyquin free...
- Acana;
- Blue Buffalo;
- EVO;
- Performatrin;
- Orijen
Holistic Support
If you require additional support and guidance I would be pleased to assist you via my Holistic Diet, Nutrition Wellness Services:
- Unbiased Diet, Nutrition, Product Advice is available via this service
- Diet, Nutrition Wellness Plans are available via this service
Thank you Nicole Wilde!!
I want to give a huge shout out to Nicole Wilde for a generous donation of books and a video for our K-9 Corrections program. Our program is very small so donations help us greatly and are much appreciated.
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The dogs and handlers are doing great. Here are a couple short videos of them doing some pivot work in preparation for one of the rally exercises. This is Erica. She is a little shy with some new people. I think she would do best in a home with no young children because of that.
And this is Blue. He will need a home with an active owner or another dog to play with. He and Erica play together very well but he can be quite rough.
Both dogs are available for adoption through the Humane Society of Knox County. We also got a new set of APDT rally signs made up finally. Our last set somehow got misplaced. It was aggravating because I had made them up myself along with all the sign holders too. And now the fencing I used for those has been discontinued. It is a tough time of year to find any type of garden fencing as well. Thankfully I think I may have found a solution using PVC pipe pieces with slots cut into them. Ill keep you posted on how it works.
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Thanks again to Nicole Wilde for her donation. We couldnt do this without the support of our community, the facility, our facebook fans, and other trainers like her. I just cannot express my appreciation enough. Thank you.
Read More..
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The dogs and handlers are doing great. Here are a couple short videos of them doing some pivot work in preparation for one of the rally exercises. This is Erica. She is a little shy with some new people. I think she would do best in a home with no young children because of that.
And this is Blue. He will need a home with an active owner or another dog to play with. He and Erica play together very well but he can be quite rough.
Both dogs are available for adoption through the Humane Society of Knox County. We also got a new set of APDT rally signs made up finally. Our last set somehow got misplaced. It was aggravating because I had made them up myself along with all the sign holders too. And now the fencing I used for those has been discontinued. It is a tough time of year to find any type of garden fencing as well. Thankfully I think I may have found a solution using PVC pipe pieces with slots cut into them. Ill keep you posted on how it works.
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Thanks again to Nicole Wilde for her donation. We couldnt do this without the support of our community, the facility, our facebook fans, and other trainers like her. I just cannot express my appreciation enough. Thank you.
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