In this issue:

1.    Separation anxiety

2.    Pets and the Japan Tsunami

3.    Ugly Dog Contest

4.    Gunner

5.    Pets Of the Month

6.    Upcoming Pet Events

Separation Anxiety

During the course of my career in the pet sitting and dog walking world, I have been asked by customers about pet separation anxiety.  I have heard comments such as “I think my dog has separation anxiety”, “my dog barks and scratches the door incessantly as when I leave, any suggestions?”, “the neighbors sometimes mention that there was all-day howling while I was gone”.  I know of some pets that get anxiety medication before their parents go on a vacation.  What to do?!!  First it is important to assess what behaviors your pet displays to determine if they may have real separation anxiety. 

There are many articles that talk about symptoms and signs.  One really good article I found by The Humane Society of The United States, provides very good and thorough information about symptoms, possible causes, what to do and what not to do.  According to this article, the most common behaviors include: Digging and scratching at doors or windows in an attempt to reunite with their owners, destructive chewing, howling, barking, and whining, urination and defecation (even with otherwise housetrained dogs).  If most, or all, of the following statements are true about your dog, he may have a separation anxiety problem:

• ·         The behavior occurs primarily when he’s left alone and typically begins soon after you leave.
• ·         He follows you from room to room whenever you’re home.
• ·         He displays effusive, frantic greeting behaviors.
• ·         The behavior occurs whether he’s left alone for short or long periods.
• ·         He reacts with excitement, depression, or anxiety to your preparations to leave the house.”

Although it’s not fully understood why some dogs suffer from separation anxiety, there are certain scenarios that very well may be triggers to such behavior:

• ·         A dog who is so used to human companionship, is left alone for the first time
• ·         To him, he had a traumatic experience, say from a shelter or boarding kennel
• ·         He has frantic greeting behaviors
• ·         There’s a change in the family routine or structure, i.e. losing a family member

How to treat minor separation anxiety 

• ·         Don’t make a big deal out of arrivals and departures. For example, when you arrive home, ignore your dog for the first few minutes then calmly pet him.
• ·         Leave your dog with an article of clothing that smells like you, such as an old T-shirt that you’ve slept in recently.
• ·         Establish a safety cue—a word or action that you use every time you leave that tells your dog you’ll be back.
• ·         Consider using an over-the-counter calming product that may reduce fearfulness in dogs.

Dealing with a more severe problem

Use the techniques outlined above along with desensitization training. Teach your dog the sit-stay and down-stay commands using positive reinforcement. This training will help him learn that he can remain calmly and happily in one place while you go to another room.

Create a “safe place” to limit your dog’s ability to be destructive. A safe place should:

       Confine loosely rather than strictly (a room with a window and distractions rather than total isolation)

       Contain busy toys for distraction

       Have dirty laundry to lend a calming olfactory cue or other safety cues.

What to do in the meantime

It can take time for your dog to unlearn his panic response to your departures. To help you and your dog cope in the short term, consider the following interim solutions:

       Ask your veterinarian about drug therapy. A good anti-anxiety drug shouldn’t sedate your dog but simply reduce his overall anxiety.

       Take your dog to a doggie day care facility or kennel when you have to be away.

       Leave your dog with a friend, family member, or neighbor when you’re away.

       Take your dog to work with you, if possible.

What won’t help

       Punishment. Punishment isn’t effective for treating separation anxiety and can make the situation worse. The destruction and house soiling that often occur with separation anxiety aren’t your dog’s revenge for being left alone: they’re part of a panic response.

       Another dog. Getting your dog a companion usually doesn’t help an anxious dog because his anxiety is the result of his separation from you, not just the result of being alone.

       Crating. Your dog will still engage in anxiety responses inside a crate, and he may urinate, defecate, howl, or even injure himself in an attempt to escape. Instead, create other kinds of “safe places” as described above.

       Radio/TV noise. Leaving the radio or television on won’t help (unless the radio or TV is used as a safety cue).

       Obedience training. While formal training is always a good idea, separation anxiety isn’t the result of disobedience or lack of training; therefore, it won’t help this particular issue.

Consult a professional animal behavior specialist for assistance in resolving your dog’s issues.

*Article courtesy of Humane Society of the United States. November 3, 2009. www.humanesociety.org

Pets and Japan’s Tsunami/Earthquake

If you have turned on any news channel in the last week or so, you would know that that tens of thousands of people have perished or are missing as a result of the Japan earthquake/tsunami disaster.  While the crisis has led thousands to evacuate, many cats and dogs either died, or were left behind.  Many evacuation shelters would not allow pets, forcing many pet owners to leave their pets.  Of the household pets in Japan, 46% are dogs and 31% are cats.

In effort to aid those animals who were left behind, injured, or have gotten sick, several animal welfare organization have been banning together.  “World Vets is collecting veterinary supplies and medicines through the group’s website, including de-worming medicines, vaccinations, fluid replacements, wound treatments, cages and cash donations. The donations will be used to assist the first-responder team the organization will establish to house and treat injured and lost animals. According to the group’s Facebook page, World Vets representatives headed into the disaster zone on Sunday to start rescuing animals.  The nonprofit organization, World Society for the Protection of Animals leaves for Japan on Tuesday with the aim of helping pets who were left behind by their families.” (Lauren Benton, March 14, 2011, www.petamin.com)

How to help the pets in Japan

For more information about how you can help in the form of donation to help the affected pet population, visit http://www.globalanimal.org/2011/03/22/how-to-help-japan-pets/32243/.  Many organizations have PayPal set up for your convenience.

UglyDog Contest

The Del Mar Kiwanis Ugly Dog Contest was held March 13 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.  The event benefitted the Rancho Coastal Humane Society.  Lots of “ugly-but-cute-dogs” contended.

Chomper (above) won 1^st place!  Chomper is a boxer mix who has a neurological disorder that keeps his tongue from staying in his mouth- funny!

Rascal, an African Sand Dog (what??!) won second place.  Honestly, I think this dog is too cute to be in the ugly dog contest.  This photo cracks me up:  The owner is parading around with a sign with a photo of his dog, campaigning for him to win.  It’s just funny to imagine someone thinking “VOTE FOR MY DOG!  I HAVE THE UGLIEST DOG”.   You definitely don’t see people doing that with humans saying “I have the ugliest baby!”.. Hmmm deep thoughts!! LOL.

 Scruffy (above), a Jack Russel Terrier, won 3^rd place, but he really should have one second place.   It looks as though his he was born with his lower jaw pointing in an awkward direction.

Remembering Gunner

May Gunner rest in peace and be in a happy place and feeling wonderful.  Gunner was a member of the Sarandipity family who suffered from Fanconi Syndrome, a disorder that affects the kidneys. He had to be put to sleep last week, as complications related to his condition suddenly took a turn for the worst.  His parents, Sean and Erin, loved him dearly and were amazing dog parents!  If you read my last newsletter, you would remember the video I included of Erin and Gunner “singing”—pretty cute stuff.

Pets of the Month

I introduce to you Lucky and Rocky, 2 amazingly adorable Beagles brothers, who just moved here with their parents ALLLLL the way from New Jersey.  They definitely use their trademark “roooo roooo rooo” Beagle bark to greet you and when they are hungry!  Whenever I come to visit them, I sit with them on the floor and just keep petting them and they are so content!  They are great playmates too- they like to wrestle with each other every so often. Lucky and Rocky are going to be 12 years old April Fool’s Day.  Happy early birthday!

Upcoming Pet Events

Recurring Events

Department of Animal Services Shot, Microchip& Licensing Clinics
Every Thursday 1-3pm at all County of San Diego shelters.
For more information go to www.sddac.com.

San Diego Humane Society & SPCA
3rd Thursdays
Happy Hour Lecture Series—offers lectures on an interesting topic related to pets and pet parenting. Lecture includes materials, light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Proceeds benefit the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA.
For info call (619) 243-3424 or visit www.sdhumane.org.

Shop the Bunny Store! San Diego HRS
Saturdays
A super cool “bunny store” where you can purchase all the best supplies for your favorite rabbit companions. We’re open from Noon to 3 p.m., the first 4 Saturdays of every month.

Pet Network
Weekends
Low cost vaccine clinics every weekend except Holidays. Check our Website for locations, dates & times.
www.Petnetwork.us

March/April/May Events

Sunday, March 27th 8am to Noon

Kit Carson Park, 3333 Bear Valley Parkway in Escondido. The Escondido Humane Society’s Paws in the Park dog walk is sure to be a howling good time for people and their canine companions. The annual dog walk will raise funding and awareness for homeless and abandoned animals. Post-walk festivities include a Paw vendor expo, games, contests, entertainment and more. Walkers can register online at www.firstgiving.com/ehs; registration is free, and all walkers will receive incentive prizes based on dollars raised starting at $50. For more information, call (760) 888-2235 or go to www.escondidohumanesociety.org.   For a vendor packet, click here.  For a Sponsor Packet, click here.

Saturday, April 9th 10am to 3pm
Balboa Barks (formerly Woofstock)
Held in Balboa Park to benefit Canine Companions for Independence.  It is  A Day of Peace, Love, and Canine Companions.  Vendors ! Prizes! More fun than you can imagine! Bring yourself and your best friend! 10 am to 3 pm. For more info www.cci.org/balboabarks

Sunday, May 1st 10 am to 4 pm
Annual Pug Party Del Mar Fairgrounds—Infield Pavilion area.
Vendors, Unique Pug Boutique, Food, Prizes, AND the Annual Pug Contests

Saturday, May 7 10am-4pm
“There’s No Place Like Home” – Del Mar Fairgrounds Infield Pavilion 
$10 admission for adults, $5 for children under 10 – “hot air balloon” wagon ride, “Pug of a Different Color” booth, nail trimming and microchipping, costume contests, wet t-shirt and cupcake chomp contests, adoption booth, Pug boutique, and much more…

Saturday, May 7 8am-Noon
Walk For Animals San Diego Humane Society & SPCA
Crown Point Shores in Pacific Beach from 8-noon.  
www.sdhumane.org (619) 299-7012

_______________________

For professional pet sitting or dog walking in La Jolla, Pacific Beach, UTC, and surrounding communities, visit www.SarandipityPetCare.com 

Pet Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

 Holidays can be extremely fun for humans, but may pose hidden risks for pets. These seven tips will help keep your pets safe this holiday season. 

 Don’t be a turkey on “Turkey Day.”  Holiday treats, such as rich, fatty scraps, bones from pork and poultry, alcoholic beverages, chocolate and other sweets and candies can be harmful or toxic to pets.  These foods have been linked to pancreatitis in pets. Signs and symptoms of an inflamed pancreas include vomiting and abdominal pain.  Severe pancreatitis requires emergency medical care and treatment.  

 O (No) Christmas Tree!  Below it. In it. On top of it. Around it. You name it and the Christmas tree poses the possibility of harm to your pets.  Pine tree water can be poisonous, so it’s best to use an enclosed tree stand. If that’s not possible, be sure to cover open tree stand bases. The tree should be secured to a wall with strong wire or twine because a toppling tree can cause serious injuries to dogs and cats.  

Decorations can be dangerous as well. Tinsel entices canines and felines alike. Glass ornaments look like shiny fetch balls. Ornaments, hooks, twinkling lights and electrical wiring all pose significant danger to pets. When no one’s around to supervise, unplug lights and any electrical decorations a pet has access to. Be sure to cover or tack down electrical cords.  

Remember, common holiday pet poisons also include plants. Holiday plants that are poisonous to pets include mistletoe berries, holly, hibiscus, Christmas roses and the poinsettia. Keep these out of your pet’s reach.   

Sugar free doesn’t guarantee a happy ending. Xylitol, a sugar substitute, causes a dog’s blood sugar to drop quickly. This poisoning can be treated, but causes liver failure if not treated properly.  Macadamia nuts aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Dogs experience severe weakness in their back legs, appearing paralyzed, after ingesting macadamia nuts. Dogs usually recover from this condition within three days.  Pets and bread dough don’t mix well. When bread dough is ingested it continues to rise and may cause an intestinal blockage. Consider your pet’s long-term health when treating and feeding during the holidays. While the tendency is to spoil with a lot of food and edible treats, this can sometimes lead to unnecessary weight gain. Give your pet a special toy or spend some extra time playing and petting instead.   

Following these valuable tips will help keep pets out of danger, while still enjoying the festivities that accompany the most wonderful time of the year!  

Taking Your Pet On An Airplane

Many of my clients have had to make the important decision on whether or not to bring their pets with them for the holidays via air travel.  Several concerns exist, including the temperature in the cargo area, the air pressure, stress of being in a strange environment for several hours.  People want answers darnitt! Should we or shouldn’t we fly Fido or Fluffy??  After doing some research, a couple websites offer great information and guidelines you should follow.

The Humane Society Website offers some general guidelines:

The HSUS recommends that you do not transport your pet by air unless absolutely necessary. If your pet must travel in the cargo hold, you can increase the chances of a safe flight for your pet by following these tips.

       Use direct flights. You will avoid the mistakes that occur during airline transfers and possible delays in getting your pet off the plane.

       Always travel on the same flight as your pet. Ask the airline if you can watch your pet being loaded and unloaded into the cargo hold.

       When you board the plane, notify the captain and at least one flight attendant that your pet is traveling in the cargo hold. If the captain knows that pets are on board, he or she may take special precautions.

       Don’t ever ship brachycephalic animals such as Pekingese, Bulldogs, or Persian cats in the cargo holds. These breeds have short nasal passages that leave them especially vulnerable to oxygen deprivation and heat stroke.

       If traveling during the summer or winter months, choose flights that will accommodate the temperature extremes. Early morning or late evening flights are better in the summer; afternoon flights are better in the winter. 

       Fit your pet with a collar that can’t get caught in carrier doors. Affix two pieces of identification on the collar—a permanent ID with your name and home address and telephone number, and a temporary travel ID with the address and telephone number where you or a contact person can be reached. 

       Affix a travel label to the carrier with your name, permanent address and telephone number, final destination, and where you or a contact person can be reached as soon as the flight arrives. 

       Make sure that your pet’s nails have been clipped to protect against their hooking in the carrier’s door, holes, and other crevices. 

       Give your pet at least a month before your flight to become familiar with the travel carrier. This will minimize his or her stress during travel. 

       Do not give your pet tranquilizers unless they are prescribed by your veterinarian. Make sure your veterinarian understands that the prescription is for air travel. 

       Do not feed your pet for four to six hours prior to air travel. Small amounts of water can be given before the trip. If possible, put ice cubes in the water tray attached to the inside of your pet’s kennel. A full water bowl will only spill and cause discomfort. 

       Try not to fly with your pet during busy travel times such as holidays and the summer. Your pet is more likely to undergo rough handling during hectic travel periods. 

       Carry a current photograph of your pet. If your pet is lost during the trip, a photograph will make it much easier for airline employees to search effectively. 

       When you arrive at your destination, open the carrier as soon as you are in a safe place and examine your pet. If anything seems wrong, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately. Get the results of the examination in writing, including the date and time.

Honoring Service Dogs

I’ve always been a fan of service dogs and have appreciated the concept of dogs helping humans in need, and at the same time getting rewarded by such a close relationship and bond with his human owner. 

In observance of this past Veteran’s Day, I came across a very heartwarming story about a WW2 vet and his Labrador (article from zootoo.com):

“I don’t feel like I have a disability now,” Cyr told Zootoo Pet News in a phone interview, speaking from his Palm Beach, Fla., home. “I feel like I am a whole new person.”

It’s been a long journey for Cyr, who served in the air force for two years until his B-52 crashed in Alaska in 1945. Cyr spent nearly five months hospitalized and emerged “100 percent disabled,” he says, unable to walk and wheelchair-bound. He married, had three sons and started his own construction businesses – the only way he could hold a job was to be self-employed – but it was only once Addison, a two-year-old black Lab and Golden Retriever mix, came along that he started feeling like he wasn’t disabled.

“She does everything for me,” Cyr said. “She helps me walk, she acts as a calmer balance, she wakes me in the morning, she lets me know when someone is at the door, she turns on light switches for me, she picks up things I cannot reach.”

“I can walk with a cane now and don’t have to use the wheelchair anymore.”

Cyr and Addison were paired up through Canine Assistants, a non-profit organization based in Milton, Ga., that places 75 to 100 dogs with disabled people annually. It costs approximately $20,000 to train and then provide for service dogs, so Canine Assistants relies on private donations and company partnerships, such as with Milk Bone, to keep the organization running.   

For full article go to www.zootoo.com

Pets of the Month

Charlotte

Charlotte is one big ball of black & fluffy goodness!  This sassy Poodle-Spaniel mix loves tennis ball fetch, chasing birds at La Jolla Cove, lots of affection, and is always smiling!  This dark and lovely one is smart as a whip with a ton of personality. She goes nuts when she sees my car, because she knows its chuck-it time!  Many passers-by think that she’s a Portuguese Water Dog when her hair is extra long. Her owners are goo-goo ga-ga over her, and I am too!   

Schatzi

Schatzi is quite a snuggle-bug of a Tabby.  She would be content being pet for hours on end!  Very purry and vocal, you can definitely tell she is happy to see you:)  She even knows the word “cookie” and will come over to get her long-awaited treat.  Her owner went on a long vacation and I had to joy of visiting her several times– and we definitely bonded! 

Sarandipity Pet Care Introduces Pup-Scort!

Don’t want your dog to miss your special day?  Is your dog a ring bearer and need someone to walk him/her down the aisle?  Sarandipity is now offering “Pup-Scort”- a pet escort service for your pup so you can make sure your dog is having a great time during your wedding or other special event!  Have worry-free social time with your friends and family while your pup is well-taken care of by a pet sitter.

If you or someone you know is planning a wedding or other special event, and is a pet owner, spread the word!  For more details, you can contact me at 619-208-0823.

Upcoming Pet Events (courtesy of Pet Lovers Publications)

Recurring Events:

Department of Animal Services Shot, Microchip& Licensing Clinics
Every Thursday 1-3pm at all County of San Diego shelters.
For more information go to www.sddac.com.

San Diego Humane Society & SPCA
3rd Thursdays
Happy Hour Lecture Series—offers lectures on an interesting topic related to pets and pet parenting. Lecture includes materials, light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Proceeds benefit the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA.
For info call (619) 243-3424 or visit www.sdhumane.org.

Shop the Bunny Store! San Diego HRS
Saturdays
A super cool “bunny store” where you can purchase all the best supplies for your favorite rabbit companions. We’re open from Noon to 3 p.m., the first 4 Saturdays of every month.

Pet Network
Weekends
Low cost vaccine clinics every weekend except Holidays. Check our Website for locations, dates & times.
www.Petnetwork.us

November and December Events:

Sunday, November 21st, 2010 11:00am – 3:00PM

Holiday Critter Carnival
Animal Presentations! Carnival Games/Prizes! Winter Crafts! Photo Opportunities with Santa! Well behaved pets welcome. PLUS: Earth Friendly Faux Snow Zone!

Holiday fun for EVERYONE!

Advance Purchase General Admission: All Ages: $8.00
Day of Event General Admission: All Ages: $10.00

(Premium Activities not included in General Admission)

For More Information Contact: Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Education Department;  6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe, 858-756-4117 ext. 318 or log onto http://www.animalcenter.org/education/winter_carnival.aspx

Thursday, November 25, 2010 7am
2010 Thanksgiving Day Run for the Hungry
Downtown San Diego starting at Petco Park

The 2010 Thanksgiving Day Run for the Hungry is a 5K & 10K walk/run/race that takes place in beautiful downtown San Diego. This great course starts at Petco Park and travels through the Historic Gaslamp Quarter and East Village.

A great way to start Thanksgiving Day, this family-oriented event is perfect for everyone – all age groups and fitness levels. Dogs are welcome and costumes are encouraged! Proceeds from this charity event benefit the San Diego Food Bank and Foodmobile, a service of the Jewish Family Service of San Diego, to help feed the hungry in San Diego County as well as their four-legged friends.

Sponsored by PureFitness Sports Clubs, Kathy Loper Events, Jack-in-the-Box, Sysco, Grand Hyatt Hotel, Viejas Casino (sponsorship opportunities are still available!)

Participants are encouraged to dress up as well as their dogs! There will be a doggie costume contest!
Benefiting San Diego Food Bank and Foodmobile, a service of Jewish Family Service
For more information see: www.runforthehungrysd.com

Saturday, November 27, 2010 – 10:00am – 3:00pm
The Grey Muzzle Adoption Event
Hosted By: Pit Bull Rescue San Diego
This is a multi-Rescue (12 total) and multi-breed event showcasing all of the older dogs that are so often forgotten. It is going to be held in the PetCo parking lot across the street from the Sports arena. There will be a Silent Auction, informational booths, and some vendors as well. Culligan Water will be there to keep everyone hydrated.

PBRSD www.pbrsd.org is a volunteer run, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Sunday December 5th from 11:00am- 3:00pm
PETLAND GROOMING hosts its 1st Annual Home For the Holidays Adoption Event!
Rescue Organizations participating will be Camp Pendleton Animal Shelter Second Chance Animal Rescue Sandy Hill Private Adoptions Chihuahua Rescue. Come find a new love of your life and enjoy! Raffle and prizes, Lots of Suprises,Homemade Doggie treats by Penny.
5430 Clairemont Mesa,Blvd. San Diego,CA For More Info 858-268-3721

Sunday, December 12th
Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade & Expo San Diego
Pet owners are invited to dress up their pet in their favorite costumes for a special promenade throughout the Gaslamp, just for the holidays. 10.00 fee will include participation in the parade, collectable Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade dog tags, a Goodie Bag featuring animal treats, discounts, coupons, and other pet friendly gifts.
www.gaslamp.org

Thursday, December 30th
Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals Finals Race at the Big Bay Balloon Parade
Dachshunds from all across the western U.S. will compete as one of the activities BEFORE the Big Balloon Parade.
www.HolidayBowl.com 619-283-5808, ext. 309

Hello and welcome to another issue of SPC News!  My name is Sara Melaten, owner of Sarandipity Pet Care Services. I hope you enjoy this issue.  If there is a topic or issue you would like me to cover in the upcoming e-newsletters, let me know and I will do my best to include it!

Socializing Aggressive Dogs

Nobody wants to encounter an aggressive dog.  What do you do when you realize that your beloved puppy that you adopted shows signs of aggression toward dogs or people?  I am hearing more and more stories of how “I can’t take my dog to the dog park because I don’t trust him around other dogs” or “I’m afraid of how my dog will behave when a guest comes over or gets to close to her”.   Although I am not a professional dog trainer, I have researched different articles on this issue– so I will pin point a few ideas and suggestions that can potentially help your pooch with these issues and make you a happier pooch parent!

Avoid potentially dangerous situations.  Keep your dog on a leash around other dogs at all times.  If you are wanting to take your puppy or dog to a dog park, keep him on the leash and make sure he is muzzled.  Yes, people in the park may give your and your dog some curious looks but who cares! You are doing this because you are working on socializing your dogs aggression, and it’s ok to explain this to other people.  When your dog is still a puppy, this is the best time to knock the aggression on its but.  It is still possible to train adult dogs, but can be much easier with puppies. 

Basic Steps You Can Take

I found this internet article to be straight to the point and it’s a good start for anyone encountering aggression problems with their dog.  The article starts by suggesting some things you can write down:

1. Write down all your dog’s triggers, in detail. What types of people are they uncomfortable around? What types of dogs are they uncomfortable around? Suggested reading is Aggression in Dogs by James O’Heare a technical workbook, and Pam Dennison’s How to Right a Dog Gone Wrong and Bringing Light to Shadow.

2. Write down your dog’s behavior, what in exact in detail are they doing? What does your dog do BEFORE they react, while they are reacting, what did they get out of the reaction and what happens afterwords?

3. What happens before your dog reacts? What do you do? What is the distance of the person or the dog? What does your dog do? What signals or body language messages do they send?

4. How does your dog react or aggress, what does it look like and can you define exactly what they reacted to? What did you do when they reacted, meaning “during” the reaction?

5. What exactly happens AFTER the reaction occurs? What did you do? What did the person do? What did the dog do? What did your dog do? NOTE HERE: Simply by removing what happens BEFORE your dog reacts and what reinforcement they get AFTER they react, you can influence and change your dog’s behavior.

6. What changes in your household environment can YOU make to assure your dog is calmer, more relaxed and more focused on you when encountering triggers? Call in a professional if you are not having success in your home. Outdoors: Can you put up a fence, close access to potential reactive areas, mask outdoor sounds, put up a safe place where your dog spends an hour a day without any distractions, increase exercise, provide better nutrition, get medical tests done to rule out behavior challenges

7. Make an effort to find safe places to walk your dog on or off leash. While you are re-socializing and re-training your dog, you’ll need to strive for zero reactivity and keep them safe. To move them slowly past the safe places will take a concentrated and committed effort with a professional behavioral trainer and positive associations with your dog’s triggers. This is why distance and duration of exposure needs to be minimal while slowly increasing duration and slowly decreasing distance without reactivity or aggression.

8. Find a trainer who is knowledgeable in reactive and aggressive dog behavior; a behavior consultant who focuses on reactive and aggressive dog modification and/or a veterinarian behaviorist. Start your dog out right with positive reward-based training methods so they can re-socialize to their capacity.

9. If your dog is reactive to other dogs, then teacher dogs with excellent doggie communication skills will be needed to help your dog re-socialize. If human reactive, people who know exactly what they are doing will be required (i.e. professionals) to re-socialize your dog. There are a lot of books written on the subject and are well worth the dollars spent, but a professional will see things you won’t and will know what technique to apply and which to stay away from for your particular dog. Pair pleasant things like treats, toy play with the dog’s triggers, so they begin to equate the trigger with good things happening.

10. Most of all, commit yourself to the process. This means to practice daily with your dog, keep a log and set realistic criteria. Keep distance to zero reactivity and proof your dog occasionally to see where their  threshold might fall. Keep your dog always below threshold when training as this creates a long history of keeping them safe and finally makes scary stimuli irrelevant. Your sub-threshold will increase incrementally.

Resources: www.associatedcontent.com, www.positivedogs.com, www.jamesoheare.com

In sum, because a few clients have asked me what they should do about their dogs’ aggression issues, here is what I would saw in a nutshell.  WRITE DOWN AND ASSESS the dog’s behavior (triggers, situations, etc).  FIND A TRAINER that specializes in aggression.  Most of all, YOU MUST COMMIT to the process– by this I mean you need to dedicate the time and patience to reinforcing the training techniques at home.  The dog isn’t going to be fixed only by the trainer’s work, you have to work at it too.  Consistency is important as well.  I really hope that this article has helped those of you who are encountering these issues.

Upcoming Pet Events

Sunday, August 28th, 2010
Oceanside to Julian
Labrador Harbor is in need of your help to sponsor our 4th Annual Kruise 4 K-9’s. Our top sponsor will have front t-shirt advertisement on the event tee, and all other sponsors will be featured on the back of the shirts. We are in need of gift certificates, T-Shirt’s with your company logo or any other appropriate items, to raffle off on the day of the event. We hope this will help promote your business at our event. For more information on how to help the dogs, give Mike a call, 619-892-0049, or email us at info@labradorharbor.org.

Sunday, September 12th 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
IAMS 5th Annual Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon benefiting Helen Woodward Animal Center
Del Mar Dog Beach – Bring your dog and come surf!
Register online atwww.surfdog.kintera.org

Sign up your Dog to surf in the surfing contest! Sign up for the Costume Contest! Sign up for Doo the Dah Costume Surfing Contest for Humans!
What If your dog doesn’t know how to surf?  No worries – we will be holding our Surf Clinics on August 7th, 14th, and 21st at Del Mar Beach from 9am -11am. Every participant will get personalized attention and a goodie bag! 

Check out some cool Video Links from last year:
Surf Dog Bobby Gorgeous – 2009 Dog Surfing Helen Woodward 
Buddy and Dozer the Surf Dogs Hang 10 Catching a Wave
http://www.socalbeachmag.net/californiabeachevents/2008surfdogsurfathon.html
http://www.photogallerybymichael.com/

Pet Of The Month

   Bella

This sweet and petite female Labrador loves fetching tennis balls at the park and playing with her farm animal toys inside the home.  Nothing brightens my day more than seeing her smile and waggin’ tail when I come through the door.  She is always happy to bring me a welcome gift in her mouth (one of her squeaky toys).  This nugget of love tugs at my heart strings and is one of the newer additions to the Sarandipity family.  Welcome Bella!

A Pet’s 10 Commandments

I received this in an email that was forwarded from a client of mine.  It almost brought tears to my eyes! It is a reminder that the human-animal relationship is a 2-way street!

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years.   Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me.  Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them.

Special Offer From Sarandipity Pet Care Services

Refer a friend and receive a credit for 2 FREE PET SITS!  Offer expires 9/30/10.

www.SarandipityPetCare.com