GOOD DOG! - DOG TRAINING

DRYER, DRYER, HOUSE ON FIRE!

Last week, a neighbor returned home to find her house full of smoke, and on fire!   She was freaked!  Not so much because the house was on fire, but because her two cats were trapped inside.  After repeated unsuccessful attempts to go inside to rescue them, she was driven out by the density of the smoke.

Carol ran over to calm her; assuring her the cats most likely were hiding somewhere, down low, under the smoke.  Carol then went into the house, crawling low, dragging the garden hose behind her, in order to get the fire under control.  The source of the fire; the clothes dryer!  She hosed down the surrounding areas, instictively keeping the fire contained and under control.

Eventually, after 3 calls to 911, two by the owner, and one by GOOD DOG!, the fire department arrived.  They did their thing.  When they were done, the chief coolly informed the owner, they could not find the cats, and most likely they were dead from smoke inhalation.

As soon as she got the all clear from the fire department, the owner dashed into her house, calling for her cats.  Remembering what Carol said, she checked  down low.  Thankfully, just as predicted, she found them in her daughter�s bedroom, huddled together, under the bed. 

They were scared and they were smelly, but they were safe!

As the relieved owner was placing them into the cat carrier GOOD DOG! provided, she turned and hugged Carol  gratefully thanking her, telling her was �Their angel in disguise.�

BOTTOM LINE:  NEVER LEAVE THE CLOTHES DRYER RUNNING, WHEN YOU ARE NOT IN THE HOUSE!  The experience of coming home to see your home on fire is horrific!  Knowing your pets are trapped inside...only YOU can imagine your reaction.   Special note:  Keep those clothes dryer lint filters clean!   Overheated lint will go up in flames,in the blink of an eye!

The love affair Americans have with their pick-up trucks and SUVs are causing serious orthopedic problems and chronic pain for their dogs�especially older ones.  There is no question, it can take years off the quality of your dog�s life.

The visual of your dog leaping into the back of your pick-up or SUV on a �LOAD UP!� command truly is a sight to behold!  However, in a few short years, the visual of your dog limping around in the agony of chronic joint pain, will be a painful reminder of what you could have done to prevent it.

To save your beloved friend years of agony, and possibly preventable, unnecessary surgery, take an extra minute or two�use a dog ramp to load and unload your dog.  It may not be as manly looking, but it certainly shows everyone you are a considerate dog owner. 

Start a responsible dog owner craze!  Use a ramp.  If they could, your dog would thank you!

2009 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION - SAVE THEIR LIFE, SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR PET!

Many of us think we have that �extraordinary dog or cat.�  We want it to live on �forever�, so we don�t want them spayed or neutered.

Others, think they will make a few bucks breeding them.  Why not?  They paid enough for them; why not make our money back.

Before you make the decision NOT to spay or neuter your pets, chew on this:

1. The leading cause of death for dogs and cats, being hit by cars.  Most of the time, they are in the quest to fulfill nature�s call�reproduction!
2. The second cause, overfilled shelters, with unwanted pets.
3. The third, for males, testicular cancer.
4. The third for females, pyometra and mammary gland cancer.
   
   WHAT IS PYOMETRA?

 Pyometra literally means pus in the uterine cavity.  However, if your female pet is spayed, the uterus and ovaries are removed so there is absolutely no chance of pyometra developing. The pus is the result of infection from mucous build-up in the uterus, usually caused by a hormone imbalance.  Not only is it SERIOUS�if not caught in time, it can be FATAL.

Many pets are asymptomatic, until it�s almost too late to save them.  The enlarged uterus can rupture, giving your pet little to no chance of survival. 

THINGS TO WATCH FOR:

1. White, creamy, foul smelling discharge from vulva/vagina
2. Animal obsessively licking their genital area
3. Lethargic
4. Lack of appetite
5. Increased thirst
6. Increased urination
7. Dehydration
8. Weight loss
9. Enlarged abdomen, caused by pus build up in uterus

Should your intact female pet exhibits any of these symptoms, RUN, DO NOT STOP!  GET TO YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY.  Hopefully, it will be in time to save their life. Most likely, by this time, they will require emergency surgery!

Some pets and their owners are lucky.  Their pets may live an entire lifetime and never suffer any of the consequences of not being spayed or neutered, other than overpopulating. 

However, not neutering or spaying your pet could not only be expensive financially, it can be emotionally devastating.

Are you willing to take that risk with your beloved pet?

Florida residents, contact www.spayneuterpets.com for more information and options on affordable spaying and neutering.

HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR DOG!

�                  Do not introduce a new dog or puppy into your home during the holiday season.   When a dog is adopted into a new environment, it needs lots of attention. Holidays do not permit the time to make a new dog or puppy feel secure. Remember, puppies aren�t toys. They are a lifetime commitment. If you wish, give an IOU or gift that represents your dog or puppy. This can be a collar, leash, food bowl or obedience training gift certificate.

�                 Christmas plants such as holly and poinsettia are poisonous to dogs. Keep these plants well out of your dog�s reach.

�                 Don�t place lights on the lower branches of your Christmas tree. They can become hot and burn your dog.

�                Do not leave bones, tin foil and plastic wrap where your dog can reach it.   All are choking hazards.

�                Secure the Christmas tree.   Dogs are curious; if the tree is not secured�you may have more work on your hands than you think!

�                If you purchase holiday gifts or treats for your dog, examine them thoroughly.   Rawhide treats and small plastic balls or toys can be choking hazards.

�                Puppies may chew on electrical cords.   Place cords where your dog can�t get near them. Dogs can be electrocuted or shocked if they chew on electrical cords.

�                Avoid using glass ornaments.   They will cut your dog�s mouth and paws if broken. Or, hang them high!

�                Never leave your dog unattended if he can get to your Christmas tree.   Sharp needles on both artificial and live trees cannot be digested and can cause a wide range of problems if swallowed.

�                Your dog�s intestines can become blocked or circulation can be cut off if tinsel is swallowed.   It�s best to avoid using tinsel when dogs are present in your home.

�                Never use edible ornaments to decorate your tree.   Dogs may knock the tree over in order to get to the treats.

�                   K eep all candy and treats out of your dog�s reach.   Chocolate, alcohol, nuts and marshmallows are toxic for dogs.

�               KEEP TO A NORMAL SCHEDULE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. This will prevent your dog from becoming overly stressed.  dogs that are stressed often suffer behavior issues.

�                Holidays are a time when you may have houseguest with medications.   Make sure your dog does not have access to them.

�                Pick up small pieces of games and toys.  Do not leave them around where your dog may pick them up.  Your dog does not know they are not his, and it could be a choking hazard.

�                 Pick up ribbons, strings and bows. They are like magnets to some dogs, and could be a choking hazard.                                                  

�                 Grapes, raisins and Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin; which can damage your dog�s kidneys.

�                 Potpourri contains oils that can be toxic if eaten.

�                 Candles can cause burns and fires.   Never leave lighted candles unattended or within reach of your dog.

�                 Fearful dogs.   A quiet room, or crate, away from the commotion with water and food available, will help fearful dogs be more comfortable.

�                 Obedience training before the holidays may help a dog who has become a bit forgetful.

�                  Inform your guests of any household 'rules' or problem behaviors  concerning your pets, i.e., sneaking out the door, jumping up on the couch,begging, getting food from the table, etc.

�                  For dogs who may not behave appropriately, or could become aggressive, placing them in a separate room, using pet gates, crates, or even having them stay at a friend's house during a party, may be necessary. Sometimes, boarding a dog in a kennel may be the safest alternative.

�                  Keep your dog out of the kitchen during the hustle and bustle of the season. The last thing you want is for them to get underfoot and get burned from spillage.

�                    If your tree has been sprayed with insecticides or chemicals to extend the life of the tree, be aware that they may be poisonous to pets.  Make sure you cover the treated area with a screen or some sort of barrier method.

�                  Be sure your dog wears a valid I.D., chip, or animal license tag just in case he or she slips outside through an open door or window, what with all the confusion of people coming and going.

�                  Dogs are creatures of habit.   When guests and new excitement arrive during the holidays, it�s typically a time the family dog might display uncharacteristic unruly or aggressive behavior. Be aware of potential problems � and never leave your dog alone with small children.

�                  Walk your dog before guests arrive. While this might seem obvious, often it is not done. A 1-2 mile walk generally will result in the dog taking a nap, just as your guests arrive.

�                 The holidays often result in dogs uncharacteristically toileting in the house.   Excitement, excessive treats, table scraps, distractions, you forgetting to take him or her outside may result in �accidents�.   Be fair, it is not your dog�s fault!

�                 MOST IMPORTANTLY, don�t forget to spend quality time with your dog during the holiday season. If traveling, try to keep regular feeding and exercise routines whenever possible.

PLANNING AHEAD, AND TAKING THE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS NOW, WILL MAKE YOUR HOLIDAYS LESS STRESSFUL FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG!

WISHING YOU A SAFE & HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM GOOD DOG!

8 WINTER SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR DOG

 ï¿½ WATCH FOR ANTI-FREEZE LEAKS & SPILLS - Anti-freeze smells and tastes sweet to dogs.   Many dogs LOVE the taste!  It is extremely poisonous and can be lethal.

� EXCESS FOOT PAD HAIR - Trim the excess hair from the footpads and between the toes of longhaired dogs.   Long hair attracts ice and snow to build up.  Not only is it uncomfortable, it can cause cracking.   If they are cracked, moisten them with petroleum jelly.  Do not allow your dog to lick the salt off their feet!  Many road salts are poisonous, and can be fatal to your dog.

� EXTRA CALORIES & WATER - In the winter, dogs, especially those who spend hours in freezing weather, need extra energy to regulate body temperature.  They need extra food to make them more comfortable through the most frigid days and nights.  Dry winter air make dogs prone to dehydration�provide plenty of fresh water.  If your dog eats too much snow or ice, because they are dehydrated, they can drop their body temperature to dangerous, if not fatal levels.

�  WIND CHILL CAN BE FATAL  - DO NOT leave your dog outside for extended periods of time. As little as 30 minutes in freezing or sub freezing temperatures can cause severe problems.  Tails and feet are especially prone to frostbite!

� PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELTER - Make sure your dog has adequate shelter where it will be warm and dry.  Raise his bed off the ground, to give him a warm place to sleep.  Be sure where he sleeps, is not drafty.

� KEEP YOUR DOG DRY -  Be sure to wipe down your dog until he is dry, especially his paws  Make sure to remove salt and prevent footpads from cracking. If footpads becomes dry and crack, moisten them with petroleum jelly.

� FROZEN BODIES OF WATER � When playing or hiking with your dog, in areas of frozen bodies of water, use caution.  An excited dog can run out onto thin ice, or jump into a stream or river if not under control.  Dogs do die from hypothermia.

� DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG ALONE IN A CAR -  If the engine is off, they can get hypothermic, especially the short-haired or smaller breeds.  If the engine is left running, they can die from carbon monoxide poisoning.