Parenting the Small Dog

Havapoo 8lbs Doberman 80lbs
cDiane Rich 2011

Do you parent a dog under 30lbs? If so, welcome to the growing number of pet parents who opt for the little guy rather than medium to larger breeds. Small breeds seem to be all the rage. They are easy to carry, seem to get latitude from business owners accompanying their human into retail stores and restaurants while they comfortably nest in their own pet carrying case.

The benefit of parenting these little guys is that it doesn’t cost much to feed them, they can easily be picked up and carried and are true lap dogs. Usually the smaller the dog the longer lived so parents can enjoy them through teenage years. If they fit in a crate under an airline seat these little dogs may be able to fly cabin vs. cargo.

Many apartments, condos and senior living facilities allow residents to enjoy dogs weighing less than 25-30lbs. Although more and more hotels allow pets some restrict the size to under 30lbs. They can make wonderful travel companions.

Toy Poodle

cDiane Rich 2011

The small dog was bred to look like a baby through adulthood so easy to be captivated by their defenseless look and allowed lifetime latitude with little to no expectations by their humans. Due to this indulgence and being treated like an ornament or child vs. a dog, they can become entitled presenting behaviors that can include incessant barking or growling and even snapping at the hands coming at them to pet them. As they are mostly carried rather than allowed to use the 4 legs they were born with, they can become quite fearful of life.

People find it cute when these little guys growl or lunge at family and friends displaying teeny tiny teeth in the process. This behavior can escalate into biting anyone who is not their designated driver and more often than not, that pet parent pets or coddles the dog while the little canine presents this dark side.
Brussels Griffon

cDiane Rich 2011

The small or toy dog usually needs to be fed more often than their larger cousins due to metabolism and lack of body fat. Easy to indulge the pleading eyes by giving more food than necessary which can cause weight gain and problems for tiny frames. Many small breeds suffer from a plethora of medical challenges.

Small or toy breeds are not recommended for families with young children who can accidently fracture small canine bones by stepping on them, squeezing too hard or dropping them. Their little bladders need to be tended to more often than medium to larger dogs.

Puppy mills make millions of dollars churning out small breeds and of course the ever popular breed crosses. Easier for the puppy mill industry to stack more crates on top of each other as they take up less space. I include back yard breeders even in urban settings who house dozens of dogs crammed in crates in their garages or outbuildings,bred continuously, then selling pups to their local pet store, on craig’s list, petfinders, and other online websites.
Pug

cDiane Rich 2011

Pet stores do well selling these little dogs. As the litters are small maybe a couple pups, small breeds can be more expensive. As toy or miniature poodles are used to create “poo” mixes, for the growing popularity of small breed crosses, these wonderful little dogs are used as the foundation for the trendy yorkypoo, Havapoo, miniature labradoodle, schnoodle to name a few.

They are cute, that is for sure.
Partial Listing of Popular Small Breeds
1. Chihuahua
2. Yorky
3. Pomeranian
4. Pug
5. Shih Tzu
6. French Bulldog
7. Havanese
8.Papillon
9. Doxy
10 Bichon Frise

Little Woofs,
Diane
Diane Rich Dog Training, LLC
www.spokesdog.com
www.twitter.com/spokesdog
askdiane@spokesdog.com

Fourth of July

cDiane Rich 2011

The Fourth of July is a fun holiday for humans, not so much for our pets unless a tasty morsel of steak, chicken or burger falls off the BBQ and the dog can score the bounty. Pets frightened of thunder will usually be frightened of fireworks. Sometimes it is not just the kabooms, but the vibrations a pet is sensitive to from the ground which can create a mild vibration of the home.

The fear response could include shivering, panting, pacing, hiding under beds, desks or in bathrooms. Many pets will not eat during this time as they are so stressed. Many pets try to escape the home or yard and can easily run into traffic and run for miles trying to find refuge.

Safety Suggestions
Our dog’s hearing is 3 times the level of humans so imagine what the dog has to endure during our festivities.
1. Leave the pets at home should you choose to attend a fireworks display. Daytime parades can be over-stimulating and scary so leave your pet at home. There may be little shade while watching a parade for your dog to escape the heat.

2. Fireworks may be set off in and around neighborhoods days before and after the 4th so be prepared if this is legal or even illegal in your city. Keep your pet indoors during festivities. If your dog has access to a doggie door think about securing the door to keep pet inside.

3.Pets may bolt out an open door, jump or climb a fence to escape, dig under a fence, chew through drywall trying to get out of the house and jump through screens and even windows. If you don’t have AC then an open window is important but be careful if the dog has access to that window.

4.Make sure outdoor gates and front or side doors are secure so a dog cannot bolt from home. If a dog sees an open door to an open garage an escape could occur. In these situations you may find it best to confine your pet in a room or an appropriate size crate.

5.Keep a radio or TV on to help drown out the noise. If a fan can be placed in a safe location, the fan can also help dissipate the noise. Just be sure the dog cannot chew the cord or knock over the fan.

6. If you are entertaining, be sure people keep alcoholic drinks away from the pet. Alcohol is poison to pets.

7.Your pet’s collar should include a license if required in your municipality and an ID tag with updated phone info. Cell phone and land line numbers should be included on the tag. Consider microchipping your pet, just remember to register the chip with the appropriate company so it is activated.

8. Take 2 photos of your pet. A close up of the face and a profile photo should your dog escape and you need to post fliers for a lost dog in your neighborhood. Include a reward. Contact your local shelter and neighborhood Vets immediately should your dog run away from home.

9.Do not leave your pet in your car while attending festivities. It will be too warm and not a safe feeling for any animal. Easy for a pet to be stolen out of your car.

10.If your pet gets distressed every Fourth of July you may want to talk with your Vet about dispensing a mild sedative. If this is your course of action, then make sure your pet is confined in a low lit room, with a blanket, radio and/or fan on to help ease the tension. Some people swear by having their pet wear body hugging canine couture for these situations.

Contact your local behaviorist to get started on some desensitization techniques to help prepare your pet for this noisy and busy holiday.

Have a Safe, Fun Holiday
Woof
Diane
Diane Rich Dog Training, LLC
www.spokesdog.com
askdiane@spokesdog.com
www.twitter.com/spokesdog

Hats off to ALL Pet Rescue Volunteers

I recently wrote a blog on a wonderful rescue organization after meeting many of this one particular non-profit’s dedicated volunteers and their sweet hounds. This rescue happens to be Greyhound rescue.
http://blog.seattlepi.com/caninechat/2011/05/19/take-me-home/I offered to feature some of their dogs up for adoption and the organization’s president sent some photos and bios for me to share with my readers.
Contact info listed below.

SNOOPY
7.5 y.o.

Snoopy is a handsome brindle, playful boy, loves to be with his people, has good house manners and is very obedient. He knows several commands and respects leadership. He loves toys and absolutely loves to play with a ball. He rides well in a car and walks well on a leash most of the time. Snoopy has a very short tail. This is because we had to remove most of his tail because of its over-exuberance – it just wags and wags and wags.

Snoop Dog likes affection, but does not like to be crowded. He likes to hang with you, but is not a Velcro dog; he’s happy to just hang nearby.

Snoopy would do well in a calm, experienced dog home preferable with a big fenced yard with someone who loves to play ball with him. We do not recommend Snoopy for an apartment/condo or a busy environment. He would do well in a calmer environment without a lot of commotion or busy children. He loves to learn new things and is very obedient.
Snoopy has never been an only dog, but we think it might be possible for him to be an only dog.

Likes: He loves playing ball and with toys. Loves to learn new things. Loves walks and running in the yard.
Dislikes: Children, some other breed dogs, small dogs, cats and busy, noisy environments.

LINKZ
5 y.o

Linkz is a handsome black dog will just make you smile. His tail never seems to stop wagging and it goes in all directions. He is eager to learn.
He has good leash manners and is very easy to handle. After a good run in the yard, he is happy to hang out with you and just chill. Linkz has not been in a home as yet, but we think he will learn the ropes very quickly. He loads easily into a car.
Linkz is more on the active side and we do not recommend him for an apartment/condo. Because of his activity level, we would also not recommend him with young children.

Likes: People, checking out new things, running in the yard, walks, playing.
Dislikes: Cats, small dogs, young children.

PRINCE
5 y.o.

Prince is a handsome, very affectionate, sweet boy, quite the lovebug, definitely a leaner and lover. He respects leadership and learns quickly. Prince knows several commands. He loads easily into a car and likes car rides. He is great on leash and loves walks.
Prince needs a forever home with a canine companion and clear, calm leadership. He can be anxious about new situations and things, but with a clear, calm leader he does well. We really think that someone who is willing to do some obedience training with Prince will really create a bond with him and he will be your buddy for life!! He’s good around the house and very well behaved.
He is fine with small dogs and has lived with them. We do not recommend Prince in a home with young children and would most probably do best in a calmer home.
Prince will need an experienced home and one with a canine companion (preferably female).
Likes: People, being with you, affection, walks, car rides.
Dislikes: Young children, noise and confusion.

Website – www.greyhoundpetsinc.org
Contact: Moira Corrigan – fastpaws@centurytel.net
Toll Free # – 877-468-7681

Woof,
Diane
Diane Rich Dog Training, LLC
www.spokesdog.com
askdiane@spokesdog.com
www.twitter.com/spokesdog

Seattle Dog Survives Chest Impaling During Hiking Accident
I was contacted by Seattle Veterinary Specialists regarding a recent trauma case and had the pleasure of interviewing the surgeon who was part of a great team saving a life.

As we are coming upon a National Holiday and summer where we all get out more with our dogs, I felt it important to blog about this case and ask Kirsten Kirby, DVM, MS, CCRT, Diplomat ACVS to list some emergency pointers I could share with my readers.

The Back Story
Kirkland, Wash., May 19, 2011 – Vets at Seattle Veterinary Specialists (SVS), a multispecialty and 24-hour emergency/critical care facility collectively used their talents to help Abby through emergency surgery and post op care. Abby, a 2 year old German Shorthaired pointer came to them after diagnosis and pain management via her primary care Vet. Abby had a stick impaled through the chest while enjoying a day hiking with her human companion. Abby is alive today because her owner and primary veterinarian did not pull the stick mmediately out of her chest.

Abby had been on a typical run in the woods with her owner who was playing fetch with her on the trail. Abby let out a loud yelp from a few yards ahead of him. When the owner found Abby, she had blood on her chest and was trembling.

Her owner took off his t-shirt, wrapped the shirt around Abby’s chest, and drove her straight to Redmond-Fall City Animal Hospital in Redmond where the Vet stabilized Abby with pain medication and antibiotics, performed an initial examination of the wound, identified a stick protruding from the dog’s chest, and referred Abby immediately to SVS emergency Hospital.

Emergency surgery was performed by board-certified surgeon Kristin Kirkby, DVM who was assisted by Kim Podlecki, DVM. Anesthesia was performed by board-certified anesthetist and licensed veterinary technician Tina Branham.

Abby’s chest was opened, and the stick, approximately 7 inches long and 1 inch in diameter, was found to be piercing her heart in two places. The stick was surgically removed and the two holes sutured closed. Abby received a blood transfusion during surgery.

With emergency surgery and ongoing care at Seattle Veterinary Specialists, this German Shorthaired Pointer improved and was discharged. Smart, quick thinking by her owner, excellent treatment by her primary veterinarian, and advanced care at SVS are credited for her survival.

Holiday weekends bring about fun, parties, swimming, driving, hiking with dogs, dog park play and other activities. No one expects an emergency if a gate is left open and a dog runs out and gets hit by a car. No one expects to throw a stick for a game of fetch into a river or lake or on a trail and a dog impales itself on a stick in the process. No one expects a dog to drink alcohol out of a glass left low enough to be consumed by the family pet. No one expects a dog to put paws up on a grill going after some tasty BBQ and receive burns from that behavior. Accidents and emergencies happen quickly. Be prepared.

I asked Dr.Kirby to list some bullet points for emergency care should an incident happen away from home.

First Aid Tips for Dog Owners

•If hiking or camping pack essential survival items including first aid kit and make sure someone knows where you are going. When bringing your dog, make sure to bring a water bowl and extra water.
•Know where the nearest veterinary hospital is and keep the phone number with you. Call the hospital you are on your way. .
•If your dog is impaled by a stick/ branch in the chest or abdomen, DO NOT remove it. Cover the area with a shirt and seek veterinary care immediately.
•If your dog is bleeding, apply pressure to the wound with a shirt or cloth. Hold the pressure or wrap with another piece of cloth or bandage material. If the bleeding is from the neck or chest, make sure not to wrap too tightly. Better to hold direct pressure over the wound if possible.
•Cover any open wound with a bandage or cloth and seek immediate veterinary care. Time is of the essence and the best way to avoid infection is to clean the wound immediately.
•Instant cold packs can provide pain relief, decrease bleeding, and decrease swelling.
•Carry benadryl with you in case of insect sting. Dose: 0.5-1 mg/ pound. A 50 pound dog can get one or two 25 mg tablets. A small dog (10 lbs) should get a children’s tablet (12.5 mg). The “fast melt” products are good… just put inside lip rather than pilling.
•Do not give aspirin or other human pain medication. Ask your veterinarian for a prescription for a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication that is safe for dogs or other pain relievers such as tramadol and carry a dose with you on trips in case of emergency. Only give as directed by your veterinarian.
•If your dog sustains a fracture, hip dislocation or other orthopedic trauma, seek veterinary care immediately. If the fracture is open (compound), cover the wound with a light bandage or cloth. Do not attempt to splint the leg unless trained in veterinary bandaging techniques.

The owners are trying to raise money for Abby’s medical bills which are substantial. About $1000 has been donated as of our last communication. If you can help please contact Seattle Veterinary Specialists @
425.823.9111
Have a SAFE holiday weekend.
Woof
Diane
Diane Rich Dog Training, LLC
www.spokesdog.com
askdiane@spokesdog.com
www.twitter.com/spokesdog

Book Signing in Lynnwood

Dr. Marty Becker, the veterinarian who appears as a regular guest on the Dr. Oz Show and Good Morning America, is coming to Seattle for a fan event from
1 to 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 25, at PETCO, 2617 196th St. SW, Lynnwood, WA.

Becker’s signing his new book, “Your Dog: The Owner’s Manual,” giving a presentation and celebrating with give aways. Temple Grandin, world-famous animal scientist and autism advocate, says it’s “chock full of practical advice on both behavior and health.”

“Your Dog: The Owner’s Manual,” offers amazing and easy solutions to the questions dog owners ask the most. Readers will discover how to cut shedding up to 90 percent and tips on getting rid of stubborn pet stains. There’s even a strategy to increase a dog’s life span up to 30 percent. (That’s two full years longer!)

Helpful tips and tricks reveal how to use food puzzles to stave off weight gain and an easy method to turn pill time into treat time. In these cost-conscious days, Dr. Becker explains a weekly measure that can cut veterinarian bills in half.

He guides the family through selecting the right dog for their lifestyle and describes how to protect the human family from doggy diseases. This breakthrough guidebook employs strategies that not only add to the quality of life for man’s best friend, but for the dog lover as well.

Woof,
Diane
Diane Rich Dog Training, LLC
www.spokesdog.com
askdiane@spokesdog.com
www.twitter.com/spokesdog

Dog Pack Attacks Dog near public park, Owner shoots

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/122396329.html

In the growing city of Kirkland, a dog owner enjoys an outing with his German Shepherd near one of our wonderful parks. Out of the blue a pack of 3 unleashed Pit Bulls goes after an innocent dog. The Shepherd owner tried to get the Pit Bulls off his dog and the article reads the PB owner from Seattle also tried to break up the fight.

In the process of breaking up the attack, the article states that with the second attack, the 3 dogs also went after the Shepherd owner.

The Shepherd owner, who has a concealed weapons permit pulled his weapon, shot one of the dogs and the 2 other Pit Bulls ran off. The Pit Bull is getting treatment for a gunshot wound and the Shepherd is receiving treatment for bite wounds. Both dogs will survive.

Police are investigating the incident.

I see incidents and near misses frequently at on leash and off leash parks. The leash law can help protect innocent victims from a dog attack although the human end of the equation and poor decisions they make is what facilitates my head shaking when I read article after article covering dog attacks. Most incidents are preventable.

I wish the GSD a speedy recovery. I would offer some comments to the PB owner but I choose not to talk to myself.

Woof
Diane
Diane Rich Dog Training, LLC
www.spokesdog.com
askdiane@spokesdog.com
www.twitter.com/spokesdog

Purebred Rescue Groups; The Greyhound
Greyhound Pets, INC

Greyhound Pets, INC
CDiane Rich 2011

Greyhounds can learn obedience skills. Greyhounds are one of the many breeds making up today’s Doberman
CDiane Rich 2011

Doberman, Salukis and Greyhound enjoy a nice walk
cDiane Rich 2011

The Unwanted Dog
Through no fault of their own many dogs are abandoned, surrendered at shelters, tied up outside Vet clinics making them someone else’s problem and responsibility, dumped along a highway or in the woods, or surrendered to purebred rescue groups. Some of these adoptable dogs are scared to death, some are shut down, some act out and some forgive the human race for our callous, disposable mentality and still wake up happy each day.

Volunteers with BIG Hearts
I admire those individuals with HUGE hearts who volunteer their time for rescue organizations or shelters or donate money to these non profits to help our canine friends in need. Some amazing people foster dogs in their own homes and try to help find forever homes for those poor dogs that did not find forever homes from day one.

Greyhounds
I have an affinity for all dogs of course and sighthounds make the short list. I am drawn to the sweet, rocketship Greyhound that in essence is really a cuddly couch potato. Yes, they are fast, 40 miles per hour fast but their preference is to relax, curled up on your sofa.

Greyhounds lucky enough to find their way to a rescue organization usually come off the race track due to the fact they were not winners or have outlived their usefulness. Their fate was always euthanasia before rescue groups evolved. Many still end up destroyed.

Greyhound Pets, Inc.
I recently met this Greyhound group at a local event. Fell in love with these dogs, the organization and the doting hound parents who also volunteer for this organization. Greyhound Pets, Inc is a non profit group founded in 1985. It has found homes for 5200 retired racing hounds from tracks and farms across the U.S. These sweet dogs are spayed and neutered, up to date on vaccinations, treated for parasites, and given an exam by a veterinarian. This non profit is a no kill shelter.

Adjustment Period
Former racing hounds have lived in kennels all their lives. These sweet dogs have never been in a house until a foster or forever home, don’t know what stairs are, and don’t understand sliding glass doors or slick floors. They do require an acclimation period to life outside a kennel or barn.

These eager to please, quiet, sweet canines, are low key. Some are very playful and others need your help learning how to play. They need daily walks even if they live in a home with a fenced yard. Apartment or condo life is ok as long as they get daily walks. They have short fur, do shed, are wash and wear dogs and could use a nice coat in cold or wet weather as they have virtually no fat to keep them warm. Greyhounds usually live 12-15 years and most of these adoptable dogs are around 2-5 years old when they are surrendered to rescue.

I highly recommend looking into this breed.

For more information:
1 877 468 7681
www.greyhoundpetsinc.org
Woof
Diane
Diane Rich Dog Training, LLC

www.spokesdog.com
askdiane@spokesdog.com
www.twitter.com/spokesdog

National Dog Bite Prevention Week; May 15-21
Every Week Should be Bite Prevention Week

Bite Prevention Week is sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association

cDiane Rich 2011

Millions of dog bites occur each year, many bites severe enough to need hospital attention. Many bites go unreported. Over half of all dog bite victims are children under 12 years of age. There is a percentage of bite victims who are in the wrong place at the wrong time and are bitten by free roaming dogs.

Here, Sniff the back of my Hand
I watch parents tell their young children to stick their little hands out so the unfamiliar dog can sniff the back of that little hand and “get to know them” before they pet the dog. I have always disagreed with this approach be it from a child or adult and try to educate my clients with fearful, aggressive, aloof or newly adopted dogs how to read their dog’s body language and manage their dog’s meet and greets with strangers especially children. This can help prevent problems, facilitate a positive interaction for both the dog and the stranger or redirect interactions altogether.

Professional Help May be Warranted
Most canine aggression is based on fear or anxiety although other factors need to be assessed and included in the overall canine evaluation. The human factor and history are always included in my evaluation.

Canine Communication
Dogs display a variety of signals from puppyhood on and are trying to communicate to their human family, guests in the home or strangers in public. Unfortunately those signals usually are misunderstand by the humans who may inadvertently feed the fear or empower the behavior. Mixed messages from members of the human pack can contribute to anxiety and fear and the result is a dog that acts out.

The Dog Lover
Many dog lovers, be they family, friends, neighbors or strangers may feel they have a gift and think all dogs on the planet love them. Dog lovers, most well meaning think all dogs are friendly, like to be approached, and like to be pet or handled.

Forced Meet and Greets
Dog lovers stick their face in the face of an unfamiliar dog or rough up an unfamiliar dog in what they think is a playful manner. Even a basically friendly dog that cannot escape the interaction can vocalize at a stranger who is not reading the canine’s body language signaling discomfort of the approach or interaction. If the vocalization or avoidance signals are not respected, a nip or bite could be delivered

Friendly Reminders
Bite prevention week may on the calendar to offer a friendly reminder to check outdoor fencing and gates so an escape cannot occur. Maybe it is a reminder to teach children not to approach an unfamiliar dog, or to teach children how to properly interact with the family pet. Keep in mind, not all dogs like or are comfortable with children.

Other Pointers:
1. Remind children to ask permission from a pet owner to pet an unfamiliar dog on a leash.
2. Children (or adults) should not approach any dog tied up without anyone around even with permission
3. Children (or adults) should not tease dogs.
4. Teach children early how to pet a dog and how to be calm around dogs. Children will model your interactions with the family pet and unfamiliar dogs.
5. Add “train the dog” to cell phone calendars

Woofs
Diane
Diane Rich Dog Training, LLC
www.spokesdog.com
askdiane@spokesdog.com
www.twitter.com/spokesdog

Fun for the Whole Family

Join in the fun May 13th and 14th Friday through Sat. 10a.m.-7p.m

The llama seemed to be smiling after she planted a smooch on the store owner’s cheek! I assure you, it is a sweet, velvety, quick touch.