BREAKING NEWS :

KEEP YOUR PET SAFE IN SUMMER HEAT Seattle Humane offers pet safety tips for fun in the sun FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 3, 2012 With temperatures expected to soar into the 80′s this weekend, the Seattle Humane Society reminds pet owners to keep their furry friends safe from the heat. Do not leave your pet in your vehicle. Even at 70 degrees, the interior of a car can rise to 160 degrees in less than five minutes—parking in the shade with the windows cracked is still dangerous. Your pet’s foot pads contain sweat glands that help keep him cool, and the feet are particulalry vulnerable to hot surfaces. Sidewalks, pavements, sand, and especially black asphalt can reach blistering temperatures in direct sunlight and cause nasty burns on your pet’s feet.Signs of burned foot pads include:• Limping or refusing to walk • Foot pads appearing darker in color than usual • Raw, red or blistered foot pads • Licking or chewing on the feetTake preventative measures and protect your pet’s feet by walking your pet earlier in the day before the sun heats things up. You can also walk on grassy paths or shady areas. Water play is refreshing in the summer but tender foot pads softened from prolonged water exposure can burn more easily. Dog owners should take extra care to protect dogs’ feet from hot surfaces after water play. A dog’s normal body temperature ranges from 101 to 102.5 degrees. Dogs can withstand a body temperature of 107 to 108 degrees for only a very short period of time before suffering brain damage — or even death. Remember that if your buddy has a shorter nose, like a Persian cat, a Pug or a Bulldog, he or she is more susceptible to heatstroke than breeds with longer noses. If you suspect your pet has become over heated, seek veterinary care immediately. Signs of heat stroke include: • Body temperatures of 104-110F degrees • Excessive panting • Dark or bright red tongue and gums • Staggering or stupor • Seizures • Bloody diarrhea • Vomiting At home consider your pet’s housing. If they are kept outdoors, make sure they have shade and fresh water access at all times. If you live in a warm climate, it is a good idea to hose down the dog before work, at lunch or whenever you can to provide extra cooling. If you suspect that your pet has suffered from a heat stroke, seek veterinary attention immediately. Use cool water, not ice water, to cool your pet (very cold water will cause constriction of the blood vessels and impede cooling). If your animal “appears” cooled, do not assume everything is fine. Internal organs such as liver, kidneys, brain, etc., are definitely affected by the body temperature elevation, and blood tests and veterinary examination are needed to assess this. Enjoy the hot weather this weekend, but leave your best friend at home if you can’t take him in with you at every stop! About the Seattle Humane Society Seattle Humane Society has been awarded the coveted 4-star rating by Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. Founded in 1897 to bring people and pets together, Seattle Humane Society provides incredible companion animals for adoption 7 days a week, pet workshops and training, a pet food bank, a low-fee spay/neuter surgery program, humane teen club, a visiting pets program and more.

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

Sneak a peek at exclusive auction items benefitting Seattle Humane’s shelter pets

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 26, 2012

Don’t miss Tuxes and Tails, the most “barked about” fundraising event of the year featuring decadent dining, luxurious auction items, local celebrities, and an adoptable pet runway show — all to benefit the animals at the Seattle Humane Society!

Take a sneak peek at this year’s auction catalog full of exclusive items and experiences you won’t find anywhere else, including a chance to join Seattle Humane Society on a life-saving dog transfer trip to L.A., a 25-person cocktail party aboard a 92’ classic 1929 motor yacht, and more!

Get your tickets today and enjoy a fun-filled night of fundraising for the animals.

23rd Annual Tuxes Tails Gala                             Saturday, May 12, 2012                             Hyatt Regency Bellevue                             Doors open at 5:00 p.m.

Buy your tickets now at tuxesandtails.org or call (425) 373-5388.

Can’t attend this year? Make a donation to the animals or buy a raffle ticket (you do not have to attend Tuxes & Tails to win!) Learn more…  For more information:

Rhonda Manville Director of Marketing

(425) 274-1513 Rhonda@seattlehumane.org

Amanda Walde Media Relations Associate

(425) 753-7151 Amanda@seattlehumane.org

About the Seattle Humane Society Seattle Humane Society has been awarded the coveted 4-star rating by Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. Founded in 1897 to bring people and pets together, Seattle Humane Society provides incredible companion animals for adoption 7 days a week, pet workshops and training, a pet food bank, a low-fee spay/neuter surgery program, humane teen club, a visiting pets program and more.     Grand Champion Sponsor:  Thank you to the following sponsors: Jeannie & Bruce Nordstrom, Laird Norton Tyee, and Waste Management

Heartfelt Woofs for a wonderful animal non-profit

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

Via The Doctors, Daytime Talk Show
I was contacted to share this with my readers.

Summer vacation season is quickly approaching, which can mean exciting trips to warmer climates, new adventures, foods…and a higher risk of bringing home some unexpected souvenirs—bed bugs! Pest control for these hard-to-get-rid-of insects has more than doubled since 2000, since they can go months without a meal (human blood!), and they are hard to detect.

The hosts of the Emmy Award-winning syndicated daytime talk show THE DOCTORS can help your readers find relief from bed bugs with the assistance of a few canine species. On Thursday, April 24, one pest control company specializing in bed bugs shows THE DOCTORS how dogs – especially dachshunds and beagles – can help seek out bed bugs. With more than 225 million scent receptors, these dogs can smell all stages of infestation.

See below for a clip demonstrating this feat by one adorable pup.

Tips: “don’t let the bed bugs bite!”·

Detect them – Bed bugs love small cracks and crevices. Check even the screw holes in your bed frame to see if you have a bed bug problem.· Prevent them – Get rid of all cardboard boxes in the house and switch to plastic for storage.·
Remove them – Make sure to vacuum on a regular basis, as bed bugs can often be found in warm spaces like grooves in a carpet or rug.·
Overheat – If you detect bed bugs on sheets or clothing, throw the fabric in the dryer first, then wash the items and dry them again.

To view the clip, please click on the following link: http://youtu.be/ggJSbzaEYkE

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

Assess your Pet Parenting Skills

cDiane Rich 2012

Dog Training is really People Training. It is beneficial the human family be a part of the teaching process so the dog will hopefully learn to respect all family members, not just the trainer.

I commend dog parents for stepping up the plate to work with their dogs and learn not only basic training skills but learn ways to add enrichment in some way to benefit the dog’s mind and spirit.

cDiane Rich 2012

 
Some pet parents think a trainer or their breeder will or should  “fix” a problem and may not want to be part of the process or even part of the solution.  Can we,  as experienced professionals “fix” a problem, sure, most of the time. But, the solution to the problem usually doesn’t stay “fixed” without owner follow through.  Without  owner follow up and reinforcement of the dog’s learned skills, most pet parents will see the results disappear. 

Due to lack of reinforcement by the pet family or opting out of following suggested strategies, the pet parent  may tell their trainer at a later date that the training didn’t work. Or, they  may just contact  another trainer to “fix” the dog again or find a trainer who tells them what they want to hear vs. what the dog really needs.

cDiane Rich 2012

Although we would like our latest greatest skis, tennis racket or grand piano to make us look like pros the equipment may make a person or the room look great but is useless obviously without learning and practicing skills. Unless, of course you are a musical prodigy or gifted athlete.  Dogs need direction, practice, feedback and a payoff to motivate learning, retention and desire to comply. Dogs need to learn to learn.

Pet Parenting Tips :
1.Puppy time goes by quickly, this is the best time to begin learning how to train your dog
2.Rescuing an older dog? Wonderful.  Don’t wait to see how things go, take a class, hire a pro and help the dog’s confidence by teaching  some skills
3.Give your dog feedback. Without knowing what s/he did correctly how will the dog know what pleases you
4.Giving treats as a lure to begin teaching a new behavior or a reward can be a great aid in positively creating behavior. However it is advisable to learn how to use alternate rewards and how to use rewards correctly .
5.Training the dog during the dog’s first year is very important and reinforcing training and teaching new skills for the life of the dog is highly recommended.
6.Loving the dog is great, but not enough to create a stable, well adjusted dog. Every dog needs to have some mental stimulation and exposure to life.
7.Enhance your daily walks by going to new locations
8.Hire pet professionals who talk with you not at you
9.If you opt for daycare or boarding interview those business owners, observe how animals are handled before driving away. 
10.Manage and observe your dog’s behavior and  health. A dog cannot tell you something is wrong. By observing and touching your dog you may be able to see a change in behavior or eating habits, problematic potty issues, coat quality, feel new lumps or bumps which will be necessary to note for your next Vet visit

Wishing you years of happy pet parenting.
Woof,
Diane
Diane Rich Dog Training, LLC
www.spokesdog.com
askdiane@spokesdog.com
www.twitter.com/spokesdog

Move Over Rover
When I was contacted by Banfield with their top ten list, my response was really? And, the response back was, yes. So, sharing with you Banfield’s 10 weirdest and wildest pet names.

Each year Banfield Pet Hospital, world’s largest veterinary practice, pulls from its patient database of over 780 hospitals to identify the top trends in pet names – but this year a few names seemed to really stand out.

Forget Fido and Fluffy, and put away your ‘Baby Names’ book – these pet names are truly one-of-a-kind! Drum roll please…

1.Fatty Mcbutterpants
2.Sir Goose Slobberalot
3.Beetle Juice Monster Pants
4.Chairman Meow
5.Honey’s Lil Midnight Moonshine
6.Lord Godrick Von Mousenberg
7.Emperor Chewy Teddybear
8.Cookie Fudge Rainbow
9.Baron Von Doodle
10.Alyssa Butter Scooch

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

The Seattle Humane Society (SHS)

cDiane Rich 2011

It is easy to get caught up in emotion and saddened by the circumstance that led each special dog to this shelter. So, I asked Rhonda Manville, Marketing Director at SHS in Bellevue, WA., how do you do it? Rhonda smiled and said, “one of the reasons is SHS has a 94.1% save rate for dogs and cats and I know when I come to work the following week that most of the animals will have been adopted.” She adds proudly they had a record breaking October 2011 and placed 634 dogs and cats in loving homes, the most pets adopted in a single month in the shelter’s 114 year history.

The Seattle Humane Society, which shelters more than 5,000 homeless pets per year, is ranked number 3 in the country with regard to “save rate.” Among animal shelters, the “save rate” is the percentage of surrendered, stray and abandoned animals who leave a shelter alive and are placed into adoptive homes, rescue groups, or returned to their owners.

Pets Receive 4 Star Treatment
All dogs that come to SHS go through an admissions process which includes a full Vet check, treatment if needed, are vaccinated, microchipped and spayed or neutered. Once a clean bill of health is determined, a behavioral assessment is completed by Emily Keegans, the Behavior Program Manager and her team, photos are taken and the dog is ready for adoption. Emily and her team help oversee various activities. The total experience for each dog is impressively organized.

I also asked Emily how she does it especially knowing that some dogs such as seniors or dogs that present behavioral challenges are not as easy to adopt out. Her response was, “I feel lucky to be a part of the process.”

cDiane Rich 2011

Volunteers
Volunteers interested in hands on activities with the dogs are trained for specific interactions and through experience are promoted to different levels of care. Depending upon their level, a volunteer may take a dog for walk, engage in play time or accompany the dog during play group. Dogs usually get 2 to 3 walks a day.

There are a over a dozen volunteer positions to suit skill and passion. Please go to the SHS website for more information on volunteer opportunities.

I need to make a comment about the volunteers. If Disneyland is the happiest place on earth, then the SHS runs a close second. When I walked in to the lobby every single person who wore a volunteer shirt was smiling, kind, helpful and passionate about being a part of this well run nonprofit. SHS boasts approximately 1400 volunteers. Isn’t that amazing? SHS could not help so many deserving animals without these devoted volunteers, the staff and our animal loving community.

More than just a Shelter
The humane society offers a Jog- a- Dog program. Seasoned runners who qualify for this program through on site training may run with a canine companion up to a 5K. A wonderful service for high energy dogs.

The humane society also has a foster program so some dogs may go to foster care while waiting for adoption. Some of the more challenging behavior cases where a dog cannot be safely adopted out may go and live out their life at a sanctuary

The humane society also offers educational seminars and training classes. Most adoptions include one free 6 week class. I will give you more information on these services on another blog. Adopted pets also receive one free month of pet insurance.

Community Service
H.S. offers free spay and neuter via a grant from Petsmart for Pit Bulls.
Over 700 PB’s have been spayed or neutered thanks to Petsmart’s generous grant. SHS offers free spay and neuter and a food bank for pets of low income pet families or disabled or senior pet parents. In addition, SHS offers free vet clinics, vaccines and flea prevention for pets belonging to people disabled by AIDS through SHS’s Pet Project program.

Donor Funded
Seattle Humane Society is 100% donor funded, so this nonprofit receives no government funding. The H.S. puts on various fundraising events throughout the year including their annual star studded Tuxes and Tails.

Humane Society is NOT affiliated with HSUS
Do not confuse Seattle Humane Society with HSUS which is the Humane Society of the United States. They are not affiliated so if you wish to donate contact SHS directly.

Matters of the Heart
I have been a long time fan of the SHS. So, what was my emotional response when I completed my interview and tour of the SHS? Instead of feeling totally sad for these special pets looking for a forever home, I drove away with a smile on my face knowing the pets that find themselves at the Seattle Humane Society are in the best possible hands and hearts of our pet loving community. Well, maybe a little tear was shed.

http://www.seattlehumane.org

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

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