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Volume 9 • Issue 12 • December 2014

Hot Dog News

Basic Training Tips

INSIDE 2 6

Polish tradition has it that on Christmas Eve unmarried women should go outside and face towards the sound of a barking dog. The call of the dog indicates from which

By Linda Webb Aceto

Happy Howl-days!

8&9

Baxter

direction the prospective husband will come. Most dogs couldn't care less about maiden ladies and their quest for enduring love, but your pet can, nevertheless, be a part of your Christmas season, participating in time-honored traditions as well as in new ones created to honor your dog.

Calendar of Events

See PRESENTS on page 5

Christmas is a time of joy and wonderment and surprise, but planning for holiday surprises requires some careful thought, not only for setting the stage for new traditions with your pup in mind, but

Presents For Your Pup

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FRE E

Hot Dog News

Labrador Retriever Inspires Maine Author’s First Book

When his chocolate Labrador Retriever was a puppy, Christopher Lockwood of Hallowell, Maine was digging holes to plant some small evergreen bushes in his backyard. Given her love of tennis balls, the puppy kept dropping the ball for him to throw. Occasionally the ball would drop into the hole. A year later, as he relaxed on vacation, Lockwood was inspired by his remembrance of the planting episode to write The Tennis Ball Trees. It is a whimsical story with

a surprise ending about a Labrador Retriever’s love of tennis balls. The target audience is preschoolers through 3rd or 4th graders but adults also enjoy the story and the wonderful watercolor illustrations by Kathleen Fox, who lives in Tenants Harbor. Lockwood jokes that tired parents will appreciate the brevity and lightheartedness of The Tennis Ball Trees. In describing the book, Lockwood recounts that when his children were younger, he enjoyed reading bedtime stories to them, but sometimes he fell asleep reading the longer stories. The kids would call downstairs, “Mom, Dad fell asleep again.” It’s fitting that his first children’s book is lighthearted and very short! The Tennis Ball Trees was published by Maine Authors Publishing, Rockland, Maine. The Tennis Ball Trees was selected for Honorable Mention in the Dogs Category of the 2014 Animals, Animals, Animals annual award competition. For more information and to order, go to www. tennisballtrees.com.

Green Acres Announces Annual Fundraiser for the Eastern Area Agency on Aging Furry Friends Food Bank

Green Acres Kennel Shop will be holding its annual fundraiser for the Eastern Area Agency on Aging Furry Friends Food Bank from Saturday November 22nd through Saturday December 27th. Customers will be asked for a donation when making purchases. You can learn more or donate online through our website: www.greenacres-donate.com. Once we have raised $1500, Green Acres Kennel Shop will donate an additional $1,000. All funds raised will be used to buy pet food at wholesale prices for distribution by the Eastern Area Agency on Aging Furry Friends Food Bank. Due to the generosity of our clients and many others in the community, last year we raised a total of $2,387; this year’s goal is $2,500. Green Acres Kennel Shop owner Don Hanson states, “Pets play an incredibly important role in our lives, and our interactions with them can help lower blood pressure and resolve depression. If a dog or cat is the only living thing you see on a daily basis, not uncommon for some seniors and the disabled, that pet becomes even more important. Many people are struggling to get by on a low or fixed income and may even be choosing

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All custom-made for your dog and you! Available at Bear Brook Kennel 19 Bennett Road Brewer, ME or www.dogni.com To schedule a custom fitting for your dog, contact Cynthia at 207-299-3820

to forgo doctor appointments or medication so that they can afford to feed their pets. That just should not happen in a country as wealthy as America. Keeping pets and seniors together and healthy is what the Furry Friends Food Bank is all about. That is why the staff at Green Acres works so hard on this fundraiser every year. We all have much to be thankful for, and we want to encourage people to consider the joy they can create by helping keep a pet and person together by donating to the Eastern Area Agency on Aging Furry Friends Food Bank.” People may follow the activities of the fundraising drive on the Facebook page for the Friends of EAAA Furry Friends Food Bank at (https://www.facebook.com/GAKS. FFFFB). Those that want to help spread the word can download a flyer/sign at (http://goo.gl/FB5oJY) People can learn more about the Eastern Area Agency on Aging and the Furry Friends Food Bank on the November 22nd podcast from The Woof Meow Show where Kate and Don talk with Robert Crone and Lori Diadone about these important programs http://traffic.libsyn.com/ woofmeowshow/Woof MeowShow2014-11-22-GAKS_EAAA-FFFB_

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA The

Tennis Ball Trees By Christopher Lockwood

A whimsical children’s story about a Labrador Retriever’s love of tennis balls. Written by Maine author Christopher Lockwood with beautiful illustrations by Maine watercolor artist Kathleen Fox. $14.95 www.tennisballtrees.com

Downeast Dog News

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In Tribute to the Life of Cirra: Glimmers’ Spirit of Acadia December 10, 2004 - October 16, 2014 CGC, RN, THDD, TT, DSA, PDX, TD, AAT&A ADV EX, VU, TDIA, TWT, TDIRVA

Cirra the Great Pyrenees enjoyed a wonderful life on Mount Desert Island. Her name came from cirrus clouds, the highest hair like clouds signaling fair or pleasant weather. She was one of five white females born to Glimmer of Hope and Spirit of Thornhill and was also named Glimmers’ Spirit of Acadia. As an exceptional ambassador for the breed, Cirra educated people about Great Pyrenees. Cirra was a best friend, guardian, companion, and teacher to her people, Robyn Douglas and Denise Houseknecht. Cirra and her people spent considerable time training to become a therapy team. Miss Cirra was chosen as a puppy because of her sociable nature, important for any breed, however especially important for a livestock guardian breed. As such, she was often the class clown in advanced obedience. It seemed that Cirra would do anything just to get a laugh out of people! Cirra eventually settled into therapy work after getting her Canine Good Citizen at 15 months and her Therapy Dogs International, Inc. certification at two and a half years of age. She became a TDI Tail Waggin’ Tutor after 100 reading visits. Cirra became best friends with her readers and helped them to learn to read aloud with confidence and enjoyment. She taught them about responsible dog ownership and companionship. The children would often choose her books to read, especially her “C is for Cirra” alphabet book. Cirra was content as long as she had a reader to listen to. She is a featured Maine dog on the Library Dogs website to inform and inspire others. Cirra and Robyn volunteered with her Children Reading with Cirra program with over 450 visits in five years. Together, they received their TDI Active Working Remarkable Volunteer title just this past spring. This summer Cirra received her AKC Therapy Dog Distinguished (THDD) Title for volunteering over 400 visits as a therapy dog. To her last month, Cirra visited seniors at Birch Bay Village in Bar Harbor and listened to readers at the Northeast Harbor Library. Ironically, just before she passed, Cirra was one of five dogs in the nation to receive

the 2014 Therapy Dog Honorable Mention Award for Canine Excellence from the American Kennel Club Humane Fund. The special Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE) “express the American Kennel Club’s timehonored respect for the extraordinary canine-human bond, as well as their appreciation for the innumerable ways in which dogs meaningfully contribute to our lives.” Cirra was a lover of life and experienced many adventures. She

enjoyed train, ferry, schooner, boat, bus, carriage, and wagon rides as a youngster and a Dog Scout. She was a Dog Scout of America and a founding member of the Downeast Dog Scouts in Hancock County. As a Dog Scout of America, she served the community delivering pet oxygen masks to firefighters, books to schools, dog training videos to libraries, and dog treats for the holidays to local banks. Cirra and the troop dogs attended school and library celebrations for the Island Dog Creative Writing Project and the Idita-Read sponsored by the Downeast Dog Scouts. They marched in parades and Cirra pulled her cart down Main Street. As a Dog Scout of America, Cirra hiked 50 miles to earn her Trail Dog Title and backpacked 100 miles to earn her Pack Dog Excellent Title. She earned the Merit Badges of Backpacking, Cleanup II, Community Service II, Letterboxing I, Temperament Test, and Therapy Dog

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December 2014

for Hospital and Reading. It was Cirra’s mission as a Dog Scout to strengthen the human canine bond for the next generation. The Great Pyrenees Club of America has a wonderful versatility program for members to encourage participation in all kinds of activities. Cirra had a blast at her first of two National Specialties participating in Rally Obedience and even won a blue ribbon! At a local trial, a judge looked at his list and remarked, “Is this a joke, a Pyr?” That’s OK, Cirra “pyrsisted” and later achieved her AKC Rally Novice title. She also tried her paw at agility and one day completed a course with both owners as if to say, “I can do that, just watch me.” Over her lifetime, Cirra did so many diverse activities that she was awarded the GPCA Versatility Ultimate Title and in recognition of her extensive therapy work, Cirra received the GPCA Advanced Excellent Animal Assisted Therapy and Activities Title. Cirra loved her daily walks and had walked every inch of the Carriage Road system in Acadia. It was hard to get a walk in quickly sometimes because of the “paparazzi” and the questions about the “polar bear.” A driver almost ended up in Eagle Lake because of gawking at Cirra. Cirra had a presence that even wildlife seemed to sense. This past year two immature Barred Owls perched repeatedly over her in their curiosity and a doe followed along the Jordan Pond trail behind Cirra until she had to be shooed away. In Cirra’s youth, she climbed Acadia’s mountains, and there is nothing so magnificent as a Pyr surveying the land and sea from on high! She was a true Pyrenean Mountain Dog! Most of all, Cirra had a wicked sense of humor and truly a mind of her own. Her most favorite things were snow, popovers, Happy Puppies, dog friends, listening to readers, cool breezes, high places, stealing socks, sleeping in, daily walks, Woofing, guarding, and being the center of attention. A friend called her “Cirra the Great” and she truly was. She is missed by Robyn and Denise as well as her community. You made a difference Cirra!

Table of Contents Hot Dog News ........................ Furry Words ............................ Ask the Vet................................. Basic Training Tips ................ Words, Woofs & Meows ...... Happy Howl-idays! ............... Baxter ........................................ Performance Dog Training. More Hot Dogs News........... Dogs for Adoption................. Calendar of Events ............... Business Directory ................

2 4 4 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15

Furry Words

Ask the Vet . . .

Sara Moore, Animal Communicator

The other day as my son and I sat front of the woodstove, I realized how absolutely content I am with my life. Zach and I were on the couch reading while the dog and cat snuggled up on the dog bed. This is my family, and I am grateful for the life we share together. Winter is the time for us to celebrate our families and to go into hibernation so that in the spring we can come out feeling rejuvenated, refreshed, and restored after a long winter’s nap. Obviously I'm not telling you to sleep through the winter! As the world lays dormant, it is a very good time to honor what you have around you and recognize the gifts that are brought to you daily through every single activity that you do. The holidays are a time to celebrate what you have! Whether you celebrate them for religious reasons or simply because it's something you've always done, most of our animals love to be part of the party! Think about ways that you can let your animals know that they are very much a part of your family. For many of you that I have met, I know that you are already doing this and even my son is envious of the life your pets are living! As the holidays approach, I have more and more dogs telling their owners what they would love for Christmas. The owners are often stunned, but when they buy what the dog asked for, their reaction is priceless. One dog asked for a red harness; a cheap one at that, to be coupled with a plain red leash. He said that the one he had was too old and dirty, and he wanted it to look crisp and clean. After the session, the owner fulfilled his request and then emailed me to say, “In the pet store, he dropped onto his back and started rolling around wagging his tail when I showed it to him. That is his response to a pig ear, so I guess he liked it!” Such a simple thing that made both the owner and

dog so happy! While I was taking calls live on 94.9 WHOM, a caller asked what his dog wanted. I felt like I was looking at mushed up cotton candy. I kept saying compressed sugar which made no sense to me, but then the owner confessed that the dog’s favorite treat was jelly beans! Sometimes I may not be able to tell you exactly word for word what your dog is asking for, but I get a series of images in my mind, and I will do my best to try to decode it for you. If nothing else, I can present the information to you and, hopefully, you can understand what it is they are asking for. Imagine giving that dog a mini stocking full of jelly beans? The dog would be beyond thrilled! The other thing I love about doing readings at this time of year is when the animals ask to be on their own Christmas card. More than one dog has implied that the owners don't even need to be a part of it! Dogs that seem so stoic in everyday life might ask to be wearing a Christmas hat or have a wreath in the picture with them. Others have told their owners exactly how to set up the shoot so that everyone is absolutely impressed with its artistic layout. Ultimately, it's up to the owner to decide if he is going to follow through with the pet’s request, but how could you not?! This winter season get your dog a new jacket, a new collar, or maybe just a special treat that you know he loves. He will feel more included in the holiday festivities, and he will surely thank you with his slobbery kisses and tail wags. After all, dogs really are our children and part of our families, right? Happy holidays to you and yours! I’m sending you all lots of love and light this winter season. Sara Moore is a psychic medium for people and animals. She lives in Conway, NH and can be reached at enlightenedhorizons@gmail.com. Readings can be done in person or long distance via phone or email. For more information and upcoming classes so you can learn how to better communicate with your pets, go to www.enlightenedhorizons.com.

Dr. Judith Herman

Alternative Treament for Degenerative Myelopathy

My German Shepherd has been diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy. Is there anything alternatively that can be done? Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) originally was thought to be only in the German Shepherd Dog. Now it has been diagnosed in many breeds. Currently, the genetic marker (mutation of SOD1) is known in 43 breeds. This genetic mutation is known to be a risk factor for dogs developing the disease. The mutations of SOD1 are associated with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease) in people. DM is a progressive incurable spinal cord disease. It usually starts around 7 years old with incoordination of the hindquarters that progress to paralysis, urinary and rectal incontinence, and moves up the spinal column to the brain. The cause is not known, but one theory is that the myelin sheath, which is the insulating cover over the neurons of the spinal cord, is attacked by the immune system and causes a disruption in the communication between the lower body and the brain. At this time, there is no curative treatment for the disease. The goal of any treatment is to slow down the disease progression. This includes exercise, especially hydrotherapy, a clean diet, dietary supplements, and two medicines: aminocaproic acid (EACA) and n-acetylcysteine (NAC). In the alternative medicine world, the goal is to maintain neurologic integrity and muscular function through acupuncture, herbs, antioxidants, vitamin D, vitaminB, anti-inflammatories, immunotherapy, and homeopathy. Low vitamin D is being suspected in many canine diseases, and we are now able to test our dogs for this deficiency. It is a simple blood test that goes to lab. If the results are low, you supplement your dog’s diet with vitamin D and retest in a few months. Vitamin B, especially folate and B12 deficiencies, have been found to cause demyelination disorders. Dr. Clemmons, who has done a lifetime study of DM, suggests supplementation 50 to 100 mg of B Complex for a German Shepherd or

one of similar size. Vitamin E has been found to be helpful in treating DM. 400 to 2000 IU daily have been recommended. For excellent antioxidant effect, combine vitamin E with other vitamins and minerals. Bromelain is an herbal antiinflammatory which has been found to degrade the circulating immune complexes implicated with DM. Bromelain needs to be given in high enough doses to be helpful. Alternative practitioners use immunotherapy, which is based on the theory that organ or diseasespecific proteins can be used to induce immune tolerance in immunemediate disease. These products are known a glandulars. There has been interesting research using specific nervous system proteins to reduce pathologic conditions in people with multiple sclerosis. Acupuncture can be pursued to slow down the disease. It is best to be done in conjunction with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Homeopathy is another alternative which has been successful in slowing down the disease process. It is based on finding a remedy (medicine) that treats symptoms similar to those in the patient. Changing the diet to a species correct diet is important. There are commercial foods claiming to be holist, natural, and so forth. The best is a homemade diet which is grain free and has low carbs. White potatoes can be inflammatory, so a diet substituting grains for potato is not useful. Be cautious of components that have GMO and Glyphosates in them. It will be difficult to find information because of current labeling laws. If you make your food, look for organic vegetables, and locally grown grass fed meats. Aerobic exercise is important, not run free in the yard, or sniff and pee walks down the road. Slowly build up the time you leash walk at a brisk pace. This will help keep his muscles strong when his nerves are weakening. Reducing exposure to chemicals, vaccines, and other immune stressors are paramount. All of these things have been implicated in triggering immune mediated disorders. When faced with a loving companion with this disease, it is best to work with an open minded veterinarian or a veterinarian who is certified in acupuncture and TCM or homeopathy. These experts can help put together a treatment plan that encompasses the above modalities. Judith K. Herman DVM, CVH Animal Wellness Center, Augusta, ME www.mainehomeopathicvet.com officeawc@roadrunner.com

Downeast Dog News

PRESENTS from page 1 also for taking care to protect your dog from the dangers this season may harbor for the curious pet. First there are the presents. Your dog ought to get some, too, along with a stocking, of course. New dog toys are always welcome--the squeaky kind even more alluring because of the chirping sounds made as the package is torn open. Treats in pretty paper are also fun as the dog frantically shreds the wrapping in anticipation of the goodies. If the presents are to be opened all together on Christmas morning, it might be a good idea to offer your pup his first so that he will have something to focus on rather that your brightly colored gifts. Of course, your dog will get into the packages if given half a chance, and there are dangers in this. Ribbons can be swallowed, creating a blockage to the gut. The paper might be digestible, but if it has glitter, sparkling embellishments, or 3-d accoutrements, it could bring havoc to a dog's gastrointestinal system. With a little care to keep your pup away from the presents until it is time to open them, you can have the traditional Christmas morning with family all around, enjoying what Santa has to bring. The stockings are the most inviting for your dog. Filled with treats and toys, he can amuse himself for some time trying to paw his way through the stocking, then admiring (or eating) his loot. When celebrating Jewish traditions, the same cautions about presents that are mentioned above apply to the gifts handed out during Hanukkah. If any are left lying around, they could easily be met by your pet's best devices. Further, the lit candles on the menorah need to be kept far away from any wagging doggy tails. There are other holiday traditions that you can share with your dog, or you can create new ones with him as the central character in mind.Besides hanging the treat filled stocking with his name embossed on it, of course, special cookies can be made that are just right for Pupper's stomach. My neighbor, who must have had a dog at some point, has offered to bake Christmas cookies for our dogs.

What a wonderful holiday treat! It is, also, an excellent way for the dogs to build a relationship with our neighbor. Even Duffy, my shy one, is so food motivated that she will chum up with anyone who offers her something tasty. Then there is the traditional tree. Real or artificial, it can be tipped over easily by a curious dog, tossing ornaments ever y where. F r a g i l e decorations will, of course, break at the first crunch, and glass or hard plastic can present serious problems for the dog. If not ingested, they will, at the very least, be spilled all over the floor, creating a path covered with sharp spikes and slivers that can get embedded in the paws of your dog. Along with this, a tree can urge your dog to mark territory. If presents have been left around the tree, those that have not already been shredded by your dog will become soggy. That is not the scene you want as you trundle down the stairs to begin the day's festivities. Further danger exists with the tinsel that can be pulled from the tree. If ingested, it can twist in your dog's intestines, causing serious gastro distress. Similarly, garlands and strings of lights, popcorn or cranberries can be dangerous if a dog chews on them, or if he plays with them and accidentally gets tangled up, his furious attempts to get out of the snare could be disastrous to whatever might be in his path. A fun family activity with your dog that can become traditional is a ride around the neighborhood to admire the outside decor--sparkling lights, a puffy Santa, reindeer prancing across lawns. It is a great time for Buddy to be able to jump in the car, and with his nose to the window, cruise around without the threat of going to the groomer or the vet. You can take a walk around the neighborhood to see the strings of lights that decorate bushes, trees, and houses. Any excuse for a walk is welcomed by your dog and is good for you, as well. Again, it is a great time for your dog to meet and greet the neighbors. Finally comes Christmas dinner with friends and family all joined together. Of course, your pup will

want to be out and about, but a barrage of company can be distressing for a dog not used to large, raucous gettogethers. It may be best to keep him in a back bedroom, coming out just to be introduced, and then returned to his den. Small children can appear as large threats to your dog, little fingers grabbing at hair, tails, and ears. Even reasonable dogs could take offense to this pummeling and might bite in retaliation. Furthermore, Christmas dinner tables are enticing, but often hold foods that may harm your dog. Nuts can be a danger. They might seem like a good snack, but they may be difficult for your pet's system to handle. Macadamia nuts are particularly toxic to dogs, and cashews, with

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December 2014

such a high fat content, can be hard for the dog to digest. Grapes are off limits, as are raisins. Turkey or chicken bones splinter, possibly getting lodged in the gastrointestinal system. Tears to delicate tissues are a possibility. Another potential risk is a flower arrangement that is used as a center piece. It could, of course, have blooms that might poison your pet. This, clearly, is not an exhaustive list of the hazards for pets that may be found around Christmas. Nevertheless, in spite of the possible dangers, this season can delight you and your dog with treats, toys, and traditions that will run through a lifetime. Remember to include your pet in your activities, and everyone's holiday will be enriched.

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Basic Training Tips by Diana Logan

Happy Dog Vet Visit Kit

Simple Things To Help Turn Vet Visits Into Fun Visits

The waiting room at my doctor’s office has a kid’s corner full of games, books, and other things to keep a kid busy while waiting. For adults, there is always an array of magazines. Diversions such as these do a good job of keeping one’s mind occupied until it’s time for the appointment. Wouldn’t’ it be nice if our dogs had something fun to do while they were waiting? Ironically, our local vet has children’s toys in the waiting area but no dog toys. This is due to the risk of transmitting disease, which I understand, but the result is that dogs often arrive at the vet clinic stressed. Their stress then grows while they are waiting because they have nothing to do to relieve it. If they already dislike visiting the vet, each additional visit cements that negative opinion. On top of that, we often expect them to

wait patiently, and if they don’t, we get impatient with them. The cycle continues. What to do? Bring your own Happy Dog Vet Visit Kit and train some skills ahead of time. My Kit includes: • A “pedestal” (this is an object I've trained our dogs to put their front paws on – I use an upturned plastic dog dish). It helps keep the dogs still – a small miracle!

• A refillable squeeze tube filled with canned dog food – an excellent way to provide continuous reward during handling and mildly uncomfortable procedures. • Plenty of high value meaty treats • A small towel to play the “Find it!” game while waiting. Wrap a favorite toy or a treat up in the towel and “hide” it, then release your dog (‘okay!’) to find it. • Tennis ball for fetch or “Find it!” • Favorite soft squeaky toy • A smaller toy to hide in the towel (more difficult to find) Skills to teach before you need them: 1. Eye contact: Reward your dog for making eye contact with you. When this skill is strong and has some duration, he will have an easier time staying still even while being examined because his attention is on you. 2. Targeting: Teach your dog to follow and touch your hand with his nose. If he does this easily, he will be able to get onto the scale under his own power without being dragged by the collar.

Other: Bark Bonus. Does your dog get worried when he hears dogs bark? Give him a treat each time he hears a dog bark – this will help him associate other dogs’ barking with good stuff. There is invariably some stressful barking to be heard sometimes. Even if our dog is “fine” at the vet’s office, don’t take it for granted: make sure it stays that way or even improves! When our older dog Dory started to show signs of not wanting to get out of the car at the vet's, I knew I had let her "fineness" go on too long. With careful work, she has changed her mind completely. In fact, she recently made up her own game: raise and lower the exam table using the foot control pedal... with her buddy Astro atop! Be prepared and do some training ahead of time by teaching skills that will help keep your pooch engaged and thinking good thoughts. This helps with the whole process, from the moment he enters the clinic until he leaves. If the visit includes any significant painful or invasive procedures, it will be important to put in as many positive experiences to help counteract them.

Diana Logan, CPDT-KA Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge-Assessed Pet Connection Dog Training, North Yarmouth, Maine www.dianalogan.com 207-252-9352

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Downeast Dog News

WORDS, WOOFS & MEOWS By Don Hanson, BFRAP, CDBC, CPDT-KA

Do You Really Know Your Dog? - Part 2

Last month, I indicated that one of the best gifts we can give to ourselves and to our dogs is a better understanding of who they are. I suggested three books (On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals by Turid Rugaas, The Other End of the Leash - by Patricia McConnell, PhD, and DOGS: A Startling New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior and Evolution by Raymond and Lorna Coppinger ) that I believe provide some very fundamental information that every dog lover needs to know. Any or all would make a great holiday gift for yourself or a friend or family member. This month, I’m adding to that list with these books. Dog Sense: How the New Science of Dog Behavior Can Make You A Better Friend to Your Pet by John Bradshaw – Early on in this book, Bradshaw describes why he decided to write this book: “I felt it was time that someone stood up for dogdom: not the caricature of the wolf in a dog suit, ready to dominate his unsuspecting owner at the first sign of weakness, not the trophy animal who collects rosettes and kudos for her breeder, but the real dog, the pet who just wants to be a member of the family and enjoy life.” Bradshaw’s reasons for writing

this book are exactly why I love it so much because most dogs are quite simply companions and family members. Dr. John Bradshaw is an animal behaviorist and the director of the Anthrozoology Institute at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom. If you look at recent scientific papers that have been published on dog or cat behavior, you’ll often find Bradshaw listed as one of the researchers/authors. In Dog Sense, he summarizes the latest research for dog lovers like you and me. Topics he covers include: how the dog evolved, the fallacy of the dominance construct, how the dog’s role in society is changing and how that has led to higher expectations for non-dog like behavior and how these changes might affect the dog’s future. He addresses breeding issues and how the dog fancy’s focus on appearance rather than temperament and health may threaten the existence of many breeds. He also talks about how dogs learn and how research has demonstrated the many advantages of positive reinforcement/reward based training over the antiquated training model based on force and intimidation. If you want to get off on the right paw with your dog, reading Dog Sense would be a great place to start. Incidentally, Dr. Bradshaw also has a book for cat lovers which I also recommend highly: Cat Sense: How the New Feline Science Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet. FAVORITE QUOTE: The new canine science reveals that dogs are both smarter and dumber than we think they are. For example, they have an almost uncanny ability to guess what humans are about to do, because of their extreme sensitivity to our body language, but they are also trapped in the moment, incapable of projecting the consequences of their actions backward or forward in time. If owners were able to appreciate their

dogs’ intelligence and emotional life for what it actually is, rather than for what they imagine it to be, then dogs would not just be better understood— they’d be better treated as well. For the Love of A Dog - by Patricia McConnell, PhD – Yes, this is the second book I’m recommending by Dr. McConnell, and it’s simply because her books are that good! For the Love of A Dog explores the emotional connection we make with our furry, four-footed canine companions. She also discusses how revolutionary it is to view animals as having a vibrant emotional life. Kudos to McConnell for being one of the few scientists with the courage to admit what almost everyone has known all along; animals experience joy and fear and everything in between. We don’t know what it is they are feeling, but it’s obvious they have a rich emotional life; in some cases very joyous and in others quite sad. After reading For the Love of A Dog, you’ll have a better understanding of the science behind emotions and why we and our dogs get along so well. McConnell has also included an excellent section on canine body language, one of my favorite subjects and one that is not emphasized enough in classes for dog owners. If you take your dog to the dog park, you MUST know this stuff. I recently had the opportunity to hear Dr. McConnell speak on People, Dogs and Psychological Trauma at the 2014 APDT Conference, a topic filled with information on emotional extremes and how similar they can be between dogs and people. I suspect another book is in the works, and I cannot wait. FAVORITE QUOTE: “On the one hand, of course dogs have emotions. It seems so patently obvious to most of us that we feel foolish at having to say it. As much as any animal on earth, dogs express emotions as purely and clearly as a five-year-old child, and surely that’s part of why we love them so much.” Living with Kids and Dogs… Without Losing Your Mind: A

Parent’s Guide to Controlling the Chaos by Colleen Pelar – As a dog trainer and behavior consultant, I get my fair share of calls and emails from parents trying to balance the needs, wants and desires of their dog and their children. In her books title, certified professional dog trainer Colleen Pelar alludes to the chaotic nature of living with kids and dogs. Not having two-footed children of my own, I’m glad to have her back on hand to help me make recommendations that will make things better and not worse. I especially like that Pelar is honest and upfront about the fact the dogs and children do not automatically get along and sometimes a dog , any dog, is not going to be a good choice for a family. I like this book so much, that whenever I have the opportunity to talk to a family before they get a dog, I suggest that they read Colleen’s book first. I’m a big believer in prevention, and Colleen offers information that will help parents make smart choices. I also recommend Living with Kids and Dogs to parents who already have a dog even if there are no problems. It’s all about being prepared. This is also a good book for anyone who doesn’t have dogs but has children that will most certainly be meeting dogs that belong to friends and other family members. It’s also a good choice for the grandparents and aunt and uncle who don’t have kids but do have dogs that will be interacting with children. Why didn’t I recommend a “how to train your dog” book? There are many good “how to train your dog” books out there and also some that are quite bad. I didn’t recommend any because I believe the best training experience a pet parent can have is working with an experienced dog trainer privately or in a group class. Books can be a great reference, but they do not take the place of having a skilled professional working with you and your dog together and being available to answer questions when they occur.

Don Hanson is the co-owner of the Green Acres Kennel Shop (greenacreskennel.com) in Bangor. He is a Bach Foundation Registered Animal Practitioner, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, and Certified Professional Dog Trainer. He produces and co- hosts a weekly radio show and podcast, The Woof Meow Show heard on The Voice of Maine (103.9FM, 101.3FM, 1450AM & woofmeowshow. com) every Saturday at 7:30AM and Sunday at 8:30PM.

December 2014

Howl-iday Shopping Guide

Not sure what to get your favorite furry family member? Or maybe something for the fellow animal lover in the family? Below are some of our favorites this Howl-iday season! 1. The Tennis Ball Trees by Christopher Lockwood. This Maine author's first children's book was inspired by a Labrador Retriever's love of tennis balls. A great idea for the little dog lover in your life! Learn more at tennisballtrees.com. 2. JJ Photos - located in Topsham. Pet portraits are a great way to celebrate the

1 HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA

holidays - whether you give one capturing your favorite pet to loved ones - or you give a portrait session to a fellow pet owner. For more information about JJ Photos, visit jjphotosite.com or call 207-725-6803. 3. Green Acres Kennel Shop - located in Bangor, Green Acres has everything your pet could need during

the holidays! They carry food, supplies, toys and also provide daycare services, grooming, boarding, training classes and so much more! Check them out online at greenacreskennel.com or visit them in Bangor at 1653 Union Street. 4. Planet Dog - located in Portland, Planet Dog is absolutely bursting with fun

pet supplies for the holidays. A great new toy would be perfect in Fido's stocking or a gift card is great for any fellow animal lovers in your life. Visit them on Marginal Way in Portland! 5. Loyal Biscuit - located in Belfast, Camden, Rockland and now in Waterville! Loyal Biscuit stocks a huge array of pet supplies, food and fun.

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With four locations, there is bound to be one close by for you to swing and at grab something special for your fourlegged friends. If you aren't able to stop in, check them out online at loyalbiscuit. com or on Facebook! 6. Silver Paw Pet Tags - these goregous tags are available statewide and beyond. They are beautifully crafted right here in Maine and extremely durable. Made out of stainless steel, they look great and remain looking great for years! Check out the designs and place your orders online at silverpawtags.com. 7. The Whole Dog Market - located in South Portland, The Whole Dog Market not only carries holistic food/treats, Maine made pet products and toys, they also have a self-service wash and great individualized customer service. Visit them at 429 Preble Street in South Portland! 8. The Pet Pantry and The General Store for Pets - located in Freeport and Falmouth, these locally owned pet shops are a great place to stock up on toys, treats and supplies for your pet or to find a lovely array of pet-centered

gifts for the fellow pet-owner in your life. Both locations stock a number of different food brands and your dogs are always welcome to come shop with you! Swing at in the Pet Pantry on Route 1 in Freeport or the General Store for Pets on Route 1 in Falmouth.

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season! Check out the adorable products available for sale at smilingfrogpets.etsy. com. 10. The Heart of Your Dog by Ed Noyes is the perfect gift for a dog owner or lover this holiday season. Noyes's new book explores how to "create a deep lifelong relationship with your dog through a new stress-free teaching method." As a holiday special, you can purchase a signed copy of the book plus a tug and throw toy from Maine Float Rope Co. in Waldoboro. Check it out online at heartofyourdog.com. 11. Linscott's - located in Washington, Linscott's has a full supply of dog and cat food and pet supplies. Grab a special treat for your pets' stocking by stopping in to say hi on Route 17!

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Things Your Humans Don’t Tell You

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There are a lot of things your humans don’t tell you – like where they go all day or why some days you get to go to day care and other days they leave you home to be bored and get into trouble. If you’ve seen this column lately, you’ll know that I haven’t been feeling well. The humans have a name for it, but it means nothing to me. Lately I’ve been feeling especially lousy, and I completely lost interest in the dry food THEY’VE BEEN FEEDING ME FOR THE PAST NINE YEARS!!! Sorry. I didn’t mean to shout. When I stopped eating, I started feeling even worse, but I just wasn’t interested in anything – not even biscuits. I think that scared my human. So yesterday, he came home with some containers of stuff that even before being opened smelled pretty good. He opened one of them and mixed it in with the dry food I’VE BEEN EATING FOR THE PAST NINE YEARS. Right then, I thought I’d gone to heaven. This stuff is delicious! And there are pictures of dogs on the container. I think it’s made for dogs. It’s tasty, meaty stuff made especially for us! I can't get enough of it. I don’t think this is new. Have my humans been holding out on me? Did they somehow not know about this? It’s enough to make me rethink our relationship. I’ll tell you one thing: there ain’t no going back. Dry dog food? Pfft!. I’m done with you. Here’s what you do. If you are getting nothing but dry food, start walking right past your bowl. It may be hard to do, but if you can hold out and convince them you aren’t going to eat that stuff, you could be opening up a whole new world of mouth-watering meals. Chow, Baxter

Downeast Dog News

TRAINING YOUR PERFORMANCE DOG

recognized. Handlers who do not recognize the more subtle signs of stress and continue to move their dogs up to more and more difficult classes with more obstacles and harder challenges may start to see erratic work and/or avoidance of work, sometimes sniffing, avoiding obstacles, leaving the ring or incessant barking.

Agility, Obedience, Tracking By Carolyn Fuhrer

What kind of agility dog do you have? Some dogs love everything about agility – tunnels, chutes, weaves, jumps - the more the better; contact obstacles – no fear. The very running of the agility course is intrinsically rewarding to the dog. These dogs are fairly easy to train, needing the most work on impulse control- start lines and contacts, handler focus (“I don’t really need you – I’m having a blast!”) and safe execution of jumps and contacts. Their motivation is the work itself. Other dogs find some of the work fun – tunnels, maybe jumps, maybe A-frame, but find other obstacles difficult – weaves, see saw, dog walk, and multiple jumps. These dogs can also learn to enjoy agility, but we must make performance of their not so favorite tasks very rewarding until the obstacle becomes valuable as a means to a reward. These dogs take more time to build confidence in their

performance and need lots of reinforcement for effort as well as execution. They do not need to be criticized for the wrong attempts or to be made to repeat obstacles they have missed. This will result in loss of attitude and to them the work becomes overwhelming. These dogs are extrinsically motivated by the rewards they receive for working. These dogs need a clear, consistent, well timed reward system. What happens when we go from training to trialing without the controls and rewards we may use in training is the intrinsically rewarded dog may just have a wild run, unable to focus from all the stimuli at the trial – no start line, no contacts, bars down all over the place – a real train wreck. The extrinsically rewarded dog may get the zoomies because they are not sure what to do, and this releases stress or they may get very slow – go around obstacles – avoid work. In both cases, the handler usually

puts more pressure on the dog usually verbal, trying to finish the run, which is usually fruitless. These dogs need a bridge from training to trialing which will allow them to focus on the handler’s commands and the agility tasks. Handlers who put more emphasis on running the course at the expense of the dog’s needs will not achieve the results they are looking for in the long run. Dogs need to feel safe in the performance environment, and they need feedback in the form of well understood, sincere praise to help them focus and build confidence Handlers who tend to push their dogs or verbally pressure their dogs in the guise of encouragement can do a great deal of damage to performance which may not be immediately

Dogs need to be recognized for their efforts and need to stay connected with the handler in order to successfully complete the course. Work on a system of connection and praise with your dog in training so you can take this valuable tool in the ring with you. Spend your practice time wisely – train physical skills so your dog can be confident in executing them and continue to enhance your ongoing communication based on praise and appreciation. This will transfer to much happier trialing for both of you.

Carolyn Fuhrer has earned over 80 AKC titles with her Golden Retrievers, including 2 Champion Tracker titles. Carolyn is the owner of North Star Dog Training School in Somerville, Maine. She has been teaching people to understand their dogs for over 25 years. You can contact her with questions, suggestions, and ideas for her column by e-mailing carolyn@dogsatnorthstar.com.

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More Hot Dog News

Thomaston Voters Approve Use of Town-owned Land for Dog Park

Maine Dog Trainer Presents at National Dog Trainers Conference.

Sumac Grant-Johnson, owner of Wag It Training Center in Lincolnville, Maine was invited to present at the 2014 Association of Professional Dog Trainers National Conference. She joined some of the most respected dog trainers, At a special town meeting on Nov. 5th, a large number of enthusiastic Thomaston voters overwhelmingly approved permission for the town to gift a parcel of town-owned land to the Thomaston Dog Park Association for use as an off-leash dog park. The 3-acre parcel of land is located on the east side of the Sunrise Section of the Village Cemetery and includes a vacant field surrounded by woods. The gift is subject to certain terms to be determined by Thomaston’s Board of Selectmen. In the event that the property is not used as a dog park for one year, the title to

the property would automatically revert back to the town. Because the Thomaston Dog Park Association is an entirely volunteer-run citizen’s committee exclusively responsible for private fundraising and the dog park’s maintenance, this valuable addition to Thomaston would be at no cost to taxpayers. The proposed dog park includes a large enclosed, fully-secure open area with a double-gated entry system. Amenities available for Thomaston residents and all surrounding communities include a generous parking lot, protective shelter, shaded areas for both people and dogs, benches for ample seating, water, and rubbish containers for waste. A separate area for small or timid dogs will also be available. There are nearby walking trails where dogs on leash can accompany their owners. The association is requesting help from dog owners, dog lovers, community members, and businesses to help make this park a reality for all to enjoy in the years to come. Anyone interested in participating in the planning, building, promotion, and maintenance of the park on any level is needed and most welcome. Please contact the association by email at thomastondogparkmaine@ gmail.com or visit www.facebook. com/ThomastonDogParkAssociation

canine behaviorists, and researchers including Ian Dunbar, Patricia McConnell, Ray Coppinger, Ken McCort and Clive Wynne to present sessions to dog trainers from around the world. Sumac's sessions were designed to help trainers become the best instructors they can be and were filled to capacity. Sumac's next project is an Instructor's certification course that is being offered for the first time via Internet to an international market. Instructor participants will increase their knowledge and expand their tool boxes, so they are better able to assist their clients in reaching their training goals through classes that are fun for both handler and dog.

Green Acres Trainers Attend National Conference—Hanson Recognized As APDT Dr. Ian Dunbar Member of the Year

Kate Dutra, Don Hanson and Lindsay Ware, all dog training instructors at the Green Acres Kennel Shop, recently attended the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) 20th Annual Educational Conference and Trade Show in Hartford, CT. During the four day conference, they attended lectures and workshops on a wide variety of topics including; People, Dogs and Psychological Trauma, Canine Evolution, Medical Problems Masquerading as Behavioral Problems, Foundations for Working Effectively with People to Benefit

Their Dogs, Dissecting Dog on Dog Play and many more. Hanson also presented two talks on business development and moderated a panel discussion entitled Dogs from the Inside Out with panelists Linda Case, Dr. Raymond Coppinger, Dr. Susan Friedman, Dr. Robert Gillette, and Dr. Christopher Pachel. Don Hanson, a co-owner of Green Acres Kennel Shop, was named the APDT’s Dr. Ian Dunbar Member of the Year on the first day of the conference. He was recognized for his contributions to the dog training profession and active involvement in the APDT since 1998. Hanson has served a total of nine years on the APDT Board of Trustees; one as Secretary, one as Treasurer, two as Vice Chair and three as Chair. He was a member of the APDT’s first Education Committee and has been a member of all succeeding APDT committees and task forces focused on education. Today he serves as the chair of both the Educational Advisory Group and the Nominations Committee.

See GREEN ACRES on page 15

Downeast Dog News

Dogs for Adoption Salt,3 yrs, Greyhound

She is a small bindle color retired racer. She can be shy with strangers, but loves attention.

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Arcanine, 9 mos, Pit Bull/Labrador Mix

Young, goofy, and full of energy, Arcanine may need little obedience training, but she's sure to energize virtually any household. Available at Animal Welfare Society, Kennebunk, (207) 9853244. Our Adoption Center is open from 11 AM to 7 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and from 11 AM to 4 PM Saturday and Sunday. We are closed on Wednesdays.