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Publisher Jennifer Kitchens-Street (281) 384.5431
Contents
jennifer@urbanpawsmagazine.com
MARCH 2016
Advertising (281) 384.5431
THE SCOOP 7
sales@urbanpawsmagazine.com
Contributing Writers Chantal den Broeder Bark Busters Staff Photographer Jamie Fincher Urban Paws Magazine PO Box 1556 Spring, TX 77383
www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
Š Copyright 2016. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. Urban Paws magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, feature and idea submissions, or photographs, and such material will not be returned. Urban Paws magazine assumes no liability for the contents herein and has the right to refuse advertising for any reason. Urban Paws magazine does not endorse any specific product or service contained herein; we do encourage you to support our advertisers whenever possible.
Issue 2: Volume 10 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
Canine News and Happenings
COMMUNITY 10
A Not So Ruff Life After All
HEALTH 12
An Uncommon Disease: Erythema Multiforme
BODY & SOUL 18
A Guide to Owning a New Puppy
TRAINING & BEHAVIOR 22 Can You Speak Dog?
Ruff Life
Find us online! Website: www.urbanpawsmagazine.com Printed in the U.S.A.
4 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
Photo by Paw Prints Photography by Jamie Fincher
The Scoop March 2016
For the most up-to-date information, news and events, visit: www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
MARCH 12-13
Texas Paw Party
Bring the 2 and 4 legged kids to the biggest party of the year in Old Town Spring.
Adoptable pets, informational seminars, tal-
ent contest, blessing of the animals, vendors, food, and more. 10 am -5 pm. www.texaspawparty.com MARCH 19
Pints and Pals
Hang out at the Specials Pals tent for a day of family-friendly fun. Meet a few of their
adoptable dogs and check out the silent auction. No Label Brewing Co. 5351 1st Street in Old Town Katy. 12 -3 pm. $10 admission for brewery tour and tastings. www.specialpalsshelter.org MARCH 19
Adoption Event at Blo Blow Dry Bar
Hosted by Texas Animal Society. Blo Blow Dry Bar, 25 Waterway Ave. in The Woodlands. 11 am - 4 pm.
facebook.com/TexasAnimalSociety
MARCH 23
National Puppy Day
A special day to celebrate the magic and
unconditional love that puppies bring to our
lives. But more importantly, it's a day to help save orphaned puppies across the globe and educate the public about the horrors of
puppy mills. www.nationalpuppyday.com MARCH 23
ABC 13 Pet Adoption with Houston SPCA
To celebrate National Puppy Day, watch the ABC 13 and Houston SPCA’s televised citywide pet adoption drive. Find a dog, cat,
bunny or other furry creature to add to your family. Watch the event on Ch. 13 or visit
either facility to join in the fun. Even if you
can’t adopt a pet at this moment, donations are greatly appreciated. For more information, visit www.houstonspca.org or
www.abc13.com beginning March 9 for all of the details. MARCH 25
Montgomery County Pet Pals Bake Sale
Pick up some tasty baked goods and help the animals of Montgomery County Animal
Shelter, 8535 Hwy 242 in Conroe. 10 am - 3 pm. www.mcaspets.org 6 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
Doggie Pictures With the Easter Bunny Raises Funds for HoustonArea Rescue Group
props such as bunny ears and tutus, and some used the opportunity to get a complete family portrait made. It was a wonderful sight, and a great time was had by all!
For just a $20 donation, pet-owners received a
photo session and portrait of their pet with the
Easter Bunny in a festive "springtime" setting.
Pet owners got to keep the hi-resolution digital
files of all the photos, including the "outtakes" which are often the favorites. They also received a print of their best photo. Rover Oaks pro-
duced Easter portraits for over 85 dogs, raising
over $1,800 for Shaggy Dog Rescue. These funds will help provide much-needed medical care, food, and other supplies that the rescue group desperately needs for the dogs in their care.
“We have a blast putting on this event, and our
Easter came early this year for the dogs at Rover
clients love taking home the adorable and often
Rover Oaks hosted their fifth annual "Doggie
Bunny,” said Steve Smith, owner of Rover Oaks
Oaks Pet Resort! The animal-loving staff at Pictures with the Easter Bunny" event on
Saturday, March 5th. All of Rover Oaks' clients, friends and pet owners in the community were invited to bring their dogs to pose for a picture
with the Easter Bunny! All proceeds from the
hilarious photos of their pet with the Easter Houston. “It is so rewarding to be able to offer
our clients with this special keepsake, while using the proceeds to help our friends at Shaggy Dog Rescue.”
"We're so grateful that Rover Oaks donates all
event were donated to local rescue group
the proceeds from this event to our rescue," said
The event started on Saturday morning; and,
Rescue. "Every dollar counts and every dona-
with excited pet owners and adorable pups who
high-kill Houston animal shelter. These dona-
Shaggy Dog Rescue.
by the afternoon, Rover Oaks' lobby was packed were ready to meet the Easter Bunny and have their portraits made. Attendees were encour-
aged to dress up their pet with holiday-themed
Kathy Wetmore, founder of Shaggy Dog
tion brings us closer to saving a dog from a tions really can mean the difference between life and death for these dogs."
Rover Oaks Pet Resort hosts Doggie Pictures Urban Paws Magazine 7
The Scoop with the Easter Bunny every Spring and Doggie
built in 1986 and was designed to house about
money for Shaggy Dog Rescue.
about 25,000 animals in 2014.
Pictures with Santa every Fall to help raise
Harris County Animal Shelter To Open New Transfer Center
12,000 animals annually. The shelter took in The transfer center is a big step toward saving
more animals, but there are still hundreds of pets who are looking for a home now.
For more information on adoption informa-
tion, visit www.hcphes.org.
City of Houston’s BARC Now Open 7 Days a Week The City of Houston’s Animal Shelter and
Adoption Facility, BARC, is now open seven days a week for pet adoptions.
The shelter, which is located at 3200 Carr
A large donation from the Petco Foundation
Street in Houston, will now be open on
new transfer center. Projected to be up and run-
adoptions and wellness services only. The shel-
will allow the county’s animal shelter to build a
ning by Fall of 2016, the center will give Harris County Animal Shelter the ability to save an extra 3,100 animals per year.
The Petco Foundation Transfer Center will
make it easier for Harris County to partner with
other pet rescues, and help get these animals get
to places where people are ready and waiting for a new furry friend.
The passing of Proposition 3 last November
will boost funding for HCAS and allow for three new buildings: shelter holding center, new adop-
tion center and an isolation and quarantine building for sick animals.
Although early in the planning stages, the
upgrades will take place on property already
owned by the county. The existing shelter was 8 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
Mondays and Thursdays to the public for
ter will be open at its normal time from noon5:30 pm during these days.
For more information, visit
www.houstontx.gov/barc.
A Not So Ruff Life After All
By Jennifer Kitchens-Street Photos by Paw Prints Photography by Jamie Fincher
L
ocal singer and songwriter, Arthur Yoria,
was filming a music video for his song,
“Ruff Life” in one of the nation’s most danger-
ous neighborhoods in America last summer.
Sunnyside, located right here in Houston, was the scene for his video which sheds light on the
city’s homeless dog problem. A cute, flea-ridden puppy wandered onto the set and the two have now become inseparable.
We recently sat down with Arthur to learn how
this pup would bring such a big change to his life and others.
Q How did you get involved with Operation Houston?
A The World Animal Awareness Society and
WA2S Films (http://www.wa2s.org) had used some music from my catalog for their previous documentary,
An
American
Opera
(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt/) which was about the humongous pet rescue that took place
after Katrina in LA. Last year, they approached
me about writing a couple of songs for Operation Houston (American Strays - A Tale of Animal Welfare).
Q It has been said that Sunnyside is the 2nd
most dangerous neighborhood in America.
Were you apprehensive about shooting the video there and was the problem with stray ani-
mals more prevalent than in other parts of the
city?
A Apparently Sunnyside is an area with one of
the worst stray animal problems in the city. We
shot around 8am which is ridiculously early for me so I was in too much of a stupor to really consider any risks, honestly.
Q You met Rita while filming the video for "Ruff Life," correct? Did you immediately know
that she would become such a big part of your life?
A Yes, she saw the cameras & crew and decid-
ed to hang I suppose; she's a smart k-9. Kidding aside, I knew something was up right away when despite being probably the least spontaneous person that you'll ever meet, I decided that I was
going to take her home. I had no idea how tight
we would become nor did I anticipate the kind of attention that the video would garner.
Q
How long have you been a musician and
how do you think this experience will carry into future endeavors?
A I picked up a guitar for the first time in '93
and started writing songs immediately. At 23, I was a late starter but I was very focused. I had no intentions of becoming a great guitarist; I
was only interested in becoming a good
singer/songwriter.
I've only recently come to terms with the fact Urban Paws Magazine 11
that what I do is sometimes just entertainment or a brief form of distraction. Therapeutic,
cathartic, validating and all encompassing as it maybe for me, it's really just an excuse for some-
one to tap their toes for 3 and a half minutes in a lot of cases. Positive nevertheless but also very humbling for someone as passionate as I am about this stuff.
Rita and the World Animal Awareness Society
has opened the door to an entirely new world
for me which is making music that is attached to
a cause. The idea that my music can bring attention to an issue or a cause that needs to be dealt
with has given me a new sense of purpose with-
out a doubt. The rumors are true as it turns out: it feels really good to help those in need.
Q Do you think that crossing paths with Rita was merely coincidental, or do you think it was fate?
A Luck. The quality of life has improved for all parties.
Q Do you have any special nicknames for Rita?
A
"The Puppy" "The Puppy Poo" "The
Pooper" My folks call her, "Dharma" because apparently, my grandfather on my dad's side had a dog named Dharma.
Q
I read that Rita has been a positive influ-
ence on your mother, who has dementia. Can
you elaborate on how Rita has done that? Could
dogs like Rita help others suffering from her disease?
A Rita's very playful and affectionate. I think
the energy that she brings has generally been
uplifting for all of us. Also, it's a simpler but very profound communication that occurs between humans and animals. Yes, it's no secret that this kind of interaction can be very revi-
talizing to a person suffering from any
number of ailments from mild depression to alzheimer's or any kind of
terminal disease. I think animals are much more effective than clowns anyhow.
12 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
March2016.qxp_Jan/Feb 3/9/16 5:32 PM Page 13
DOWNLOAD THE SINGLE Arthur’s single “Ruff Life” is available for download on iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/rufflife-single/id1086249004
WATCH THE VIDEO ON YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_EHZR mbMyw
WATCH THE DOCUMENTARY
Operation Houston, now called
“American Strays - A Tale of Animal Welfare” will premier on PBS in March 201
CHECK OUT MORE OF ARTHUR YORIA’S WORK www.arthuryoria.com
Arthur is about to begin working on a fulllength record for Splice Records. www.splicerecordstx.com
Mutt Mugs “Happiness is a warm puppy.” - Charles M. Schulz
14 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
Health An Uncommon Disease
Erythema Multiforme ur beloved dog Lucy passed away from
ed in dogs secondary to administration of
Multiforme (EM) this past December. She was
matitis, parvovirus), neoplasia, dietary com-
O
complications
due
to
Erythema
just shy of her 10th birthday. Lucy was a very healthy dog for the entirety of her life, until she developed EM in 2015. My husband and I had never heard of the illness before. Following per-
sonal research into the disease and a near yearlong process of trying to help our Lucy battle it
- including visits to eight different veterinarians
(dermatologists, internal medical doctor, regular
specific drugs, infection (Staphylococcus der-
ponents and idiopathic causes” (Kersey et al.
2013: E1). A 2011 article similarly states, “the pathogenesis of EM is multi-factorial and not
fully understood, but it is generally thought to be a host-specific cell (T-lymphocyte) mediat-
ed hypersensitivity reaction to various antigens” (Kang and Park 2011: 568).
EM is a disease that manifests itself via
veterinarians, holistic veterinarians) and various
acute inflammation of the skin as well as pos-
realized that it is an uncommon illness and pro-
mild (erythema multiforme minor) to severe
tests over that time period - my husband and I
fessional medical experience on how to effectively treat it may also, unfortunately, be difficult to find. I hope this article increases awareness
about the disease, especially for families with
pets going through what Lucy had, and it not being recognized as possible EM. Basic awareness of the disease by pet owners is the first, vital step in the battle against it.
A 2013 article on EM defines the disease as
“an uncommon, acute, inflammatory condition of the skin and/or mucous membranes that can cause significant morbidity. The pathogenesis
has not been fully elucidated but is proposed to
be a host-specific, cell mediated hypersensitivity reaction to various antigens. It has been report16 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
sibly mucous membranes. It can range from (erythema multiforme major). In both cases epidermal detachment is characteristic of the
disease. Lesions vary in appearance and the most commonly affected parts of the body
are the ventrum, mucous junctions, oral cavi-
ty, ears, and footpads. In the case of our Lucy, she developed red bumps by her ventrum – like an allergic reaction - after having received an antibiotic for a red rash along her belly.
Even after discontinuing the antibiotic, the bumps remained and developed into lesions. When the EM was at its worst, she had the
red bumps by her ventrum, hair loss, skin lesions (with a white center), which were fol-
lowed by epidermal detachment, and an
By Chantal den Broeder
increase of callouses by her footpads.
In the case of our Lucy, she suffered severe
The cause for EM is still unknown - an adverse
side effects from cyclosporine, including skin
tion, or a combination of factors, are just a few
Ultimately, an intestinal infection and inflamed
reaction to a drug, diet, an already present infec-
of the possibilities for its origin – and so, effective treatment can be difficult. It is estimated
that EM accounts for less than 1% of all canine dermatological
conditions
(Scott
2010).
Research into animal EM is limited. A 2014 arti-
cle notes “a multicenter study to develop a consensus set of clinical criteria for EM is overdue
and no adjunctive therapies, including intra-
venous immunoglobulin and cyclosporine have
boils, ear infections, and a loss of appetite.
gums in her mouth (likely due to EM) sadly made it too hard for her to fight the disease any
longer. EM made Lucy ill, but the side-effects from cyclosporine, were also very tough on her.
As for the origin of EM in Lucy, we were never able to isolate it, despite changes in diet, dog
shampoo / conditioner, household cleaning products, laundry detergent, and surroundings.
EM is a rare disease, and so pet owners need
met with evidence-based standards” (Yates
to take heed, as it can be quite easily misdiag-
underlying cause, if it can be isolated and is still
ed and should a lesion or hotspot be noted, then
2014: 406). The best treatment is removal of the present. In some cases, the effects on the skin
may be so severe that extra care is needed in the
form of antibiotics, intravenous fluid therapy,
analgesia, nutritional support, and wound management
(Kersey
et
al.
2013).
Immunosuppressive drugs (such as glucocorti-
coids or cyclosporine) may be used in idiopathic cases, however, as they inhibit the immune
system, they can put the patient at risk of other
infections and even further complications.
Human immunoglobulin has been proven successful in treating cutaneous drug reactions such as EM, but it is not common practice.1 In
patients with a relapsing case of EM, the EM tends to come back even stronger, affecting
more areas of the skin, mucous junctions, the mouth, and lowering the chance of survival.
nosed. A pet’s skin needs to be regularly inspectit must be brought to the attention of a veteri-
narian. Should a diagnosis of EM be made (a skin biopsy is essential), then it is critical for the pet’s health to make sure that the veterinarian
knows how to effectively treat and manage the disease. I would encourage owners to thorough-
ly discuss the disease with their veterinarians,
ask many questions including the veterinarian’s past experience in treating EM, short and longterm prognosis, all possible treatment options,
potential side effects from immunosuppressive
drugs, and not to dismiss obtaining a second opinion. Awareness of the disease by pet owners, early and correct identification of the dis-
ease, and open, thorough communication with
veterinarians are essential steps in the battle against it.
Urban Paws Magazine 17
A Guide to Owning a New Puppy
18 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
F
ew days are as exciting as the day you
bring your new puppy home. But, before
with your new friend.
Remember, your pup is a learning sponge dur-
you do, here are a few things you should con-
ing that first year. She will be learning with every
For the scope of this article, we’ll assume
to teach her the behaviors you want, she will
sider.
you’ve already researched at length which breeds
or mixed breeds will be compatible with your
lifestyle, what makes a reputable, knowledgeable
interaction you have. If you don’t take the time
quickly learn things you are not terribly impressed with.
**The NUMBER ONE reason relationships
dog breeder (and it’s not just the breeder telling
between pets and people fail is due to lack of
lot about how to choose a mentally and physi-
human element within the relationship. If some-
you they’re reputable!) and that you have read a cally healthy puppy. You already know that the
pet store is the worst possible place to buy a puppy and that pet rescues can be the greatest resources for locating your new best friend.
You’ve also discussed your research with a high-
quality veterinarian who can let you know whether you’re on the right track.
Now, on to the fun part. Things you need
(preferably) before you bring home that little
1
bundle of fuzz.
Knowledge Base
initiative and knowledge on the part of the thing‘s not working, it‘s up to you to seek
knowledgeable, positive reinforcement-based help. Keep seeking help until something does
work. If a training method doesn‘t seem to make sense or focuses on punishing negative behavior and not shaping positive behavior, seek a new method.**
Keep learning. One dog training class just
doesn’t cut it. The only way your dog is going to
get trained and stay trained is if you keep learning and keep training.
The best source of information is your veteri-
Understand that you are bringing
narian. Choosing a veterinary professional can
who speaks a completely different language and
wouldn’t choose a human physician based on
another living being into your home
has a different set of instincts than you do. This
little “alien” will quickly progress from toddler to teenager in the span of one year. It’s up to
you as the “smarter” one in the relationship to
learn all you can from books, videos, dog behaviorists and your veterinarian about how to communicate appropriately
be tricky, though. Just as most of us likely “who’s cheapest”, neither should you choose a
doctor of veterinary medicine in this fashion.
You want a doctor who is able to spend time with you and your pet and who takes time to
pursue continuing education. Ask your friends and family what veterinarian they go to and
what things they like and dislike about that vetUrban Paws Magazine 19
erinary hospital. Look online. Most veterinary hospitals now have websites where you can take
a virtual tour and get to know the staff before
your visit. Talk to a staff member on the phone. Before making an appointment, take a tour of
the facility. Is it clean and up to date? Do you
feel your pet will receive the highest quality medical care available in a friendly, family oriented environment? What is the doctor’s background? Will they be able to help you with more
than just medical issues? How much continuing education do the doctors and staff pursue? There is, unfortunately, a large amount of varia-
tion in the quality of veterinary medical facili-
ties. Most poor quality facilities can be avoided
2
by just using common sense.
Crate
In order to quickly teach your puppy the fine art of being house trained and
to save your sofa from being shredded during teething you will need a crate. Initially, your pup
should only have enough room to stand up, turn around and stretch out comfortably. After your
pup becomes house broken, you can increase the amount of crate space available. Most dogs can be weaned from crates after they are suc-
cessfully house trained, have learned some basic obedience and have finished teething. Obtain
information about crate training from your veterinarian.
3
Puppy Proofing
As little carnivores,
young pups will put absolutely everything (including shoes, elec-
trical cords, throw pil-
lows, garbage, toys, hair
ties, etc., etc.) into their
mouths. While your pup is young, make
sure you pick everything up. Help your pup learn what is his by
only providing 2-3 toys
at a time and diverting
him to his own toys
when he tries to pick up something of yours.
Toys that can be chewed apart and possibly
It” using positive reinforcement methods. If
Keep 2-3 toys out at a time. More than that can
Learn how to train the words “Out” and “Leave your pup does destroy something, admit to
yourself that you messed up by leaving it out and then not watching the pup closely enough. Don’t worry, you’ll do better next time.
swallowed should only be used with supervision. confuse a pup as they learn what they are or
aren’t allowed to chew on. You may rotate those toys every 3-4 weeks with other toys.
Food or treat puzzles like the “Buster Cube”
Never, ever, ever punish a pet “after the fact”.
are wonderful for slowing down eating and
for (despite that “guilty” look - which, by the
small amount of peanut butter on the inside can
They do not know what they are being punished
keeping your pet occupied. A Kong toy with a
the boss. Please don’t hurt me”). If you catch
5
ing “NO” in a deep, growling tone, then divert
different nutrient profile. I also occasionally
way, isn’t guilt at all, just submission - I.e. the head lowered, avoiding eye contact, ears back
expression that looks like they “know they did something wrong” - well, that’s your pup’s way
of saying “I know you’re angry. I know you’re your pet in the act, you can distract them by say-
them to one of their own toys and praise them for chewing on the proper object.
Most accidents (both chewing and elimination
related) are due to us giving the pup too much
freedom way too quickly. Keep the pup in whatever room you happen to be in using either a leash, a crate or a baby gate until training is pro-
gressing nicely. If you start giving some freedom
and you backslide, remove the freedom again
for a while. This isn’t a sprint, it’s a short
4
marathon. The work you do now will pay off tremendously in the future.
Toys:
Most pets love toys as much as kids do.
also keep Fido occupied for a bit.
Food
A good, high-quality diet is essential. You often get what you pay for when it
comes to pet food. I like to rotate the brand and type of food my pet is eating as each food has a
supplement with cooked whole meats, whole
with no leadership status. It is important to set
Please be aware that while the internet can
ence train, feed and care for the dog. No biting
grains, and vegetables.
sometimes be a source of valuable information, now there is a tremendous amount of misinfor-
mation about nutrition (and, unfortunately, most other topics) for pets written by very mis-
guided people. Your best source of information for pet foods is a veterinarian or a veterinary
nutritionist. Also be cautious about receiving
nutritional information from a pet store
some ground rules. Children should help obediof the children is allowed (even in play). Children should only pet the pup when it has
“Four on the Floor” - never when jumping up. Have the children take part in obedience classes
so they can learn how to communicate with the new pup. Watch their interactions closely and intervene when needed.
Cats need to be introduced more slowly.
employee as this often akin to taking human
Positively reinforce your cat by giving her a treat
Mart.
the room. The pup should be kept on a leash
6
nutritional advice from the shelf stocker at Wal-
and talking softly to her when she comes into initially and rewarded for exhibiting positive
Introductions
behavior around the cat. Do not allow the pup
quite well from day one. A couple of
the two are playing and the pup is getting out of
Kids and puppies typically get along
reminders. You are the adult. Your children will
help take care of the pet, but it should never be
to chase the cat. Step in and remove the pup if hand.
Older dogs are wonderful teachers. Allow
their primary responsibility. They are children.
them to let the pup know when to back off. As
work. Don’t make the pet suffer because your
pup, they’re just letting the little whippersnapper
They quickly lose interest in doing the dirty child made promises they didn’t keep.
Puppies often look at children as litter mates
22 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
long as they don’t physically have a hold of the
know he’s out of control. If the old guy is getting really crabby, remove the pup. Your more
mature friend will know you’ve got his back and he won’t have to escalate things. Give your first
“baby” lots of extra love, some alone time with you and a little treat a few times a day when he
7
sees the puppy. Make the association as positive as possible.
Traveling
If you are going to be traveling before your pet is fully house trained, make
certain to find someone who will take the pup
9
walking as long as your pup is trained not to pull.
Food Dishes
Stainless Steel or ceramic are best.
10
fresh.
Keep the bowls clean. Keep the water
Indoor or Outdoor
Dogs are social animals who crave attention and companion-
and continue the house training in your absence.
ship from their families. No dog should ever
trained can set the process back a bit.
sentence of virtual solitary confinement.
8
Kenneling a puppy that is not fully house
have to live outside in what amounts to a life
Collar and Leash
Decide early on, as a family, what kind of rela-
should be tight enough that it will not
pup is a clean slate now. It’s up to you to teach
A flat, nylon or leather collar is best. It
slip over the head, but loose enough that you can put two fingers between the collar and the neck without them feeling pinched. Remember,
tionship you want to have with your pet. Your her the rules of the household in a humane and knowledgeable way.
You have just assumed the responsibility of
pups grow at a rapid rate, so remember to check
caring for a thinking, feeling, living toddler of
Training leashes should be flat
tle effort on your part, you will have a friend
the collar weekly and readjust as necessary. nylon or leather and no
longer than six feet. Chain leashes are murder on
another species. Congratulations! With just a lit-
who will love you unconditionally for all of his or her days.
the hands and retractable
leashes are useless for training though they can be nice for
Urban Paws Magazine 23
Training Can You Speak Dog?
R
ecently I was speaking at an event and I
asked the audience if they could tell me
might bark or growl to express his discomfort.
how dogs communicate. As I listened, it became
Which is the more important aspect of his com-
of "canine speak"-- body language and vocaliza-
Body language is your dog's primary way of
clear to them that there are two basic methods tions.
Body language includes: jumping, nipping, licking, tail wagging, biting, use of the head including, ears, eyes and mouth and various other posturing during which your dog uses his entire body.
Vocalization includes: barking, growling,
whining, howling and other miscellaneous
sounds.
Know that each posture means
something. When your dog wants
to play, he'll get into a play stance,
which I'm sure you have seen. His front
end is low, rear end is up and wiggling and
his tail is wagging. If he is approached by another dog, that dog will recognize the stance immediately and if he's feeling playful too he might mirror the stance and the games begin.
Each vocalization means some-
thing also. Your dog, when startled, 24 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
munication? Body language is, without a doubt. communicating with you and other dogs. Even
if he's vocalizing, he's backing up the message with his body language. If he doesn't want to play with the other dog, he will stand as tall and
stiff as he can get, and his tail may slowly be waving like a warning flag. Hopefully the other dog recognizes the signals and decides that it may not be a good time to play.
By Bark Busters Home Dog Training
When we work with our clients, we spend part of the time educating them about canine communication and what some of it means. Why? In
your dog will have a better chance at understanding what you want.
order to communicate clearly and easily with
When you learn to communicate clearly, in a
don't speak English, French or any other human
understanding your message. When he under-
anyone you have to know the language. Dogs language -- they speak dog. They can learn to
associate words with actions such as come, sit,
stay, down, etc. but if we use our body language, in a canine way, to match our message the process is sped up.
Let me give you an example. Let's say my dog
canine way, your dog has a better chance of
stands, he'll be more likely to respond correctly. When he responds correctly he'll get praised.
When he gets praised he gets happy. We know the rest of the story -- happy dogs = happy families!
and I visit a dog park (which sometimes can be dangerous). I walked into the middle of the park and just lowered my height and excitedly tapped
my leg. Five dogs immediately started to come
towards me. I stood up straight and stiffened my posture, almost at attention, and every one of
the dogs stopped. I lowered my height again and they came. I didn't utter a word. I only used my
body language and they understood. Try it with your dog and see what happens.
It's human nature that most people call their
dogs while standing straight and tall. If your dog doesn't come, you call louder and sterner. Your body language and vocal tones aren't matching your message from a canine perspective. By low-
ering your height, you are more closely matching the inviting play posture.
Add a happy, excited "come" and your vocal
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message will match your body language and Urban Paws Magazine 25
Tail End Global Pet Accessories Market Expected to Exceed $19 Billion by 2019 ccording to a market research study
“There is a rising popularity of natural and
accessories market is expected to exceed $19 bil-
safer option for pets,” said Brijesh Kumar
A
released by Technavio, the global pet
lion by 2020, growing at a CAGR of over five percent during the forecast period.
organic pet toys as they are considered to be a
Choubey, a lead research analyst at Technavio for pet supplies.
This research report, titled “Global Pet
The global pet housing, bedding, and food mar-
depth analysis of the market in terms of rev-
ing it the second most prominent segment in the
Accessories Market 2015-2019,” provides an inenue and emerging market trends. It also includes an up to date analysis and forecast for various market segments and all geographical regions.
ket is expected to reach $5 billion by 2019, makglobal pet accessories market. The global pet collars, leashes, and utility market is expected to exceed $3 billion by 2019.
According to the report, the global pet toys market is expected to reach $10 billion by 2019. The market for pet toys has
garnered
immense popularity
among
developed as well
as developing coun-
tries, and eco-friendly
pet toys have helped to drive this growth.
26 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
Source: PetAge.com