By Keri Putonen

"Taffy"

Today, as I was watching Taffy run around the yard with Cookie, Raina, and Rudy, I knew exactly what I wanted to write about for my first  NOVADog blog article-the healing ability of dogs. I have  worked with quite a few fearful dogs in my years as a professional dog trainer. Most recently, it’s been Chief, Dottie, Joseph and Ripley, and the newest, baby-girl Taffy.

Dottie, the sweet gentle greyhound, was fresh off the Florida racetrack when her new parents adopted her and saved her from future suffering. She didn’t know what it was like to enjoy life without being forced to “perform”. She had learned to associate people with fear. Her new parents were experienced greyhound people but they weren’t quite sure what to do when Dottie retreated to the third floor of their townhouse refusing to budge.  They wanted to enjoy long walks with Dottie as they had with their past dogs.  But Dottie’s negative associations with the leash, and with people, prevented her from trusting them.

Joseph and Ripley had been chained up in a filthy backyard for most of their young lives. They were siblings who  learned  to only depend on each other. They had a very strong bond to one another but neither one could trust a human. When I went to their house for an initial consult I never  met Ripley because he wouldn’t come downstairs.  Joseph spent the whole time pacing frantically around the first floor of the house, never coming close to me. The anxiety was palpable as he moved from side to side keeping his eyes wide and frozen. It turned out that in all the years she had had them they never interacted with guests who came into the house. They had not been taken for walks because they were afraid of the leashes…and the trucks…and the sounds…and kids..and, well, they were afraid of life. So this fear was allowed to perpetuate and strengthen.

"Chief"

The rescue people didn’t know too much about Chief other than that he was stray before joining them at their group. At the adoption event, Frank and Mary could tell that he was a bit timid and fearful of people. But they fell in love and took him home. Well, they got Chief home and were ready to shower him with treats, toys, and love. The only problem is that Chief had decided to run and hide underneath the bed in their guest room. By the time they contacted me, he had been there pretty close to two days. Not eating, not drinking, not coming anywhere near Frank or Mary. As I listened to Frank describe the situation I could tell that he and his wife doubted if they had made the right decision adopting Chief. Frank asked me if I could come over that evening and asses the dog and  help them decide if they should give the dog back or keep him. So off I went!  When I arrived, Chief was nowhere to be found. They told me I would find him in the same hiding spot he had been in when we spoke, under the bed. Sure enough, there he was, a very cute, small beagle trembling with fear under the bed.

So, why do I share these little stories with you? Because as I watch Taffy, or think about the progress we have made with Dottie, or Chief, or Joseph and Ripley, or countless others, I am taken by the ease with which many dogs can move on from fear to love.  Each of these dogs was able to overcome their past fears with just a few simple strategies and a lot of patience and repetition. I guess it comes down to the whole “dogs live in the moment” thing.  Monday was the first socialization play date I had with Taffy, a young timid Australian Labradoodle with one blue eye and one brown. She was frozen with uncertainty as we visited with a variety of well-balanced friendly dogs. But today, on only her second visit, she is a whole new dog. She’s chasing a tennis ball with Cookie; Puppy-pouncing Raina to initiate play; and running around the yard with Rudy, sniffing and doing what dogs do. I am in awe of how quickly dogs can let go of the past and move on into the present. They are in such sharp contrast to us. We spend our whole lives rehashing the things that happened to us when we were little, sometimes never letting go…never moving past the memories…never setting the baggage down and moving on. What a shame that we can’t be more like them in this way. What a complete joy it would be to not have negative feelings pile up and weigh us down.

Tips and Strategies

There are a variety of strategies to help fearful dogs, but the big picture is the same for all of them. You need to help create a positive association with the people, objects, environments or experiences that cause them fear. You do this very slowly and you use really good treats! Turkey hot dogs and peanut butter are two of my favorites!  Slowly expose your dog to the fearful stimulus (trashcan, truck, vacuum cleaner, etc…) and then, before he shows any signs of fear (that’s super important), reward him with a high-value treat. Dogs who are past their “threshold of fear” will not take food or water. You’ll know if you are moving too fast if your dog refuses a favorite food and then you should backup and move to a place where your dog will take a treat. You may be too close to the stimulus or it may be too loud or the treat may not be motivating enough for your dog.

So next time you’re feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders take a few minutes to watch a dog and take a lesson from our four-legged friends. The wake of the ship doesn’t steer the boat, it’s just what it leaves behind.

*Each of the dogs mentioned in this article are still a “work in progress”. Some have further to go than others but ALL are showing signs of success. A big thank-you to their dedicated owners who are committed to taking all the time and patience necessary to help them recover and heal from the wounds of the past.

Keri Putonen is owner and lead trainer at Unleashed Abilities, a Falls Church based company emphasizing positive reinforcement and a balanced approach to dog training. She also teaches small group classes at Wylie Wagg in Tyson’s Corner and Fairfax. For more information about private sessions or group classes call 703-371-9800 or visit us as www.unleashedabilities.com

1001 Places to Pee Before You Die
By Mari K. Eder
Local Springfield, VA resident Mari Eder’s endearing book gives you a glimpse into the life of her rambunctious, miniature schnauzer puppy, Benson. Written from Benson’s point of view, he “writes” monthly letters to his “grandparents,” the North Carolina couple who where his breeders and care givers before he was adopted by Mari. The letters are whimsical, autobiographical, and filled with fantasy, and wonder. Retails for $12 from www.amazon.com.

First Pet
The Presidents and Their Beloved Canines, Felines and Other Four-Legged Creatures Who Made Their Home at the White House
By The Associated Press
This book is an exciting and rich photographic record of the presidents and their pets. Every one of the ten dozen or so photographs either entertains, educates, or informs us about the presidents and their relationships with their pet.
Retails for $15 For more information and to order: http://www.ap.org/pages/about/pressreleases/pr_050310a.html

Every Dog Has a Gift
True Stories of dogs who bring hope & healing into our lives
By Rachel McPherson
As anyone who has ever gotten home after a long, hard day to be greeted by that soulful look of adoration that only a dog can give will tell you: Dog love is one of the best kinds of love there is. Rachel McPherson draws on her experience as founder and executive director of The Good Dog Foundation, the largest dog-assisted therapy organization on the East Coast, to tell the amazing stories of dogs who bring home and healing into our lives.
Retails for 23.95 (hard cover) and available at www.thegooddogfoundation.org.

The New Holistic Way
for Dogs & Cats
By Paul McCutcheon, DVM
Prevention has always been the best guarantee for long-term wellness, and this is as true when it comes to managing our pets’ stress as it is for managing our own. This book makes a convincing plea for care givers to stress-proof their pet’s home life, environment and general care. The author encourages an integrative approach to veterinary care, one that goes beyond treating superficial symptoms, in order to achieve overall wellness for the animal. Retails for $18.99  available at www.crownpublishing.com.

For Kids:

Remembering Oakley
By Carl J. Schutt
An inspirational and educational story about a family that has chosen to euthanize Oakley, their beloved family dog, who is dying of cancer.  The story follows young Jacob as he works through an array of emotions, ranging from anger and hurt to fear and denial, as he learns the difficulty of saying goodbye.  This book offers young readers ways to cope with death and grieving and is appropriate for all ages. Retails for $9.95 and is available at www.rememberingoakley.com.

Two Bobbies
A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival
By Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery
Bobbi and Bob Cat are the best of friends. When their hometown of New Orleans was struck by Hurricane Katrina, they lost everything, as did many others. Only by staying together could Bobbi and Bob Cat survive. This is a true story of their remarkable friendship. Retails for $16.99 from www.amazon.com.

Join in the fun with our Virtual Scavenger Hunt! Complete all the tasks and e-mail win-it@novadogmagazine.com to WIN cool prizes!

The FIRST FIVE people to e-mail me with all required items will win:

• One of our cool NOVADog T-shirts
• A subscription to NOVADog for home delivery (if you already receive it in your mailbox you can give it as a gift!),
• A tick key—which safely removes the entire tick from your dog—from our friends at WAG’N Enterprises
• And other GREAT GOODIES from our partners!

Seven additional second place winners will receive the tick key (it’s tick season you know, check out how it works here).

Good luck!!

Here’s how to play:

Below we list the items that you are looking for. Email your entire entry to win-it@novadogmagazine.com
with all items and/or attachments. If you are one of the first 5 to get yours in, you win! We’ll post our winners names on Facebook.

1. CLUE: This company on our Web site (www.novadogmagazine.com) features patriotic stars for the 4th of July. Visit their web site and tell us the company’s phone number.

2. What is the name of Master Sergeant Mark Gwathmey’s service dog? (find this in the Spring issue)

3. Snap a photo of your dog “reading” a spring issue of NOVADog and attach it to your e-mail.

4. CLUE: This company sponsors the online digital edition of NOVADog Magazine, which looks exactly like the print version and features pages that “flip.” Visit the sponsor company’s link and tell us the background color of their web site.

Please provide your full name and address for your chance to win!

When a pet emergency happens, calling 911 is NOT an option. April is Pet First Aid Month and Wag’N Pet Safety Gear is working to encourage pet parents to plan ahead for possible pet emergencies with a properly equipped pet first aid kit and the training to care for an injured pet until he is transported to an emergency veterinarian.

“Many pet parents consider pets to be members of the family, yet unfortunately don’t grasp that there is such a thing as pet first aid,” said Ines de Pablo, who holds a Masters Degree in Risk, Crisis and Emergency Management and is the Chief Wag’N Officer of Wag’N Pet Safety Gear. “Because there are little to no variances between the human and animal mechanisms of injury, pet parents-acting as their pet’s first responders-should to a minimum expect and be able to provide first aid for anything from bruises, burns, fractures, heat stoke and hyperthermia, to choking, cardio pulmonary and respiratory distress. Having the right tools on hand, and enough knowledge about how to help an injured pet, is extremely important until the pet parent is able to get the injured animal to the veterinarian.”

DePablo, who offers pet first aid and pet safety classes and workshops to individuals and first responders, also encourages pet parents to carry a record of their pets’ medical history, proof of ownership and vaccinations, a photo of their pet and emergency contact numbers.

Would you be prepared in the event of your pet’s injury?

For more information about Wag’N Pet Safety Gear, first aid kits and first aid classes, visit www.wagn4u.com.

Competitive Agility, Agility for the Fun of It, Flyball and Obedience classes - all great ways to have fun with your dog and enjoy the outdoors in a beautiful park setting at near-by Frying Pan Farm Park. These classes are a wonderful way to bond with you canine companion while you both benefit from the exercise, learning and playing together. The agility and obedience fields are fully fenced, and reserved only for the dog classes. Frying Pan Park has invested in top quality agility equipment, and all instructors are fully qualified.

Frying Pan Farm Park is located just south of Herndon on West Ox Road between the Fairfax County Parkway and Centreville Road. Agility and Flyball classes begin the week of April 12. Obedience classes begin the week of April 5. For more information see our website www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/fpp/classes.htm or call the park at 703-437-9101.

If weight loss, gaining strength, and a healthier outlook–all while spending time with your best canine buddy—sound good, then these classes are for you!

This 60 minute class includes a warm up and stretching. Then on to 45 minutes of intense interval training, so your dog must be on his best behavior! The class is run by both an ACE certified trainer for you, and a professional dog trainer/animal behavioralist for the dogs. What a great way to bond with your dog and achieve fitness, knowledge, and fun.

Please note that all dogs MUST be evaluated at least 1 week BEFORE your first class. In some cases this can be done on the phone. If however your dog has had no prior obedience then you will need to come to Canine College for your free evaluation by appointment only.

Classes start on April 15th and run through November 15th, 2010 at four locations in Northern Virginia. You can sign up at any time, as long as there is space at your requested location.

For more information, visit Jayme’s Canine College at http://jaymescaninecollege.com/services_doggieandme.html.

NOVADog Magazine is excited to be a part of the NBC4 Health and Fitness Expo this year.

Come see us and our partner companies in The NOVADog Safe & Healthy Pet Pavilion (booth 2210) on January 16th and 17th.
For more info visit www.nbcwashington.com.

Your dog may dream about turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing during the holiday season, but unfortunately there are side effects that come along with these holiday treats. Remember these tips for safety this holiday season:

Turkey: Turkey itself does not pose great harm, but feeding it to your dog in the same form we eat it during Thanksgiving could produce unwanted side affects simply because it can be rich and your dog’s system will not be accustomed to it. Nothing ruins a holiday like a dog with “tummy troubles”.

Poultry skin can cause inflammation and bones can splinter and become a choking hazard. If you’d like to give them something special, a plain piece of unseasoned, cooked turkey without the skin is a great treat.

Chocolate: We all know the dangers of chocolate - the theobromine and caffeine in chocolate can cause hyperactivity and rapid breathing. You may have guests in the house who aren’t used to keeping everything at a doggie safe level, so remind them to keep all those chocolate treats away from your dog.

Onions, raisins, and grapes: These can be hidden dangers to your dog, but none should be used as a treat.

To reduce temptation for your dog make sure that you do the following: keep up with your daily feeding and exercise routine, feed your them before guests arrive, discourage guests from feeding your dog anything you haven’t approved and keep left over food out of reach in tightly closed containers.

Reducing stressful situations that are brought about by the holiday season are important for your piece of mind as well as keeping your dog in high spirits. Consider providing a cozy oasis for your dog away from the holiday crowd so they feel secure amidst the holiday craziness. Take them shopping for a chew toy to occupy their energies during long family meals.

Finally, check with your veterinarian for their holiday schedule and emergency contact info, so you’re prepared in the event you need them.

Your furry friend will shower you with kisses for taking these safety precautions in having a happy and healthy dog!

Alexandra Bowens is the Marketing Manager for Dogtopia—a dog daycare, boarding and spa facility with five locations in Northern Virginia. Dogs are free to romp and play in open playrooms, monitored by staff trained in pack management and dog behavior. Live webcams on the company’s website www.dogdaycare.com offer a peak into the fun.

Bark ‘N Bubbles Self Dog Wash–10% off bathing package (inside front)

All Friends Pet Care–$25 off first booking (inside front)

Sunset Pet Services–10% off any urn (p. 3)

The Dog Eaze Inn– 1 free doggy play day (p.5)

Doody Calls Pet Waste Removal–$23 off first month (p. 27)

Loyalty Pet Care Services–$25 off first month midday dog walks (p.27)

Bings Barkin Bakery–10% off first order (p. 27)

Canine Caterers Dog Food Delivery–20% off first order (inside back)

The cover of the Fall issue of NOVADog Magazine was photographed by Bev Hollis in her wonderfully rustic Purcellville, VA barn studio. I always find it so interesting to attend photo shoots and to see the photographer in action. Bev has a unique perspective because she is also a veterinarian.

We had a ball with June, the 11-month-old Jack Russell (who was in heat, by the way, so hence the diaper) and she was SO good. Hard to believe that she is so young. Of course Jaclyn Koblos, her owner, had her out on a Labor Day camping trip, so she was pretty tired out. I’d like to thank Bev, her assistant Michelle (who did all of the light metering and played the part of “June” until we were ready for her) and of course Jaclyn and June for helping to produce our wonderful and festive fall cover! (click to enlarge the photos below)

Getting the lighting just right

June, waiting for her big moment

The "set up." I love the rustic feel of Bev's studio!