A Little Help for Dog Friends

08/05/2023

What's the best dry dog food, and what should you look for when shopping for healthy dog foods? Here's the criteria to look for, read on.

06/14/2023

05/08/2023

Are you pregnant, know someone who's pregnant, or planning on expanding your family in the future? Don't miss our Dogs & Storks - Preparing Families with Dogs for Life with Baby workshop being held June 10th at 2 pm at Sandy Meadow Farm in Westfield, MA. Pre-registration required. https://www.pawsofnature.com/services/dogs-and-baby

03/11/2023

Things people say about their dogs that I can totally relate to.

“She really doesn’t like strange men approaching her”

Same.

“He hates being restrained”

Same.

“She’s super food motivated”

Same.

“When we go somewhere new with a lot of noise, he gets really anxious and wants to leave”

Same.

“If you touch her while she’s eating she gets really stiff and looks at me like she might growl”

Same.

“He doesn’t want to go to the bathroom outside when it’s raining”

Same.

“I can tell when I ask her to do something, she looks at me wondering if she’ll get a reward”

Same.

"He's fine with new people, but gets uncomfortable if they try to touch him"

Same.

“If she’s in the middle of doing something and distracted, and I ask her to come over to me, she doesn’t do it right away she finishes that and then maybe she’ll listen but I usually have to call her again”

Same.

Why are these behaviors that are so totally normal and understandable with humans and other animals not acceptable or “problems” with dogs? Why are we so quick to assume that just because we have dogs in our lives, that their personal preferences, individual personalities and also natural behaviors should just change simply because it’s more convenient for us? Seriously.

Maybe the first step is looking through a new lens. A lens of understanding and empathy and realizing dogs are the ONLY creatures on this earth we do this to….. other than our kids but that’s a whole other can of worms. No one has ever called me in tears after trying to give their cat a bath and told me the cat didn’t like it hissed at them, and they don’t know what’s wrong with it - but I get calls like this for dogs all the time. It’s just assumed that dogs should and will tolerate what we expect and when they don’t, that’s a problem. But what if it isn’t? What if it’s just that dog? Why are we doing this to them? It’s making them crazy…. And making dog trainers even more crazy.

Take a step back. Look through a new lens. Behavior can be worked on, of course. But maybe it’s your behavior that has to change first, then we can talk about the dog.

02/15/2023

SALE ENDS SOON! HURRY!

We’re doing our best to make it really hard for you to say no to a pretty great offer to help you make changes in your dog’s life!
Don’t just believe us – listen to some class alumni:

“Seriously, it’s the most thoughtful, thorough, and comprehensive course with evolving concepts for lasting changes that I have ever experienced. Forever grateful to you both for your patience and guidance in helping us progress with our dogs.” – Pat

“Having access to Mark for direct responses to my questions. The thoughts he shared regarding how to address certain concerns and issues are helping us move down a much more productive path with Buddy in helping him overcome his fears (reactivity of a different kind). Also, there is so much helpful information available in the videos and Q&A sessions, and having the video replays of those Q&A sessions is hugely helpful.” – Susan

Jump in now at today’s very special price - that's 20% off, today only!

To claim your 20% discount, visit:

https://www.trainingbetweentheears.com/reactivity-guided-feb2023

and then input the special code HEARTDOG23 - don't forget to click the button to apply your discount!

10/07/2022

As each holiday comes around the sundial, it presents new challenges for worried dogs. Halloween might not include backyard fireworks (yet), but it does offer surprises where dogs otherwise walk comfortably every day.

If you're not already walking your dog with a good treat pouch hooked to your waist, you might be missing a good opportunity to practice counter-conditioning skills. When you encounter any graves, ghosts, skeletons or jack o'lanterns, watch your dog's reaction. If you see any hesitation or concern, back away and offer food with a happy voice (you know the voice - the kind that brings neighbors to their windows with concerned expressions). The most important piece is to allow your dog to make his own choice about approaching.

It's not necessary to feed only approaches and curiosity. Feeding worry can also be very helpful.

If your dog is significantly frightened, leave and give it another go tomorrow; there are weeks to go for changing your dog's emotional response from fear to indifference (or, more likely, excitement about more cheese).

08/22/2022

Shocking price increases in some pet food brands.

08/22/2022

Ever noticed those slits at the sides of a dog’s nose? Why do dogs have them?

Once again, nature proves her elegance in the design of our dogs. When we humans inhale and exhale, air comes in the same way it goes out. Any smells that come in through our mouths are forced out as we exhale.

When a dog exhales through his nose, however, the exhaled air is released through those slits and off to the side so that nice, smelly air going into the dog’s nostrils doesn’t get diluted with the outgoing air. Put another way, the slits allow the dog to avoid smelling what he just exhaled.

The slits help the dog hold scent particles in the nostrils even as exhaled air passing out the slits creates a swirling air turbulence allowing interesting odors to be inhaled directly into the centre of each nostril. Since dogs breathe faster when trying to sniff a certain smell, they widen their nostrils to pull in more air which makes it possible for a dog searching for smells to have a steady stream of air coming in for up to 40 seconds, maybe even longer.

The slits also allow dogs to wiggle each nostril independently which gives them the ability to know which nostril a smell entered. This is how a dog can pinpoint where a smell is coming from, and why a dog searching for smells on the ground will weave back and forth as he follows a trail.

We all know the superb smelling abilities of dogs, but let’s use an analogy between scent and sight to really put it into perspective: What we as humans can see at a third of a mile, our dog can see more than 3,000 miles away and still see as well.
Vetscene

08/22/2022

So valuable to understand this.

08/21/2022

Have you ever heard of a big dog suddenly chasing and killing a much smaller one? Perhaps they were playing even, just before the sudden switch. I have. It's unfortunately happened in the last few years in my own village. It's devastating, it's unpredictable, and it's real.

Importantly, IT IS NOT AGGRESSION. It's a phenomenon called predatory drift and it's why my own canine family are managed so closely and responsibly.

Pictured are two of our dogs. Little and large. Beast and button. Big sis and little sis. Call them what you like, but just because they know each other VERY well does not mean they will ever coexist together like similar sized dogs can. It would just not be safe. And it would be neither of their faults.

Just a run and squeal from the little'un could trigger off the big'un. Any "prey-like" behaviour and she could trigger off instincts in her that are akin to a wolf catching and ingesting prey. It's instincts, not aggression. It's not even a choice she would be making.

ALL DOGS CAN BE TRIGGERED INTO PREDATORY DRIFT if the environmental circumstances around them trigger it off e.g. if they're around a dog much smaller than themselves. Daycares for example and even dog walkers need to be aware of this when mixing breeds.

The risk of predatory drift is heightened as well if:

* There is more than one large dog to the small
* They are allowed to play (which has its risks just for sheer size differences as well!)
* The smaller dog is in any way fearful and likely to run, whine or squeal
* The dog is likely a "finisher" i.e. would normally not hesitate to catch a squirrel and eat it right then and there. Some parts of the predatory sequence have been enhanced and/or inhibited in some breeds, but some dogs would still exhibit the full sequence from eye to kill to digest.

How do we manage our family?

* The dogs are never walked together without the both of us humans present. EVER.
* We use long lines as a management tool
* We keep all walks calm and environment focused.
* Absolutely no direct interactions with each other is encouraged on walks. They are in fact called away from any direct interactions.
* They are kept in separate rooms in the house. ALWAYS.
* We do not slack on our management or supervision even for a second. Because that's all it could take. And again, it would be neither of their faults.

(It is our choice to implement this level of management from our own risk assessment of these particular dogs since our family joined together a year ago. Our dogs also have other difficulties beyond the risk of predatory drift so strict management is key for their safety).

As you can see the size difference is significant. They have a lovely relationship. Their tails will wag when they see each other coming into the house and they will touch noses either side of the baby gate. But being the "best of friends" wouldn't stop an accident happening. Predatory drift is not born out of anger, frustration, dislike of one another. It's completely separate. The only way of ensuring it doesn't happen is through awareness and management.

A quick google search will bring up lots of articles on predatory drift and the risks. It is important to be aware of this, whether you're the guardian of a giant breed, or guardian of a toy breed, or frankly, anything in between. Predatory drift between dogs is not too common, but it always has devastating consequences.

Knowledge and awareness is key 🐾💜

Please note: predatory drift is NOT dogs fighting as a result of over stimulated play. Predatory drift is NOT dogs arguing over a resource such as food. Predatory drift is NOT dog-dog reactivity. There are many reasons why one dog may show aggressive behaviour responses to another and the majority of them would not count as predatory drift.

08/01/2022

Today is Dogust - August First, the “official” birthday for all rescue dogs! If you don’t know the actual day of birth of your dog, you’re invited to make 8/1 your dog’s “official” birthday!

Is your dog a rescue ?Celebrate the day!

07/27/2022

Dogs. ❤😍❤

07/20/2022

Stanley is all smiles today, but just a few months ago, the French bulldog was found crammed into a cage inside a filthy Modesto, California, residence used to sell dogs online

07/19/2022

We're in for a heatwave this week, with a heat index of over 100°F predicted in some parts of the state! These temperatures can be highly dangerous for our pets:

•Heatstroke: Heatstroke comes on quickly and can be deadly if untreated. Avoid activity when the sun is high, provide lots of water, and watch for symptoms such as difficulty breathing, hypersalivation, red/dark tongue and gums, and collapse.
•Hot car confinement: Never leave your pets unattended in the car! Even in shade with cracked windows, temperatures soar and can cause heatstroke in a matter of minutes.
•Burned feet: Asphalt and concrete can be over 150°F in this heat! Hold the back of your hand to the ground for 7 seconds - if it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog.

Avoid long walks, hikes, or vigorous activities during the heat of the day - get your exercise in the early morning or evening when it's cooler out. Always provide plenty of water and shade. Pets that are overweight, have long or darkly-colored coats, seniors, and short-nosed breeds (pugs, bulldogs, persian cats) are at a much higher risk of heatstroke. Every time temperatures spike, our ER sees cases of heatstroke - it can affect any dog or cat, so please be careful out there. If you ever suspect your pet is overheating, call your closest ER immediately.

For more information, visit https://www.pieperveterinary.com/blog/preventing-heatstroke/

07/14/2022

There are currently around 450 recognized dog breeds in the world. That's a lot, especially considering 150 years ago there were only 40 known breeds.However, as much as we love all of these adorable dogs, it's not exactly good news. The modern breeds we know today were developed by humans in an unn...

07/10/2022

Every year, pets drown in pools, not because they can't swim, but because they can't get out and succumb to exhaustion. Proactively teach your dogs how to get out. Consider placing a "landmark" by the stairs, like a large potted plant, that's easy for your dog to see. This doormat idea is also very inventive but again, get in the pool with your dogs and show them the exits. Have a wonderful, wet, and safe summer with your pooches!!! 😍

07/10/2022

We can’t talk about responsible ownership without addressing a difficult topic. It’s a conversation enjoyed by no one, but it’s one that needs to be had. The topic is behavioural euthanasia.

Unfortunately, when this has come up in the past, we have experienced shaming and abuse; even personal harassment. We have no doubt this will happen on this post, but we are here to educate, even when that isn’t pleasant.

In the last decade, we have made a lot of progress in reducing pet euthanasia rates. This is a really good thing. We all want a world where no animals are euthanized for lack of space or inconvenience. However, the reality is that tough decisions need to be made about the dogs who present risks to society.

Some people have wonderful intentions, believing that all dogs should have a chance and we can truly save every one. But if you have experienced first-hand the dangers and heartache of trying to save a dangerous dog, you realize that there is much more to consider. Any rescue will tell you how often they receive appeals for rehabilitation homes: no animals/no kids/rural living requirements/high management/bite history/etc. To the few people who can provide safe, humane homes for behaviourally challenged dogs, we salute you. But there are very few of you out there. Most people have lives, and it is reasonable to want a life where you can enjoy your dog, participate in your community, and go on vacation without worrying that your dog could seriously hurt someone or something.

What about “no kill” shelters and sanctuaries? First of all, there are very few reputable ones. Many have been found to be hoarding or warehousing situations. Dogs are living out their lives with minimal human contact, no opportunities for socialization, no enrichment, minimal veterinary care and conditions similar to solitary confinement. This is no life for any being. The “rehabbers” might pat themselves on the back for “saving” the dog, but in reality they have put their ego ahead of safety and the dog’s well-being.

Furthermore, there’s a saying that “management always fails”. This means that despite best efforts, life happens and your safety measures will probably be insufficient at some point. If you are housing a dog who is capable of hurting a person or animal, you may work very hard to keep them safe, but one day a hole may appear in the fence or you may have to leave the dog in the care of a pet-sitter who puts on the muzzle incorrectly. If saving a truly dangerous dog results in someone’s innocent pet dying, or a serious injury or fatality to a human, you have simply traded one life for another.

Sometimes humane euthanasia is the most responsible and kindest choice we can make for everyone.

As advocates for breed-neutral legislation, it is imperative that we acknowledge this. Some dogs are dangerous. Some dogs cannot be saved and shouldn’t be saved. We cannot predict this from visual appearance (which is what BSL targets), but we can often predict it based on past behaviour, bite history, and other factors. This is where we can find common ground with lawmakers and advocate for evidence-based animal control laws.

Failure to be realistic about behavioural euthanasia will harm animal welfare efforts in the long run. When owners, shelter workers, adopters, fosters, veterinary professionals, and trainers try to open up this conversation, we face abuse by Facebook warriors who have no idea what rescue truly looks like. The stress and liability are reasons people leave these fields.

When very difficult dogs are placed with families (especially when they don’t provide adequate disclosure or support), how does that reflect on rescue as a whole? Will they ever rescue again? Will their neighbours? Are we just passing the buck to people with good intentions to keep shelter and rescue euthanasia numbers low?

Be honest. When you hear about a dog who has killed another pet or sent a child to the hospital – would you want that dog living next door? Would you trust the average pet owner to make sure there was never a slip-up?

If you have been in the situation where you have had to consider or recommend behavioural euthanasia, our hearts go out to you, and we will not allow you to be shamed on this page.

If you are struggling with this decision, please do not hesitate to reach out. If you have a dog with a bite history or significant behavioural needs, and you wish to work with them, we are happy to have a non-judgemental conversation about what a safe plan might look like. If behavioural euthanasia is on the table, we can provide a non-judgemental ear about that too. We also suggest joining the Facebook Group Losing Lulu for compassionate support on this topic.

07/08/2022

Washington, D.C. (June 15, 2022)—Today, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy, released a staff report entitled “Seresto Flea and Tick Collars: Examining Why a Product Linked to More than 2,500 Pet Deaths Remains on the Market,” which details th...

06/18/2022

I spend so much time working with people and their reactive or aggressive dogs, learning how to help them and work with them, but I also try to show people with NON reactive dogs learn how they can help them too. I truly believe if we work together as a collaborative society of dog lovers we can help every dog live their best life. Here are some things I try to teach every human and dog team, and I’ve actually found these are good preventative tools too.

1. Stop letting your dog have on leash greetings with other dogs. Even if they are friendly. Teach your dog when they are on leash you are the best thing they can focus on! This will minimize their conditioned excitement every time they see another dog and help them not pull, lunge or move towards a reactive dog who doesn’t want an interaction. Also, the more you do let your dog meet dogs on leash, the more frustrated and aroused your dog can get when they see them and then reactivity can develop. NO leash greetings all around is a much healthier way to teach your dog(s) that the world out there is great but you’re even better to focus on!

2. Silence your dogs tags. I started doing this a few years ago when we started camping. I realized that the jingling of my dogs tags walking was a huge trigger for many of the dogs in their campsite, and as a result, they would bark and scream profanity at my dogs walking. This made their walk stressful too. By minimizing the noise, I’ve greatly improved my dogs walks and I know I’ve also helped a lot of reactive dogs not get triggered for the umpteenth time that day.

3. Work on a bombproof recall. And then work on it some more. And then some more.

4. Only let your dog off leash in places that are allowed. Even if you think no one is there. Even if it’s just for a second. Just. Don’t. Do it. It’s not fair and it sets so many dogs and humans up to fail. Want a place to let your dog run? Look at Sniffspot.com

5. Respect muzzles, give me space vests, and people saying “no” It is super hard to take a reactive dog out in public and have confidence. The more we give space and respect the better these teams will do! Don’t make judgements or stare or insist on saying hello because you hope to be the exception. Just tell them they are doing a great job and keep going.

6. Don’t let your dog stare. This is a BIG one we work on in all our classes. We teach humans how to position their dogs so they don’t stare at other dogs. I work hard on teaching my dogs to not stare at other dogs on leash and you can too. This is more subtle than not leash greeting but it can be just as helpful. Teach your dog to acknowledge there’s a dog there, but then move on, or turn around and not face them. For many reactive dogs there is nothing more triggering than a goofy adolescent dog staring at them across the road. I swear they scream back “WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT?!”

7. Confine and safely manage your dog in the car. Dogs hanging out of windows, barking and lunging in the backseat, or moving back and forth in the car are problematic because 1. It’s not safe and 2. It’s teaching THEM terrible behavior and 3. It’s very stressful for reactive dogs trying to walk down the road. My dogs are crated in the car; or tethered or use a calming cap to reduce their own stress and the stress of dogs that may walk past.

8. Offer to help. Ask the person what you can do to make it easier or help them? More space? Or moving back and forth? Or just continuing on your way. Some people struggle to find others with NON reactive dogs to practice with, so having help makes a big difference. Speak up if you see someone putting them down. Warn someone with an off leash dog that there’s a dog there that needs space. Help them the same at YOU would like it if it was you and your dog.

Reactive dogs are not broken: and they aren’t abnormal either. Reactivity honestly is now becoming more normal than NON reactive dogs, so we have to all work through this together. And it boils down to respect, understanding, courtesy and lots of reward based training.

We can do it gang.

-Helen St. Pierre

05/31/2022

Ad-hoc counter-conditioning and relaxation training work, say owners, but many other treatments don’t.