Humane Domain

06/28/2024

06/27/2024

06/26/2024

Today we worked with a group of assistance dogs in training on elevators.

06/26/2024

And we even included public restrooms !

06/26/2024

We worked in an office building too.

06/26/2024

We also worked in a medical supply pharmacy.

06/26/2024

A very special thank you to McDougall’s pharmacy in Eldersburg/Sykesville for welcoming Our FutureHope assistance/ service dogs in training!!

06/25/2024

If you are using any of the popular wraps for anxiety related to thunder storms or fireworks they can work well ! Just remember to put them on your dog a couple of times a week for about an hour when there are no storms or fireworks. Some dogs have avoided the wraps when they were only used for these events and see the wraps as a predictor of the event . For the best success you want the dog to feel comfortable and have that feeling extend to the events.

06/25/2024

We need these !

The Banff Wildlife Crossings Project was implemented in Banff, Alberta.

Combined with fencing to keep the animals off the road, the structures have reduced animal-vehicle collisions in the area by more than 80% (>96% for elk and deer alone).

06/24/2024

We just scheduled this class and already 2 people have signed up! Class is limited to 5. This is a fun class and not a competition class!
Saturday, July 20, 2024 @11 AM.

06/24/2024

Our Pupriety puppy class is ongoing so people graduate at different times and here is our latest graduate!

06/24/2024

Velma using the computer and checking her FB page.

06/24/2024

Scent detection is so much fun, helps with bonding and is such a natural behavior for dogs- consider joining out Nose Knows Scent Detection class.

06/22/2024

Growling is so misunderstood and this article clarifies the purpose as well as the proper response to a dog growling. Veterinary behaviorists have the power loftiest education one can have in the field of animal behavior so pay close attention!

The Ten Myths of Canine Behavior
Myth #10: My dog growled at me. I need to punish the growl.
One of the most important behaviors to reinforce rather than punish in dogs is growling. Growling serves as information, signaling that a dog feels uncomfortable in a situation. It is not an act of aggression but a form of communication, and for that, we should be grateful. We can address growling constructively by identifying and avoiding the actions that triggered it. Punishing a growl risk suppressing this warning signal, potentially leading to a bite without any preceding warning.

06/22/2024

DOPAMINE does a lot more than reward‼️

🧠 Fast dopamine neurons are involved in the detection of events and ascribing of value. Slow dopamine neurons are needed for movement, behavioural activation, motivation, reward and punishment (yes punishment increases dopamine too). Dopamine concentration outside the neurons is needed for movement control, which is critical for dog sports.

😱 There is so much more than conditioning going on in our dogs' brains when we train them, and understanding the beautiful complexity expands our horizons, and helps us help them.

(Shared with permission by Barking Brains)

06/22/2024

For those of you, like me, have followed her work!

In July 1960, at the age of 26, Jane Goodall () began her landmark study of chimpanzee behavior in what is now Tanzania. Her work at Gombe Stream National Park would become the foundation of future ethological research and redefine the relationship between humans and animals. ⁠
⁠
Her unorthodox approach to research was to immerse herself in the habitat and lives of chimpanzees, allowing her to see them as individuals with emotions and long-term bonds. Goodall’s discovery at that time that chimpanzees make and use tools is considered one of the greatest achievements of 20th-century scholarship. ⁠
⁠
In 1991, Goodall also founded global environmental and humanitarian youth program with a group of Tanzanian students to teach youth about wildlife conservation. Today, Roots & Shoots is active in more than 60 countries. ⁠

Read more: https://vegnews.com/2021/5/jane-goodall-award

06/21/2024

We all know this so share with someone who
might not know

⚠️🚙⚠️ Despite the warnings, hundreds of dogs in the U.S. die every year after being left in a hot car. Someone you know may need to read this very important message. ⚠️🚙⚠️

SIX MINUTES is all it takes for a dog to overheat in a hot car.

Your dog could suffer serious injury or die in a matter of minutes if left alone in a car.

• The temperature inside a closed vehicle left in the sun can double within 12 minutes.

• At least 75% of the temperature increase in a closed vehicle occurs within 5 minutes of closing the vehicle, and at least 89% of the temperature increase occurs within 15 minutes of closing the vehicle.

• Temperatures exceeding 104˚ F can lead to death or serious injury for the occupants.

• Temperatures in a closed vehicle sitting in the hot sun can reach 160˚F and above. An animal will suffer immeasurably and may die before the temperature reaches 150˚F.

• Even when parked in the shade, the vehicle temperatures can exceed 104˚C.

• Leaving windows down more than 2 inches on an unattended vehicle will not prevent a car from reaching extreme temperatures.

• Even if the animal is revived, they can die due to severe internal organ damage.

Your dog trusts you to have their best interest at heart ALWAYS.
Please don’t risk their safety.

If you are not taking your dog inside your destination with you, PLEASE leave them at home where they are comfortable and safe.

06/20/2024

It’s true and it works

If you want to keep your cat off the kitchen counter, it's important to identify the reason for being up there so you can provide a better alternative.

https://catbehaviorassociates.com/how-do-i-keep-my-cat-off-the-counters/

06/19/2024

We believe this!

06/17/2024

This all works so well!

06/17/2024

Important information for people to know if their dog is on medication for behavioral issues!

As a pet guardian or professional, it can be difficult to measure improvement once the pet starts medication.

Medications, both daily and fast acting, can help improve behaviors. Here’s what you should watch for:

06/14/2024

Velma is such an interesting dog and she loves to rest the front of her body and head on the kitchen stool 😂.

06/14/2024

Hot day for dogs even w AC‼️

06/13/2024

Wonderful information and please note that even if your dog is reliable that can change if they become frightened and/or confused!!! Keep them safe and comfortable and if you know they will be terrified visit your veterinarian for medication options

🎇 On July 4, many animals become startled or frightened by the noise of fireworks. This may cause them to flee from familiar environments and people, and sadly become lost.

🔖 Ensure they are wearing their tags and that their microchips are current with correct contact information. New technology includes GPS collars and geo location tags.

🙉 Provide safe zones and sound buffers indoors to minimize stress.

🐕‍🦺 If they must go outside, they must be on a leash.

06/10/2024

Truth and smile

As a predator, being digitigrade helps cats approach their prey silently. Since cats are prey themselves, speed is also critical. I find it funny though that as silent as cats can be, they also have the ability to sound like horses galloping down a hallway in the middle of the night when you're trying to sleep.

06/08/2024

Such good info

⭐️ Thunderstorm season is upon us, and firework season is fast approaching. Keep an eye on this page to learn how to help your pets stay safe and comfortable during this noisy time of year. ⭐️

🐾 All animals need a place where they feel safe and can decompress. A safe zone is a special new area we'll create together for your dog. 🏠

🔇 The important aspects of the safe zone are that it provides a place that:

Avoids sensory overload 🚫🔊
Relatively quiet 🤫
Minimizes smells/odors – if you can smell it (e.g., household cleaners), then it is likely overwhelming for the dog. 🌬️
Not too bright, no flashing lights, no shiny or reflective surfaces 🚫💡
Creates predictability 🔄
This is your dog's space to get away from stressful stimuli 🐶
A place your dog can choose to go to if he or she wants a break from activity 🐾
Gives them quiet time to recover from stress (a key for developing resilience) 💤
Minimizes talking, petting, or training 🙅‍♂️🐕

For more information, email us at
[email protected]