Calmer Canines

31/10/2024

As a Licensed Family Paws Parent Educator, it's my job to keep dogs and kids feeling safe together. Halloween can be "ruff" for our furry friends, so here are some quick tips to make this spooky holiday a bit less scary and a lot more safe for them.

25/06/2024

16/05/2024

It's been a while, but I'm finally back to writing my blog! Check out the newest post here: https://www.calmercaninestraining.com/post/patterns-not-routines

16/04/2024

Rattlesnake avoidance training! It's that time of year....this is your last chance to sign up for this innovative snake avoidance course to teach your dog to avoid rattlesnakes whether they are by your side, ahead on a hike, or by themselves on your property.

April 27th-28th from 9am-5pm in Corona 92878

https://baddogsinc.com/shop/rattlesnake-avoidance-training-through-positive-reinforcement/?fbclid=IwAR1YJf2_XHVf-1J4Br0tkTrV85hjU5jhDCjqXQYjg_pqRjmaPG4OdV6EOvI

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25/11/2023

You may have heard whispers of a new canine respiratory virus. It's important to be mindful of where you take your dog and of the dogs you allow them to socialize with, and be able to recognize signs of respiratory disease in your dog and others. Don't allow your dog to share food/water bowls or toys with dogs outside of your household, and avoid large gatherings of dogs (such as dog parks or dog beaches).

If your dog doesn't truly need to attend a large dog day care, I would personally avoid that for now as well (which also keeps the dogs that do need to go safer). You don't need to keep your dog locked up at home, just be cautious and mindful, and contact your vet with any questions.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/20/us/mystery-dog-illness-spreading/index.html?fbclid=IwAR1uupAMwjB4G-uN6NEJrSJfXI-cq5JQZGMmHcr9Vlo2zOmwUco3UWcslDI

From New Hampshire to Oregon, researchers are trying to figure out what’s causing an infectious respiratory disease among dogs that has turned deadly in rare cases.

13/03/2023

RECALL ALERT: Omega-V3 soft capsules under various brand names (mostly veterinary hospitals private labels) have been recalled due to potentially elevated levels of Vitamin A. Since Vitamin A is fat soluble, excess amounts can't be excreted by the body, causing toxicity. Some early signs of Vitamin A toxicity include: drowsiness, irritability, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Please check the following link for a full list of affected brands, and call your vet if your dog has eaten any of the affected product, or if you have any other concerns.

Complete details of the Stratford Care USA, Inc recall as reported by the editors of The Dog Food Advisor.

11/02/2023

RECALL ALERT: Elevated levels of Vitamin D in Purina Pro Plan Veterinary EL Elemental (PPVD EL). While Vitamin D is an essential nutrient, Vitamin D toxicity from elevated levels is very serious. 7 Lot codes and 2 UPC codes (8lb and 20lb) are involved. Please click on the link below for more information.

Complete details of the Purina Pro Plan Vet Diet recall as reported by the editors of The Dog Food Advisor.

25/10/2022

Important information for parents of infants: The Safe Sleep for Babies Act has been signed into law.

This outlaws the sale of inclined sleepers, crib bumpers, and other unsafe "sleep" products that have linked with over 200 infant deaths. While infant swings do not appear to be included, it's important to note that babies should never be unattended in a swing, let alone left to sleep unattended in one, due to risk of their head falling forward, closing off their airway. Parents are being urged to discontinue use of these products immediately.

From the article:
" “People should be able to trust that if baby products are for sale, they’re safe. There is no place on store shelves or online listings for infant products that fail to align with expert safe sleep guidelines.” - Oriene Shin of Consumer Reports"

https://www.consumerreports.org/child-safety/safe-sleep-for-babies-act-inclined-sleeper-crib-bumper-ban-a3847072461/?EXTKEY=YCRADVOCACY_TW&fbclid=IwAR2r8DK1uvMI1RdCmvcuTx9v0gPQuY3vo2LXBpE_Ex66-Cz91dlyU_z-E18

President Biden has signed into law the Safe Sleep for Babies Act, which bans the sale of inclined infant sleepers and crib bumper pads. Consumer Reports has linked the sleepers to dozens of deaths.

17/05/2022

It's rattlesnake season, and folks are likely to be running in droves toward "rattlesnake avoidance" or "snake breaking" training courses. Unfortunately, studies are showing that none of these programs have been proven effective, and there is great risk for unintended consequences. You can read more here, from BADDogsInc Family Dog Training & Behavior

https://baddogsinc.com/rattlesnake-training/?fbclid=IwAR3njQPVRG8fvYOpge6VmXKXDlRy5hbOI-FDlCTbxA-W1423VJWlFgDnZTk

Rattlesnake training or "snake breaking" sessions are very popular in the spring and summer, but are they safe and effective?

04/05/2022

Pet Center, Inc., based in Los Angeles, has been warned by the FDA as they are making treats in completely unsanitary conditions. While no treats have been recalled at this point, please do not feed them to your pet as they are a risk to your dog and everyone in your home. For more information, you can read an article with highlights of the conditions here:
https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-recall/fda-warns-pet-center/

The full warning letter from the FDA can be found here:
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/pet-center-inc-621716-02282022

CGMP/Food for Animals/Prepared, Packed or Held Under Insanitary Conditions/Adulterated

02/05/2022

Suzanne Clothier has many, many "words of wisdom" that she shares with the world, and here are some of them:
"This study confirms what all good breeders have known forever: genes are not destiny. But they sure as heck do matter."

Narrowing down what breed group/type of dog will likely best suit your lifestyle will help you select the right individual dog for your family. Knowing what the "bell curve behaviors" are for your breed while also understanding that there are outliers (and that every dof is an individual with their own personality) is critical to the success of owning and caring for your dog.
https://suzanneclothier.com/breed-personality-study/?fbclid=IwAR2WYOEu4U_Ybz0jeNF_iD1VZmnLw6VdCYNEesLfGO3rCKphcaUT6hsTct8

The original study: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abk0639 I’ve now read several of the articles written on this study, and chose this one as...

08/04/2022

While there may still be issues caused by dog food with high levels of legumes (peas, chickpeas, lentils, etc), the data shows you don't need to panic about DCM if you do feed a grain-free dog that contains them. Breed predisposition is still the highest risk.

https://thesciencedog.com/2022/04/06/the-disconnection-between-grain-free-foods-and-dcm/?fbclid=IwAR1a0Vldn75mWOVnF4Cn-Ze1J1q6zLGbv_G-1s0judpCkDq6k3qx-z-kWpM

Almost 4 years ago, in July of 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a public alert stating that they had reports of an apparent increase in the national incidence of Dilated Ca…

05/03/2022

These are absolutely fantastic infographics for games and activities for kids and dogs to do together! Great work Trailblazing Tails!

12/11/2021

Our latest YouTube video and blog post have teamed up to cover the same topic: bonding with your new puppy or rescue dog! And, these activities are fun for any dog, not just new ones!

https://youtu.be/ExXTxI0yWMA

https://www.calmercaninestraining.com/post/5-simple-bonding-activities-for-your-new-puppy-or-rescue

Use these games to teach your puppy their name and start to create trust, familiarity , and a strong bond. Play together, offer puzzle toys & chews, and take...