Positive Rewards Dog Training/MV

13/08/2024

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I share the news of Fenway's passing. Pam & Chip's beloved BC Fenway has left us, gaining his wings yesterday.

Fenway was an amazing dog and a true spokesman for the Border Collie breed. I first met Pam and Fenway when they came to my agility classes way back in the early years.

He and Pam were regulars at our weekly Sniffer Dog classes up to two years ago, as an elderly senior, he thoroughly enjoyed searching and was not shy about telling Pam that she was 'late' in holding up her end of the bargain

Fly high and strong Fenway - you are greatly missed.
To Pam and Chip, with deepest condolences from all your Sniffer class friends.

27/07/2024

Here's a quick reference to dealing with heat emergencies in dogs.
Overheating can happen MUCH faster than many people understand.
Pay attention to the first note:
Behavior change is the best indicator of heat-related distress- know the signs.

Another way to think about this is that you are planning on going for a jog and taking your dog along for the exercise.
Here is your apparel: a Fleece top and sweat pants, long socks, and sneakers.
If you think "Wow - I will get too hot wearing that!" Consider how your dog feels - not with all the coat hair, but the simple fact that they lack the overall abundance of sweat glands that bless the human primate and allow us to sweat and cool off quickly.

17/07/2024

We'll be at the MV Agricultural Fairgrounds this Saturday under the trees in front with the Great Detective Dog Hunt from ~1:30 - 2:45pm.

Bring your Canine Sleuth to work out where the treats are hidden and learn how to add sniffing for fun as an enrichment activity for your dog. (Hint! You can make a great indoor game too! )

Learn how scent games can provide mental enrichment and build confidence and resiliency in your dog.

Hope to see you there!

25/06/2024

Don't trust that your car left running with the AC on will be ok for your dogs to remain in while you "pop" in to the store.

I just read of another incident of a vehicle automatically shutting off - luckily the person arrived before things went critical for her dog- and it was NOT an electric car.

21/06/2024

Heat-related injuries to dogs can occur more rapidly than one might expect, underscoring the need for immediate action.

As a dog owner, it's your responsibility to be vigilant for signs that your dog is overheating. This awareness is key to taking swift action and preventing heat-related injuries.

Panting is the most effective way for dogs to lower their body temperature...however... the efficiency of this method relies on the air humidity being low - if the air is currently running at 90%, it means that water evaporating from your dog's tongue and inner mouth tissues will be slowed as the air is already very wet.

Observe your dog's tongue color when the dog is calm and rested —it should be pinkish. The higher your dog's body temperature, the redder the tongue becomes—waiting until it is deep reddish purple is too late.
A 'cool' tongue is narrow and long
A 'hot' tongue is broad
A 'getting too warm' tongue will also be hang out the side of the mouth, rather than through the front teeth.
An "overheating hot' tongue is broad and curling up like a cup on the end

Observe your dog's panting - how open is the mouth?
Is it a narrow, open mouth? ( cooling ok)
Or does it look like you could easily reach down your dog's throat to remove a tennis ball? (critical stress attempts to cool)

Would you consider walking around in bare feet on a hot sidewalk?
A very common heat injury for dogs in hot weather is irritated/ burned pads from walking on surfaces that have been soaking up the heat. These surfaces can also take a while to cool off, so consider this when walking your dog in the 'cooler' evening hours.

Do you have one of those " Go-Go-Go" dogs? Some dogs seem to be able to self-limit themselves in hot weather. but if your dog is really into moving activities, they can easily overheat. The excitement and anticipation of participating can overshadow their
perception of "Wow. am I hot!" until they have reached a critical care stage.

Dogs most at risk of heat related injuries..the very young..the very old..medically challenged..highly active..ALL short faced breeds..overweight..heavy coated (yes- the coat does act as an insulator to protect from the extremes, but it will also act to hold temperatures in)

To help keep your dog safe in this hot weather, here is a great article from Cornell.

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with our dogs. While many of us love soaking up the sun, we need to be mindful of making sure our canine friends do not overheat. Overheating can result in a life-threatening emergency called heatstroke, caused by prolonged exposure to hot or humid en...

21/06/2024

Do you travel across international borders with your dogs - you might want to check into the new regulations going into effect August 1, 2024 which apply to ALL dogs traveling into the United States, whether being imported from another country, OR even travelling as family pets or sport competitors.

https://news.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=210&Id=12146666&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR127LM0a479SGTy_zPrNiCZhCnS69MJvqapKMPjX7uHaCUvavVJt0EIn3c_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw&f5=1

Veterinarians scramble to understand what's needed under new rabies prevention rule

02/05/2024

Just renewed my NACSW membership!
Since 2010 and still going strong!!

How this sport has grown!!! -
Austin, #748, was my first Nose Work dog.
Alan, #33253, is preparing for his ORT.

18/04/2024

Read the language of what the dog is telling you.
If the answer is "Ok"

Read the language when it comes to actually touching - this is called a Consent Test.
Respond appropriately.

Dogs are not stuffed animals. They have personal space just like we do, and they aren't 'bad dogs', for not wanting to be touched.

Sometimes they just want to be companionable and hang out in your presence (this means, though they are close to you, keep you primate hands to yourself).

Want to learn more?
Contact us for how to be the best friend ever, for a dog.

www.posrewardsk9.com

17/04/2024

it's Spring...aargh..

Yesterday morning, Alan managed to find himself something, a spider/bee/? and came inside with a Chow's face.

Pronounced swelling of his muzzle, eyes almost swelled shut, and itchy - a strong reaction to ?....

Make sure you have Benadryl (the regular antihistamine type—pink caplets, NOT the gel type) on hand.
He received an appropriate dose for his weight, and I immediately called Vet Triage.

Since he was not having trouble breathing, and his gum color was good, it was prescribed to keep him on Benadryl for the next few days, continuing to monitor his condition.

The swelling was almost completely gone by nightfall, but I will be watching him carefully.

09/04/2024

a great article!
This is a topic that Alan & I have been working on- as Mr. Congeniality he would love to greet everyone he sees, but he's figuring out that just looking is very profitable. Onwards for the 7 month brain :)

Elevator Behavior Imagine this scenario: you are in an elevator at a large hotel. The doors open and a stranger steps in, looks at you, squeals in delight, throws her arms around you, and says “I want to be your new best friend!” How would you react to that? Personally, I would be horrified. And

31/01/2024

Why is my training not working?

"Untrainers" come in many forms - from family members who may not realize the importance of how they interact with the dog to those who say " I know dogs..." (hint: this is your cue to exit stage right with your dog before, rather than after..).

Support and advocate for your dog. Protect your learning associations. It is kinder for your dog and less frustrating for everyone.

If someone in your house is sabotaging your hard work training your dog, you need to find common ground for the sake of your dog!

28/01/2024

I love watching Summit level teams competing - these searches are large, and complex, and highlight the years of dedication between handler and dog pairing together in the hunt. The world is full of interesting scents for dogs, and their ability to detect, follow, and isolate to source is nothing short of inspirational.

vehicle search, Seaside Trolley Museum, Kennebunkport, Me. November 5, 2023

28/12/2023

it’s french for “no, it’s not a frickin doberman either”

—

meme: a bust shot of a black and tan beauceron against a plain white background. The text above the dog says,

“I am not a toy. I am not a christmas present. I will get called a Rottweiler and it will cause emotional damage.”

The text below the dog says, “think twice before getting someone a beauceron for christmas.”

26/12/2023

A short photo journey of the rapid growth of a puppy.
In your puppy's first year of life, they will go from a newborn to the human equivalent of about an 18-year-old.
Be patient with them. Revise your expectations. They have a lot to accomplish in a short period of time.

photo 1 Alan on November 9,2023
photo 2 Alan on November 29,2023
photo 3 Alan on December 21,2023

25/12/2023

Merry Christmas to one and all (yes I need an updated pic with the puppy who's attempting to stay off the Naughty List)

Best and brightest greetings of the season to everyone :)