Aging Dogs

Today, the girls (Willow, Draco and Simone) and I went for a walk at Kenningston Metro Park.  It was a beautiful and hot summer day.  Willow and Simone are 14 years old now and Draco is 12.  I really don't know how they grew so old so fast.

While Draco and Simone are still pretty active and enjoy a spirited walk, Willow tires much more easily.  My initial goal for today was to get some exercise and was prepared with plenty of water for the girls and taking shaded paths, etc.  However, Willow just couldn't keep up so instead we took several breaks and enjoyed views of the lake and boats from shaded viewing points.  We really didn't walk very far.

Sometimes it's hard to accept that they are growing older and just can't do the things they use to do.  And, while exercise is important (even for Willow), it's also crucial to remember to only do what one is physically able to do and enjoy the scenary and remember the good times we have had throughout the years. Sometimes, we humans forget to take a break from daily life and simply remember and value the relationships we form with our pets and humans alike.

Dog left in car dies!

It's hard to imagine that people still do this but then again.....so sad!

Young Black Lab left in Car Today Dies As Owner Goes to A Movie

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Today at 12:48am

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Spokane County, June 26, 2009- A black lab is in critical condition today after its owner left it in his vehicle at the mall while he watched a movie. Customers spotted the dog in the car and called Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS). SCRAPS Animal Protection Officer Nicole Montano responded and when she arrived at the vehicle she could see the dog lying on the floor with all the windows steamed up from the heat. Unable to open the vehicle, or break the glass, she proceeded to cut the convertible top and climb in to rescue the dog. Officer Montano gave the dog immediate first aid and rushed the dog to emergency veterinary care. Even though it was a fairly mild Spokane summer day at 75 degrees, it was way too hot inside for the dog. The dog’s body temperature when it arrived at the veterinarian’s office was 111 degrees as compared to an average 101 degrees. The dog currently is in critical condition and it is unclear whether or not it will survive. The pet's owner is being charged with a felony animal cruelty, which carries up to a five year imprisonment sentence and up to a $10,000 fine. “People may think they mean well taking their pet with them as they shop, or run errands, but warm weather can turn a car into a death trap quickly,” said Nancy Hill, SCRAPS Director. SCRAPS is reminding all pet owners to leave their pets at home instead of in their vehicles this summer. Anyone who sees an animal left in a vehicle should call SCRAPS (509) 477-2532 or SpokAnimal (509) 534-8133 immediately. Donations are being accepted to help this black lab and others who need critical emergency care. Donations can be made on-line at www.spokanecounty.org/animal or by calling SCRAPS at (509) 477-2532. SCRAPS also has information and educational fliers available to help spread the word on their website.  UPDATE: The one year old black lab did not survive.

Updated 21 hours ago

Simone & Willow Therapy Dogs

On May 16, 2009, Michael's dogs Simone and Willow (both are Belgian Malinois, 14 years of age) again passed their Therapy Dog evaluations.  Michael plans to hold a therapy dog class in September 2009 (date not yet set) so students can prepare to take the therapy dog evaluation with their dog.

Ian Dunbar

Ian Dunbar, a Vet Behaviorist talks about using life rewards to train dogs how to show good manners.

Rottie parents wolf cub

Here's a cute story about a young Rottie and a wolf cub.  It'll make you smile for the day!

German Shepherd SAR Dog Cloned

Here's a heart touching story of a 911 SAR dog that was successfully cloned.  His genes will live on in the new pups but that won't guarantee that they will be a chip off the old block as they will have their own personality despite being cloned.  Science is wonderful but still, I've got to give pause that here we are cloning pups when there are so many dogs in shelters that need to be adopted.  It's heart touching for the SAR dog owner but sad for dogs overall.

http://wcbstv.com/national/trakr.911.rescue.2.1048297.html

Dog's Guilty Looks are Human Values

Researchers recently published a study in which they showed that dog owners who perceived their dogs to look guilty were in fact not guilty of committing any misbehavior.  According to the linked article, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/5517394/Owners-imagine-dogs-guilty-looks.html,, "The results indicate that the so-called guilty look is a response to owner scolding; it is not expressed more often when actually guilty."  This is something that I have found challenging to convince owners of, until they realize that the dog is simply trying to get to a safer place when they try to make themselves smaller and hunker down toward the ground to get away from the owner when the owner is upset.  Now there is a research study that proves humans place human emotions onto dogs' reactions and incorrectly perceive them to look guilty.....Michael Burkey, CDBC.

Dog Food Poll

I've become more interested in pet nutrition and what we are actually feeding our dogs.  

Please scroll down to the bottom of this page to participate in a poll regarding what food you feed your dog.  

Blog Up and Running

I don't know where the time has gone as it's been two years since I started my blog.  Perhaps it's because facebook and twitter became all the rage.  You can follow me there too if you would like but this blog is probably the place to be as we'll discuss dog training in Michigan and everything else about dogs.  

If you need a dog trainer / consultant, please give me a call at 734-634-4152, email me at info@MichiganDogTrainer.com or check out information on my website at www.MichiganDogTrainer.com.

So please tell me about your dog(s).