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rppub — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 21:43:20 +0000

What To Except From A Shelter Pet

rppub — Fri, 21 May 2010 17:00:40 +0000

Your new dog or cat likely comes with a mysterious background. While you may never know the circumstances that ultimately led your new friend to the shelter, then to your home, it’s important that you understand how those circumstances might impact the animal’s behavior once you bring him home, and how to address those behaviors if they occur.

Some rescued pets will be content and confident right from the point of adoption. But it’s not unusual for a rescued pet to be anxious and ill at ease in his new home—pacing, vocalizing and the like. This is normal behavior. Your new pet has been uprooted and doesn’t yet realize his new home is permanent. Plenty of loving attention should help put him at ease.

If your new pet has a history of abuse or was never properly socialized, he may have fear issues, which manifest, for example, in a fear of men, loud noises or other dogs. These pets do best in calmer, quieter environments. They may benefit greatly from working with a trainer or behaviorist who can help with socialization and confidence-building exercises. Look for a trainer who uses positive training techniques.

Prepare for house-soiling accidents at first, even with adult pets who were previously housetrained. The best way to prevent accidents is to keep your pet close to you and provide ample opportunities to go outside to eliminate. Don’t leave your pet alone in the house until you have established a schedule and routine for going outdoors to eliminate.

Above all, be patient. Give your new pet time to adjust. It can easily take a month for a rescued animal to feel comfortable and secure in his new home, with members of his new family. After an adjustment period, the best qualities of your adopted dog or cat will begin to emerge. And that’s when the fun really begins!

— co-authored by Ginnie Maurer, a humane education assistant  for the National Humane Education Society in Charles Town, W.V., who also writes a companion animal care column for The Journal newspaper in nearby Martinsburg; and Dr. Jim Humphries, veterinary administrator for www.PetDocsOnCall.com. For more information on pets and how to best care for them, or to ask a veterinarian a question at no charge, visit www.PetDocsOnCall.com.What to

Find A Top Vet For Your Pet

rppub — Fri, 21 May 2010 16:59:24 +0000

Selecting a veterinarian for your furry friend is a big decision. How to pick one? How do factors such as convenience, specialty services and the overall vibe you get from a veterinary practice figure into the equation?

Start the process with referrals from friends and neighbors who have pets. Make a list of clinics based on your preferences, from location to type of practice. You may be willing to drive further to a cat-only clinic, for example, or one that offers a special treatment that your new friend needs. A convenient location between home and work might be a priority.

Next, visit the clinics on your list. Call ahead to schedule a tour and meet the veterinarians. Ask questions about price, hours, alternative care, etc. Observe the veterinary staff for competency and compassion.
Once you have chosen a primary veterinarian, scout out emergency clinics in your area for times when your veterinarian’s office is closed. Many vets have relationships with such a clinic. Even if they don’t, they should be able to recommend one.

—Megan Gallagher

Make Your Home A No Bite Zone

rppub — Fri, 21 May 2010 16:58:29 +0000

Every year some 2.8 million children suffer dog bites. In most cases it’s their own dog or a dog they know well who is doing the biting. The key to avoiding bites and helping kids and companion animals become buddies is teaching your child to read the signs that indicate your dog or cat is becoming uncomfortable or frightened. When agitated, a cat may twitch his tail and lay his ears flat, for example. When a dog is enjoying an interaction, his mouth will be open, his face will be relaxed, and if there’s a pause in the action, he’ll stay close and want more attention. However, if a dog is only tolerating an interaction, his mouth will be closed, you may see the whites of his eyes, and he’ll likely turn his face away from the child. Given an opportunity, the dog will usually walk away from the child.
Your best bite-avoidance strategy is to encourage kids to change their behavior before a pet is forced to defend himself. Children should learn to respect an animal’s needs. Don’t disturb animals while they are sleeping or eating. Just like their humans, animals also need a place to get away from the commotion of active family life. Provide a place where they can retreat, recharge the batteries and come back ready to join the fun.
—Christine Hamer, CDBC, co-author of Parenting with Pets: the Magic of Raising Children with Animals, and Colleen Pelar, CPDT, CDBC, author of Living with Kids and Dogs…Without Losing Your Mind. For a free Dog‐Savvy Kids Club Kit, visit www.dogsavvykidsclub.com.

Body Language

rppub — Fri, 21 May 2010 16:57:18 +0000

From tail-pulling to ear-yanking, a dog can tolerate a lot. But his body language might reveal more about what he thinks of that kind of behavior.
Dog behavior can be lumped into three categories: enjoyment, tolerance and enough already (which includes avoidance and escape behavior as well as aggression).

Signs of enjoyment include an open mouth and loose body language. When there’s a break in the interaction, the dog will seek to start it up again. Tolerance typically is indicated by a closed mouth and minimal movement. The dog’s face is turned away, but he isn’t trying to escape. The dog is just waiting things out. When there’s a break in the interaction, the dog will choose another activity.

Warning signals (such as growling or staring) indicate a dog is in enough already mode and urgently wants to end the interaction. Lip-licking, yawning, turning away, shaking off (as if wet) and seeing the whites of the dog’s eyes are also signs it’s time to intervene and provide the hound immediate relief from the situation. Pay particular attention to escape and avoidance behaviors. If a dog moves away when you approach, he’s in Enough Already mode. Spend enough time observing your pet and you’ll learn to recognize the signals and act accordingly.

— Colleen Pelar, CPDT-KA, CDBC, author, Living with Kids and Dogs…Without Losing Your Mind.