Things My Dog Fears

Dogs can be scared of a variety of nonsensical (and sensical) things, some of which may defy reason (though others, like the Veterinarian are perfectly understandable).  My dog, a neurotic yet lovable Bichon, has some puzzling albeit humorous anxieties.  Here's a quick compilation of a few of the things that Dingo fears:

• Driving in the car when it's raining.  Or snowing.  Like the true old lady that she is, she does not enjoy driving in inclement weather.  She's also scared of windshield wipers.  The two may be linked but they are definitely two distinct and separate fears. 
• Driving through tunnels (bridges are okay).
• Driving on the highway.  She's fine in the car as long as we maintain a speed below approximately 60MPH.
• The groomer.  She also has an intense dislike of having her paws touched.  This likely exacerbates her fear of the groomer.  The poor groomers definitely think she's the devil.  I can tell  by the looks of disapproval  that they try to mask when I drop her off.  I don't blame them for this at all.  I'm well aware that she's their worst nightmare.  They earn every penny they charge me.
• The Vet (that's a given).  The only dog I've ever known to not fear the Vet was a big, dumb Lab who didn't mind going because they showered him with copious amounts of treats.
• Baths.  Ironically, Dingo loves the water but she hates to be bathed, showered, or sprayed down with the hose.  I can't really blame her, though my fiancé seems to think it odd... But I TOTALLY get it.   All types of water are not created equal.
• Fire.  She's also scared of smoke.  If we are camping  and have a fire going or if the fire pit we use in the summer in our yard is ablaze she won't come closer than 20 feet to the flames.  Self preservation at its finest. 
• The fire alarm/carbon monoxide detector when they go off.   Inconsolable for this.
• Fireworks.  Thunder.  Loud, booming noises with no known cause are usually followed by heavy panting and shaking. 
• Abrupt yelling or clapping, specifically at the TV during a football game.  This is a minor fear.  She'll look up and move away from the offender but will not shake or pant for this one.  She's very brave.
• The sound The Beats Pill (by Dr Dre!) makes when you turn it on.  This may have something to do with my fiancé waving it above her head to get a reaction out of her but I digress... 

None of these fears are so severe that they limit my dog's quality of life so for the most part, we just deal.  However, there are some natural herbal remedies that seem to really help calm her down for long car rides or trips to the Vet.  There's a number on the market so for additional information on what would be best for your dog I would suggest contacting Diane Dewberry of The Healthy Animal: http://www.thehealthyanimal.com/

Now I want to hear from you!  What is your dog scared of?  Anything funny or humorous?  Or maybe it's something that's causing you issues and you'de like some suggestions on how to deal with it.   We are here to help (or laugh along with you).  Finally, if you're dog is a complete "basketcase" (that's the technical term) and you are in need of serious training or guidance, please feel to email me directly for a private and confidential behavioral assessment: nancy@dingosdogsitting.com.

Dog and Cat First Aid

Please join me in Cambridge on Saturday January 10th from 9am to 1pm for the Cat and Dog First Aid Certification Clinic presented by the Red Cross. The goals of the Cat and Dog First Aid presentation are to teach participants how to be prepared for emergencies that involve a cat or a dog and how to protect themselves and the animal from further harm, injury or suffering during emergencies by teaching prompt, effective first aid actions and care.

The class will be held at the ARC Mass Bay, 139 Main Street in Cambridge.  The fee for attendance is $70.  You can sign up here: http://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/course-class000000004833014?pageNo=1&flow=course&loggedIn=false

Flea and Tick Prevention Part 3: Sentry Natural

Sentry Natural works under the same principle as Triple Sure which I blogged about in a previous post (www.natural-wonder-pets.com/natural-flea-control.html) in that the active ingredients in its formula block the neurotransmitter octopamine, thereby  killing insects almost instantly. Since octopamine is found only in insects, the product is safe to use around pets and people "when used as directed".  I used Sentry Naturals on my dog, Dingo, a few weeks ago after finding about twenty ticks on  her post-hike.  My first reaction was that the product had an unusual and unpleasant odor that wears on you the longer you are forced to inhale it.  It also left an oily, yellow residue all over the application site of my white dog.  Quite honestly, it looked as if Dingo had been urinated on by another, bigger dog.  I thought (hoped) that the foul smell might wane after a few days.  Unfortunately it did not.  The smell was so pungent that my fiance, who normally revels in snuggle time on the couch with Dingo, did not even want to be near her.  After a few days I gave her a bath, but the residual scent, although milder, remained.    In addition to smelling awful, I also found a couple ticks imbedded in my dog's skin within several days of applying.  Needless to say I will not be purchasing this product again.  I give it a giant fail.  Additional product information (if you are still interested despite my poor review) can be found here:   http://www.sentrynatural.com/faq.html

Flea and Tick Prevention Part Doux: Triple Sure

Triple Sure was introduced to me by a client who favors natural and organic foods and remedies in all aspects of her life, including the care of her dog.  This particular client has also suffered from severe and crippling bouts of Lyme Disease so she takes her tick prevention quite seriously.  She swears by Triple Sure.

Triple Sure is the brainchild of Gary Le-Mon, a "professional Herbalist" (his words) who created this product using active ingredients such as cedar and peppermint oil which work to block a specific neurotransmitter in insects called Octopamine.  Otopamine regulates the nervous system of most insects, and is considered especially safe for humans and other animals because we lack Otopamine in our biology.   

Triple Sure has a pleasant scent with aromas of Cedar, Pine, and Peppermint which when inhaled bring to mind images of lounging fireside inside a cabin in the woods.  Basically, it smells great.  But more importantly, and by all accounts, it seems to work quite well.  I have yet to try it on my own dog, but from speaking to other dog owners who use it, this will be my next purchase.  

Triple Sure can be purchased here: http://www.natural-wonder-pets.com/natural-flea-control.html

Flea and Tick Prevention Part 1: FRONTLINE PLUS

There are so many flea and tick remedies on the market today that it's tough to know which one is right for you.  In the coming weeks we will post on some of the most popular methods of prevention and the pro's and con's of each.  First up, FRONTLINE PLUS:

FRONTLINE PLUS
Probably the most popular flea and tick prevention, and the one most recommended by Vets, is FRONTLINE Plus, which is applied topically.  The active ingredients in this product are fipronil and (S)-methoprene, both of which are highly toxic to fleas and ticks.  Once applied, this chemical combination stores itself in the oil glands of your pet's skin and self-distributes continuously for up to one month throughout your pet's hair and skin by way of hair follicles.  Fleas or ticks that then come in contact with your pet are killed on contact (www.frontline.com/Pages/About.aspx). 

Unfortunately, fipronil, one of the active ingredients in Frontline plus can also be toxic to humans and animals.  Toxicity on humans has been tested in few studies, more commonly involving human cells which were used in carcinogenicity studies, but with no adverse effects. Yet, fipronil has been classified by the EPA as a Group C (possible human) carcinogen based on an increase in thyroid follicular cell tumors in both sexes of the rat. Furthermore, fipronil is considered slightly irritating to the skin, while moderately irritating to the eyes in both humans and animals. 

Two Frontline TopSpot products were determined by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to pose no significant exposure risks to workers applying the product. However, concerns were raised about human exposure to Frontline spray treatment in 1996, leading to a denial of registration for the spray product. Commercial pet groomers and veterinarians were considered to be at risk from chronic exposure via inhalation and dermal absorption during the application of the spray, assuming they may have to treat up to 20 large dogs per day.^[14] Fipronil is not volatile, so there is little likelihood of humans being exposed to this compound in the air.^[24]

If injested (and this would most likely be inadvertently) Fipronil can be poisonous.  Fipronil poisioning is characterized by vomiting, agitation, and seizures, but can usually be managed through supportive care and early treatment generally with benzodiazepine use (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fipronil).

Given the adverse side-effects of fipronil, use it is recommended that you use FRONTLINE only as directed and wash your hands after use and/or touching the treated area of your pet.  

Personal Reflections After a Doggie Faux Pas

Every morning one of my client's dogs greets me at the door with what I like to think of as a gift of sorts. Usually it's a bone, sometimes it's her owner's shoe, occasionally a sock. Today, however, I was shocked to find that my welcoming "gift" was a pair of her owner's underwear. Luckily they were clean (I think although I did not inspect them thoroughly). Both myself and said owner got a good laugh at this morning's faux pas but it also got me thinking about how the nuanced twists and turns - some small, some large, some glorious, some dreadful - of day to day life are what keep it interesting Oh to be alive! Due to the unpredictable nature of dogs I never know how the day will unfold. Some days are challenging, others are fun, many are funny (or funny later when you can look back and laugh). But one thing the days are never is boring. I'm thankful for that.

You're Invited!

The College and Career Access Project, a vocationally focused noncredit college program, jointly administered by North Shore Community College and the Northeast Arc will be hosting a business reception at Eastern Bank, 195 Market Street in Lynn, on Wednesday October 15th from 6 to 8pm.  Please join us for networking and to learn the benefits the program affords to both the businesses that employ the students enrolled in these programs and the students themselves.  Dingo's Dogsitting is working with two students enrolled in the Basic Canine and Feline Care track of the program and as such, I will be speaking as part of a panel representing participating businesses.

The event is sponsored by the Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce. There will be complimentary beer, wine and appetizers and free parking! RSVP by Wednesday October 8th to Pam Silva of the Northeast Arc: psilva@ne-arc.org.  Hope to see you there!!

For more information about the College and Career Access Project please see here:  http://www.northshore.edu/ccap/

For more information about the Northeast Arc please see here: http://ne-arc.org/about-us/

Dingo's Dogsitting is Proud to Introduce Our Two Interns!

Dingo's Dogsitting is happy to introduce our two, new interns from The College and Career Access Project (CCAP), Lizzie and Kaitlyn! CCAP is is a one-year, vocationally focused, noncredit college program established by the Northeast Arc in conjunction with North Shore Community College. It affords young people with intellectual, developmental, and learning disabilities the opportunity to build vocational skills through classroom and real world experience. Both Lizzy and Kaitlyn are students in the Basic Canine and Feline Care track of the CCAP Program. We are happy to have them on board and the dogs seem to enjoy their company as well!

Read more about the Northeast Arc and the wonderful work that they do here:  www.ne-arc.org

Job Hazards...

My company motto, especially given that I love my job so much, is typically "Wag more.  Bark less."  But when dogs poop, or even worse, have diarhea in my car, such as what occurred to me yesterday, I can't help but bark more and wag less.  I guess when you are living your dream you just gotta take the bad with the abundance of good sometimes.  I'm thankful for apologetic clients who helped me clean my car.  I'm also thankful for Febreeze!   #jobhazards #firstworldproblems #alreadyoverit #thatswhatcarfreshenersarefor

An Insider's Guide to Dog Behavior Seminars, Trainings, etc

This past weekend I attended a seminar on dog group dynamics by Sue Sternberg.  Sternberg is the head of Rondout Valley Animals for Adoption, a community, nonprofit animal shelter which serves the upstate New York community.  Sue also runs national programs dedicated to ensuring safe animal adoptions, and quality of life at animal shelters around the world. She has over 23 years of canine behavior experience, including as an animal control officer, a behavior consultant at the ASPCA, a kennel and animal shelter owner, a successful competitor in a variety of dog sports, and a teacher of dog trainers.  

I was made aware of the seminar and attended with Irene Zimmer, the staff trainer at Dingo's Dogsitting.  Irene, a former Vet and dog sport competitor, is constantly keeping abreast of the various animal behaviorist trainings and seminars held throughout the year.  Since I'm new to the training world, I asked her to let me know when there is another seminar in the area that we could attend together.  Irene, always enthusiastic, took that small prodding to write me a fabulously informative email of all the local trade organizations in the area dealing with the health, wellness, and training of dogs.  Since her email was so thorough and informative I wanted to share it with my readers.  So without further ado, here it is:

1) There is the website of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (www.apdt.com). Their annual conference this year will be in Hartford Connecticut in October. 

[As a side note, Irene went to their conference in San Diego three years ago.  Sue Sternberg is presenting a workshop there this year.]

2) Ian Dunbar, who I think founded the APDT or was founding member, has a website called Dogstar Daily (www.dogstardaily.com) which is also full of good information. He is very knowledgeable. I am a big fan of his.

3) Then there is the International Association of Animal Bahavior Consultants (IAABC). The reason I mention this is that they have a link called (CEUs) where they feature workshops and conferences etc. Here is the link:

https://iaabc.org/bin/#/ceus/search/#e1995

4) Then of course there is Dr Sophia Yin; she also has a website full of interesting stuff. She is very good.  I will be doing a laboratory with her in October at a vet conference. 

5) I also like to keep an eye on TUFTS Cummings school of vet medicine in North Grafton. I once sat in on behavior consults with Dr Dodman and Dr Borns-Weil, they are very good and have a lot of what I consider "healthy" takes on things. 

6) Here is a webpage I also check for especially behavior things, they list a lot of events, not only for vets: 

http://avsabonline.org/resources/events

If anyone else has any feedback on any upcoming seminars or trainings they have attended I would love to hear from you.  Please email me at: nancy@dingosdogsitting.com.

Acupuncture Is Not Just For Humans Anymore!

I'm pleased to announce that Dingo's Dogsitting will now be working with an animal (and human) acupuncturist by the name of Kuan Chung Chen or Median for short.  For some diseases associated with pets, particularly ones related to age -- arthritis, sore joints, muscle spasms/weakness, disk problems, hip dysplasia, and paralysis (to name just a few) -- acupuncture can work wonders. It is a far less invasive procedure than surgery, and the cost of treatment - $65/session- is but a fraction of the cost of any surgery.   Median is dedicated to helping your pet and your wallet by providing an alternative to costly surgeries and drugs. 

A little background on Median: He was introduced to the eastern medicines of Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and Acupuncture by his father, a practitioner of all three, in Taiwan.  Median received his Master’s degree in Physical Education, Health, and Leisure in Taiwan in 2008. Upon graduating, he made the voyage to the United States to pursue a Ph.D. in Sports Management. While working on his Ph. D., Median also graduated from the New England School of Acupuncture, (the oldest school of acupuncture and oriental medicine in the United States), earning a Master's degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAOM), and also a Mass Board of Medicine Certification as a Licensed Acupuncturist.

In addition to helping people, Median also trained to practice on animals while residing in Taiwan. He has always believed that if Acupuncture can help humans deal with pain and other illnesses, then there is no reason it cannot help animals.

Median will be available by appointment only at Dingo's Dogsitting for evening and weekend appointments. If interested, please contact him at the following number: 857-233-3407.

It's All Fun and Games Until A Dog Defecates In Your Car

Last week I had the displeasure of cleaning dog poop out of my car, not once, but twice!  As the owner of a doggie daycare, this is not the first time this has happened to me.  But it is the first time it has happened multiple times in one week. 

Layla, a first time offender, can not be blamed for her momentary indiscretion as the sausage and fish her owners had fed her the night before and the morning of did not sit well with her sensitive stomach.  Poor little Layla had "the runs" all day and seemed truly apologetic and ashamed of her crimes against my Rav-4.  

Unfortunately for myself, Layla's upset stomach coincided with one the windiest days of the year thus far in Boston, Beverly, and beyond.  The irony of Mother Nature's cruel game of tag as I transported the sullied blankets in the car to the dumpster at the end of the lot, all the while dodging against her wicked winds,was not lost on me.  Despite my best efforts, M.N. won that game and I traipsed home at the end of the day smelling faintly of filth and stench (my fiance confirmed this).

Morky, on the other hand, was a repeat offender.  Prior to last week's offense his record of recidivism was already high (at this point in time he has now defecated in my car three times and urinated in it once).  In keeping with the breed standard, Morky, a Bulldog, is stubborn and willful, and it is of my professional opinion that these "accidents" had little to do with an upset stomach or an inability to "hold it" and more to do with the frustration of welcoming a new baby into his life, thereby demoting him from "top dog" to secondary companion in the eyes of his owners.  

I'm a firm believer in second changes, but three strikes and your out and four strikes and you're banned from the Dingo-mobile!  This particular decision was a tough call.  I adore Morky's owners and Morky himself is relatively well behaved when not in the car.  But the time and money it takes to clean a car that has been soiled in such a way forced my hand in this particular instance.  I can think of few things worse then being cooped up in a vehicle smaller than the size of the smallest dorm room and stinking of a smell so foul you have to breathe through your mouth to keep from gagging.  And you think the subway smells bad?

So it's all fun and games until a dog poops in your car.  And as rewarding and enjoyable as my job is, like any other profession, it's not without it's headaches.   But that's life I suppose.  We take the good with the bad and hope that the good, more times than not, outweighs and outnumbers the bad.  Shit happens.  Sometimes it even happens in the car.  But we must always remember to laugh...if only but to keep from crying.

Til next time...