Spring 2014 - City Dog Country Dog Training

News
[ SPRING EDITION ]
2O14
SERVING PORTLAND &
OREGON CENTRAL COAST
TRAINING SOLUTIONS FOR BUSY LIVES
A quarterly newsletter bringing you informative treats from the dog world, and keeping you up-to-date with our services
[Dream to Reality]
Owner-Training a Service Dog
By Caroline Spark
I receive many calls from people who want to know how to find and
train their own service dog. Misconceptions abound about what this
actually involves. The biggest of these is that it is easy to do. It’s
not! Often, it is a better option to apply for a fully trained service
dog from a reputable organization (e.g www.cci.org). But for those
who decide to train their own service dog, or are generally
interested in the process, here are some important considerations:
• A service dog is different from an emotional support animal, a
therapy dog or a pet. By definition, a service dog is individually
trained to do work or perform tasks, which lessen the effects of a
documented physical or mental disability that substantially limits
one or more major life activities. (For more, see
http://pleasedontpetme.com/index.php)
• It’s the law! Use of service dogs is regulated by federal and state
laws. (Here’s a good place to start learning about them:
http://adata.org/factsheet/service-animals)
• Don’t believe everything you read on the web! There are some
good sources and some dodgy ones too, so it pays to be cautious –
especially when it comes to purchasing a dog for service work
(beware of expensive scams) or paying for “registration,” “certification," and/or identifying equipment (these are neither recognized
nor required under current law).
• Be sure you have sufficient resources to bring a dog into your life,
and care for him or her for a lifetime.
• Find the right dog. Potential service dogs must have the right
disposition, sound health, and the capacity for specialized training.
Choosing a suitable dog from a breeder, shelter, or rescue group
(or deciding if your current dog is suitable), can take time, persistence, knowledge, expense - and serendipity as well. Seeking
professional help is a good idea.
• Know what’s involved in training a dog to the required level. Get
professional help. Be willing to put time and resources into learning
new skills. Training a dog to perform specialized tasks and work
reliably and unobtrusively in public almost always involves a steep
learning curve at both ends of the leash.
• Take the long view. A bona fide service dog team develops over
months and years of living and learning together as a working team
and close partnership that takes into account the needs, abilities
and limitations of both parties.
• There’s no guarantee of success. Some dogs don't work out for a
variety of reasons. They develop behavior problems, get sick, or die
young - and there is no sponsoring organization to turn to for help
with another dog.
• Every team has a right to privacy. Here are some tips about
how to interact appropriately with a service dog team
http://pleasedontpetme.com/etiquette.php
My Service Dog
By Joe Biel
When I was fifteen years old I began having problems with my
endocrine system. It was inconvenient and sometimes embarrassing, but fifteen years later it became much worse when it created
fertile ground for infections throughout my body. By 2011 the
infections had spread so deep that I couldn’t bend my joints and
was too weak to get out of bed unassisted for months.
Lacking a proper “cure,” I received more and more prescriptions
that could stave off selective side effects and improve quality of life
in the short term. Diet appeared to be the only way to literally
starve out the bacteria, by eating only 28 foods that are not
fermentable. But while this eradicated the chronic pain, it hasn’t
completely solved the problem. I’ll black out at inopportune times,
my energy is often very low my body often does not tell me when
I’m hungry, and my blood sugar remains volatile.
Finding and training a dog to help combat these symptoms through
early detection of blood sugar changes and autoimmune reactions
has been an amazing journey. I was quite astonished that Caroline
As a medical alert dog, Ruby is on duty all the time,
even while taking a break.
Spark found Ruby in a shelter. Many trainers I contacted would
not consider the option of a dog that was not bred to do this
kind of work. So it was interesting to learn that with sufficient
motivation and training, the right shelter dog could perform the
work that I needed. We chose Ruby because of her sweet
personality, her quick intelligence, and the fact that she is highly,
highly motivated by food. It didn’t hurt that she ran straight to
me when we visited her for the first time.
“To a dog, the whole world is a smell.” – ANONYMOUS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 - MY SERVICE DOG
The first step was passing her public access
test. This took nearly a year of daily work.
She passed last December, just in time to
take her with me on her first long train ride,
on a work trip to Oklahoma. Now I take
her everywhere, and the best compliment
to her training is the number of people
who say, as we are leaving, “I didn’t even
notice your dog there!”
Ruby’s already completely reliable with
reminding me it’s time to eat. Her task
now is to learn to alert me reliably when I
start to have an autoimmune reaction. The
idea is that when she nudges me in the leg
with her nose, I know that it’s time to sit
down as soon as possible and eat something. It’s been difficult. We started out
training her to alert me when my blood
sugar dropped, which she learned to do
successfully. But it turns out that my blood
sugar may not be the best indicator of
what I need. Working with saliva samples
taken when I feel bad, Ruby is learning to
detect some subtle change in my body that
signals an autoimmune reaction. We don’t
know exactly what that is, but she seems to
be getting it! She alerted me this morning
after breakfast when I was standing outside
in the rain talking to someone, not noticing
I was feeling pretty woozy. It was a
celebratory moment!
When I met Ruby, I knew she would be the
one for me. There were frustrating times,
of course, but once she figured out what
we wanted, she was quite happy to
comply, and predictable circumstances
make her thrilled! And even when I’m
having a problem that she isn’t specifically
trained to help with, it makes me happier
to have her around, knowing that she is
attuned to changes in my body and
concerned about my well being.
Joe Biel and Ruby teamed up just over a
year ago. Ruby is in training as a medical
assistance dog
Joe Biel owns Microcosm Publishing
http://microcosmpublishing.com/ @ 2752
N Williams Ave. Portland, OR 97227 – stop
by, say hi, and check out their bookstore!
[Living with Dogs]
Dig This
Why do dogs dig? Because it’s fun. Dogs love to bury or recover bones, dig
out prey like mice and rats, or make a nice cooling pit when the weather is
warm. Digging isn’t a behavior problem, it’s normal canine behavior and
thoroughly enjoyable for the dog. But it can still be a problem for you and your
rose beds. If you have a digger on your hands, give him a place to indulge his
hobby.
Training Healthy Digging Habits
Step 1: Break the habit. Is your dog
digging in all the wrong places? If so,
prevent his access. Your dog won’t learn
new ways while he has free access to his
old digs—digging is just too much fun!
Step 2. Supervise. Early on, don’t use
the yard for alone-time. Give your dog ample time to learn where he is
allowed to dig before you leave him out there unsupervised. Otherwise it is
too easy for him to make mistakes.
Step 3. Create a digging area. Make a dig pit or use a large pot with loose
potting soil. A dig pit can be a sandbox or a 3-by-6 foot area in your yard.
Loosen about 2 feet of earth, and remove any nails or wire or such. A little
sand mixed in helps drainage when it rains. Then:
• Let your dog see you barely hide a Kong or Nylabone or some other
treasure. Encourage him to find the toy and praise him when he does.
• Gradually cover the toys with more dirt every time. Keep praising.
• Every now and then hide something new and exciting to keep your dog
coming back for more.
Step 4. Interrupt mistakes. Calmly stop any unauthorized digging, then lead
your dog to his dig pit or digging pot.
Training Tip: Digging is often a symptom of boredom—too much time spent
in the yard alone. Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise and
interaction.
[Healthy Dog]
Dogs & Sweaters
Is the doggie sweater (jacket, snowsuit, raincoat, etc.) really necessary?
The answer boils down to what your dog is naturally equipped with,
coat-wise. Double-coated dogs with high coat density like Akitas, Malamutes, and Siberian Huskies were bred for harsh conditions and are
uncomfortable with outerwear of any kind. Double-coated dogs with
lower coat density like Collies and Shepherds are fine in most bad
weather. They need clothes and boots only if exposed to extreme cold.
However, single-coated dogs like Yorkshire Terriers and Papillons must be
dressed well for any rough weather. Ditto dogs with a hair coat, such as
Poodles and Maltese. And regardless of breed, older dogs and dogs with
weak immune systems may benefit from the extra warmth clothes
provide.
DOG IN THE
SPOTLIGHT
[Dogs in Action]
Lure Coursing
Here is another sport, like herding and mushing, designed to give dogs
an outlet for their innate abilities. Lure coursing mimics a small-prey
hunt, something that gets the blood pumping and the paws flying in
sighthounds such as Borzoi, Whippets, Greyhounds, Afghans, Basenjis,
etc.—and in many other dogs, from Retrievers to Yorkshire Terriers.
Dogs chase an artificial lure across a field in a pattern meant to simulate
the pursuit of small game. The course is typically between 600 and
1,000 yards long and may include jumps.
Competitions run by the American Kennel Club and American
Sighthound Field Association are open only to sighthounds, but AKC’s
Coursing Ability Test is open to all breeds and many local organizations
and clubs offer all-breed lure coursing classes and trials. Where dogs in
the sighthound group often require little to no training, other dogs may
need practice to get the hang of the game. Not all dogs find it
palatable to run as fast as possible away from their human. But chasing
down prey is in all canine DNA and many quickly learn to love this
fast-paced sport.
Interested in lure coursing with your dog? Google the term
plus your locale—or, if you have a sighthound, check out the
breed association’s website for info on trials near you. Or
come to our Call of the Wild Dog Camp in August! Lure
coursing will be part of the fun there!
http://www.citydogcountrydogtraining.com/upcoming.shtml
[Tips & Tools]
4 Ways To Prevent Doggie Dandruff
Groom often. Dogs’ grooming needs vary greatly, but all dogs
benefit from regular brushing. It keeps their coats burr-free, distributes
natural oils, and massages the skin.
Lock in moisture. Use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners
when you give Fido his bath. After he dries, spritz him with a gentle pet
oil available in a spray bottle from holistic pet stores or massage your
own all-natural hand cream into his skin.
Special shampoo. If your dog has severe dandruff issues, always
consult your veterinarian before attempting treatment. Often, the vet
will recommend a medicated shampoo in such cases.
Feed good fats. Dogs, like humans, need good fats in their diet to
thrive. If you already feed your dog high-quality food rich in healthy
fats, consider adding oil supplements designed for dogs.
Whippet
Like their larger cousin the Greyhounds, Whippets were engineered for
speed. Long, slim legs, a narrow head,
defined musculature, and a chest deep
enough for powerhouse lungs make
these sleek-coated sighthounds aerodynamic athletes-and-a-half. Bred to
hunt rabbits for the stewpots of English miners, Whippets have a strong
prey drive and will chase anything that
moves. They love all manner of speed
sports, from agility to lure coursing to
track racing, and are spectacular
jumpers and on-a-dime turners. In fact,
the world’s premier Disc Dog competition, The Ashley Whippet Invitational,
is named after the Whippet who
became known as the greatest
frisbee-catching dog of all time.
As fleet-footed as Whippets are
outside, indoors they frequently turn
into mellow couch potatoes that enjoy
family time most of all.
To give a Whippet a second chance,
search online for nearby rescue
groups.
[A World of Dogs]
Our Winning Technology?
Dogs, any dog lover will tell you, are essential. Without
dogs we humans are, as a species, poorer, stymied,
incomplete somehow. Many of us cannot imagine
modern life without dogs, and if pushed, even hardened dog detractors can usually be made to concede
the usefulness of dogs in everything from search &
rescue work to livestock herding. Now, however, it
seems the significance of dogs to humankind is no
longer merely a notion shared by dog fanciers. Recently,
an anthropologist presented a compelling case that a
possible reason humans won out over Neanderthals in
the evolutionary battle for survival was our close
relationship with dogs.
The context is one of archaeology’s biggest mysteries:
why early humans came to dominate and Neanderthals
died out. Neanderthals had a lot going for them and
shared many traits with early humans. They, too, made
advanced tools, had a language, and lived in complex
2ND Annual
social groups. There are many hypotheses about human
ascendancy, and a brand new one, based on analysis of excavation finds and cave art, speculates that we owe it to our
domestication of and collaboration with dogs. Dogs, the
theory goes, made humans vastly better hunters. They helped
us identify and catch prey, and they saved us precious energy
by transporting animal carcasses, post-hunt, strapped to their
backs. (Paleolithic dogs were big and strong, weighing 70 lbs.
and upwards.)
Another component of the theory builds on the “cooperative
eye hypothesis,” the notion that humans may have evolved the
highly visible white parts of our eyes—a distinct disadvantage
when hunting—specifically to facilitate better communication
with each other. Meaning we can “speak silently” to each other
using glances and expressions, and we are the only primates to
do so. The only other species with an affinity for eye contact
and the ability to follow someone else’s gaze? That’s right.
Dogs. Potentially, we even developed this trait in conjunction
with dogs—we shaped one another. Humans may have been
dogs’ ticket to survival and evolutionary triumph (there are 400
million dogs in the world today, and counting). Wouldn’t it be
great if they turned out to be ours, too?
Dogs who growl, bark, snap or lunge at other dogs miss out on many fun
events. But not this camp! Call of the Wild Reactive Dog Camp offers you
and your dog the vacation of a lifetime! Three days of intensive training, fun
and adventure in a gorgeous outdoor setting.
Nature games (forest agility, river games, treasure hunt, barn games), nose
work, toy making, hiking, swimming, creek paddles, InfoSessions, and
more!
The camp is organized by two Portland-based groups: Synergy Behavior
Solutions and City Dog Country Dog!
YACHATS, CENTRAL OREGON COAST
Full program and registration details at
www.citydogcountrydogtraining.com/upcoming
[Our Amazing Team]
Caroline Spark, PhD, owns and operates City Dog
Country Dog. She has a background in counseling and
adult education, and multiple certifications in dog training
and behavior consulting. Her special interests include
canine psychology, behavior modification, and outdoor
adventure events for dogs and people.
Heather Ohmart, BA, is a CCPDT certified dog trainer
who runs our City Board &Train program, and specializes
in raising and training puppies to be great family companions, therapy dogs, and service dogs.
SEPTEMBER
5–7
2O14
SIGNTUOPDAY
Julia Provonchee, MSc, is an Animal Behavior College
certified dog trainer, and specializes in working with dog
reactivity and dog bite prevention in the Portland area.
Karolin Klinck is currently completing studies at the
Academy for Dog Trainers, and offers private and group
training on the Oregon Coast. She specializes in rehabilitating reactive and fearful dogs.
Mary Williams, MA, is City Dog Country Dog’s Office
Manager. She is passionate about databases and Office
Dog, Suzi.
City: (503) 740-4886 • Portland
Country: (541) 547-3793 • Yachats
info@CityDogCountryDogTraining.com
TRAINING SOLUTIONS FOR BUSY LIVES
www.CityDogCountryDogTraining.com
Information and advice provided in the newsletter is general in nature and should not be relied upon to solve any particular situation. For all issues with your dog please seek the services a competent professional. The author publisher shall have neither liability nor
responsibility for any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused by the information in his newsletter.