2010-03-08T11:37:06-05:00

Miles has been itching all winter to get out in the back country and this weekend he got his opportunity. It was a super trip and I'll write much more about his adventures this week. In the meantime, check out the photos. It may be spring break time but it was still winter in the mountains. The river was high with snow melting and the water was really, really cold. Miles didn't notice the cold at all.

2010-03-05T12:31:32-05:00

Hey, don't bother me...I'm eating my Fancy Feast Appetizers for cats. Check out my new collar and tag - I'm really the cat's meow. I know ya all are jealous! Mwah! p.s. I'm holding back on the grumpiness while I eat...unless you keep bothering me! Mom, I mean you...get rid of the camera!

2010-03-04T09:49:50-05:00

We've had a run of bad weather the last few weeks so our first clicker training class with Miles was delayed until this morning. We did have the orientation where we got the basics including the concept behind clicker training. As I mentioned in more detail in a previous post on this topic, clicker training is nothing more than operant conditioning. First you get the dog conditioned to the idea that the noise of the clicker means a reward is soon to follow. Once that is accomplished you use the clicker to identify the behavior you are looking for. When... We've had a run of bad weather the last few weeks so our first clicker training class with Miles was delayed until this morning. We did have the orientation where we got the basics including the concept behind clicker training. As I mentioned in more detail in a previous post on this topic, clicker training is nothing more than operant conditioning. First you get the dog conditioned to the idea that the noise of the clicker means a reward is soon to follow. Once that is accomplished you use the clicker to identify the behavior you are looking for. When you see the behavior you want, you click and then, treat. This morning we worked on a few exercises that are designed to make training of specific command like "come" easier to train down the road. The first exercise was to get Miles to move forward and touch my hand with his muzzle. Starting out, if he even looked at the hand he got a click and a treat.   Our trainer, Gail Skee, refers to this kind of activity as capturing and shaping. You capture the dog doing some version of what you want and through good timing with the clicker, you shape the behavior. Any approximation of the behavior is reinforced with the clicker treat until the dog is actually doing what you want. We soon had Miles touching our outstretched hand with his muzzle.   Next, we did some polite walking exercises. Polite walking means that Miles is walking by my side, paying attention to me, without pulling. It's the first phase of teaching a dog to walk at heel. For this exercise, Gail set out some cones in a line about two feet apart. Our task was to walk along pausing at the cones. If Miles stopped and looked at me he got a click and a treat. Within a few minutes he was pausing when I paused and looking at me in anticipation of a click followed by a reward.   Gail gave us some home work. More polite walking and further shaping of the come or recall command. Recall shaping involves getting Miles to practice hand touches.   With each successful hand touch, both left and right hands, he gets a click and a treat. The idea is to gradually make him come touch the hand from increasing distances. To do this you throw the treat a few feet away and then offer your hand again. If he comes and does a hand touch with his muzzle you click and treat. I think you can see how this can evolve eventually into a recall command.    Miles, of course, is way smarter that the other dogs in the class. He already sits and stays on command. He lies down and comes when called, too. My guess is that Gail would be OK with us using the clicker to reinforce these previously learned commands. Chris and I are going to use the neighbor's fenced in yard for some recall, sit, stay, down and off leash polite walking practice in the days to come.   Clicker training is fun. You can see how easy it is to shape behavior with a well-timed click. That's the key. You have to time the click at the exact time the dog is engaging in the action you want to reinforce. Of course it helps to have a brilliant dog like Miles to work with.  [...]

2010-03-03T08:49:55-05:00

I'm excited to share with you our sponsors, exhibitors and speakers who have donated the prizes we'll be giving away throughout the evening. I think you'll agree they are pretty pawsome. Be sure to join us to have fun, meet our sponsors, speakers and exhibitors and win prizes! See you Thursday! via www.blogpaws.com Twitter party details. BlogPaws is having pawty on Thursday! Be there - and join in to win a chance for a free registration - books - toys - gift certificates - lots of GR8 stuff! Remember to register soon - before the best rooms at the Westin...

2010-03-02T16:39:03-05:00

I received a sad e-mail over the weekend. Pam wrote to tell me that Chai, her Chesapeake Bay Retriever with degenerative myelopathy, had died. It was sad, but not surprising considering the progressive nature of this nasty disease. I was surprised though by the last few posts on Pam's blog about Chai. It's remarkable how devoted some people are when it comes to their dogs. I often get questions from people with older or sick pets about euthanasia. Mainly they want to know how they can tell when it is time, if all else fails, to end their pet's life... I received a sad e-mail over the weekend. Pam wrote to tell me that Chai, her Chesapeake Bay Retriever with degenerative myelopathy, had died. It was sad, but not surprising considering the progressive nature of this nasty disease. I was surprised though by the last few posts on Pam's blog about Chai. It's remarkable how devoted some people are when it comes to their dogs. I often get questions from people with older or sick pets about euthanasia. Mainly they want to know how they can tell when it is time, if all else fails, to end their pet's life in a humane way.   I think some people are looking for permission to do something they really don't want to do. They need a little help with the decision. We struggled with the same issues with Darcie at the end and it seems there's always some lingering guilt. "We could have held out a little longer," the thinking goes. "It would have been nice to have another week or even a weekend." But eventually the time comes when the inevitable is inescapable.   So it was with Pam and Chai. In the end Chai was totally incontinent. She couldn't control her bowel movements or her bladder. The smell of pee was a constant for Pam in the last year. She handled that with courage and a smile. She even tells of taking Chai into our local bike shop to get the tire on his wheeled cart fixed. Chai let go with a big puddle of pee right there in the shop.   I know the boys at the shop well. I spend most of my disposable income there. I was happy with the way they handled the situation. No rancor, just a smile and a wad of paper towels. They had repaired the tires on Chai's cart before and they knew that if Chai and Pam could put up with all this, they could handle a little pee.   Pam intimates that her local vet had recommended euthanasia early on in the disease process. I get the feeling from Pam that the vet didn't understand that Pam was more than willing to do whatever it took to keep Chai around. After all, he was still happy and with the help of his cart and other tools, he could still go for walks.   Pam bought her cart from a place called Doggon Wheels. They make a line of products for people like Pam. People with dogs that are either permanently or temporarily unable to get around on their own. I came across another outfit like this recently. Pet MRC or Pet Mobility Rehab Center, makes carts and a host of accessories for dogs and cats with injuries or illnesses that make normal walking impossible. I spoke with the owner and she had plenty of stories like Pam's. They tell of a Chihuahua named Wheely Willy that lived 18 years with hind limb paralysis, thanks to his special cart.   Unlike Pam's Vet I try not to make judgments about other people and their personal decisions. The end of life decision is highly personal and has to be made by those closest to the pet. I was inspired by Chai. The first time I saw him walking around the camp ground at Chaco Canyon I thought that's an amazing dog. That's a happy dog. I'd like to meet the person walking with him. I wasn't disappointed after a few minutes chatting with Pam. Caring for Chai's special needs was a no brainer for her.   In the end though, Pam knew it was time. Chai had bladder infections and stones due to her loss of bladder function. She was developing dementia and she had stopped drinking. She was no longer happy. She was suffering. It was time.   Chai[...]

2010-03-01T10:32:24-05:00

For regular readers, this announcement will spark LOTS MORE excitement. For new readers, this announcement will spark TANTILIZING NEW excitement. Either way, you'll be excited! How could you not be? Over at BlogPaws, my other pet project, we're preparing for the first and best pet blogger conference on the planet. We have a fantastic line-up of speakers and sponsors, and our committee members are busy tweeting about the event every day. One thing we've discovered is that this kind of came about rather quickly (it did - we thought about it, created it, and hit the ground running just a... For regular readers, this announcement will spark LOTS MORE excitement. For new readers, this announcement will spark TANTILIZING NEW excitement. Either way, you'll be excited! How could you not be? Over at BlogPaws, my other pet project, we're preparing for the first and best pet blogger conference on the planet. We have a fantastic line-up of speakers and sponsors, and our committee members are busy tweeting about the event every day. One thing we've discovered is that this kind of came about rather quickly (it did - we thought about it, created it, and hit the ground running just a few months ago) and some people are dying to come but need a little help. So, to help folks make it to the best pet blogger conference on the planet - where you will meet hundreds of other pet bloggers, where you will rub shoulders with the executives of major pet brands (like Dr. Larry, who shares his stories and more right here on Scatchings & Sniffings) and of some new, fun pet brands you didn't know about - and where you will learn how to be a better blogger a our educational sessions, we've launched a Sweepstakes. It's BlogPaws or Bust! Yes, YOU could win a trip to BlogPaws, all expenses (except incidentals) paid! We have two grand prizes and...three second place prizes. If you don't win the grand prize, you can win one of three opportunities to have your registration covered. Hop over to the sweepstakes and join the fun! And stay tuned...we have something else fun to announce later this week. Oh, ok...I'll give you a hint - anyone up for a pawparty? On twitter? OMG! We're going to rock and roll and have a ball! Join us in our fun, online events...and be sure to check out the blog and blogsite and register today! Or get over to the sweepstakes and enter to win! Then, share with all your pet friends. BlogPaws wants YOU to be in Columbus, OH on April 9th-10th. Be there! (hey, Columbus is the new Vegas - just ask resident kitties, Romeo and Wabby - they'll give you the Top 10 reasons to come to BlogPaws!) Oh we are just having so much fun! We hope you'll join us. [...]

2010-02-26T10:57:00-05:00

You've probably heard of Doctors Without Borders. This organization travels the globe providing much needed medical assistance in war or natural disaster ravaged countries. They were on the scene in Haiti within days of that disaster. Turns out we have a similar group of Veterinarians, Animal Health Technicians and Veterinary Students. World Vets is an international animal aid group that currently has projects in 12 countries on five continents. While they are sending a team to Haiti, their model is a little different than Doctors Without Borders. World Vets focuses on sustainable relationships with partner nations. They work with local... You've probably heard of Doctors Without Borders. This organization travels the globe providing much needed medical assistance in war or natural disaster ravaged countries. They were on the scene in Haiti within days of that disaster. Turns out we have a similar group of Veterinarians, Animal Health Technicians and Veterinary Students. World Vets is an international animal aid group that currently has projects in 12 countries on five continents.   While they are sending a team to Haiti, their model is a little different than Doctors Without Borders. World Vets focuses on sustainable relationships with partner nations. They work with local authorities, health officials and community leaders to establish ongoing veterinary aid programs in mostly developing nations.    They also provide donations of much needed veterinary medications, vaccines, equipment and other supplies. They focus on communities and developing cross cultural ties between volunteers and local participants. Another big initiative is education and a focus on public health.   Many developing countries have problems with zoonotic diseases. These diseases can be transmitted back and forth between people and animals and World Vets helps establish programs aimed at eradicating zoonotic disease.   If you want to get a feel for what they do visit their blog. Written by CEO Dr. Kathy King, the blog is full of photos. The most recent post details the work they are doing in Loreto Mexico. It looks like they have a genuinely good time doing their good work.   World Vets is a volunteer organization and is funded by members and donations. The Vets, Techs and students pay their own travel expenses when they head out into the field. I think it's pretty admirable to volunteer your time and professional expertise, but to pay for the privilege goes above and beyond the call of duty.    For the most part animals in developing nations don't get the level of care our pets receive. Groups like World Vets serve a critical animal health and humanitarian function. If you have a few extra bucks you can make a donation on their web site. The critters will be most appreciative.  [...]

2010-02-23T17:39:54-05:00

Have you heard about George the really Great Dane? He's been all over the news the last couple of days after being named world's tallest dog by the Guinness Book of World Records. It's a pretty interesting story. Apparently, a Guinness official had to go to George's home in Tucson for an official measuring attended by George's Veterinarian among others. The title was in dispute as another Dane from California was also in the running. George measured a whopping 43 inches at the shoulder, beating out the California Dane by a mere 3/4 inch. According to the AKC, a male... Have you heard about George the really Great Dane? He's been all over the news the last couple of days after being named world's tallest dog by the Guinness Book of World Records. It's a pretty interesting story. Apparently, a Guinness official had to go to George's home in Tucson for an official measuring attended by George's Veterinarian among others. The title was in dispute as another Dane from California was also in the running. George measured a whopping 43 inches at the shoulder, beating out the California Dane by a mere 3/4 inch. According to the AKC, a male Dane must be at least 30 inches at the shoulder to meet the breed standard. George beats that by one Beagle.   I went to George's web site and it's full of great pictures. He "sits" in a chair much like his people. There is a series of puppy pictures that I really liked. In one of them he's chewing on a raw hide and his feet look huge. I wish I knew how old he was in these photos. If I had to guess I'd say about six months.   In another photo they show him eating from bowls that are elevated off the ground on a little table. I found this interesting. Danes, like many other large, deep chested breeds are susceptible to Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus, or Bloat, as it is sometimes called. In fact GDV is a very serious problem for Danes in particular. The reason the photo caught my eye has to do with GDV.   In the past, it was recommended that GDV susceptible dogs be fed on elevated platforms like the one in the photo. There is conflicting research on whether this is beneficial or not. Apparently George's vet thinks it is. For more on GDV, check out this post we did a while back.   There is a bag of Purina ONE Dog Food in another picture. I would imagine that is exciting for the folks back in St Louis on the Purina ONE team. George goes through about 100 pounds of food a month. My guess is that it's the Large Breed Adult Formula.   As we've discussed before, large and giant breed dogs need special nutrition. They need puppy diets that help control their rate of growth. That can help with developmental bone and joint abnormalities like hip dysplasia. As adults they need lower caloric density foods to help keep them at ideal weight.   Glucosamine can also help maintain healthy joints.   Giant dogs are an acquired taste, in my opinion. You have to make concessions for them. I remember thinking that every time we visited Cedar, Mike and Ellie. They even had a special van to haul Cedar around. Neither Cedar nor George would fit in the back of our Subaru.   I prefer larger dogs, myself. I like to get down on the ground and wrestle with Miles and he seems to enjoy that, too. Hugging a big dog is like hugging another person. Hugging a dog is much lower risk than hugging another human, though. We live in a real hugggy environment here in Nuevo Mexico. It seems de riguer to hug even casual friends if you haven't seen them in the last 24 hours.   I'm not wild about that. It seems kind of forced at times. Not so with a dog. I hug Miles several times a day.   I'm not sure if I'd like to have a dog as big as George. He seems like quite the celebrity these days. He even went on Oprah. His owners sure seem to be into it in a "big "way. Maybe next time we're over in Tucson I can arr[...]

2010-02-22T11:31:54-05:00

Ok, so is this a good thing, or a bad thing? According to the DailyMail out of the UK, "A dog version of the anti-depressant Prozac has been approved for sale to British pet owners." Prozac, for dogs. Interestingly, I used to say Carmie needed some doggie Prozac, when she would not allow her lick granuloma to heal. Then, we put a sock on it and I stopped talking about doggie Prozac. When my daughter was having trouble with Twiggy, her Greyhound, dealing with separation anxiety, I started thinking about doggie prozac again...knowing, of course, that there wasn't any such... Ok, so is this a good thing, or a bad thing? According to the DailyMail out of the UK, "A dog version of the anti-depressant Prozac has been approved for sale to British pet owners." Prozac, for dogs. Interestingly, I used to say Carmie needed some doggie Prozac, when she would not allow her lick granuloma to heal. Then, we put a sock on it and I stopped talking about doggie Prozac. When my daughter was having trouble with Twiggy, her Greyhound, dealing with separation anxiety, I started thinking about doggie prozac again...knowing, of course, that there wasn't any such thing. I know there were and are medications you can give your pet, for separation anxiety, but most of us would choose behavior modification, wouldn't we? Or, would we (should we?) resort to the help of drugs? According to the UK story, "Trials [of the drug] involving more than 660 mentally-disturbed pets in Europe and the US produced improvements in behaviour within eight weeks." Eili Lilly, maker of the drug, cites research showing "that as many as 8 per cent of dogs suffer from canine compulsive disorder."  I guess that descriptive phrase: Canine Compulsive Disorder, is as good as any in identifying the issues pet owners deal with when their dogs (especially dogs, I think) suffer from separation anxiety. They note in the article that this involves dogs that chew destructively and urinate or defecate inappropriately around the house, when you're gone. Some might also vomit, pace, drool, or worse. (I don't know what the 'worse' is...they didn't go into detail.) So, I ask again - is Doggie Prozac a good thing or not? Would you consider this for your dog? I admit that, in the early days of Carmie's lick granuloma, I would have considered it. Not so much now. Now, I'd get to the root of the problem (we were home with her all the time, so it wasn't separation anxiety - I'm now wondering if it didn't start as an allergy and just blossom into the problem it became; after we put the sock on it, she never bothered it again)... I'm in favor of behavior modification, and bringing in experts that can help with that, which the article does say should be part of a pet parent's approach. But, in reality, as the article notes, "Cats and dogs can be very susceptible to their owner's feeling and if they sense that they are unhappy they can become agitated or depressed." I guess, I believe that, and in believing it, would give the idea of doggie Prozac some thought - but only for a limited amount of time. What are your thoughts? I wonder what Andrea Arden, BlogPaws Saturday morning keynote, thinks of this. Hmm.... [...]

2010-02-22T11:36:56-05:00

In this, our second session of Scratchings & Sniffings Out Loud with Dr. Grace and Dr. Larry, we discuss homecare for pet dental health month. Yes, you can and should be brushing your dog and cat's teeth at home. There are a number of ways to do this, and you should be using a pet dental care toothpaste, not people toothpaste. (the first session can be located here: Pet Dental Health Month: Part I.) Listen up: