Training

Sunday, January 31, 2010

How to Tell Cats Apart


How do you tell cats apart? There are many breeds of cats but that is not what I am talking about here. I am not referring to skinny cats versus fat cats either. Say you are looking after a litter of kittens and they all look alike. Their personalities really aren't distinct yet so how do you tell those little furballs apart?

Let's play the ultimate detective. Humans have different fingerprints. We pets have paw prints. Have you heard though that cats can be identified by their nose pads? Each nose pad is uniquely ridged. 

Somehow, I think this "nose pad print" is the last method that will be used to identify a cat. The way we dogs get our noses caught in different things, our first nose print will be different from our last and I am sure the same will be true with cats!


Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Friday, January 29, 2010

Safety of Veterinary Drugs Breaks Down Trust

Who should be held accountable when the lack of safety of veterinary drugs breaks down the TRUST regarding what we are treated with and who is treating us?

Our pet parents take us to veterinarians that they know, like and trust. They rely on our vets to do the right thing for us. But what happens when veterinarians are not informed about the safety of the drugs that they are using to treat us?


A Veterinary Information Network has been co-founded by president Dr.Paul Pion to keep vets informed of what is happening. Veterinarians are not being alerted to safety recalls.  The manufacturers are not taking responsibility for informing their customers. Pion believes that everyone who has the information, whether they believe it's their job or not, should share it. He goes on to say that any individual or company who has reliable information and doesn't share it should be held personally and corporately responsible for any adverse reactions that occur after that.


When you have an adverse reaction to a drug, as I did to a vaccine, who does your pet parent hold accountable?  Have them comment on this very important topic.

Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

FDA Drug Recall May Prompt Anesthesia-Free Pet Dental Work



Pet parents are usually the last to know about FDA drug recalls that may affect their pets. Teva Animal Health, Inc. was shut down in July 2009   At least two veterinary drugs manufactured by them had been recalled but few veterinarians knew about this, let alone pet parents.These drugs included butorphanol and ketamine.



Christie Keith, writing for Your Whole Pet, tells us about the seriousness of this recall. Let us focus on ketamine since it can be used prior to dental cleaning. On December 22, 2009, the FDA issued a press release about the recall. There had been an increased trend in serious adverse events associated with this product which included a lack of effect, prolonged effect and death. 

Teva stated that the distributors of this product were under no obligation to notify their customers, the veterinarians, about the recall. Christie goes on to reveal other facts about labeling regulations for drugs. Your vet may  have to dig deep to even know if the drug that he purchased from big pharma could have been manufactured by Teva.


On the other paw, Dr. Eric Barchas, DVM talks about the effectiveness of anesthesia-free dental work.He cites reasons why pets should have dental cleaning that includes removing dental calculus and infection above and below the gum line. With the aid of anesthesia, vets can also assess and treat dental pockets, odontoclastic resorpitive lesions and periodontitis and more.


My pet parent will continue to clean my teeth herself so that I do not have to undergo the risk of a serious side effect or death due to anesthesia. What does your pet parent think about all of this?  Ask them to comment here.

Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Time for Your Pet's Dental Check up.

 Picture credit to Mypetsdentist.com

Pet parents notice when we have bad breath and usually schedule us for a dental checkup at that time. If they don't do it sooner, they will  have to do it later after dental problems have appeared.


My pet parent takes responsibility for cleaning my teeth.  She really does not want me to have to undergo a stressful procedure at the veterinarian's office.Lucky for her, I comply with brushing and scaling.  I know that I will get a fantastic treat when she is done. Even so, she is wondering if it's not "that time."


Dental problems can be more serious than pet parents expect.  When we have mouth pain, we may not eat enough or groom ourselves properly. Four common problems require dental care.


Naturally, accidents can damage the teeth and gums.  My predecessor was kicked in the face by a pony and ended up with a broken tooth. Some pets have congenital or developmental disorders...they can be candidates for the ugliest pet contest. Unless we are great chewers in a moderate fashion, we end up with periodontitis which is basically yuck on the teeth and bloody gums. A problem that you don't want is tooth decay. That will lead to major problems when infection enters your blood stream.



Normally, you have to have a physical checkup before scheduling a routine cleaning.  They may want to do blood work first if you have had previous health issues. A basic cleaning for a forty-pound dog like me in my area costs about $275.00. My nephew is only three and lives on the East Coast.  His vet wants to charge $900.00 to clean his teeth.  Unfortunately, his mom is out of work and has not been able to get it done for him. 


Some pet parents go to the extreme with dental care.  Patty Khuly, VMD, MBA, writes about appropriate dental care on her PetMD blog. Some pet parents have psychiatric disorders that cause them to invent health conditions for their pets and get high on the attention and satisfaction that they receive from "caring" for them. 

Dr. Khuly admits that there are a few vets that take advantage of pet parents with this condition to benefit financially.  This is when we pets need to have a voice in our veterinary care!

Ask your pet parent to comment on your dental care.


Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Celebrity Trainer Victoria Speaks on Dogs and Their Owners


I am all for positive reinforcement training methods like the ones celebrity trainer Victoria Stillwell uses on It's Me or The Dog.. Some people think that my pet parent is spoiling me with treats, toys and fun rewards. My response is, if you love your job so much, then do it without receiving any payback.  Pet parents get a check for their work so we deserve a reward also.


The Associated Press recently interviewed Victoria.  This pet video shows the conflict and confusion in a house of young women and spoiled pets. I must admit, I would never do some of the things these dogs did... but I could teach them a trick or two of my own.

Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

National Train Your Dog Month


Woof!  The Association of  Pet Dog Trainers is making sure that pet parents start off the new year with their new pets in the best way possible. There are a variety of events happening this month.


"Everyday" dog owners are invited to visit the APDT web site to learn more about how positively reinforcing our behavior to enhance our relationships. Pet parents can see how easy and fun training can be and learn how patience, consistency, and a deeper understanding of our behavior can lead to happier, healthier and more harmonious households.


Pet parents are invited to learn more about dog park dos and don'ts, understanding different training methods, tips on how to choose the right dog for their lifestyle and family and how to find the best trainer for you. Have your pet parents pick up these treats now!

Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Golden Retriever is Official Playmate of Bedford Springs Resort


 Had I known that my pet parent was going to meet Toby, who is the official resort dog at Bedford Springs, I would have insisted on going along to meet him too. Toby has play dates with other lucky dogs that get to stay at this Omni pet-friendly resort.


The story goes that Toby lived with a woman that got married for the fourth time. Her new husband did not want to have to compete with gentleman Toby so he said Toby had to find a new home. Apparently this has worked out well for Toby. He has lost six pounds on the job at the resort and gets all kinds of back rubs and belly rubs whenever he presents his smiling face. Click here to watch this television appearance.



Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Howl-O-Ween is Great Training Opportunity

As I rebuild my site, you will see some posts like this one about Howl-O-Ween out of chronological order...but you know we as pets just live in the moment so don't let your pet parents get goofy on you.


You have seen the neighborhood flyers telling our pet parents to hide us in the basement on Halloween night so that we are not scared by the Trick or Treaters or , heaven forbid, we scare the little rascals with our barking and lounging.


However, I find the night a delightful time to show off my socialization skills and experience new sights and sounds.  I think all pets of sound temperament should drag their pet parents out of the house and take us for a walk on that "frightful" night.


Watch this pet video that I created for you:


 Comment on your Howl-O-Ween nights.


Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Does Your Puppy Have What It Takes to Become a S.T.A.R.?

"Marjie"

I love puppies...especially S.T.A.R. puppies! The American Kennel Club has started a new puppy program that is designed to get puppies and their owners off to a great start. All you need to do is get your pet parent to take you to a basic training course.  The components of this program consist of Socialization, Training, Activity, and a Responsible owner.  The Responsible owner component is the toughest. Sometimes puppies have to work extra hard to train them.

GoldenMoon's Misty's Spicy Marjoram ~ "Marjie" is the daughter of my show companion Misty.  I expect to see even greater accomplishments in her future.

Living in the moment,
Schatzi

My Labrador Friend is going to Westminster!


I am pleased to announce that my friend Golden Moon Labs home-bred, raised, trained and owned CH GoldenMoon's Sunny Coreopsis, CGC,WC "Corey" will be privileged to compete in the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show to be held at Madison Square Garden in New York City on February 15 and 16, 2010.


You can watch Corey on the Westminster site as the class is posted. Corey is a diva, like me.  With that kind of attitude, I am sure the Judge will be looking at her!  Corey has also been raised on the same high quality products formulated by Dr. Jane Bicks.


Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

How to Potty Your Puppy at the Airport

My pet parent frequently gets asked about puppy potty training . Winter time presents its own roadblocks to getting the "job" done efficiently.  In snow country, we usually have a path shoveled through the deep snow to our bathroom. In other areas, raincoats are worn so that we don't come in soaking wet. But what do the traveling dogs do?  Pet parents can carry pee pads which we will use if we have been taught to use them at an early age.  Some airports do have potty areas which are nice for the pet that travels in the cabin with their companions.


Watch this pet video at the airport of this smart puppy using the potty:


Share your potty secrets with us by having your pet parent leave a comment.

Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Monday, January 11, 2010

Rabid Raccoon - "Leave It!"


Raccoons were the last thing on my mind as my pet parent and I were walking along a remote mountain trail by ourselves. Mom started to pray and praise out loud and sing, following a spiritual prompting.  I am so glad that she did.  We heard a rustling sound in a stream off to our right. It was a raccoon with its back to us...until it turned around and started coming our way...


I heard "Leave It" as I barked at the approaching creature.  I quickly obeyed and trotted on down the trail.  This was an afternoon encounter with a rabid raccoon. My friends at PawFun shared these tips from the New York City Department of Health website so that you and your pet companions can stay safe.


This is one time when a rabies vaccination is beneficial (because they may cut your head off if you don't have it). Make sure your pet parent feeds you indoors so that you don't encounter any snacking visitors on your last potty trip out in the dark. Leave the lids on the garbage cans and have your pet parents close any openings to the house where a wild critter may enter.


Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Friday, January 8, 2010

American Eskimos are a Westminster Favorite



American Eskimos are a Westminster favorite...at least for me. My uncle Thor won an Award of Merit. My show days ended in the conformation ring after I earned my Championship.  Since then, I have put a few other letters behind my name but mostly I just blog and train puppies.


Sassy is going to Westminster this year.  I don't know her but she sure looks like she lives up to her name.  I am going to be cheering as I watch the show from home.  I just relived the American Eskimo dog breed judging at the 2009 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.


Get ready. Stockpile your treats and favorite beverage.  There are only a few days to go before the Show begins!

Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Inventor Leads Dog Walkers to a New Solution




Napolean the dog has inspired companion Stephen Noble to invent a new solution for releasing a lead from the collar on a dog. Napolean and Stephen go biking together. Stephen would have to get off of his bike to release Napolean's lead from his collar. This frustration led Stephen to create what he is calling the Latch-a-Lead. This patented design allows users to release the lead using a device in the handle.


As a result, Stephen has been nominated to win the John Logie Baird Award which is a financial business support package. We will be looking foward to having the Latch-a-Lead available to dog walkers in the United States. 

Have you inspired your companion to create anything or do anything to help the pets in their life?  If so, have them share their comments.


Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia