BARK FOR ART 2015! SAVE THE DATE – AUGUST 22nd!!!

SAVE THE DATE – AUGUST 22nd

Hi – My Name is Gatsby – An ALR Dog Speaks Out!

Hi. My name is Gatsby. I wanted to give my dog and people friends out there an update to my doggie life story. It’s been a little over a year since I landed in my forever home, and boy am I a happy dog. I want to start from the beginning, since everyone might not know my story.

I am a cheerful, 85 lb. yellow lab mix who had a rough go of it the first few years of my life. I was rescued from a shelter in early 2014, after they didn’t feed me very well. I had some complications from that, which included nerve damage in my back left leg that resulted in me losing my leg in May 2014. The doctors at Peachtree Hills Animal Hospital took great care of me and I had great foster parents named Heather and Stacy during that awful time. Without them and the ALR family, there is no telling what would have happened to me.

In June 2014, I was told that I was going to a forever home. I was hoping that would be the last time I would be shuffled around. No dog likes that. Anyway, I was dropped off at Sutton & Kristi’s house on June 11 by one of my foster moms, Heather. I got out of the car and jumped into Sutton’s lap hoping that he would be my forever dad. I found out soon that Sutton & Kristi had lost their yellow lab Aspen to cancer in May, so I was hoping I could fill that void and be a really good fit for them.

The first week, Dad stayed home quite a bit to make sure I was OK with the new house and all the surroundings. He would leave me longer and longer by myself so I could get use to having the house to myself. I also showed my new owners my love for shoes. Yes, shoes. I don’t know what it is, but I love taking shoes from wherever they are to my bed in the living room. I’ve been known to hoard a dozen shoes, all within paw distance to my bed. I also like taking them places where you can’t find them. I get them from the closet, off the coffee table, off the floor, wherever I can find them.

I also had to learn the ins and outs about my new house. They had a doggie door, which was cool, but I had to learn how to use it. With 3 legs, it was a little bit of a challenge to negotiate the door smacking my butt, because I was a little slow at first. But, I figured it out. Also, my new owners got me in shape really fast. You see, when I go out the dog door, I have to go around the house and down the stairs to the fairly steep driveway down to the fenced in backyard. It’s a nice backyard, with plenty of places to explore. The first time I went down, I thought it was pretty cool. Then, when I was done, I was like ‘Uh Oh.’, I have to go back up that driveway, and up those stairs. Boy, that was really tough. I can do it pretty well now, but I try and hold it as long as I can, because I prefer the easier way which is when Mom or Dad let me out front to go potty.

At first, I was a little lonely, because Mom & Dad both work. I had to get used to being alone for longer periods, but I had the dog door, so I could go out anytime I wanted. It really worked out well in the beginning, because I also had heartworm. The downtime and quiet during the day helped during the long month of medicine and shots. I am happy to report that I am now heartworm free. Yay…

I finally got used to being alone during the day, and it wasn’t too bad. When Dad gets home, he plays with me for a long time. He really likes dogs, and I don’t mind at all playing and being on the end of a tummy and back rub. Dad also takes me to work on Fridays once a month, since he only works 1/2 day. I really like that. I go from office to office saying hi to everyone in the building. I like to show everyone how I am doing and how happy I am. After seeing everyone, Dad takes me back to his office and I just lie down for a couple of hours and just enjoy being out and about.

In November, I got an unexpected ‘visitor’. Well, I thought it was a visitor. My Dad brought home a 2nd dog. They called her America. I heard mention of Mom & Dad being fosters, so I breathed a sigh of relief. I was their main dog now, and was enjoying being the center of attention immensely. America came in with her tail between her legs, and I was OK with that, because I had to show her that I was boss around here. We got along pretty well, and we had some early skirmishes, but I really still wanted to be the only dog. Before Christmas, Mom & Dad took America to an adoption and then to a potential foster’s home. I thought to myself ‘Finally back to normalcy’. But, America came back. I heard she didn’t like other dogs and was quite aggressive when around other dogs. Funny, she never did that to me. Maybe she just knew who she was dealing with! Anyway, she was great around people and loved kids like I do, but she just kept hanging around. And Mom & Dad started showing a little favor towards her. I was starting to get a bad feeling.

The first real sign of trouble was when America was invited to go up to PA to visit my new grandma and the rest of Mom’s family. I was like ‘Whaaattt??’. How am I and this new mutt going to get along for 12 hours up and back cooped up in the back of an SUV. Granted it had plenty of room, but still what did I do to deserve this? Well, we made it up to PA and it wasn’t bad. We were really good and didn’t cause too much trouble. America did like crawling all over the car, so she was a little annoying.

Up in PA, I really liked Grandma. The family thought both of us were good dogs and I could sense that everyone wanted Mom & Dad to keep America.   She was also starting to be really cuddly toward Mom & Dad as I think she began to think this fostering experiment was a failure. Turns out I was right.

When we got back to GA, the deal was sealed and America became part of our family. She is a very good dog, but I didn’t like the idea of having to split the doggie fun with her. Now Dad has double duty when he gets home. But, he does pretty well at it. Thankfully, America and Mom share time together so I might get a little more time with Dad.

Currently, I weigh about 85 lbs and feel great and get around quite well. I got up to 89 lbs. and Mom & Dad were not happy. Mom blamed Dad for giving me too many treats (he’s good at that), but I kept my mouth shut. I’ve lost back down to 85, and I feel much better. I think they want me down to 82, because they feel that would be better for my joints.

Overall, America and I get along very well and I like my Mom and Dad. I actually enjoy having another dog around during the day. I still would like to get more attention, but hey I guess fair is fair.

I can only hope that all you dogs out there looking for a good home can find one. And, all you dog-loving humans out there, please consider one of us less fortunate dogs when you go looking for one. We will really appreciate it and will give you more loving than you can imagine.

Love to all my ALR friends.

Gatsby

Pet photo series aims to counter ‘black dog’ theory

By COLLIN BINKLEY June 14, 2015 

We felt this was a great article to share with our ALR Friends:

Black Dog Project

That dog park visit was almost two years ago, but it inspired Levy to take on a project that’s still gaining international attention. He calls it the Black Dogs Project, a photo series that features black dogs against black backdrops, aiming to capture their beauty and counter negative stereotypes.

The photos struck a chord online and quickly went viral. Commenters raved about the striking details Levy brought out in each portrait — the soulful eyes, that one floppy ear, a Poodle’s ears blossoming with fur. The microblogging website Tumblr counted Levy’s blog among its “most-viral” of 2014.

Levy, 45, did it all in the basement studio of his Maynard home, where he lives with his wife, two young boys and a black-and-white rat terrier named Toby.

“I knew that, for this project, it would hit a nerve with two different groups,” Levy said. “Pet-lovers would love it, and photographers would like it if I did a good job.”

After adjusting to the sudden onslaught of attention, Levy decided to publish the work in a book. It’s slated to be published this September, titled “Black Dogs Project: Extraordinary Black Dogs and Why We Can’t Forget Them.” Part of the proceeds will go to a rescue group for Labradors in San Diego.

In the book and on his blog, Levy includes stories about each dog to counter myths about black dogs. Among those he highlights is Denver, a 2-year-old black Labrador that’s also a therapy dog. Denver works at an elementary school and spent time in a Boston firehouse after the marathon bombing.

Amanda Lukowski, Denver’s owner, said the photos were “breathtaking.”

“It captured his whole personality,” said Lukowski, of Northbridge. “Denver is a gentle giant. He’s 90 lbs. — he’s a big boy — but he is the most kind, caring, compassionate dog ever.”

In this March 2014 photo provided by Fred Levy, a standard poodle named Mercedes Ann poses

Early on, the black dogs that Levy photographed came from owners he recruited through his Facebook page. Recently he also started working with abandoned dogs referred to him by shelters. After training his camera on them, he shares their photos online in search of a permanent home.

But his message to viewers isn’t necessarily to adopt black dogs. Mostly, he wants people to think beyond appearance when they’re adopting pets.

“I want people to make informed decisions on the best dog that will fit into their lifestyle,” he said. “The fur shouldn’t be the deciding factor.”

There’s no firm science to support the existence of Black Dog Syndrome, and some studies have dismissed it as a myth. Maryann Regan, director of shelter operations at the Animal Rescue League of Boston, said she doesn’t see widespread bias against black dogs. Still, she supports Levy’s work.

“Anything that helps to break down any barrier to benefit an animal is wonderful,” she said.

Among the victories that Levy ties to is project is the story of Annabelle, an 8-year-old black Labrador mix that was abandoned for more than a year, enduring a brutal winter outside. After hearing the story, Levy snapped three portraits of Annabelle and posted him on his blog last month. Two days later, a family adopted her.

Please click on the direct link to the story to see additional photos and learn more!

Black Dog Photo Project

5 essential commands you can teach your dog

Here is another great article from Cesar Millan. If your dog doesn’t know these basic commands, might be a good thing to read this article and teach your dog these basics.  Remember, you need to continue to work with your dog on these commands as well! Your dog will love learning and doing things to please you!!!

By Juliana Weiss-Roessler

Having a trained dog isn’t the same as having a balanced dog, but if your dog knows a few basic commands, it can be helpful when tackling problem behaviors — existing ones or those that may develop in the future.

So where do you start with dog obedience training? You could take a class, but it’s not necessary; you can do it yourself. In fact, with the right attitude, it can be fun for both you and your dog!

Sit
This is one of the easiest dog obedience commands to teach, so it’s a good one to start with.

• Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose.
• Move your hand up, allowing his head to follow the treat and causing his bottom to lower.
• Once he’s in sitting position, say “Sit,” give him the treat, and share affection.

Repeat this sequence a few times every day until your dog has it mastered. Then ask your dog to sit before mealtime, when leaving for walks, and during other situations where you’d like him calm and seated.

Come
This command can help keep a dog out of trouble, bringing him back to you if you lose grip on the leash or accidentally leave the front door open.

• Put a leash and collar on your dog.
• Go down to his level and say, “Come,” while gently pulling on the leash.
• When he gets to you, reward him with affection and a treat.

Once he’s mastered it with the leash, remove it — and practice the command in a safe, enclosed area.

Down
This can be one of the more difficult commands in dog obedience training. Why? Because the position is a submissive posture. You can help by keeping training positive and relaxed, particularly with fearful or anxious dogs.

• Find a particularly good smelling treat, and hold it in your closed fist.
• Hold your hand up to your dog’s snout. When he sniffs it, move your hand to the floor, so he follows.
• Then slide your hand along the ground in front of him to encourage his body to follow his head.
• Once he’s in the down position, say “Down,” give him the treat, and share affection.

Repeat it every day. If your dog tries to sit up or lunges toward your hand, say “No” and take your hand away. Don’t push him into a down position, and encourage every step your dog takes toward the right position. After all, he’s working hard to figure it out!

Stay
Before attempting this one, make sure your dog is an expert at the “Sit” command.

• First, ask your dog to “Sit.”
• Then open the palm of your hand in front of you, and say “Stay.”
• Take a few steps back. Reward him with a treat and affection if he stays.
• Gradually increase the number of steps you take before giving the treat.
• Always reward your pup for staying put — even if it’s just for a few seconds.

This is an exercise in self-control for your dog, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a while to master, particularly for puppies and high-energy dogs. After all, they want to be on the move and not just sitting there waiting.

Leave it
This can help keep your dog safe when his curiosity gets the better of him, like if he smells something intriguing but possibly dangerous on the ground! The goal is to teach your pup that he gets something even better for ignoring the other item.

• Place a treat in both hands.
• Show him one enclosed fist with the treat inside, and say, “Leave it.”
• Let him lick, sniff, mouth, paw, and bark to try to get it — and ignore the behaviors.
• Once he stops trying, give him the treat from the other hand.
• Repeat until your dog moves away from that first fist when you say, “Leave it.”
• Next, only give your dog the treat when he moves away from that first fist and also looks up at you.

Once your dog consistently moves away from the first treat and gives you eye contact when you say the command, you’re ready to take it up a notch. For this, use two different treats — one that’s just all right and one that’s a particularly good smelling and tasty favorite for your pup.

• Say “Leave it,” place the less attractive treat on the floor, and cover it with your hand.
• Wait until your dog ignores that treat and looks at you. Then remove that treat from the floor, give him the better treat and share affection immediately.
• Once he’s got it, place the less tasty treat on the floor… but don’t completely cover it with your hand. Instead hold it a little bit above the treat. Over time, gradually move your hand farther and farther away until your hand is about 6 inches above.
• Now he’s ready to practice with you standing up! Follow the same steps, but if he tries to snatch the less tasty treat, cover it with your foot.

Don’t rush the process. Remember, you’re asking a lot of your dog. If you take it up a notch and he’s really struggling, go back to the previous stage.

Just these five simple commands can help keep your dog safer and improve your communication with him. It’s well worth the investment of your time and effort. Remember, the process takes time, so only start a dog obedience training session if you’re in the right mindset to practice calm-assertive energy and patience.

Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-training/the-basics/5-essential-commands-you-can-teach-your-dog#ixzz3cfAaGyGN

How do I know when my pet needs immediate veterinary attention?

Here is a great article from the Georgia SPCA sharing information about both dogs and cats. Knowing when to take action can be critical!

This month’s question is actually a very serious one for me, as it is sometimes very hard for owners to recognize when their pet requires immediate medical attention. After all, they can’t directly tell you how they feel or where it hurts. But in all the years I have been a veterinarian or even a technician, I have learned that if a client thinks it is an emergency, they are likely right. Owners have an uncanny ability to know something is “off” with their pets that can lead to a major, possibly life-threatening, emergency if something is not done quickly. Examples:

• An owner notices that her cat keeps trying to defecate but doesn’t get any stool out, which can actually mean that the cat can’t urinate because of a blockage – a major life threatening issue.
• An owner notices that his 10-year-old dog has just been laying around for a day or so and not really wanting to eat, and that turns out to be a hemoabdomen (blood in the abdomen).

The difficult part of deciding to go the veterinarian is how quickly to go. Sometimes owners think, “Well, Fluffy will feel better tomorrow.” But in some cases, tomorrow or the next day might be too late or the pet is so sick by then that it will need a very lengthy and expensive stay at a veterinary hospital in order to survive.

Some things are easy: If your pet is hit by a car, it might look like he is fine. He can walk around and there are no broken bones. BUT such a major impact can cause internal bleeding or tears in the diaphragm at a minimum. Your dog might not be clinical right away but tomorrow he may be on the verge of death. It is very important to go to the vet after any major trauma to get blood work and x-rays to make sure things are OK.

Another major life threatening problem in dogs that might not be so easy for the owner to figure out is commonly called bloat (our fancy medical term is gastric dilatation and volvulus – GDV for short). This is when the stomach basically rotates on itself and cuts off the inflow (esophagus) and outflow (pylorus) of the stomach. Owners usually call and say that their dog is trying to vomit but absolutely nothing is coming up and maybe the stomach is tight or a little enlarged. This is a MAJOR emergency and usually by the time you get to the vet your dog is in major shock. GDV requires hospitalization and surgery to correct in order for the patient to live.

I could talk for hours about many different clinical signs and presentations that call for immediate veterinary attention BUT… for your sake and mine I will include a short but by no means all-encompassing list of occurrences of symptom that should prompt an immediate visit to your vet:

• Eating something the pet was not supposed to, such as a toxin (rat poison),grapes, a toy, a sock or any other foreign body (If you suspect your pet has swallowed a poison, take the box to the vet with you.)
• Inability to urinate or urinating small amounts
• Constipation (what sometimes looks like constipation might turn out to be another serious problem)
• Snake bites
• Being stung by a bee or insect , followed by lots of vomiting and diarrhea (anaphylaxis)
• Prolonged seizures
• Heat stroke (In the hot Georgia sun, as little as 10 minutes of playing on a hot day or just minutes in a hot car can cause this.)
• Difficulty breathing or open mouth breathing (gums could be pale or blue/purplish)
• A unilateral eye problem ( I have seen animals lose an eye because of an unrecognized corneal ulcer)
• A small puppy or kitten not eating (They can get hypoglycemic and dehydrated very quickly.)
• Acutely paralyzed or dragging rear legs
• Prolonged unproductive labor of greater than 2 hours

The bottom line is that I really encourage owners to err on the side of caution if they think something is wrong with their pet, and take them to a veterinarian. Not every life threatening emergency is as obvious as a hit by a car and, personally, I would rather be told that things aren’t so bad and can be treated than that I waited too long and now my precious furry baby might die.

Moving with your dog

We thought this article was especially important this time of year.  One of the TOP reasons we are requested to take a dog into the program via owner surrender is:  “I’m moving out of state and I can’t take my dog.”  –  There are no states in these United States of America that prohibits dog ownership!

By Juliana Weiss-Roessler

When I look back on my family’s move from Los Angeles to Austin, I still don’t know how we managed to make it on the plane with our one-year-old son and two dogs – along with our luggage, playpen, dog crates, and car seat.

But it wasn’t just the plane ride; every stage of the move was made more challenging with three creatures who weren’t interested in sitting still while we checked off our to-do list.

Whether your move is long-distance or just down the block, there’s a lot to accomplish. Here are a few things I learned from my experience – and a few I learned about afterwards – that will help you and your pups with the transition.

Leaving your old home If you’re a renter, then your only concerns on moving out are cleaning up and minor repairs in order to get your deposit back. However, if you’re a homeowner looking to sell, dogs can complicate the process a bit.

Keeping your home clean for potential buyers and getting out of the way for viewings can be a challenge if you have dogs. But it’s a necessary part of the process if you want your home to sell.

• Amp up the walks There’s a lot going on, but it’s important not to neglect your dogs’ needs now. Exercise keeps their energy down, which means they’ll be less likely to engage in messy, destructive behaviors at home, and they’ll be more likely to cooperate if you have to leave the home fast for a showing or leave them in their crates.
• Have a game plan Have everything you need to get out of the house in one dedicated location, and know where you’ll head if someone calls for a last minute showing. Being prepared will make it less stressful for everyone.
• Schedule showings during your usual walk time It won’t always be possible, but let your realtor know that those are the best times for your family.
• Restrict your dog’s access If you’re like my family, your dog is welcome in every area of your home, but during this time, consider making certain areas off-limits to keep them cleaner. This can be done simply by shutting doors to certain rooms, or using a doggy gate.
• Never, ever leave your dogs loose during a showing Even the friendliest dog can frighten someone who isn’t comfortable with dogs, and you always run the risk of a visitor leaving a door or gate open and allowing your dog to escape. Instead, put your dogs in their crates if you can’t get them out of the house with you. If you’re looking to rent a new place, the first consideration, of course, is whether they accept dogs at all, so do your research first with an online tool like Rent.com’s pet-friendly search. Remember: a lot of places will require proof of vaccination before they’ll let your dog move in, so be sure you’re up to date and have the documentation.
• If you’re buying a house, shopping for your new home is one of the most enjoyable parts of the moving process. But whether renting or buying, it’s important to take your dog into consideration while going through it.
• Finding your new home

• Find nearby dog-friendly locations Do you currently love taking your pup to the dog park or for a walk down to your local café, where the baristas leave him a bowl of water and a treat? Make sure you can maintain similar routines in your new location.
• Consider your dog’s new living quarters It’s likely you’ve ensured the new home has enough bedrooms for the human occupants, but what about your dog? Where will his dog bed live? His food and water?
• Look into backyard safety When moving with my pups, one of the things I was most excited about was giving them their first backyard, so that was on my list of must-haves: a safe, fenced-in area where they could roam. But you should also look at how visible your dogs are when outside. If they can be seen from a major roadway while behind your fence, it can put them at higher risk of being stolen.
• Check out other neighborhood animals When you’re seriously considering a home, take a walk with your dog around the block. Note the barking dogs in backyards, roaming cats, or other creatures, and consider how they may affect your daily routine. You’ve found your new dream home and are ready to leave the old one. Now it’s time for the dreaded process of putting everything you own in boxes. Here’s how to help your dog through it.
• Packing and unpacking

• Maintain your calm Recognize this may be anxiety-inducing for your dog, but it will be especially so if you are feeling stressed about it. You can also help reduce your dog’s fear about the major changes going on by maintaining his routine as much as possible.
• Pack your dog’s room last Whatever room is your pup’s favorite, save it for the end. That way, she’ll spend less time with the upheaval there stressing her out.
• Get your dogs out for moving day There are a lot of people coming and going during the actual moving out and in, and that means many opportunities for a stressed dog to escape. On my moving day, I took both dogs and the baby to a nearby dog-friendly restaurant to hang out until it was all over. Other ideas are to ask a friend or family member to have them over for the day or find out if your vet offers boarding. Not an option? When in doubt, a crate can help ensure they are safe. For my family, it was a no-brainer. There was no way that all five of us were up for a cross-country trip in a moving truck. We hired a moving company to take our stuff, and then we all boarded a plane. But for some families, driving with all your household items and household members can be a fun adventure.
• A few things to consider for your pup when deciding between methods of transportation:
• Traveling to your new location If your move is long distance, you’ll need to decide how to move your items as well as your family to your new location.

• Your car ride will take longer with a dog joining you Do you normally like to drive as many hours as possible before you stop? That’s not best for your dog, who should get out to stretch his legs and take a bathroom break every four to six hours. Naturally, this will add to your travel time. Also, make sure you plan where you will stay the night. It may not always be easy to arrange pet-friendly accommodations unless you do so in advance.
• Larger dogs cannot travel in-cabin If your dog is small enough to fit underneath a plane seat, she can likely travel with you on the plane, but larger dogs must go with the cargo. Hundreds of thousands of dogs travel safely in cargo, but there is a risk posed by greater temperature variations.
• Older dogs may not be up for a long trip Whether it is days on the road or hours unsupervised in cargo, senior dogs can be at greater risk of suffering health issues. Talk to your veterinarian about what travel method is safest. In some cases, you may have to make the tough choice of re-homing your dog with a friend or family member rather than putting him through the ordeal.
• Get a baggage cart for your plane ride I’ll be honest: I’m a penny pincher. Who needs a cart when suitcases have wheels? The answer: you do! You’ll appreciate having more hands available to meet your dog’s needs as you travel through the airport.
• Settling in Now is the time to set up or re-establish good habits! Focus on rules, boundaries, and limitations.

• Establish your new routine quickly It’s likely some things will change in the new home, but try to stay as close as possible to your previous routine. If you’ve switched time zones, jump right into the new schedule like it didn’t even happen. Still go for that 9 a.m. walk in your new location – even if it may feel like 11 a.m. to your dog.
• Update your dog tags You want your new contact information on your dog stat. Being in a new place can increase the chances that your dog bolts and gets lost.
• Find a veterinarian Ask for recommendations from neighbors and co-workers, and get your dog in for a check-up. Getting your dog in before an emergency situation arises can help him get to know the new vet in a relaxed way. Especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors, find out if there are any region-specific vaccines that your dog may now need.
• Don’t wash those dog blankets When moving, your gut instinct may be to get everything fresh and new – but stop at your dog’s items. Keep them smelling just like your pup. That familiar scent can help him feel more at home in a new location.
• Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-travel/Moving-with-your-dog#ixzz3bLYGkcDO

Keep your dog safe in the summer

Summer will be quickly upon us and there is no better time to take a few minutes to read this article from Cesar on summer safety!!

By Andrew Kaleita

Watch Cesar’s Summer Tips Video on how to make sure that your dog doesn’t get overheated as you and your dog go out in the Summer heat.

Summer is a terrific time to be a dog owner. It lets you run, swim, and play with your dog in nicer weather than any other time of the year. However, summer also brings unique risks to your dog’s health that you should keep in mind throughout the season. These summer dangers include:

1. Heat stroke

Heat stroke occurs when your dog’s body temperature rises dangerously high. It is most common when dogs are left in a car for too long, or when they exercise in the heat. Never leave your dog in the car in hot weather, and always remember that a cracked window is not enough to cool a car. Your dog always needs access to shade outside. Muzzling interferes with a dog’s ability to cool itself by panting and should be avoided. 

2. Sunburn

Dogs can burn in the sun just like people can. White, light-colored, and thinly coated dogs have an increased risk of sunburn. Sunburn causes pain, itching, peeling, and other problems. To prevent sunburn, apply a waterproof sunscreen formulated for babies or pets. Be sure to cover the tips of your dog’s ears and nose, the skin around its mouth, and its back.

3. Burned foot pads

Sidewalk, patio, street, sand. and other surfaces can burn your dog’s footpads. Walk your dog in the morning and at night when outdoor surfaces are coolest. Press your hand onto surfaces for 30 seconds to test them before allowing your dog to walk on them. If it is painful for you, it will be painful for your dog.

4. Dehydration

Prevent dehydration by providing your dog with unrestricted access to fresh and cool water both indoors and outside. Ice cubes and frozen chicken or beef broth encourage your dog to take in more fluids and help keep it cool. You can also feed your dog wet dog food during the summer to increase its fluid intake. 

5. Campfires and barbecues

Your dog may try to take burning sticks from the fire, which are hard to retrieve since they think that you are playing when you chase them. Food that is stuck to barbecues after cooking can tempt your dog to lick the barbecue and burn its tongue or mouth. Lighter fluid is a poison and should not be left where your dog can reach it. Keep your dog away from barbecues and campfires unless it is on a very short leash. Watch Cesar’s video on how to set up a successful BBQ that your dog can attend.

6. Fireworks

Some fireworks look like sticks, which makes your dog think that they are toys. The loud noises and sudden flash of fireworks can disorient and startle your dog, causing it to run wildly. If you cannot avoid being around fireworks, then keep your dog on a very short leash.

7. Parasites

Ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, flies, and other insects are at their peak during the summer months. Talk to your veterinarian about appropriate protection such as collars, sprays, shampoos, dips, and other products.

8. Chemicals in the water

It is no secret that most dogs love to swim. Swimming can be fun for you and your dog and helps prevent heat stroke. However, chlorine can irritate a dog’s skin and upset its stomach. Rinse your dog with fresh water after swimming in a pool and do not let it drink more than a small amount of pool water. Standing water, such as puddles, can also be dangerous for dogs to drink due to the presence of antifreeze or other chemicals. Provide your dog with fresh water to drink whenever possible.

9. Seasonal allergies

Fleas, mold, flowers, and other potential allergens are common during summer. Allergies cause itching (and with it, excessive scratching), coughing, sneezing, discomfort, and other problems for your dog. Keep your dog away from allergy triggers when possible, especially if you know it has a particular allergy. Ask your veterinarian about whether your pet would benefit from a canine antihistamine or other medication.

10. Getting lost

Take care when traveling with your dog during the summer to prevent it from becoming lost in unfamiliar surroundings. Always have someone watching your dog if it is off its leash. A collar with a contact information tag should be considered the minimum safety precaution. Microchip your dog if you desire more reliable identification.

These summer safety tips apply to dogs in general, but no one knows your dog better than you. If your dog is well behaved around food, for example, then it may be safer to let it be near a barbecue. Do not be afraid to let your dog off its leash to run and enjoy summer, but do be aware of what possible dangers may be nearby before you do so. If you have a fun summer dog story or know a summer danger that we forgot to mention, tell us in the comments.

Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/dog-health/How-to-Keep-Your-Dog-Safe-In-the-Summer#ixzz3agi2m6NX

A problem to sink our teeth into

By Cesar Millan

This week is National Dog Bite Prevention Week^®, sponsored by a coalition including the United States Postal Service, State Farm Insurance, and the American Veterinary Medical Association. The event is designed to raise awareness of dog bite statistics and help to educate the public on preventing dog bites.

Every year in the U.S., around 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs. According to the AVMA, the most frequent victims of dog bites, in order, are children, the elderly, and postal carriers. That 4.5 million figure may seem high, but it represents just under 1.5% of the population. According to Karen Delise, author of “Fatal Dog Attacks,” you’re 18 times more likely to be hit by lightning than bitten by a dog.

You and your children are also far less likely to be bitten if you take steps now to prevent it from happening. Here’s what you can do:

Take responsibility

The most important thing we can do is to take responsibility for our own dogs. This means training and socializing them properly, so that they get along with other dogs and people. They should also be trained to be submissive so that humans in the pack are able to take food or toys away from them without issue — dogs should see any human, not just their own people, as having a higher position in the pack.

Two other important things you can do: Avoid playing aggressive games with your dogs, like tug-of-war. Instead, focus on games like fetch, training your dog to drop the ball in front of you. And, most of all, have your dogs spayed or neutered. This will prevent your female dogs from becoming pregnant — a nursing mother can become very defensive and aggressive around her pups. This will also keep male dogs from becoming aggressive in general.

Educate your children

Children are naturally drawn to animals, particularly dogs, because they’re cute and furry. However, children don’t understand that it’s not a good idea to run right up to a strange dog, which is how a lot of bites happen. They often also don’t understand that not all dogs like having their ears or tail pulled, or being grabbed or picked up. Two thirds of all children bitten by dogs were bitten by the family dog, and this is often the reason.

The first thing to teach your children is to never approach a strange dog, even if the dog seems friendly, and especially if the dog is alone. If the dog is with its owner, teach your children to ask permission from a distance to approach and pet the dog, and to not be upset if the owner says “No,” because there’s probably a good reason for that.

When approaching a strange dog, children (and adults) should practice “No talk, no touch, no eye contact,” and should wait for the dog to come to them. Remember: dogs come to the Pack Leader, not the other way around. If the dog sniffs you and stays, then you can pet it, preferably on the front of the chest and not on the back or head. If the dogs walks away, with or without sniffing you, don’t take it personally. She’s just not interested in interacting.

Above all, teach your children how to stay calm around dogs. A lot of kids have very high energy and can be loud or erratic, both of which can make dogs anxious or over-excited. Especially with strange dogs, they should never yell or run away.

Educate yourself

I mentioned that in two thirds of cases when dogs bit children, it was the family dog. This is why, as an adult, you should never leave small children and dogs together unsupervised. A dog is much less likely to bite a child if an adult human is present. Also, if something does happen, you’ll be right there to intervene.

You should also learn the dog bite prevention rules for children because they’re exactly the same for adults. We don’t get a free pass to directly approach strange dogs just because we’re grown up.

Finally, learn how to read a dog’s body language so you can see the signs that a bite may be coming and de-escalate the encounter immediately. Signals that a dog may be about to attack are the ears pinned back, and the fur along their back may stand up in a visible pattern — the origin of the expression “getting their hackles up.”

You might be able to see the whites of the dog’s eyes, and they may yawn which, with the other signals, does not indicate the dog is tired but, instead, is the dog showing off its teeth as a warning. If the dog makes intense and direct eye contact with you, this is a clear sign that you should back off immediately.

The motto for National Dog Bite Prevention Week is, “70 million nice dogs… but any dog can bite.” The good news is that in the vast majority of those dog bite cases, humans bear some of the responsibility by not knowing how to approach or interact with a dog.

By learning to read a dog’s body language, educating our children, and understanding how to respect a dog’s space, we can reduce those 4.5 million bites per year substantially. Join me in spreading the message.

Stay calm, and don’t get bitten!

Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/the-scoop/cesars-blog/A-problem-to-sink-our-teeth-into#ixzz3aP21DA00

Do you think you know everything about our canine companions?

By Juliana Weiss-Roessler

Do you think you know everything about our canine companions? Think again! Check out these 10 surprising facts about dogs.

1. Your dog is as smart as a 2-year-old toddler. There’s a reason your tot and your pup get along so well: they speak the same language. Or at least, they likely understand roughly the same number of words and gestures — 250!
2. Dogs and cats both slurp water the same way. This may be hard to believe since dogs are such messy drinkers, but just like cats, our canine friends bend the tip of their tongue and raise liquid in a column up to their mouths.
3. Your dog does have a sense of time — and misses you when you’re gone. If you think your dog knows when it’s time for dinner or a walk, you’re right! Dogs pick up on our routines and habits, and they also sense how much time has passed. One study showed how dogs responded differently to their owners being gone for different lengths of time.
4. Your dog’s whiskers help him “see” in the dark. Okay, it’s not quite night-vision or a super power, but those whiskers pick up on even subtle changes in air currents, providing your pup with information about the size, shape, and speed of things nearby. This allows your dog to better sense approaching dangers or prey — even at night.
5. Dogs only have sweat glands in their paws. More specifically, they are found between their paw pads. That’s why it can help to wet the bottom of their feet on a hot day, and it’s also why dogs rely on panting as a means of cooling down.
6. On average, a dog’s mouth exerts 320 pounds of pressure. The tests were done on a German shepherd, American pit bull terrier, and Rottweiler. In comparison, human beings exert 120 pounds, white sharks exert 600 pounds, and crocodiles exert a whopping 2,500 pounds! Dogs also have ten more adult teeth than humans — 42 versus 32.
7. Your one year-old pup is as physically mature as a 15-year-old human. Of course, different breeds age a little differently. Large dogs age faster than small ones. You can get a more exact comparison for your dog using this nifty Dog Age Calculator.
8. Your dog’s sense of smell is 1,000 to 10 million times better than yours. Depending on the breed, your dog has between 125 million to 300 million scent glands — compared to only 5 million for humans. And the part of your dog’s brain that controls smell is 40 times larger than yours — that’s true, even though the canine brain is much smaller than the human, relative to size. A human’s brain is about 1/40th of their body weight while a dog’s brain is only 1/125th. Don’t feel too smug, though — an ant’s brain is 1/7th its body weight.
9. Dogs can hear 4 times as far as humans. Puppies may be born deaf, but they quickly surpass our hearing abilities. Dogs can also hear higher pitched sounds, detecting a frequency range of 67 to 45,000 hertz (cycles per second). The human range is from 64 to 23,000 hertz. In both dogs and humans, the upper end of hearing range decreases with age.
10. Your dog can smell your feelings. Your pup can pick up on subtle changes in your scent, which can help him figure out how you are feeling — such as by smelling your perspiration when you become nervous or fearful. It’s also likely how dogs can detect certain diseases or know that a household member is pregnant.

We hope this list of odd facts about dogs gave you a better appreciation of your best friend. They are truly incredible animals and companions. Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-behavior/basics/10-facts-about-dogs#ixzz3aCqFRW2s

Change in Adoption Day—Now Sunday, December 7, 1–3pm at Perk-N-Pooch

Please note the change in our Adoption Day. We have had to move our adoption day again due to the upcoming inclement weather. It is now on Sunday, December 7, 1–3pm. This will be our final adoption event of 2014! Atlanta Lab Rescue has so many great dogs for you to come meet so come see us at our Adoption Day, Sunday November 23th from 1-3pm at Perk-N-Pooch in Sandy Springs. We are adding new dogs every day so keep checking the website and email us if you see a dog you want to meet. See you there!