March 1, 2012
Beau’s play day
This is Corrina’s assistant Sara blogging– hi all!
Happily, I had time to play with Beau today. And WOW does he like to play!
He has so much energy, and it is all positive. Not a growl or bark from this young man.
His sit is great, and now we are working on his stay. I was able to back up one step from Beau and he maintained a sit. But any more than that and he thought it was game on! So progress is being made in such a short amount of time. He truly wants to please.
Most of the time we spent playing with his ball. Unlike some dogs, Beau has no trouble releasing the ball after he fetches. As soon as you put your hand to the ball he releases and gets ready for your throw. He loves him some fetch!
I tried tug-of-war, but I think Beau is too nice for that. He is such a good sharer that he thinks if I tug, I want it. So he just let’s me have it. What a gentleman.
Now there are still some things to work on. As gentlemanly as he is, he still needs work on taking treats politely from your hand. He never hurts or bites, he just gets over eager when he sees that treat. But our deck hand Miranda did a great job of calming him down, and toward the end of our play session progress was definitely made!
All in all Beau is a happy pup. As soon as he gets into play group, I’m sure his impulse control will get better for the simple fact that all his playful energy will be burned out! 
February 16, 2012
Beau’s Training
This was Beau’s first full day at Bayside and it was filled with a few new experiences that might have made him quite happy compared to his old life. Beau’s story, unfortunately, is all too common today in a world filled with too many dogs and not enough good homes. Two weeks ago, I saw a Facebook post from a local rescue group called Triumphant Tails stating that there was a black lab in the La Porte shelter that needed to be fostered or would be euthanized due to the all too common overcrowding situation. He looked to be in good health, found wandering the streets, un-neutered and less than a year old. After seeing the video, I liked that he was toy motivated, attentive and focused on people and thought that with a little training, he would make a great dog. With the help of a few kind and dedicated people, we were able to give him a second chance at Bayside.
Kym Ann from Triumphant Tails was able to get him into a temporary foster situation for a two week stay and Beau was vetted, neutered and arrived at Bayside yesterday for his training. I was able to evaluate him and come up with a training plan to put into practice while we are looking for a forever home. Beau is a handsome dog that just did not get the training needed while still a puppy. He seems to have a sit but very little impulse control. He is pushing through doors, jumping on people and walking on a leash without pulling is also a strongly needed skill.
On the bright side, so to speak, is a wonderful temperament and a desire to connect with the people he encounters in his travels in his new world. He will share his bowl, his toys, and anything else that you care to take from him. Beau responds beautifully to praise when he gives the correct behaviors and is learning new skills quickly. Today’s training goal was to work on attention skills such as responding to his new name, an elementary nose touch and a polite sit in front rather than jump all over me. I introduced the clicker to quickly and effectively mark when Beau was able to offer the correct behavior. I think that he enjoyed the game of trying to be right rather than the “all too common NO or BAD DOG” that might have occurred in his prior home. My goal is to reward the good behavior in our dogs and I believe that they will work hard to give us more. Beau also enjoyed a long walk today and we worked on responding to his name with the added distractions of being outside. Each time I called his name, if he looked at me, he earned a piece of his kibble. The food always tastes better out of my hand as a reward rather than out of the food bowl in his kennel. My slogan….”make them work for their food”. Well, more to come tomorrow….door manners and crate games.
December, 6 2011
Holiday Safety
The Holidays are a time to be with family and friends and of course our canine buddies. Please keep in mind their safety during this festive season with a few helpful hints.
FOOD:
Rich, fatty foods, like gravy or grease, can cause problems ranging from stomach upsets to pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas resulting in pain, vomiting, and dehydration. Dogs with this serious condition often require hospitalization for treatment.
Alcohol can cause serious intoxications in pets, and many dogs are attracted to it. Every year hundreds of dogs die after a single bout of alcohol consumption. Clean up glasses after holiday parties. Dogs are often attracted by the sweet taste of drinks, especially eggnog.
Chocolate is especially a problem because dogs love its flavor. Problems from ingestion range from diarrhea to seizures and death. Unsweetened baking chocolate and dark chocolate are the worst culprits, but all chocolate, fudge, and other candy should be placed out of your dog’s reach.
Bones from fish, meat, or poultry can also cause problems if swallowed. Even small bones can splinter causing lacerations (tearing) throughout the intestinal tract. So, no matter how big or how little they are, be sure to keep bones (other than those that are specially sterilized and treated) away from your dog. Rawhides, Kong toys, and hardened, sterilized bones would be better alternatives.
Tobacco products can be fatal to pets, if ingested. Signs of poisoning develop within 15 to 45 minutes and include excitation, salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea. Pets may develop seizures, collapse and die from cardiac arrest. Keep cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, nicotine gum and patches, and ashtrays out of the reach of pets. Empty ashtrays frequently since cigarette butts contain about 25% of the total nicotine in a cigarette.
Uncooked yeast dough can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.
Grapes and raisins contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys.
Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscles of dogs.
Remember, dogs have an exceptional sense of smell – juices on plastic or aluminum foil left on countertops are very tempting. If ingested, plastic or foil wrap (cellophane candy wrappers or food wrap) can cause choking or intestinal obstruction. Meat-soaked strings from rump roasts are also enticing. Ingestion can cause a surgical emergency called a ‘linear string foreign body’ in the intestines. To be safe, put away food immediately, and pet-proof your garbage. Garbage contains all kinds of other hazards for your dog such as plastic wrap and bags, 6-pack beverage holders that could cause strangulation, fat trimmings, bones, and pieces of ribbon or tinsel.
Feed your pet(s) before a party so they will not be so apt to beg or steal food.
PLANTS:
We all like making our homes more festive for the holidays. We enjoy the green foliage and colorful flowers of plants. Unfortunately, many of the plants we have in our homes during the holidays can be poisonous to pets. If ingested, holly (leaves and berries) causes stomach upset and can be potentially fatal to both dogs and cats. Mistletoe upsets stomachs and can cause heart collapse, while hibiscus may cause diarrhea. Poinsettias have an irritating sap that can cause blistering in the mouth and stomach upset. So when you brighten up your home, place these plants well out of your dog’s reach, or use imitation holiday plants.
DECORATIONS:
All that glitters is not gold – it could be dangerous for your pet.
Ribbons, yarn, and string can cause intestinal obstruction and bunching of the intestine along the length of the string. These conditions require surgery and can be fatal. Ribbons around your dog’s neck may be cute, but they can also be dangerous.
Adhesives and glues can be toxic and are often attractive to animals.
Potpourri contains oils that can be toxic to dogs if eaten. We may not think of eating it, but some curious pets may.
Candles can cause burns and fires. Never leave lighted candles unattended or within reach of your pet.
Ornament Hooks are fatal to dogs if ingested. A safer alternative is to hang ornaments with a loop of string.
Ornaments themselves can be dangerous—especially those made of glass. Keep fragile, breakable ornaments out of your dog’s reach and strongly secured on a sturdy branch.
GIFTS:
Perfumes and after-shaves contain ethanol (alcohol) and perfume also contains essential oils which can be very toxic to dogs if ingested.
Some gifts require batteries. Batteries for toys or other gifts can be toxic and cause intestinal obstruction. Keep in a safe place until they are ready to be inserted in the gift.
CHRISTMAS TREES:
Place Christmas trees in a stable stand, and attach the tree securely to a window or wall with something like fish line. To keep pets away from the tree, it may help to use a Scat Mat. While most dog owners use an indoor exercise pen to provide a safe place for a pet to play, during the holidays, some people place the pen around the tree. Even though you take precautions, make sure your dog is always supervised when in a room with a tree.
Tree needles can be toxic and cause mouth and stomach irritation. Even needles and the wire of artificial trees could pose a problem. Be sure your dog is not chewing on branches or eating fallen needles.
Tinsel’s shininess is attractive. When eaten, it can cause blockages, which often require surgery to remove. Leave tinsel off the tree altogether.
Angel hair, flocking, and artificial snow are mildly toxic. If consumed in larger amounts, however, they could cause blockage of the intestine. Try decorating with something less likely to cause a problem.
Chewing on electrical cords, including cords of lights can cause problems ranging from burned mouths, to electrical shock to death by electrocution. Some larger lights can become quite hot, and could also cause burns. Unplug decorative lights when you are not there, use pet-proof extension cords, and spray cords with a product such as Bitter Apple or Chew Stop.
Because tree preservatives are often sugar-based (and inviting to dogs) and because the water stands so long, the water in the tree stand often harbors potentially harmful bacteria. Fertilizers, insecticides, or flame retardants that were used on the tree may also get into the water. Cover the stand with a tree skirt or use other means to prevent access to the water.
November 30, 2011
A Healthy Weight is a Happy Dog
The Holidays are here! Along with all the fun festivities going on it is also a great time to talk about an important factor in your dog’s health: Canine Obesity.
Canine obesity is one of the fastest growing health problems seen in dogs today. As with people, obesity can lead to a variety of diseases, disorders and other complications in dogs.
Keep in mind your dog’s health when they are begging for holiday scraps. Managing your dog’s weight starts with prevention. Many pet owners are too eager to please. They don’t carefully monitor their pets’ weight and succumb too often to animals that beg and whimper for more.
Poor diet and lack of exercise are the key culprits to an overweight dog. While a balanced diet and treats in proper amounts are fine, overindulgence leads to a “couch pet-tato.” At this point, a change in eating habits is in order along with increased exercise and play to help work off excess calories.
Set all excuses aside … excessive weight in an otherwise healthy pet is a direct result of consuming unnecessary amounts of food. Schedule time to play fetch or tug-of-war. The most important thing is to make a commitment to a plan and stick with it. Your dog is at your mercy. Dogs need daily exercise; it is one of their most basic needs. In general, most dogs should get 1-2 hours of exercise a day to help keep them healthy. Your dog may need more or less depending on age, breed and weight.
Finally, genetic predisposition is a big factor. Certain dog breeds are simply more prone to obesity than others, such as English Bulldogs, Beagles, Dachshunds, Pugs, Dalmatians and Cocker Spaniels – just to name just a few.
Canine obesity is dangerous because it can lead to a great number of health problems such as: Cardiac disease, diabetes, hypertension, orthopedic injuries (ie. Cruciate ligament rupture or patellar luxation), respiratory disorders and various form of cancer.
There are some basic things you can do at home to evaluate your dog’s weight. Contact your vet if you suspect a problem.
- Running your hands along your dog’s ribcage, you should be able to palpate the rubs covered by a thin layer fat. Not being able to feel the ribs is a sign of an overweight dog!
- Looking at your dog from the side, you should be able to see the upward tuck of the abdomen. An overweight dog will have very little or no tuck.
- Viewing your dog from above, there should be a moderate narrowing at the waist just past the ribcage. A straight or bulging line from the ribcage to the hips indicates an overweight dog.