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manners for your maladjusted mutt
 


Current Affairs:

Items noteworthy to dog lovers; check back often for updates! Last updated February 8, 2008

 

Canine Good Citizen testing in April

The Pooch Professor will be doing Canine Good Citizen testing at the Atlanta Humane Society's Pet Parade--A Walk for Animals on April 12th, 2008. The event is at Candler Park, near Little Five Points.

If you think your pooch can pass the test, call (404) 974-2899 to schedule an appointment, or email me.

Testing will be from 10 am to noon, and appointments are strongly encouraged.

The fee is a $20 donation to the Atlanta Humane Society, payable by cash or check on the day of the test. This fee is not refunded if your dog fails the test. In the event of a failure, I will show you what to work on, and you may retake the test at a future date (fees still apply).

Participation in the Pet Parade is not required for you to come test. But if you'd like to know more, and help out my animal charity of choice in the process, here is the information. Pet Parade is a fun, family event that includes your pets.

If you can't make this CGC test, I'll be doing another one in the fall.

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Winter Fun With Your Pooch

I like winter. I like the cold, snappy air, the clear blue skies, and the way the dogs frolic.

I like snow, too, but of course I rarely get it here, in Georgia. Northerners laugh at me for liking it, mostly because they've grown up and forgotten its wonder. They are tired of it. But they haven't experienced the frustration and shame of trying to sled down a hill on a pile of leaves, have they?

"In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks." ~ John Muir

There's nothing like taking a walk on a crisp winter day with your dog. Not only does it burn energy for both of you, but at a time when most people are happy to stay bundled up indoors, the true nature-lovers (human and dog alike) find sights, smells and sounds that winter brings to be a delight. Follow these tips to make your outdoor time most enjoyable.

This photo of Euchre the hound mix was taken by his owner Anna Skowronek, who lives in Michigan.

If you take your dog hiking in wooded areas, be sure to

  • make sure dogs are allowed at your designated hiking spot, and obey the leash laws
  • pick up your dog's waste, even if he doesn't "doo" it on or near the trail
  • keep your dog from disturbing wildlife or other hikers

While walking on city streets:

  • beware of ice and snow/slick areas which can cause a slip or fall
  • consider having your pooch wear a sweater if he has short fur or doesn't get out much
  • the salt substance used to de-ice roadways can burn your dog's paw pads, so rinse them well and dry with a towel when you get home.

Regardless of venue, take lots of water for you and your dog.

Dehydration is more prevalent in winter because we don't always feel thirsty like in summer, but we are constantly losing precious fluids with exercise. Also, check between the dog's paw pads often to remove ice or snow that may have caked and frozen there.

Notice the sights around you! Bare tree branches create interesting patterns against blue sky, especially at sunup or twilight. Certain species of plants only bloom in the wintertime (such as Camellia, Winter jasmine, and Winter honeysuckle). Look for interesting, colorful bark and berries, too. Evergreens stand out in the otherwise stark landscape.

Dogs often seem friskier in the colder air, especially those with thick coats who overheat too quickly in hotter weather. They'll keep you on your toes! Though we don't get to experience it much here in Georgia, watching dogs frolic in snow is one of life's greatest pleasures. Enjoy!

Phoebe belongs to Nicole Marud, who took these photos at their home in Saskachewan, Canada. Brr!

Also, if you are going to a place where Fido might be able to be off-leash, make sure he is off-leash trained first! How can you tell? This article can help.



 

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QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR DOG'S FOOD?

The best person to help you choose the right food for your pooch is your veterinarian. Your dog may have special nutritional requirements, or may have health conditions that certain foods could exacerbate, or possibly fix.

But not all veterinarians, sadly, have a wealth of knowledge about nutrition. if you need more information than your vet can give you, check out this link. There are a lot of different foods, and a lot of ways to feed. If you read too much, and talk to too many people, you'll get horribly confused. This is a decent link to help you with commercial dog foods.

Dog Food Analysis

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New puppy in the family? This book and DVD will help make training a snap.

Two of my very favorite canine professionals have written another winner! My Smart Puppy will help you get started on the right paw with your new pup, and it comes with a great DVD, too. Packed with lots of great information (and a whole pile of cute puppies), My Smart Puppy belongs on every puppy owner's bookshelf.

Brian Kilcommons and wife Sarah Wilson have been training for many years. Brian has appeared on numerous TV news shows and their articles have been featured in several publications, including Parade magazine. They are the authors of some of my favorite books, too.

Their expertise shines through in this book and well-produced video that no puppy owner should be without.

Order My Smart Puppy!

 

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Announcing a great option for Northwest GA dog owners: the Georgia Dog Gym in Rome!

If you are located near Rome, Georgia and need doggy daycare, boarding, or training, look no further than the Georgia Dog Gym. Owners Cyndy Douan and husband Jeff White say it's the largest facility of its kind in Georgia, and busy dog owners will love the convenience and amenities it offers. Check out their website here: Georgia Dog Gym

Your pooch will relax in style, and you'll have peace of mind while you are away, or just working. Give them a call today!

Georgia Dog Gym
35 Fred Kelly Road
Rome, GA 30161

706-378-BARK

 


 

© Mailey McLaughlin, M.Ed.
The Pooch Professor