Shared Article – The emotional toll of a reactive dog by Jay Gurden-Dogs Today

< a short link to this post – http://bit.ly/SharedGurenEmotional >

I recently came across this article on Facebook and had to share it. I too have lived with a reactive and severely aggressive dog and can testify that it is not easy and there is a huge emotional toll. I have no regrets because with lots of help and guidance we cured my dog ( FMITikken – Vaccines, Aggression, OCD, & Homeopathyhttp://bit.ly/TikkensAggxStory ) and she lived several more year without any behavioral problems. However, in many ways, my situation made living with a reactive dog easier than it would be for most people. Caring for Tikken during her behavioral issues was a multi-year project, and I have no regrets about doing it. However, Paula and I were able to do it because; we did not have any children to worry about, we both worked at a business attached to our home, so one of us was always there 24//7, and the architecture of our home is such that it was easy to compartmentalize areas where Tikken was allowed unsupervised. That being said, it was emotionally draining. If we had not been fortunate enough to have all of those advantages, Tikken’s life may have had a very different ending. I think it is essential for all pet care professional to realize and understand that not all pet parents will be able to manage and care for a reactive dog and accept that fact, along with the fact that the number of people looking to adopt such a dog is very small.

I cannot thank Jay Gurden enough for writing this article because I believe it is one that should be read by anyone with a reactive dog. < click to read >

Recommended Resources

Articles on Don’s Blog

( http://www.words-woofs-meows.com )

Tikken – Vaccines, Aggression, OCD, & Homeopathyhttp://bit.ly/TikkensAggxStory

Help! My Dog is Aggressive, Reactive, Fearful, Anxious, etc. – What do I do? – WWM – APR2017 – http://bit.ly/HelpDogAggx

Things I Wish I Had Known… The Importance of What I Feed My Pets

< A version of this article will be published in the March 2019 issue of Downeast Dog News >

< A short link to this article – bit.ly/Things-Nutrition-1 >

When I brought home my first puppy in 1975, I bought the dog food recommended by her veterinarian. When I got married, and both my dog and Paula’s dog came to live with us, our only thought about dog food was budgetary. I now know that feeding the food that costs the least per pound can have significant hidden health costs.

In 1991 my wife and brought home our first puppy as a couple. On the advice of Paula’s employer, a veterinarian, we fed him a premium pet food. Within a year Gus developed a chronic urinary infection which his veterinarian believed was related to how he processed food.  Thus begin our journey of learning about pet nutrition. Late in 1995, we relocated to Maine where we became the new owners of the Green Acres Kennel Shop. Gus was still struggling with urinary and bladder issues, and we were committed to learning all that we could about the best nutrition for our pets and those of our clients. Eventually, we found a food that helped Gus, and we also begin to look very critically at every pet food we sold.  (FMIhttp://bit.ly/Gus-Nutrition).

I am often asked by clients how they can learn more about their pet’s nutritional needs, something I encourage every pet parent to consider, and these are the resources I recommend.

Books

Ruined by Excess, Perfected by Lack, by Dr. Richard Patton. While very technical, I believe this book does the best job of explaining the science and rationale for feeding our pets a biologically appropriate diet. ( FMI – Podcast –  http://bit.ly/DrPatton-Podcast, Videohttp://bit.ly/Video-Dr-Richard-Patton, Book reviewhttp://bit.ly/RuinedByExcess-BookReview ).

Dog Food Logic – Making Smart Decisions For Your Dog In An Age Of Too Many Choices, by Linda Case. A good review of dog nutrition, the pet food industry and what dog parents should look for and even more importantly, look to avoid.

Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats – The Ultimate Diet, by Kymythy Schultze.  If you want to learn how to feed your pets a raw and natural diet that you make, from ingredients that you choose, this is the best place to start. NOTE: I specifically recommend against anyone feeding their pets a homemade diet if they have not done adequate research. If you fail to formulate an appropriate diet, you can harm your pet. This book provides sound advice.

See Spot Live Longer, by Steve Brown and Beth Taylor. By the founder of Steve’s Real Food for Pets, this book is an excellent introduction for anyone considering feeding a raw diet. Steve’s second book, Unlocking the Canine Ancestral Diet, is also another excellent book for understanding the benefits of feeding raw, even if it is not for every meal. ( FMI – Podcast http://bit.ly/WfMw-SteveBrown-2010 ).

Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats by Richard H. Pitcairn, DVM, Ph.D. This book was the one that initiated our search for natural healthcare and nutrition alternatives for Gus. The recipes for pet food are sound, but a bit biased towards grain and carbohydrates.

The Truth About Pet Foods by Dr. Randy Wysong. This book by Dr. Wysong dramatically changed my view of the pet food industry. It went from my naïve presumption that all pet food companies must be trustworthy to one of “buyer beware. A veterinarian and the owner of a pet food company, Wysong’s approach is very non-conventional. In this book, he states “It seems that the ideal would be for people to make their own pet foods.” Wow! The owner of a dog food company suggesting that pets will be healthier if their owners make their food from fresh, whole ingredients instead of feeding commercial dog food. Dr. Wysong is someone I can respect and trust. He was also the first person to help me understand the importance of rotating what we feed our pets and the reasons not to food them the same food day after day. (FMIWhy Rotating Diets Makes Sense http://bit.ly/DietRotation ). (FMI – download the book for free –  http://bit.ly/WysongTheTruthAboutPetFoods-pdf )

Videos

Pet Fooled – A Look Inside A Questionable Industry is a 2016 documentary film about the pet food industry. Everyone I know who has seen Pet Fooled has a new attitude about what they feed their pet. The film is available on Netflix and other video-on-demand services listed at the Pet Fooled web site ( https://www.petfooled.com/ ). The filmmaker also maintains a Facebook page with valuable information on the pet food industry (

https://www.facebook.com/petfooled/ ). You can listen to an interview with Kohl Harrington, the director of Pet Fooled at  http://bit.ly/WfMw-Pet-Fooled

The Science and Dogma of Pet Nutrition with Dr. Richard Patton – This is a video of a presentation that Dr. Patton did for Green Acres Kennel Shop in April of 2016. ( http://bit.ly/Video-Dr-Richard-Patton )

________________________________________________________________________
Don Hanson is the co-owner of the Green Acres Kennel Shop ( greenacreskennel.com ) in Bangor, ME where he has been helping people with their pets since 1995. He is a Bach Foundation Registered Animal Practitioner (BFRAP), Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Associate Certified Cat Behavior Consultant (ACCBC) and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). Don is a member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) and is committed to PPG’s Guiding Principles and the Pain-Free, Force-Free, and Fear-Free training, management, and care of all pets. Don produces and co-hosts a weekly radio show and podcast, The Woof Meow Show, that airs on Z62 Retro Radio WZON (AM620) and WKIT 103.3-HD3 and is streamed at http://bit.ly/AM620-WZON every Saturday at 9 AM. Podcasts of the show are available at http://woofmeowshow.libsyn.com/, the Apple Podcast app, and at Don’s blog: www.words-woofs-meows.com.  The opinions in this post are those of Don Hanson.

©04MAR19, Donald J. Hanson, All Rights Reserved
< Click for Copyright and Use Policy >

Podcast – Spaying and Neutering Your Pet with Dr. Mark Hanks from Kindred Spirits Veterinary Clinic

< Click to Listen to Podcast >

< A short link to this article http://bit.ly/WfMw-Spay-Neuther2019 >

Spay and Neuter Awareness Month starts on February 1st. Because this is such an important topic, we do a show on it every year. Ten years ago, the decision of whether to spay and neuter and when to do so was much more straightforward. As new information has become available spaying and neutering has gotten a bit more confusing, especially the timing of spaying and neutering. Don has been known to say that if you ask five pet care professionals about spaying and neutering, you may get seven different opinions. Spaying and neutering have implications for animal welfare as well as physical and behavioral health, and it is a topic that every pet owner needs to discuss with their veterinarian. Today, Don will be talking to Dr. Mark Hanks from the Kindred Spirits Veterinary Clinic to help end some of the confusion of this critical topic. If you have a pet that is not spayed or neutered, you will not want to miss this show.

You can hear The Woof Meow Show on Z62 Retro Radio, AM620, and WKIT HD3 at 9 AM on Saturday. If you are not near a radio, listen on your computer at http://bit.ly/AM620-WZON or your smartphone or tablet with the free WZON 620 AM app. A podcast of the show is typically posted immediately after the show. You can download this show and others at http://woofmeowshow.libsyn.com/, at Don’s blog http://bit.ly/Words-Woofs-Meows and the Apple iTunes store.

< Click to Listen to Podcast >

To Contact Dr. Hanks

Kindred Spirits Veterinary Clinic
857 River Road
Orrington, ME 04474-3603

(207) 825-8989

Emailreception@kindredvet.com

Websitehttp://www.kindredvet.com/

Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/kindredspiritsvet/

Recommended Resources

Articles on Don’s Blog
( http://www.words-woofs-meows.com )

Shared Article – The Neutering Controversy Understanding Data on Hormones, Behavior, and Neoplasia – < Click to Read >

Podcasts from The Woof Meow Show
( http://www.woofmeowshow.com )

Podcast – The Importance of Spaying and Neutering with Dr. Katie Carter of the River Road Veterinary Hospital (2018) – < Click to Access >

Podcast – Spaying and Neutering with Dr. David Cloutier from Veazie Veterinary Clinic (2017) – < Click to Access >

Articles on the Web – Spaying and Neutering

Risks and Benefits to Spaying/Neutering Your Dog – The Whole Dog Journal – by Denise Flaim – updated June 19, 2018 – < Click to Read >

Spaying and Neutering – AVMA Website – < Click to Read >

Spay/Neuter Your Pet – ASPCA Website – < Click to Read >

Spaying/Neutering – American Humane Website – < Click to Read >

Articles on the Web – Spaying and Neutering & Behavior

Are There Behavior Changes When Dogs Are Spayed or Neutered? – Psychology Today, Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC – < Click to Read >

Behavioral and Physical Effects of Spaying and Neutering Domestic Dogs (Canis familiaris) Summary of findings detailed in a Masters thesis submitted to and accepted by Hunter College by Parvene Farhoody in May 2010. –  < Click to Read >

Academic Papers

Neutering Dogs: Effects on Joint Disorders and Cancers in Golden Retrievers – Torres de la Riva et al. – < Click to Read >

 

©11FEB19, Donald J. Hanson, All Rights Reserved
< Click for Copyright and Use Policy >

Podcast – The Benefits of Training Your Dog and 2019 Classes at Green Acres

< A short link to this pagehttp://bit.ly/WfMw-Training2019 >

< Click to Listen to Podcast >

In this episode of The Woof Meow Show from December 8th, 2018 Kate and Don discuss the many benefits of training your precious pup. They consider how teaching your dog to have some basic manners can allow your dog to be with you more often and in more places. They address how training will help keep your dog safe and how it can strengthen the bond between you and your canine companion. Next Don and Kate discuss what to look for in a dog trainer and what to avoid. They also help you learn what to look for in a dog training class. Lastly, they review the dog training classes Green Acres Kennel Shop has scheduled for 2019.

You can hear The Woof Meow Show on Z62 Retro Radio, AM620, and WKIT HD3 at 9 AM on Saturday. If you are not near a radio, listen on your computer at http://bit.ly/AM620-WZON or your smartphone or tablet with the free WZON 620 AM app. A podcast of the show is typically posted immediately after the show. You can download this show and others at http://woofmeowshow.libsyn.com/, at Don’s blog http://bit.ly/Words-Woofs-Meows and the Apple iTunes store.

< Click to Listen to Podcast >

Contact Info

Green Acres Kennel Shop
1653 Union Street, Bangor, ME 04401
207-945-6841

Website – https://www.greenacreskennel.com/
Facebook Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/GreenAcresKennelShop/
Blog https://www.words-woofs-meows.com

Recommended Resources

Articles on Don’s Blog ( http://www.words-woofs-meows.com )

 

How to choose a dog trainer – http://bit.ly/HowToChooseADogTrainer

Things I Wish I Had Known Before I Started Training Dogs – Gus, the Dominance Myth, An Alpha Roll, and a Damaged Relationship – WWM-SEP2018 http://bit.ly/Things-Gus-Dominance

Things I Wish I Had Known Before I Selected My First Dog – Aversives are Unnecessary and Counter-Productive When Training A Dog – Part 1 – WWM-JAN2019http://bit.ly/Things-Aversives-1

Things I Wish I Had Known Before I Selected My First Dog – Aversives are Unnecessary and Counter-Productive When Training A Dog – Part 2 – WWM-FEB2019 –  http://bit.ly/Things-Aversives-2

Green Acres Kennel Shop Position Statement on Pet-Friendly, Force-Free Pet Care –  http://bit.ly/GAKS_Pet-Friendly

Green Acres Kennel Shop Position Statement on the Use of Dominance and Punishment for the Training and Behavior Modification of Dogs – http://bit.ly/GAKS-Pos-NoPain-NoForceNoFear

The Unintended Consequences of Shock Collars – http://bit.ly/ShockCollars

Podcasts from The Woof Meow Show
( http://www.woofmeowshow.com )

<Click on the title to listen to the show>

How to choose a dog trainerKate and Don discuss what to look for when selecting a dog trainer and dog training class, as well as what to avoid. Dog training and recommended approaches to training a dog have changed dramatically as we have learned more about canines. As a result, we now know that some long-standing methods used to train a dog in the past, are in fact detrimental and can cause severe and long-term harm to your dog. Learn what to look for so that you and your dog have the best experience possible.

 

©07FEB19, Donald J. Hanson, All Rights Reserved
< Click for Copyright and Use Policy >

Podcast – Dental Care for Pets 2019 with Dr. Katie Carter – 26JAN19

< A Short Link to this page – http://bit.ly/WfMw-PetDental2019 >

< Click to Listen to Podcast >

In this episode of The Woof Meow Show from January 26th, 2019 Don interviews Dr. Katie Carter from River Road Veterinary Hospital about pet dental care and the importance of preventing and treating periodontal disease in your pet. Chronic inflammation or an infection in your pet’s mouth, gingivitis, is every bit as serious as an infection anywhere else. When left untreated, periodontal disease can spread bacteria to the liver, the kidneys, the heart, and even the nervous system.

During the show, Dr. Carter describes a typical dental exam and the teeth cleaning process. She explains why a dental for our pets is done under general anesthesia and the many steps a veterinarian takes to make sure that process is as safe as possible for every pet. We also discuss preventative care for dental health and breeds that are more susceptible to periodontal disease.

Learn how you can improve your pet’s life by taking care of their mouth!

You can hear The Woof Meow Show on Z62 Retro Radio, AM620, and WKIT HD3 at 9 AM on Saturday. If you are not near a radio, listen on your computer at http://bit.ly/AM620-WZON or your smartphone or tablet with the free WZON 620 AM app. A podcast of the show is typically posted immediately after the show. You can download this show and others at http://woofmeowshow.libsyn.com/ at Don’s blog  http://bit.ly/Words-Woofs-Meows and the Apple iTunes store.

< Click to Listen to Podcast >

Contact Info for Dr. Carter

Dr. Katie Carter
River Road Veterinary Hospital
210 River Road, Orrington, ME 04416

(207) 825-2105

http://riverroadvet.com/

https://www.facebook.com/riverroadvet/

 

Recommended Resources

Articles on Don’s Blog ( http://www.words-woofs-meows.com )

Health & Wellness – Pet Dental Care – < Click to Read >

Products We Recommend – ProDen PlaqueOff® –- < Click to Read >

Podcasts from The Woof Meow Show
( http://www.woofmeowshow.com )

Podcast – Pet Dental Care with Dr. Katie Carter from River Road Veterinary Hospital – 2017< Click >

Introducing Dr. Katie Carter from River Road Veterinary Hospital – < Click >

 

©4FEB19, Donald J. Hanson, All Rights Reserved
< Click for Copyright and Use Policy >

Products We Recommend – ProDen PlaqueOff®

ProDen PlaqueOff® is an all-natural pet dental product that helps reduce tartar and makes your pet’s teeth whiter and cleaner; keeping your pets mouth and teeth healthy. It is effective against bad breath, plaque, and tartar. Unlike some dental products for pets, it is extremely easy to use; you simply sprinkle it on their food or give it to your pet as a treat.

Your pet’s dental health is a very serious issue. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), periodontal disease is the most commonly diagnosed health concern in dogs and cats. Periodontal disease is a chronic infection, and it has been linked to; Diabetes, Heart attacks, Strokes, Kidney disease, Tooth loss, and other life-threatening disorders.

FMI – < click to read – Health & Wellness – Pet Dental Care > < click to listen to Podcast – Dental Care for Pets 2019 with Dr. Katie Carter – 26JAN19 >

The active ingredient in ProDen PlaqueOff® is a specially selected algae harvested in the North Atlantic, Norwegian Seaweed (D1070). ProDen PlaqueOff® Powder has been found to have specific beneficial effects for oral care, reducing bad breath by up to 63% after 12 weeks and reduces plaque by up to 35% after the first eight weeks. It may be used with both dogs and cats. PlaqueOff® Powder comes in a granulated form which is easily added to your pet’s food every day. It is rich in natural iodine and contains important vitamins and minerals. Unlike many other dental products for pets, PlaqueOff® is free from artificial colors, preservatives, gluten, and sugar. ProDen PlaqueOff® Powder Cat contains all the benefits of ProDen PlaqueOff® Powder, but with added brewer’s yeast.

Don and Paula started using PlaqueOff® Powder with their cat Boomer in October of 2017. In three months they saw enough improvement with his teeth that they decided to add PlaqueOff to the products we sell at Green Acres.

ProDen PlaqueOff® Dental Bites deliver all the benefits of PlaqueOff® Powder, inconvenient and tasty little bites your pets will love! Dental Bites are grain and gluten free as well as vegetarian! They are free from additives, sugar, and artificial preservatives. They prevent dental plaque from sticking to the teeth and soften already existing tartar deposits.

Don and Paula’s dog Muppy gets two PlaqueOff® Dental Bites at bedtime every night to help her keep keep her beautiful smile.

PlaqueOff® Dental Bites and PlaqueOff® Dental Powder have been accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). VOHC exists to recognize products that meet pre-set standards of plaque and calculus (tartar) retardation in dogs and cats. Products are awarded the VOHC Seal of Acceptance following review of data from trials conducted according to VOHC protocols. The VOHC does not test products itself. Regular use of products carrying the VOHC Seal will reduce the severity of periodontal disease in pets.

Recommended Resources

Articles on Don’s Blog
( http://www.words-woofs-meows.com )

Health & Wellness – Pet Dental Care – < Click to Read >

Podcasts from The Woof Meow Show
( http://www.woofmeowshow.com )

Podcast – Pet Dental Care with Dr. Katie Carter from River Road Veterinary Hospital – 2019< Click >

Web Sites

ProDen PlaqueOff® websitehttps://www.swedencareusa.com/

Veterinary Oral Health Council websitehttp://www.vohc.org/

©4-Feb-19, Donald J. Hanson, All Rights Reserved
< Click for Copyright and Use Policy >

Products We Recommend – Chasing Our Tails Smoked Marrow Bones

Chasing Our Tails is a New Hampshire based company producing premium, natural products for your pets. Green Acres Kennel Shop has carried a variety of smoked bones over the years, and this is the best product we have found. The smoked bones from Chasing Our Tails are hardwood smoked at 145 degrees with their proven process that kills bacteria but does not compromise the integrity of the bone. Bones are a natural product, and everyone has the potential to splinter or crack; however, we have found the Chasing Our Tails bones to be very durable. Because Chasing Our Tails uses the ancient French technique of charcuterie to prepare these bones, the marrow does not melt out, making them more desirable to our dogs and less messy than some other products. Chasing Our Tails smoked bones are sourced and prepared in the USA without the use of formaldehyde, mold inhibitors or preservatives. They are available in a wide variety of sizes.

These smoked marrow bones can be great for keeping your dog busy. The photo above is of Kate’s dog Cinder on Christmas day when all three dogs were given Chasing Our Tails bones to occupy them while the family ate Christmas dinner. Bones can also be helpful in keeping your dog’s teeth clean and in preventing periodontal disease.

Your pet’s dental health is a very serious issue. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), periodontal disease is the most commonly diagnosed health concern in dogs and cats. Periodontal disease is a chronic infection, and it has been linked to; Diabetes, Heart attacks, Strokes, Kidney disease, Tooth loss, and other life-threatening disorders. Bones can be helpful in keeping your dog’s teeth clean.

 

 

Recommended Resources

Articles on Don’s Blog
( http://www.words-woofs-meows.com )

 Chewing – < Click to Read >

Health & Wellness – Pet Dental Care – < Click to Read >

 

©4-Feb-19, Donald J. Hanson, All Rights Reserved
< Click for Copyright and Use Policy >

Things I Wish I Had Known Before I Selected My First Dog – Aversives are Unnecessary and Counter-Productive When Training A Dog – Part 2

< A version of this article was published in the February 2019 issue of Downeast Dog News >

< A short link to this article on my blog – < http://bit.ly/Things-Aversives-2 >

< A short link to all the articles in this series – http://bit.ly/ThingsIWishIHadKnown >

Last month I described how in 1991 I had been told to use a choke collar to train our dog Gus and how that damaged our relationship. I defined the term “aversive” and discussed the use of choke and prong collars, two of the most common aversives used to train dogs. ( FMI – http://bit.ly/Things-Aversives-1 )

Today, the most extreme aversive used with dogs is the electric shock collar. A shock collar works by administering a shock to the dog’s neck to stop a behavior (positive punishment) or continuously shocks the dog until they do the desired behavior (negative reinforcement). Shock collars are promoted for remote training, containment, and to stop barking. Some trainers even routinely recommend shock be used to train a puppy to sit. All objectives that a knowledgeable and skilled trainer or behavior consultant can achieve without the use of aversives.

Why people choose to use a shock collar on a dog that is allegedly their best friend is a mystery to me. ( FMIhttp://bit.ly/BestFriendsAndShock ) Based on experience with some of my clients I believe that they did not understand that the shock from a shock collar needs to hurt their dog to be effective. These individuals had been convinced to use a shock collar because they had been told it would allow their dog more freedom and then were appalled the first time their dog was shocked, and they heard her yelp in pain. They never used the shock collar again. Unfortunately, the marketing materials for shock products are not always clear about their aversive nature.

Why a canine professional would ever recommend any aversive, but especially a shock collar, is even more unsettling. It may be because they have elected not to keep learning.  Veterinary behaviorist, Dr. Lisa Radosta noted in the 2017 documentary film Dogs, Cats, and Scapegoats: “If your trainer is still using pinch collars and choke collars they haven’t read a book or gone to a scientifically based seminar in 25 years.” That is why when choosing a dog training professional it is essential to make sure that they have been certified by an organization that mandates continuing education. ( FMI – http://bit.ly/HowToChooseADogTrainer ).

Experts in animal behavior know that the use of electric shock can be extremely harmful. That is why the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and The Pet Professional Guild (PPG) have taken positions that shock collars should NEVER be used. It is why shock collars have been banned in many countries, and why many more are working towards that goal. You can find a list of scientific resources on the dangers of shock on my blog at http://bit.ly/SayNoToShock.

Electric shocks are painful, but it is equally important to understand that there are other tools that are used with dogs with the intention of causing physical or emotional pain/discomfort. These include, but are not limited to air horns, alpha rolls, beating, cattle prods, choke collars, citronella collars, dominance downs, lunge whips, pinch/prong collars, squirt bottles, starving or withholding food, throw chains, and more.

What many people do not realize is that anything that makes your dog anxious, afraid or uncomfortable is an aversive, even if you did not intend for it to be aversive. For example, within days of adopting our current dog, Muppy, she was sitting on my lap for some snuggle time when I sneezed. Muppy bolted off of my lap and ran out of the room. When I found her she was trembling, her tail was tucked, her head was down, her mouth was closed, and she was avoiding eye contact. She did not feel comfortable approaching me until I got down on the floor, looking the other way, allowing her to decide if she wanted to approach. She eventually did, and we resumed snuggling, but she continued to react in this manner every time I sneezed for several months. We finally got past this, but it took a concerted effort on my part.

I have had clients with dogs that have experienced a shock collar who will no longer enter an area where they received the shock. Others that have a panic attack anytime they hear something that is even remotely similar to the sound made by the shock collar. Some aggressively bark, growl, and lunge at any child because that is what they were focused on when they received the shock.  I know I could never put a dog through that, especially knowing that it is NEVER necessary.

I was fortunate; I learned how to train and care for a dog with management and positive reinforcement before shock collars became the latest fad. I hope that by reading this, you can avoid causing your dog unnecessary pain.

My next column in this series will address reward-based training and why it is the most humane and most effective way to train a dog.

If you agree that the use of shock collars is harmful to dogs, I encourage you to join the many people throughout the world that have signed the Shock-Free pledge. You may pledge and join the Maine chapter of the Shock-Free Coalition at http://bit.ly/Shock-FreeME-Chapter. You can follow our activities on Facebook at http://bit.ly/ShockFreeMEFB

If you are reading this and not from Maine, check out these links:

https://www.shockfree.org/ and https://www.facebook.com/shockfreecoalition/. The Shock-Free Coalition is an international project and we value your support no matter where you live.

Recommended Resources

Articles on Don’s Blog ( http://www.words-woofs-meows.com )

Things I Wish I Had Known Before I Selected My First Dog – Aversives are Unnecessary and Counter-Productive When Training A Dog – Part 1 – WWM-JAN2019 http://bit.ly/Things-Aversives-1

Things I Wish I Had Known Before I Started Training Dogs – Gus, the Dominance Myth, An Alpha Roll, and a Damaged Relationship – WWM-SEP2018 – http://bit.ly/Things-Gus-Dominance

Is Your Dog Your Best Friend or a Family Member? – WWM-OCT2017 –   http://bit.ly/BestFriendsAndShock

What Is Dog Training?http://bit.ly/WhatIsDogTraining

Reward Based Training versus Aversiveshttp://bit.ly/RewardVSAversive

Thank You, PPG, and Gus Too! – from the May 2017 issue of the Pet Professional Guild journal, BARKS from the Guildhttp://bit.ly/ThanksPPG-Gus

Dog Training – How science and reward-based training have pulled dog training out of the dark ages – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/04/21/dog-training-how-science-and-reward-based-training-have-pulled-dog-training-out-of-the-dark-ages/

Selecting A Pet Care Provider – Yes! A Trend Towards Kinder and Gentler Professional Pet Care – Green Acres Kennel Shop’s “Pet-Friendly” Philosophy – Part 1http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2015/04/02/yes-a-trend-towards-kinder-and-gentler-professional-pet-care-green-acres-kennel-shops-pet-friendly-philosophy-part-1/

Selecting A Pet Care Provider – Yes! A Trend Towards Kinder and Gentler Professional Pet Care – The PPG – Part 2http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2015/05/02/selecting-a-pet-care-provider-yes-a-trend-towards-kinder-and-gentler-professional-pet-care-the-ppg-part-2/

 

Podcasts from The Woof Meow Show
( http://www.woofmeowshow.com )

<Click on the title to listen to the show>

The Unintended Consequences of Shock Collars

The Pet Professional Guild and the Shock-Free Coalition with Niki Tudge

Yes! A Trend Towards Kinder and Gentler Professional Pet Care – Green Acres Kennel Shop’s “Pet-Friendly” Philosophy

Yes! A Trend Towards Kinder and Gentler Professional Pet Care – The Pet Professional Guild and Force-Free Pet Care with Niki Tudge

Pet Behavior, Vets & The AAHA Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines – Dr. Dave Cloutier – Veazie Veterinary Clinic

 

Other Publications & Blogs

BARKS from the Guild – May 2017 – Thank You, PPG, and Gus Too! https://issuu.com/petprofessionalguild/docs/bftg_may_2017_online_edition_opt/58

BARKS blog – Choke Collar Pathologyhttp://ppgworldservices.com/2017/06/13/choke-collar-pathology/

 

Videos

Dogs, Cats, and Scapegoats (The entire film)    https://vimeo.com/230807934

Malignant Behavior: The Cesar Millan Effect (from Dogs, Cats, and Scapegoats ) https://vimeo.com/243498663?fbclid=IwAR3RYOlIP7LeePV0B8ZaHhed5pPDYZbPu8KQbXNxfzOodWCRKspgcSQrwnc

Dogs, Cats, and Scapegoats – The Mind of Cesar Millanhttps://vimeo.com/236013182

Position Statements

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB)

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior AVSAB Position Statement on the Use of Dominance Theory in Behavior Modification of Animalshttps://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Dominance_Position_Statement_download-10-3-14.pdf

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior AVSAB Position Statement on The Use of Punishment for Behavior Modification in Animals – https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Punishment_Position_Statement-download_-_10-6-14.pdf

Green Acres Kennel Shop

Green Acres Kennel Shop Position Statement on Pet-Friendly, Force-Free Pet Carehttp://bit.ly/GAKS_Pet-Friendly

Green Acres Kennel Shop Position on the Use of Dominance and Punishment for the Training and Behavior Modification of Dogshttp://bit.ly/GAKS-Pos-NoPain-NoForceNoFear

 Pet Professional Guild (PPG)

Pet Professional Guild – Guiding Principleshttp://www.bit.ly/2mUCTqN

Pet Professional Guild – Position Statement – The Use of Choke and Prong Collars – https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/chokeandprongcollarpositionstatement

Pet Professional Guild – Position Statement – The Use of Pet Correction Devices – https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/Equipment-Used-for-the-Management-Training-and-Care-of-Pets

Pet Professional Guild – Position Statement – The Use of Shock in Animal Training – https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/shockcollars

 Books

Dog Smart: Evidence-based Training with The Science Dog, Linda P. Case, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2018read a review at http://bit.ly/BkRvw-Case-DogSmart

Don’t Shoot the Dog – The New Art of Teaching and Training (2ndedition), Karen Pryor, Bantam Books, 1999.

The Culture Clash, Jean Donaldson, James & Kenneth Publishers, 2005.

The Power of Positive Dog Training, Pat Miller, Howell Book House, 2001.

 

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Don Hanson is the co-owner of the Green Acres Kennel Shop ( greenacreskennel.com ) in Bangor, Maine where he has been helping people with their pets since 1995. He is a Bach Foundation Registered Animal Practitioner (BFRAP), Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Associate Certified Cat Behavior Consultant (ACCBC) and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). Don is a member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) and is committed to PPG’s Guiding Principles and the Pain-Free, Force-Free, and Fear-Free training, management, and care of all pets. Don produces and co-hosts a weekly radio show and podcast, The Woof Meow Show heard on AM620 WZON and streamed at http://www.wzonam.com/ every Saturday at 9 AM. Podcasts of the show are available at http://woofmeowshow.libsyn.com/. Don also writes about pets at his blog: www.words-woofs-meows.com. The opinions in this post are those of Don Hanson.

©02FEB19, Donald J. Hanson, All Rights Reserved
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