Tips On Avoiding Doggie CCL Injuries

It's officially summer and that means lots of outdoor time with our pups! Recently, I've noticed a rise in CCL injuries in dogs. The CCL, or Cranial Cruciate Ligament, is responsible for stabilizing the knees in the back leg. This injury is very much akin to an ACL tear in humans. If you're not an athlete yourself, you're still probably familiar with this injury if you watch football or basketball on t.v. These knee ligaments are incredibly important and when a dog injures one, it can mean surgery and total bed rest for up to a month.

Some breeds are naturally predisposed to these injuries (Retrievers, Labradors, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, etc) and sometimes these injuries happen because a dog is out of shape. Overweight dogs are more prone, as are dogs that only get strenuous exercise occasionally. The best way to combat CCL injuries is to keep your dog at a healthy weight and use caution when exercising. 

Vets are very good about telling owners that their dogs are carrying too many pounds. If it's been awhile since you've taken Rusty to the vet, one of the ways you can check your dog's weight is by squeezing his sides a little. You should be able to feel the outline of his ribs when you press down. If you have a fluffy dog, make sure to dig your fingers underneath the fur to check. If you can't make out any ribs, chances are that your pup needs to lose a few. 

Other important ways to prevent this injury are to warm up your dog before exercise and to exercise your pup often. It's quite common for us as owners to try and squeeze in all of our dog's play time on the weekends. This can be a bit rough on our pups. It's kind of like a football player being in the Sunday game without practicing all week or warming up. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise on a regular basis. Start with a daily walk and build up to a walk plus a few minutes of fetch or hide-n-seek. When you take him for a long Saturday hike, let him walk on even ground for a good ten minutes or so. Also, be careful when going from your air conditioned car or home straight into vigorous activity in the summer heat. Warm muscles and ligaments perform better than cold ones. Try a short walk before a raucous doggie playdate. And be sure he stops for water! Some dogs get so excited for their weekend activities that they overdo it and forget to drink enough. 

If your pup does succumb to a ligament injury, there is a good website that has a lot of information on the subject... check out www.dogkneeinjury.com

Be careful this summer and don't forget to have a blast with your furry pals!

How To Adopt The Right Dog For You

Spring is rapidly approaching and that means our animal shelters are about to be overloaded with new litters of dogs and kitties.  If you're thinking about adopting a new pet, this is the perfect time of year!

There are lots of things to consider when choosing your new pet though, especially if you want to adopt a dog. According to the ASPCA, about half of the dogs that enter shelters are owner surrenders. That means lots of people chose the wrong pup or they weren't prepared for what owning a dog entailed. Here is a quick list to help you choose and keep the right dog for you:

1.) How big is your living environment?

If you live in an apartment, you'll want to choose a small to medium pup. Likewise, if you live in a house without a backyard, you'll also want to choose a smaller dog. Big guys need space to stretch their legs. If you absolutely love big dogs but live in a small space, feel free to adopt one but be prepared to exercise your dog in multiple lengthy sessions outdoors each day. Senior dogs also make good apartment pets as they don't require as much exercise or get into as much mischief.

2.) What climate do you live in and where will your dog be kept? Keep in mind that thick coated dogs do not manage well in hot climates. While Siberian Huskies are beautiful, they wilt in hot weather and can actually become ill in the heat. If you live in Arizona or Florida and are planning on keeping your dog primarily in a back yard during the day, choose a short coated dog like a Bully breed or a Dalmatian. They will thank you for it. 

3.) How much time do you have to devote to your new pet? This is a big consideration. Puppies are adorable but they require a lot of time. If a member of your family stays or works at home during the day, puppies may be a good choice as they need to go outside every couple of hours. If you work a 10 hour day however, you should probably consider a dog that is at least 5 months old. Your dog can hold his urine an hour for every month he is old. So, a three month old pup needs to go out every three hours and dogs of all ages need to go outside to relieve themselves at least every five or six hours maximum. That means that you or a dog walker will need to come to your home midday to take your dog out. Puppies also require lots of attention. They chew on things and get into the garbage, etc. They also need lots of training and boundaries to be set for them. All in all, LOTS of time is involved. If you have a very busy schedule, choose an adult dog.

4.) How much money do you have to spend on a pet? This is something that not a lot of people talk about, but dog food isn't cheap and neither are vet bills. Pet expenses tend to vary from city to city. Before getting a dog, ask a friend to estimate how much they spend on their dog a year. Also keep in mind that your dog may need some training in the beginning, so check what doggie classes or a trainer might cost you. I hate to even bring this issue up but in the last couple of years shelters have reported people surrendering dogs because they couldn't pay the vet bills. There is no shame in making sure that you can provide for a dog before adopting one. 

5.) How energetic are you? You'll want to choose a dog whose energy level matches your own. If you are walking through the shelter and you see a dog who is jumping up and down repeatedly against his crate, this guy is probably high energy.  That means he'll require lots of walks or hikes and maybe even some running to keep him from going stir crazy or causing trouble at home. You'll want to be honest with yourself here. If you love to exercise then a high energy dog will make an awesome companion! If you are a couch potato, he is going to annoy the heck out of you. 

Also, keep in mind that a dog may not show his regular energy level if he's been in the shelter awhile. Many dogs tend to get kennel cough once admitted to the shelter. Kennel cough and other minor bugs from the shelter are easily curable but tend to make dogs lethargic.  I've had quite a few people tell me that their dog changed his energy level once he came out of the shelter because he healed from whatever little illness he caught inside. The shelter is also overwhelming for dogs mentally and they tend to become more introverted over time.  It's best to ask the shelter volunteer what the dog was like when he was admitted or how he behaves when he's taken outside, etc. Is he bouncy and jumpy, moderately wiggly, or mellow and calm? For the seniors among us or those with disabilities, I highly recommend calm dogs. Also, please don't overlook older dogs. They make fantastic companions! They love to snuggle and nap, they are usually housebroken, and they generally know all the basic rules of living in a home. You also get the piece of mind of knowing you saved a dog that many people would overlook.

Most importantly, if you are ready to adopt an animal, please check out your local shelters and rescues. They have all different types of dogs, from purebreds to the smartest and most lovable mutts. You might even check with your local dog trainers to see if they offer discounts for those who have adopted their dogs from shelters. I do and I'm willing to bet others do as well.  Every year 2.7 million healthy pets are euthanized in the U.S. shelter system. By adopting, you are saving a life!







(Love For Paws offers 50% off your first dog training session if you've adopted your dog from a shelter or rescue.)

Stealing Moments To Train Your Pup

We all lead busy lives and sometimes it’s difficult to steal some time to work with our beloved pups. We are great at giving snuggles and making sure all the basic needs are met. However, when our lives become hectic, training our dogs is the first thing to fall by the wayside. Here are a few quick ideas to offer your pup the mental stimulation she needs.

1.)  Before You Leave In The Morning– This is one of the most hectic parts of the day but you can do a couple things for your pup before you leave the house. You can take a minute and hide treats around the house for your pup to find after you leave. You can also leave your dog with an interactive toy such as a food-dispensing ball. These neat contraptions allow you to put your dog’s kibble inside. She then has to push it around so the food falls out one bite at a time. If you use this, you will want to test it first at dinner time to make sure your doggie can figure it out. Both of these activities are great at providing a little mind work while you’re away.

2.)When You Get Home – Most of us here in the city take our pups out for a walk when we get home. The next time you go out, bring a clicker and some treats and work on a few commands. You can practice “Sit”, “Stay” and “Watch Me” easily on leash. You can also throw a treat a few steps ahead and say “Find It”. Now, you are turning the afternoon walk into an easy training session! If you’re unfamiliar with the clicker, the point of it is to bridge the gap between your dog performing a command and when you treat her. In training, timing is really important. If you are a second late, you might be rewarding another behavior entirely.

3.)While Relaxing In The Evening – If you are like most Americans, you probably spend a little time in front of the old boob tube in the evening. Commercial breaks are a great opportunity for bonding with your pup. Take those two or three minutes and practice more trick training. Before you start your show, bring your bag of treats to the coffee table. When the commercials start, use the “Come” command to call your dog over and start practicing all sorts of tricks. Besides the ones mentioned above, "Shake", "Rollover", "Around", "Down" are all good ones to try. Remember, trick training isn’t just for show. It flexes the muscle of communication between you and your dog. The more you use it, the more your dog will pay attention to you when you need her to do so. The mental stimulation provided by these exercises also makes your dog less bored and less likely to strike out in mischievous behaviors. Always be sure to end your little training sessions with a command your dog has mastered. This builds her self confidence and puts a positive spin on the whole experience! 

Holiday Safety Tips For The New Dog Owner

The holidays can be a magical (i.e. stressful) time for all of us. Our homes are full of family, food, and chaos! We are rapidly making preparations and trying to juggle a lot of things at the last minute. If you have a new dog in the house, you have even more on your mind. Here a few tips to make sure your holidays are safe and happy for your new bundle of fur:

1.) Meeting the family - If your pup isn't used to new people in his house, the holidays are a trial by fire. The best way for your dog to meet the family is outside of the house on leash. When your family arrives, take him outside and tell your family to ignore him. They may not listen but it's best if you try anyway. Allow your pup to sniff everyone. Many dogs are not comfortable with strangers who rapidly approach them and start touching them. Imagine if you were walking down the street and a group of strangers surrounded you and start petting your head. You wouldn't feel comfortable at all! (Well, maybe some of you would, but that's a different article.) Now, when your dog has finished greeting, feel free to usher everyone inside and take him off leash. Introducing your pup outside on leash not only makes you in control of the situation but helps calm any undiscovered territorial issues your dog might have. And always make sure there is a place in your home that your dog can retreat to and not be disturbed. Just like we need little breaks from family, your dog needs them too!

2.) No feeding from the table - Again, you may have some trouble enforcing this with your family. Do your best. Holiday food is loaded with things that dogs can't digest. Some of them are even toxic. Don't keep a bowl of chocolates anywhere your dog might be able to reach and when you are finished chopping onions, bury them in the trash. In fact, now is the best time to invest in a garbage can that your dog can't open. You are going to be busy with other things and probably won't notice that furry head in the trash.

3.) Put a sign on your door - The noise and influx of people can be scary to new dogs and some of them try to make a run for it! On the inside of all your exterior doors, put a sign that says "Keep Door Shut". You might feel like this is a bit extreme, but Uncle Fred is not going to remember to shut the door after his second glass of wine. With a sign, your family will always be reminded. The last thing you want to do is spend Christmas Eve roaming the streets with a flashlight screaming "Buford!!!"

4.) Watch the kids - Children love animals and the little ones need to be shown the correct way to pet a dog. Toddlers love to slap and pull tails. That doesn't go over so well with dogs. Since your dog is most comfortable with you, it should be you who shows the kids how to respectfully pet your dog. Hold their hands and invite them to pet your pup on the chest and shoulders. Don't allow them to reach over top of your pup's head or pet the hind quarters. This can be unnerving to your dog. Always monitor any interaction between your dog and children. If your dog looks anxious, becomes very still, or shows any signs of aggression, it is best to remove him from the situation and put him in another room for the time being.

5.) Keep decorations out of your pup's reach - If your dog is going to act out destructively, the holidays are a prime motivator. Dogs feed off the energy around them and if things are chaotic, they need to calm themselves. One of the ways they do this is by chewing. Some dogs also chew on things they aren't supposed to in order to receive attention. Keep Christmas lights, ornaments, and tinsel out of doggie reach. You might even keep your Xmas presents away from the tree until Christmas Eve. And remember to keep doors to your guest room closed. You don't want Squiggles running through the house with Grandma's underwear. But then again, if he does, it'll make a great story!

Supporting Our Local Shelters And Rescues

Hi Folks!
We just finished our drive for the East Valley Animal Shelter and I'm happy to report that we brought in a full carload of blankets, sheets, towels, beds, and toys to some very happy pups and kitties! Hurray!

In keeping with the spirit of the holidays, we want to continue our promotion of shelters and rescues. 

So...let's get some dogs and kitties adopted...

From now until June 2015 if you adopted your dog from a local shelter or rescue, I will give you 50% off your first dog training session. That is a $110 value for $55.  This promotion is an effort to give pups a good head start in their new lives and help new owners with any problems they encounter. All of my training sessions are done in the privacy of your own home, so you don't even have to leave the house.

What do you say? Let's make some pups very happy this holiday season!

Sincerely,

Jennifer Damon
Love For Paws
818-720-3275

We Now Offer Gift Certificates!

After receiving several requests, Love For Paws is now offering gift certificates for dog training. 

If you have a friend who just adopted a puppy and needs an in-person tutorial on how to raise the perfect dog, this is a great gift! In our puppy sessions, we go over everything from feeding and housebreaking to setting boundaries and being a good doggie parent.

If you have a family member who is dealing with behavioral issues like aggression or anxiety in their dog, a gift certificate is also a great choice for a birthday or holiday gift. 

Please email us at loveforpaws1@gmail.com or call us at 818-720-3275 if you are interested in purchasing one.

All the best,

Jennifer

My Interview For Pets360.com

Kimberly Gauthier is the author of Keep The Tail Wagging: a wonderful blog about how to raise your dog naturally.  She decided to interview me and several other trainers for Pets360.com. Here is a link to her piece. I think you will find it incredibly insightful and comprehensive.  5 Tips for Socializing Your Dog

Desensitizing Your Dog To Touch

Here is post from guest author, Vicki Lazarchik, on helping your dog become accustomed to vet visits.


It is estimated that the average dog will have as many as 26 veterinarian visits in his lifetime.  High on the list of concerns for many of us is how our dog will behave during the examination. It is a tense situation for our furry friends, especially if they are ill. The vet needs to be able to conduct a thorough examination in order to maximize the health of our pets and dogs don't always respond well to having their bodies manipulated. Sometimes, it is only certain areas of the body that they are guarded about. It could be their ears, mouth, tail or even their paws. It's very difficult to examine a dog that is squirming to get away or one that growls when you try to look in his ears. It will be less stressful for everyone involved, if your dog is comfortable with being touched on all parts of his body. There is something you can do at home though, to help make this happen. Psychologists and Dog Trainers call it Desensitization and Counterconditioning. I just call it getting your dog comfortable with being touched.


I discovered that my Pitbull didn’t like to have his ears handled at one of his first visits. He growled at the vet. She told me that I should practice handling his ears at home to get him used to it. Determined to get my dog over it, I tried this. He growled at me too. Let me be clear, his growl was not a vicious, baring-of-the-teeth sort of growl. It was just a low grumble, his way of telling me that he was not comfortable with what I was doing. If your dog bares his teeth and or lunges at you, please don’t try this exercise without the advice of a Dog Trainer.


To start desensitizing, you need to pick a time of day when your dog's energy level is low. A good time is after a walk. Select a spot in your house that is quiet and where there will be no interruptions. Putting on soft music can also help block out extraneous noise if your dog is not stimulated by music. Have your dog sit or lie down. Give him treat that he can chew on for a while. As he is relaxed and enjoying his treat, start rubbing him on the body parts that he is comfortable with you touching. I use an unscented baby wipe and/or a grooming glove to rub my dog down. The baby wipe is also useful for removing any unwanted residue from his coat following his walk. Gently rub your way near the area that he is sensitive about. Don’t touch the sensitive area yet. Patience is the name of the game here. Do this exercise daily, each time moving closer to the sensitive area. When you are able to touch the area, praise him and end the exercise. Eventually, you will be able to handle any part of his body without him objecting. I did this with my dog and now I can grab both ears, wiggle them and even clean them without a peep from my little guy.


Although my dog’s ears were the most sensitive to him, I still use this method to examine his whole body. I want him to be very comfortable with being touched everywhere on his body. This not only helps with the vet’s exam but also with making myself familiar with any abnormalities that crop up.

The key to this exercise is patience. Take it slow. Watch your dog for signs that he is becoming uncomfortable. Don’t try to force it. When he makes progress, praise and/or treat him. He wants to please you. He just needs to know that it is okay to be touched.

Dealing With Doggie Anxiety

Anxiety is a very common behavioral issue for dogs. Some dogs are anxious only in certain situations (going to the vet, when visitors arrive, etc) while others have anxiety in numerous situations. In the latter case, the anxiety becomes chronic. We aren't sure why some dogs handle stress better than others but then again, some people are better equipped at dealing with stress as well. If you believe your dog's anxiety is chronic, there are certain basic steps you can take to help calm him.

1.) Take him for a walk- Exercise is not only great for your pup physically, but helps him settle down mentally. I recommend at least three 30 minute walks per day for big dogs and three 20 minute walks per day for the little guys with anxiety. The walk satisfies your dog's need for mental stimulation in that he gets to see, sniff, and hear sounds that he wouldn't be exposed to in his own house or yard. Just like humans, dogs need to both venture out into the world and get plenty of exercise to maintain health. For those days when you're short on time, you can also switch one of these walks out for a vigorous 15 minute game of fetch. Just make sure he is still getting his pee break every five or six hours. When your pup has to hold it, this can exacerbate his general anxiety.

2.) Let him meet some furry friends - Dogs have their own "language". Part of this language includes a series of gestures called calming signals. These signals not only allow for peaceful interaction between dogs but they remind dogs how to calm themselves as well. A dog that doesn't have the opportunity to use "doggie language" much will soon forget it and therefore will not be as well-versed in calming himself during stressful situations. Social interaction also supplies more mental and physical stimulation for your pup too.

3.) Set boundaries and adopt a routine - Imagine for a second that when you went to work everyday your boss kept moving your desk. Some days you'd be next to the noisy copier and other days you'd be isolated in the storage room. While this scenario is a bit far-fetched, this is how your dog feels when he doesn't know where he is allowed in the house and where he is not. If you decide your dog shouldn't sit on the sofa, then this needs to be reinforced every time he attempts to climb up. All of us get lazy with rules at times but having consistent boundaries is especially important for anxious dogs. When your dog knows what is expected of him, he can relax. This goes for his feeding and walking routine as well. If that routine changes too much, he becomes uneasy.

4.) Praise the correct behavior - This activity is probably the most crucial of all. Watch your dog for signs of anxiety and don't pet or comfort him while he is in this state. Our instinct as pet parents is to want to soothe our dog when he is uncomfortable. We hate seeing him worked up for no reason. Unfortunately, when we pet our pup during fits of anxiety, it has the opposite effect. We are communicating to him that we like this behavior. The best solution when your dog is whining, shaking, etc is to ignore him. I know it's difficult but remind yourself that you are helping him. You can coo at him and pet him until your heart is content once he is calm again.

Slow Motion Doggie

It's the end of a long stressful day of work. You come home and let your dog out in the backyard to do her business. You're tired and all you want to do is take off your work clothes and relax.  You call your pup to come inside, but she acts like she's ignoring you. You call her more intensely and this time she moves slowly in your general direction but makes a wide arc around the yard. Growing more frustrated, you yell her name.  This time she slows down even more and stops to sniff the azalea bush. You also see her yawn or maybe, half-close her eyes. Exasperated, you leave her and go inside in a huff and shut the door. At this point, she comes running to be let in and you're wondering why your dog is vexing you. Does this sound familiar? 

We think our dogs are being passive aggressive during such occasions, but the truth is that everything your pup was doing in this scenario was an effort to get you to relax. Dogs are excellent as sensing tension and stress. In the dog world, such tension would usually lead to an altercation, so your dog wants to calm you as quickly as possible. The only problem is that you aren't versed in dog language. Slow movements, lack of eye contact, an wide-arcing approach, slow yawns, half-closed eyes, and sniffing the ground or pretending to do something else are all signals that tell other dogs to please calm down. And they work too! Usually other dogs will respond by mimicking these same techniques. It's the same as when we ask a friend who is agitated to breathe deeply or sit down with us.

Even when we aren't aware that we're tense, our dogs know. So, if you see your dog doing any of these behaviors, your best bet is to try and relax. Clear your mind. Lower your shoulders. Maybe stop and sniff the flowers too.   When you do, you'll notice how obedient your dog suddenly becomes.

Cultivating A Fresh Start

So, you are at your wit’s end with your dog's behavior and you have decided to hire a trainer. You’ve scheduled a session, you've straightened up your house, and you are ready for this professional to come in and see the hair-wringing frustration that you've been dealing with on a daily basis.  You’re hoping this person can save the day with a myriad of tips and techniques. Then, something miraculous happens. The trainer shows up and your dog behaves like an angel.  Now you are left only explaining your dog’s incessant chewing, leash pulling, etc. Why does this happen? 

Does the trainer have some sort of magical mojo that soothes dogs? Possibly. More likely however, your dog is responding to your new frame of mind. When the trainer arrives, you are envisioning a fresh start. You may be imagining having all the answers in an hour or so. You are probably excited and hopeful that today everything will start to change.

It’s true that your dog may respond better to someone else because he knows you so well. He knows how far to push you and he knows that the tenth time he jumps on the couch, you’ll cave in and let him sit down. Dogs are also very sensitive creatures, though. Thousands of years of surviving on the whims of humans have led them to be in touch with our emotional states. This is why your state of mind is so important when training your pup. Cultivating a fresh start is a great way to add some oomph to adjusting your dog’s behavior. When you find yourself getting overwhelmed or frustrated, take some time off and start again the next day in a new frame of mind. Tell yourself that tomorrow will be different and you’ll begin to feel stronger and calmer. Add in a different tool like a new collar or leash. Take your pup on a different route for your morning walk. Take that walk before instead of after breakfast. Little changes here and there can rejuvenate your training. If you feel consistently overwhelmed or if you are dealing with dangerous behavior, definitely hire a trainer. For the smaller and peskier issues though, sometimes all you need is a new beginning for you and your favorite furball to create progress.

LFP Newsletter Issue #2

The LFP Newsletter - Issue #1

Food, Collars, and Training Techniques, Oh My!

  As a new dog owner, the variety of canine accoutrements, methods of daily care, and training techniques can be quite overwhelming. Our knowledge of dogs has grown in leaps and bounds over the last 15 years thanks to behaviorists conducting research and people like Cesar Milan who have come into our homes via television to explain the inner workings of the canine mind.  The dog accessory industry has kept pace with this newfound knowledge. Every few months, a new style of training collar or harness will hit the market and promise to be the next cure-all for dogs that pull on leash. There are hundreds of trainers writing hundreds of books. There are new videos and interactive toys and all kinds of different products to help with behavioral issues. And just try picking out a brand of food. Your vet will tell you one thing, your groomer another, and the guy at the dog park has his opinion as well. You can make yourself crazy trying to figure out what’s best for your pup. Now, just to add one more opinion to the pile, here are my thoughts: don’t stress about any of it.

There is no one correct way to train your dog. Go to the bookstore and grab a book on dog training or watch a few episodes of the Dog Whisperer. Pick up little tidbits here and there and always keep an open mind. What works for your neighbor’s dog, may not work for your pup. A good professional dog trainer will use a variety of methods from a host of sources because no two dogs are alike. We are very much like doctors in that we are given a problem, we diagnose it, and then prescribe the treatment that works most often. If that doesn't work, we go to plan B, or plan C.  Feel free to look at your dog and his problems the same way and try not to get frustrated if it takes many tries to find the perfect remedy for your pup's issues. 

There is also no perfect collar for walking your dog. You will hear people say that prong collars are cruel and that you should use regular chokers instead. You will hear people say to only use a halti or only use a harness. There is no correct answer here. I’ve actually taken a prong collar and tightened it around my neck to see if it was, in fact, cruel. It didn't feel like a silk scarf but it wasn’t damaging either. All of the collars mentioned above are safe for your training your dog to walk on leash.  There is a phrase..”It’s the fool not the tool” and I think that applies to collars. My only note is not to use regular collars to walk dogs that pull because the force of them pulling can damage their windpipe. All of the other training collars discourage pulling and that’s really what you want so they don’t hurt themselves.

On the subject of food, buy something that looks nutritious. There is a great website called Dog Food Advisor that lists all the brands of dog food and treats and whether there have been any bouts of sickness or recalls associated with them. In general, it’s best to buy pet food from the pet store instead of the supermarket because the brands tend to be healthier.

Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy your dog. You are giving him the best life possible.  Dogs are like little sponges that absorb our emotions. The last thing you want to do is actually cause a behavioral problem with your canine because you are consistently stressed about his care. Let your dog remind you how to relax and stop worrying. He’s an expert at it.  

Paw Photo Contest Winner!!

Please say hello to Jake, the LFP Paw Photo Contest Winner!! Isn't he a cutie pie? Jake and his parents, Valerie and Andy, will receive a FREE one-hour dog training session.  Everyone give them a big round of applause for this adorable photo!

Tweeting Away

At long last, I am finally on Twitter! Follow me @loveforpaws1 for more articles, pics, pet care, and dog training info.  Use the link below and have a great week, folks!

@loveforpaws1

Paw Photo Contest!

Hi Folks! It's Love For Paw's third anniversary and we want to celebrate with something a little different. Welcome to our Paw Photo Contest!  The rules are simple.  Anyone and everyone that reads this message can enter by emailing a picture of your dog which highlights his or her paws (like the one above) to loveforpaws1@gmail.com. The more creative and wackier the picture the better! We aren't looking for professional photos.  Photos taken with your phone are just fine.  Please include your name in the email and write "Paw Photo Contest" in the subject line.  The deadline for submissions is October 31st, 2012.
On November 1st, we'll choose a winner and notify you via email.  That person and their pup will receive a FREE one-hour dog training session with Love For Paws owner, Jennifer Damon and the winning pic will be featured on the LFP blog.  If the winner chosen is outside of Los Angeles, they will receive their training session via Skype or phone (winner's choice).  Sound simple enough? Be sure to tell your friends and family.  And let's see those adorable paws!!

Senior Animals Make Great Pets

Through the kind souls that do animal rescue, I've learned that there is currently an epidemic of people surrendering their senior pets to shelters.  We can blame it on the struggling economy and the fact that seniors may need more vet care but this is still a very sad occurrence.   Senior pets are usually the last to be adopted and the first to be euthanized.   When they are separated from their families, they grieve. That people would abandon their loved one to a shelter is a concept that is very difficult for me to grasp because I know how wonderful these older kitties and pups can be!   

First off, they tend to be low energy.  That means they are more suitable for a wider range of families.  Senior people make great matches for senior dogs and cats.  It's hard for grandma to keep up with the demands of a raucous puppy who is constantly chewing on things he shouldn't or an adult dog that requires several walks a day but a senior dog that is relaxed and likes to cuddle on the couch is just her style.  

They are also a great match for workaholics or those with busy schedules.  Younger dogs needs lots of mental stimulation and don't do well being left alone for long stretches of time.  Older animals tend to sleep a lot, so you are less likely to come home to a shredded sofa or an upside down trash can. 

Senior pets also have the benefit of diminishing behavioral issues.   Most have worked out their aggressive or anxious problems and are now just mellow sweethearts.  My cat, Claudia, never used to like to be held by anyone.  She preferred to bite them instead. Now that she is 17yrs young, she is a very cuddly critter.   If I'm home, she wants to be in my lap.  She has even become more vocal and very quirky.  She's the source of an endless stream of laughter. 

Our older pets have the added bonus of being great teachers too.  If you have a younger, low energy dog at home that needs a companion then Grandpa Doggie would make a great new pack member.   There are some things that only an older, wiser dog can teach.   Dogs use a series of signals to calm one another.  These signals enable them to interact with other canines in a healthy manner by staving off anxiety and aggression.  If dogs don't use this language, they lose it.  Older dogs make great instructors and reinforcers in the ways of dog speak. 

It's true that senior dogs aren't for everyone.  It takes a hearty soul to withstand the fact that you may lose your new friend in a few years. I can only tell you that the benefits of the love that these creatures give far outweighs the heartache and you have the added satisfaction of knowing that you are doing something heroic by adopting an animal that is so often overlooked. ~

*If you are interested in adopting or fostering the sweet pup pictured above, Ms. Sidney Sue, please give me a call at 818-720-3275.  Thank you.

Walking Meditation

     We have all heard about the health benefits of meditation.  It lowers the heart rate, increases blood flow, and lessens chronic pain.  It helps with relaxation, concentration, and helps stabilize your mood.  The list goes on and on.  Many people feel like they don't have the time or the opportunity to lock themselves in a quiet room for twenty minutes and just breathe. There is a way that you can fit it into your busy schedule, though.  And you can have an accomplice.  It's called walking meditation.  The next time you take your pup out for a walk, leave your phone at home.  Instead, put on your sunglasses and walk silently with your dog. Just focus on your breathing and taking in the sights and sounds around you.  When your mind starts to drift to the worries of the day, gently guide it back to the present moment and what is happening now.  There will be times when your brain seems unruly and you can't help but think about a pressing project at work or conflict in your personal life.  Try not to get frustrated and if you can be amused by the struggle, that's even better. After all, it is kind of absurd how difficult it can be sometimes to control our own minds.  Even if it feels like you are on a mental yo-yo, just keep returning your mind to the present and voila, you are meditating.

     When I first became a dog walker, I started doing these distraction-free walks because of the wonderful effect it had on my dogs' behavior.  I had no idea I was actually meditating.  The truth is we don't need to talk to our dogs to communicate with them.  After 14,000 years of being our constant companions, they have learned to pick up on our non-verbal communication and read our mood.   In fact, they equate the human voice with a lot of things and none of them include relaxation.  When we share a silent walk with them in a relaxed state, it does wonders for their behavior inside the home and out.  We are signaling to them that everything is alright with the world and there is no need for anxiety or aggression.  After trying the walking meditation a few times, you may actually notice an increased bond between you and your dog as well.  You will start to walk in stride with another.  There are moments when you may even feel like you are sharing the same mind. If that sounds kooky to you, try it and you might see what I mean. Dogs are the kings of living in the moment.  They don't know how to function any other way. Let them teach you how to meditate.

We are now on Ferrigno Fit!

Hi Folks!
I'm excited to report that my pet articles are now being featured on the Ferrigno Fit website. Ferrigno Fit specializes in posts about healthy living.  Included are pieces on yoga, healthy food, green living, reducing stress, and of course, pets!  What I love about this site is that all of the articles seem to pique my interest.  For example, knowing what foods you should eat to decrease stress is a very welcome topic in my house.  Please come over and check it out.  Just click the link below...

Ferrigno Fit

All the best!

Jen