Critter Talk

My Life with Cats

2009-03-25T15:15:00.001-07:00

Feline Stories

After reading the various entries I've written here it might seem like I have no interest in any kind of pet but dogs. Not true. As a professional pet sitter I care for many cats throughout the year. From the time I was very young there were always cats in our home.

The first one we had was probably my most memorable pet. His name was Patches. He was a black and white male of medium size, never had much weight on him. We got him while my family lived in Panama. Patches would patrol the tropical greenery around our Naval family quarters, always on the hunt for some unfortunate rodent or bird. This was something he would do until the end of his life at thirteen years old. While we lived in Rhode Island he was on his best hunting form, even bringing back the occasional squirrel! Patches also "protected" our yard from stray dogs. He would nap in the bushes, and when an unwary pooch would wander onto the property that cat would streak out from under the brush and attack the dog, one time actually riding on a German Shepard's back all the way to the curb. The cat knew no fear.

When I moved out to California I knew no one, and I found myself in a pet store one day looking at the cutest caramel and white kitten I had ever seen. I bought him on the spot and named him Gandalf. Not long after that I adopted another cat off the street, naming him Faramir. Yes, I was a total Lord of the Rings geek at the time. Unfortunately, the one thing I did not know about was that failing to immunize my cats would lead to their early deaths. Faramir got Feline panleukopenia, a disease that affects the digestive tract and is usually fatal. Gandalf contracted Feline viral rhinotracheitis , a type of pneumonia. I was young and stupid, but those nice kitties should not have had to pay the price for it.

Later in life, after my divorce I was renting a room from a very evil young lady who had these two cats. One was a female that lived in the girl's room and the other was this big, friendly, black and white fellow named Mervyn, after the department store. Mervyn kept trying to tell the girl (and me) that he was an outdoor cat. He would figure ingenious ways to get out of the house, if only to lie on the front walk and soak up some sun. The girl would fly into a rage when she caught him and drag him back in, scrubbing him in the tub and beating him. I moved out after being there only a few months and I took Mervyn with me. The girl never knew where I lived or that I had done it for sure, but he had happy life with me before passing at the age of eleven.

Our current feline residents are Macy and Maia. Macy adopted us one morning after trying out some other homes in the neighborhood and finding them lacking. I was on my way to work and she jumped into my car, sitting in the driver's seat and begging to be pet. I put her on the sidewalk and went to work, thinking the matter closed. My wife called me shortly thereafter, telling me the story about this cute kitten that had jumped into the car when she was taking our daughter to school. "I hope you didn't feed it", I said.

"Just a little bit of chopped-up baloney."

And as we all know, that means the cat is now yours. She is still going strong at the age of 14, climbing fences and spending nice days out in the sun. She is the undisputed Queen of the House, and all show her deference, including my dog, Bill.

We adopted Maia in 2001 from Tony LaRussa's Animal Rescue Foundation, known 'round these parts as ARF. Her original name was Bethany, but we found that too normal, so we named her for the eldest of the Pleiades, the goddess of Spring. She is strictly indoors, preferring to watch TV, chase laser lights (and anything else that reflects and moves), and sleep. She is quite large, having gotten to over twenty pounds since we brought her home. I swear she only eats diet kibble and is not a counter surfer. Any weight loss advice is welcome. (She is not over-fed either!)

Those are the cats from my life. I have many favorites out there on my route, too, from the playful duo of Nan and Tucket to the evil Queen Seven. I love them all like my own.

Training Tip: Leave It!

2009-02-18T16:16:00.000-08:00

Leave It

This exercise is valuable in that you can use the command any time Fluffy is getting close to a Forbidden Thing. Choose a very premium item like cooked chicken, a used tissue, (dogs love them!), or a stinky sock. Whatever your dog gets into most. Have him "Down" in front of you.

Now place the Forbidden Object just in front of his paws with one hand over it. When he shows interest in the object, say “Leave It” and move his snout to the side with the non-covering hand. Give him a different treat from the object one, keeping his nose off to the side. Praise the “Good Leave It!”

Slowly remove your hand from the Object. If he goes for it, continue to move his snout, say "Leave It", treat him and praise. What we are looking for here is for him to eye the Object and then turn his head voluntarily. That will show he’s getting it.

Now throw away the Object. The whole purpose of this exercise is to reinforce the idea that when you say "Leave It" you mean forever. He can’t ever think he’ll get the thing.

Don’t spend more than 10 minutes at any one time on this exercise. Practice saying “Leave It” any time Fluffy looks like he’s getting into something he shouldn’t, especially on your walks. He should not be investigating smells, food or wild critters when his attention should be on you. Simply say “Leave It!” and move along, praising the Good Leave It.

Training Tip: Stranger at the Door!

2009-02-18T16:09:00.000-08:00

Stranger at the Door

All dogs need jobs. Your dog is trying to tell you that one of his jobs is to guard the castle gates against enemies. This includes salespeople, delivery guys and other dogs. This is actually a good thing, as it has been encouraged in our furry companions since we first let them into our lives eons ago. The problem is, some pups don’t know when to stop. This exercise will help set limits on this behavior.

You will need to have two people to make this one work. If it is a couple from the same home doing it, switch places from time to time so Rex understands the command from both of you.

The first person leaves the house and remains out of sight for about five minutes, so the pooch doesn’t suspect it’s you when the doorbell rings. The other person goes to the farthest corner of the house away from the door, like a bedroom. Have your premium treats ready!

Now the fun begins. When the five minutes is up the person outside will ring the doorbell once. The person inside will allow Rex to bark a few times and then call him back very cheerfully like this: “Rexy, come!” As soon as he appears he gets the treat and lots of praise. Now walk to the door and have your pup sit far enough away so that you can open the door without bumping him. Praise the sit, treat him and open the door. Now, switch places and repeat the exercise. Do this three times each per session to put firmly in his mind.

You can practice this a few times a week until Rex learns that his job is to bark a few times and then come find you. That gives him an outlet for the behavior and a useful job around the house!

Training Tip: Car Trips

2009-02-09T16:58:00.000-08:00

When you have a dog in your life, nothing beats taking him places to play and hike. But some pups aren't too thrilled with the prospect of jumping into the hybrid and making for wide open spaces. He may shy away from the car before getting in or act out during the trip. His actions may be the result of general fear of the noise and strangeness of your vehicle or he may have the idea that only bad things happen when he travels in it. (Going to the vet, etc.)

In order to desensitize your dog to car trips, start small and work your way up. When you have time, go through the same routine you would if you were taking him for a walk. Go out to the car and ask him to sit. Bring treats along to help make this positive. It would be best if both of you did this together.

One person will drive while the other one sits with him in the back. Stay happy and talk to him in a friendly voice. Don’t reassure him! That will sound too much like anxiety and your dog will feel wound up again. Both of you have to act like this is the greatest thing you all could be doing. For no reason at all give Rex a treat from time to time.

If he reacts to other dogs or people outside the car, say his name and when he turns to you give him a treat, praising the way he focused on you.

At first, keep the trips very short, around the block. After getting home you may repeat the “door routine”, mentioned in an earlier column. You both get out first, then Rex gets out when you call him. He sits, then goes to the front door. Then sit, you go in, he goes in, sit and you release him.

You need to do this two or three times a week, gradually increasing the length of the trip until he doesn’t display overt anxiety. The point of the exercise is to gradually replace his anxiety with positive thoughts and experiences when dealing with the car.

Don't do this!

Training Tip: Separation Anxiety

2009-01-19T16:01:00.000-08:00

You have the greatest dog in the world. He walks on leash like a champ, always goes outside to do his "doody" and even brings your slippers by the fire every evening. So why are you so frustrated with him? It's because you can't leave the house without your lovable pup giving a performance worthy of a canine Academy Award for grief. My gosh, you can't even go to the bathroom without Fifi clawing and scratching at the door, howling in misery until she sees you again! While we feel quite honored that anyone on this Earth is so bereft without our presence, it can be a real problem if allowed to continue. Dogs suffering from separation anxiety may put up such a racket that neighbors might complain, getting Animal Control involved. An anxious dog can also be quite destructive, chewing and scratching furniture, doors, and even drywall. What's a human companion to do?

Let's start with how you leave and enter your home. Most people have a ritual of some kind they go through before going out. Shower, dress, eat breakfast, read paper, etc. Your dog quickly recognizes your routine and if he is an anxious type he'll start getting worked up bit by bit as your departure draws near. By the time you go he'll be grief-stricken. Many of us try to reassure our dog, speaking to him kindly and petting him. We empathize with his feelings and without meaning to we amplify his anxiety by showing him that, indeed, there really is something to be upset about! Leaving our sorrowful pooch behind we head off to our day, leaving him to pine and eat the walls. Upon our return good old Rover is ecstatic to see us, leaping, running and barking up a storm. Who doesn't appreciate that kind of welcome? "He's home! He's home! The Great One has returned!" We oblige this behavior with cries of joy and big hugs, again reinforcing that it is so much better to be here than gone.

All this is fine if you don't have a dog that displays classic separation anxiety behavior. If your dog is one of the many who needs help, you'll need to change your behavior as well. Before we do that, let's play a little game with Fido. One afternoon when you have about 45 minutes to an hour for training you can get a good start on a cure. Start your usual "leaving the house" routine. Get a coat on, jingle your car keys and start for the door. Pet your pooch on the head and say "Bye bye". Then step outside. If your dog can't see you on the porch, stand there silently for a few minutes. If your dog can see you through a window, go around the side of the house to wait. Whether he begins whining or not, walk back into the house after those few minutes. Ignore your dog for the first five minutes no matter what he does. Don't let him jump up on you (a later column will cover this) and don't talk to him. Sort your mail, get a glass of water. When the time is up, meet your dog's eyes and ask him to "sit". When he does, say "Hello" calmly, praise the sit, and go on about your day. Extend this exercise to the point where you can leave, get in your car and drive around the block before walking back in. Always use this approach, called "Cool Goodbyes and Warm Hello's" when you leave. Stick with it! There is plenty of time for affection, play and good times with your Best Friend, but he needs to know that you will always be back no matter how long or short the duration. Then and only then will he stay calmer in your absence.

For comments and questions, please don't hesitate to email me through this site. We're all in this together. I'll see you out there!

Fun All Year: Geocaching with Your Dog

2009-01-19T15:10:00.001-08:00

If you get out of the house at all with your pooch, whether you walk city streets or hike the hundreds of miles of trails the Bay Area offers, here's an activity that will add a bit of spice to your day. It's called Geocaching, an online treasure hunt that you can play anywhere on Earth. With just a GPS receiver and a sense of adventure you can seek containers that have been hidden in places from the obvious to the remote. These containers, known as "geocaches", range in size from about a .45 caliber bullet all the way to a bucket. The main goal is to find these hidden stashes and sign the log book (or strip) included in each one. The adventurous Geocacher will also find various trinkets, and may leave his or her own "signature item" to prove the find. Here's how you do it:

*Get a GPS receiver. Most sporting goods or camping stores have them, or go online to Amazon.com

*Sign on to The Geocaching Official Web Site

*Create a free account. There is no charge to join, they just want to make sure you have a valid email address. Premium Memberships are paid and allow users to find "Member's Only" caches as well as paying for all the server space needed.

*Type your zip code into the "Seek A Geocache" area and look at how many there are in just a ten-mile radius!

*Print out the ones you want to find. Check the reviews other cachers have written for hints as to how easy it was to find, if it has been destroyed (or "Muggled" as we cachers say). Some more tech-savvy folks will interface the GPS with their computer and download all that info directly. It's up to you.

*Pick a starting point and try to keep your searches in a big circle to maximize searching time.

*Try to pick as many dog-friendly caches as possible. Briones Regional Park is chock-full of caches and it's off leash!

*Get out there and start cachin'!

When You Find A Cache

Practice your "Found It!" dance. Be sure to sign the log book. Take some swag if you want a souvenir. Be sure to hide the container as well (or better) than it was but put it back in the exact same spot. That's really important. Remember to record your find online when you get back. While sheer numbers may impress some folks, most of us feel that the pleasure is in the search itself. Here in the Bay Area there is a thriving community of Geocachers and they have get-togethers from time to time that are published on the site. Four of the top 20 "finders" in the world live right here, including Team Alamo, with over 31,000 caches found! My own family has the handle "Blue Blaze Irregulars", ranked 15,987th in the world with 606 finds. Bill the Dog is a very important member of the Team, having found two caches all by himself.

Geocaching is all-weather, mostly 24/7/365 fun for you and your dog. Once you get the hang of it you can even hide some caches yourself. Hope to see you out there!

Training Tip: No Excuses!

2009-01-07T18:09:00.000-08:00

During the week I visit several clients' homes and take their nice doggies out for walks. We go to Briones, Lafayette Reservoir, dog parks and many nice neighborhoods. I love getting out in the fresh air, burning up calories and teaching pooches to be good canine citizens. It's rather idyllic, really. It's the kind of job one only dreams about. And California is the perfect place for it, with weather to die for most of the time. My friends with office jobs tell me I'm a lucky guy and I can't disagree. So why do I come home some nights frustrated and angry? Bad dog owners.

I was walking my buddy Baxter on a back trail at the Rez recently when I encountered a gentleman walking his dog just ahead of me. The pup was doing his "doody" so we started walking by him. Suddenly the other dog sprang at Baxter, teeth snapping and his body twisting wildly on the leash. His owner was yelling at him as the dog dragged him across the pavement, knocking me down. I got up just in time to pull Baxter away before the other dog sank his teeth into his neck. In the calmest voice I could muster I said: "Sir, could you please not bring a vicious dog like that to this park!"

"He's not vicious, he's just scared!"

No Excuses!

I was walking my two "kids" Jake and Grace on a woodland trail when we were approached by a couple walking a mastiff. As they approached us the mastiff began to growl and strain at her leash, pulling the poor man along the trail. The woman told me: "Oh, she's recovering from an injury, she's not usually like this." Two weeks later we saw the same dog on the same trail. Same behavior, same explanation.

No Excuses!

I'm sure many of you have had similar experiences while walking your dogs. It can't continue. The next time somebody's dog acts out against you or your pup and their owner tries to explain it away with some lame story about their past or, worse, tries to put the blame on you, tell them:

No Excuses!

Training classes are held year-round and a small investment of money along with a responsible attitude toward dog ownership will make those stories unnecessary. I'll see you out there!

Home Grooming Made Easy

2008-12-13T17:31:00.000-08:00

For a happier, healthier pooch try this routine once every week to ten days. First, let's get that fur taken care of. Stand your dog on a table outside, or if you have a big dog just kneel in front of him on the floor. Have the dog facing you and reach toward the base of his tail with both hands. Start working his fur with your fingers as if you were scratching him gently against the lie of the hairs. Work along the sides and up the spine until you get to the head. This loosens the fur for brushing.

Now use a standard grooming pin brush like the one pictured to groom him from head to toe. You can also use a metal grooming comb for the fine fur around his face. Be careful not to tug on knots around his ears as this can be pretty painful. If he has matted fur there, try to pick it apart with your fingers and use the comb to smooth it out. If you can't do that, use a small pair of scissors to cut the matte out.

The final step is the use of the "shed blade". It's easier on a medium-sized dog to keep the loop in it, and with a bigger dog you can open it up. Even after all the brushing you've already done you'll see quite a bit of fur come off.

Now you're ready for the fine work. Start with the ears. Lift each one up and give a sniff in the ear canal. Does it smell "doggy" or sour? If it's smells sour, you may need a quick trip to the vet for some ear drops. If it's just "doggy"-smelling, use some cotton swabs and give the ears a quick wipe. Now check the eyes. Here's what we are looking for: red eye, painful eye(squinting, pawing, rubbing, tearing, decreased appetite), tearing, cloudy eye, blood in or around eye, suddenly blind eye,dilated pupil, or swollen eye. Any one of these may be cause for concern and a trip to the vet.

Look into his nose. If you have weeds in your yard or like to hike with him, he may have gotten a foxtail up there. A pair of tweezers can take care of that.

Look at Rover's teeth. Are there brown deposits on the molars and around the front, "canine" teeth? If so, you should have them cleaned. Prices for teeth cleaning go from $100 up to several hundred. Shop around! If your pup has clean teeth you should get a doggie toothbrush and toothpaste. It will take some getting used to for both of you but it's a darn sight cheaper than having the vet do it!

If your dog spends a lot of time in the yard you may need to have his nails clipped. Most vets do this cheaply, but you can give it a try. Toenail clippers are available at pet supply stores like Pet Food Express, and the TV recommends the new rotary clipper/sander. I have never tried it, so if you have some experience with one feel free to email me.

Finally, remember that here in California tick and flea season is year-round. It doesn't get cold enough to kill the little buggers, so use a topical medication to keep them off your pooch and out of your house. My buddy Bill the Dog recommends Frontline Plus. Get the dose that is right for your dog's weight.

The whole process only takes less than an hour and it's a great way to bond with Rover as well.

Training Tip: Bar the Door!

2008-12-10T18:41:00.000-08:00

If you ever want to know just how bad an experience it is to watch your dog run out the door, Google "dog ran out door" and read the horror stories. With proper training, your dog will think twice before heading for the wide open spaces (or out into the path of a semi).

This exercise only takes a few minutes to do and depending on the dog it may only take a few lessons to get the message. As with any behavior training, it's best to identify the problem and then practice the desired behavior in a controlled environment. Rex doesn't know the difference between training and "live action", so practice, practice, practice!

The front door is the best place to start because it represents both the biggest temptation and the greatest danger. Pick a time when you can set aside about 30 minutes for a session. Remember, patience is your most important tool in training. Do not start a session exactly 30 minutes before you have to dash out the door to be on time for lunch with your hot date! Clip the leash on your dog without getting him all worked up about going "walkies". This session is about doors only.

Approach the front door as you normally do, and have Rex "sit" just far enough from the door so you can open it without bumping him. Praise the sit. Reach for the doorknob slowly and turn it, click it, whatever begins the opening process. If your pup stands up, withdraw your hand and tell him to sit again. Use the same voice you used the first time. Be patient. Repeat this part until you can turn the knob and open the door fully with Rex staying in the sit. Do not repeat "sit, sit, sit." It dilutes the command. Use it once for each time he stands and praise the sit.

Now that the door is open, we move to step two. If you have been using the "left foot first" Heel method, begin a step out the door with your right foot and stand just outside. If your pup stands at any time before you can do this, step back and close the door. Ask him to sit and praise the action. Repeat until you can open the door, step out and stand on the front step or porch with Rex in a sit the whole time. Pause. Take a breath. Keep the leash slack. You don't want to send any messages that it's OK to come out yet.

Now call your dog with a gentle "Come" command. He should come out the door and immediately respond to a "Sit" command. You should be able to check for your keys, close the door and arrange the leash before stepping out into the world. Walk him to about the next door neighbor's house then turn around and go back. Repeat the entire door exercise going back into the house. Have him sit while you remove the leash until you give the release command, then praise generously.

This exercise can be expanded for car trips as well! After going through the front door routine, do the same thing at the car. Have your dog sit, then put everything in the car. As long as he sits, all is well. Any time he stands, the doors are shut and he must sit again before any further action. Stay patient. Eventually Rex will learn that nothing good happens until he recognizes your priorities come first.

If you stick to this routine for the rest of your dog's life, the possibility that he will run out the door will diminish with time. Try it at the back door as well. Practice it at inside doors. There are two benefits to this training: 1) No more bolting out the door and 2) Your dog will be closer to acknowledging you as the "boss". Wild canines are very threshold-oriented. For proof of this, just watch how dogs at a dog park crowd around the gate when a "new guy" shows up. Once your dog recognizes your right to go first, you will be on the road to a well-behaved pooch.

Training Tip: Leash 101

2008-12-09T07:19:00.000-08:00

OK, you've got that sweet, adorable pup home now and set him up with a bed, bowls, toys, everything a contented canine would want. Now it's time for the magical outing known as "walkies". You slip his collar on, clip the leash and out the door you go. Three blocks later you've been dragged into the street, the leash is wrapped around your leg, every bush and tree has been marked and everyone you've passed has been accosted and jumped on. Not as easy as it looks on TV, huh?

The good news is that it doesn't take long to get Fluffy walking properly by your side if you have a plan and always stick to it. I walk dogs for my clients nearly every day and they range in temperament from mild to wild. But each one learns my Rules of the Leash quickly and it leads to a happy walk for both sides of the equation. To wit:

Make sure the collar is the proper size for your dog. Most pet stores allow you to bring the pooch into the store for a fitting. If they don't, go somewhere that will. If your dog has a narrow head, like a greyhound, or can pull his head out of the collar by backing up, get a "no-slip" collar.
Get a comfortable leash. The best ones for you are leather because of the tough, durable nature of the material. It softens as it gets older, making it easier on your hands. Web leashes can feel like a saw on your palms and fingers during training. The leash need be no wider than 1/2".
Before going on any serious walks, teach Fluffy to "sit". It's the basic command in the dog world, and if he can do that on command you are off to a great start. The easiest way to teach this is by holding a treat out of "jumping up" range in front of the dog, then moving it over the standing dog's head, saying the word "sit". Don't say it more than twice! It is natural for most dogs to drop their rear when looking overhead at something. As soon as the rear his the ground, give the treat and praise the action: "Good sit!" It won't take long.
Never go for a training walk with a destination in mind. Carve out at least 10 minutes per session, at least two sessions per day for a dog under 9 months and at least 30 minutes per session at least once a day for an older dog. If you plan to walk to the school, store or anyplace in particular, your patience will be sorely tested and your frustration with the dog will counter any good you are trying to accomplish. In fact, you may cause your pup to become fearful of people, cars, and other dogs if you transmit this anxiety to them.
How do you like this? Already down to number five and you haven't even left the house! No matter what you're trying to do, preparation is everything. Got your poop bags? Great. Now let's go walkies!
Before you start, always have your dog "sit". He should stay that way until you are ready to go. Keep him on your left. Hold the leash loosely. With an exaggerated step (just short of a Monty Python's Funny Walks Sketch) move forward with your left foot and say "Heel" in your happiest voice. This gives Fluffy both visual and verbal cues what to do.
The most important thing here is for your dog to know that you control the action from here on. If he surges forward, straining at the leash, take a few extra steps and slow to a stop. Have him sit next to you. Praise him for sitting. Then repeat the Heel sequence. If he surges forward again you can add another action. Let him know in your Happy Voice that you're going to turn and go the opposite way. "Turning, now. Good boy, good walkies." Then do it. No need to yank him back! Just slow down, warn him, and turn around.
After a few turns you may notice your dog turning his head slightly now and then to check up on you. Good! Praise him with a "Good watch me!" In fact, you should get pretty much sick of your own voice constantly praising your pup for just walking well and keeping slack on the leash.
Don't let him mark bushes, trees, etc. along the route! Your dog already has a territory: your yard. If your live in an apartment, pick one particular spot for him to have a pee, but don't let him "spread it all over town." He will be more protective and aggressive with other dogs if he thinks his territory extends for several blocks around your house.
Praise, praise, praise. If you need to warn him away from something, develop a "negative" command like "No". Say it quickly and give a quick flick of your wrist to tug the collar slightly. Then praise him for obeying the "No".
Young pups "burn out" during training sessions. That's why we keep them brief. You may be getting good results during a session and then the puppy starts balking and getting distracted. Stop, take a break for at least 20 minutes, then go home. Always praise the good and ignore the bad. Frustration leads to aggression!
When the session is over, have your dog "sit". Take the collar off (or the leash, if you want the flat collar to stay on), keeping the dog seated. Figure out a release word. I use "Break!" Then make the next few moments "Happy Time", with hugs and petting and treats and praise. This lets Fluffy know that at the end of every walk, good things are going to happen.

There are more things you can do to keep your dog on the straight and narrow during walks. After a while you will come to appreciate the freedom afforded your pup through good behavior. People will compliment you and you will feel very at ease as you take him to lots of new places.

Shows to Watch!

2008-11-30T10:37:00.000-08:00

As part of my never ending quest to stay on top of the news in Canine land, I like to watch dog-oriented shows on Animal Planet. Here are two shows that have fast become favorites here at the Casa Guillermo.

It's Me or the Dog!

Click here for scheduled times.

Host Victoria Stilwell is engaging, funny and down to earth in her approach to canine behavior problems. People contact her when their pups' bad acts threaten to undo their relationship. She has a straightforward personality and pulls no punches when advising her clients on the best way to preserve order in the home.

Last night I watched her use time tested methods to keep a Great Dane from ruining one couple's home and marriage. It all came down to the most basic premise in the world of training: Who is the boss? This big galoot of a dog was sleeping on their bed and growling at them when they tried to move him. He bothered them constantly while they cooked, read the paper or worked around the house. After just a few visits and some basic role reversal, the Dane got the message. The look of relief on those people's faces is one I am familiar with. All it took was a calm, knowledgeable approach and an objective observer to put things back on the right track.

I recommend watching this show to anyone with a dog, problem child or not, and anyone even thinking of getting a dog. Starting out right keeps the whole family out of that downward behavior spiral.

Dogs 101

This program is like having the AKC Breeder's Guide presented right in the comfort of your own home. Each show features three or four breeds and covers every aspect important to potential owners and trainers. The profile starts with a discussion the breed's ancestry and discusses its place in human history. Then every important detail is laid out: Grooming, temperament, health and nutrition. A panel of canine experts offers their advice and opinions of each breed as well. These are groomers, trainers and veterinarians.

All this advice gives the potential dog owner the information needed to make the right decision. If you are considering purchasing a purebred dog, please consider contacting a breed specific rescue organization first. Even "mutts" with recognizable breed conformation can be evaluated using the information on Animal Planet's Dogs 101. Enjoy!

Secret Trails: Buckeye Ranch

2008-11-25T13:08:00.000-08:00

Here in the Bay Area we are blessed with hundreds of miles of hiking trails, many of them open to dogs. In the course of my explorations I came across one trail that is ideal for hikers and their pups in many ways. This is the Buckeye Ranch Trail, on the East side of Briones Regional Park in Lafayette. There are many ways to enter this vast park, but the entrance from Springhill Road is one of the best.

On really hot days, most regional hiking trails are far too hot and dusty to hike for long without getting worn out. If you come to the Buckeye Ranch Trail, you will find an oasis of cool forest hiking that will soothe you and your dog. The parking area is fairly small, but it is rare to see more than one or two cars parked there at any time of the day. I usually go there in the middle of the day on weekdays and have had the place all to myself!

Most of the trails in Briones eventually start rising sharply as you enter the main park area. Not so with Buckeye Ranch. You'll walk under shady trees at a gentle rise, then it will elevate slightly when you take the left fork at the second cattle gate. At the top of that rise you'll find yourself in a cathedral of trees, with only the sounds of birds and critters scuttling around in the undergrowth. Go through the next gate and down the wide trail all the way to the end. That's the Sunrise Trail. You'll have to double back to get to the gate at Buckeye Ranch Trail, making the whole hike a little over two miles.

Dogs are allowed off leash in Briones, but be careful of cows! Notices are posted on most cattle gates warning hikers to stay away from grazing cattle, especially young cows. Females are very protective of their young and can charge you or your dog if you get between mothers and their young or come too close.

I have seen a lot of bird life in this area of the park, and I once saw a king snake as well. Rattlesnakes are native to the area but extremely rare this far from Mount Diablo. To get to this entrance, take Highway 24 to the Pleasant Hill Road exit. Go northwest on Pleasant Hill Road and turn left at the first traffic light, Springhill Road. Then just follow Springhill to the end. Enjoy your hike!

The Pet Sitter is Coming!

2008-11-12T19:26:00.001-08:00

As the Holidays approach, you might be thinking about your travel plans. Airline reservations, places to stay, points of interest all take up your extra time. Suddenly it occurs to you: What will we do about the pets? You may have had bad experiences in the past with asking neighbors, friends, and relatives to "stop by" when they weren't doing something more important. Now you're ready to hire a professional who can be relied upon to care for your pets. There are a lot of options out there that can fit your needs and those of your animal companions. Let's take a look at a few.

Drop In Pet Sitting

With this option, a person you hire comes to your home at an agreed-to time once or twice a day to care for the basic needs of your pets. They can also be asked to do other tasks, such as mail and newspaper pickup, watering plants, and rotating lights in your home to fool potential burglars. Dogs are typically taken out for a neighborhood walk and kitty litter boxes are cleaned. All this is covered in the initial visit, typically a free "setup" visit to get the pet sitter up to speed on the location of your pets' food, the alarm code, house key pickup, special instructions and any health problems.

Things to remember before the sitter gets there:

Vet Information - Your vet's name, phone number and office location. You should also know the closest emergency vet clinic, as many emergencies happen outside regular office hours.
If you have dogs, don't try to "step in" too much when the sitter gets there. This relationship starts now, and you won't be there next time they see him/her.
Ask the potential sitter a lot of questions about their experience with your type of pet. Any classes in pet first aid? Behavior? How long has the sitter been in business? Make sure the sitter has a business license and carries current liability insurance. That protects the both of you in case of mishap.
Trust your instinct. If the potential sitter leaves you feeling less than confident, let them know you'll be in touch and leave it at that. There are a lot of people out there vying for your business and you need to feel safe with your choice.
If the first visit is going to be in the evening, leave the porch light on! Sure, the prepared pet sitter will have a flashlight, but what if a neighbor looks out the window to see a strange person fiddling with your door by flashlight? That's what I'm talking about.
If you have cats and you need your pet sitter to clean the litter box, be sure to leave waste bags and extra litter. It's also nice to have hand washing supplies available so the sitter can clean up and not spread disease to other cats.

House Sitters

These folks come to your home and live at your house while you're away. You may have an invalid pet or you just feel more secure knowing that somebody is there most of the time to watch over things. The vetting process is the same for these types of sitters as well.

Boarding Kennels/Homes

There are many fine establishments in the Bay Area that will take in your pets and give them lots of care while you travel. A kennel will typically take in many animals and your pet will spend some time in a crate, run, or cage. Exercise will be taken care of at certain times of the day. If you are considering this option, visit the facility with your pet and again, ask a lot of questions. How much time will the pet be confined? What is the ratio of caregivers to pets? Are the pets monitored 24 hours a day? You deserve to know these things!

Some vet offices and hospitals provide boarding facilities, but the drawback is that the pet may spend more time confined than you are comfortable with. That should be your first concern.

There are private homes that take in a limited quantity of pets for boarding as well. This is an attractive option because most of these facilities allow the pets to run free much of the time and there is usually much more supervision of their interactions. Be sure to check the bona fides of these places and get references! That will tell you if time spent at this home will be quality time.

No matter which option you choose, the real proof will be your pet's behavior afterward. Is he fearful and nervous? Happy and tail-waggin'? Is his appetite normal? You'll know how well your contracted pet sitter did in short order and you can stick with the good ones for the life of your pet. Let the law of the "survival of the fittest" rule your choice when it comes to the care of your beloved animal companions. Here's a helpful link to get you started:

Pet Sitters International

Click on the "Locate a Pet Sitter" link, choose your service and enter your zip code. It's as easy as that!

Walkin' the Dog at the Lafayette Reservoir

2008-11-10T16:45:00.000-08:00

Two or three times a week I take my buddy Baxter up to the Lafayette Reservoir just off Highway 24 near the Lafayette BART station. No matter what the weather, there are plenty of great sights to see as you walk on the lakeside or high country trails. While you're strolling around with Spot you'll see a wide variety of wildlife as well. I've seen turkeys, deer and even a bobcat! The bird life is incredible as well, with blue herons, a bald eagle in winter and once a year the rare sight of white pelicans.

The 2.7 mile paved trail is well maintained and the EBMUD rangers are always friendly and helpful. The trail starts in the parking lot and winds around the reservoir, with dips and hills that get the blood flowing. Bicycles are only allowed on Sunday, so traffic jams aren't problem while walking your dog.

If you're the adventurous type with a passion for cardio hiking, the Upper Rim Trail is just right for you. Plenty of steep climbs and breathtaking vistas await you, including a panoramic view of Mount Diablo from the West Ridge Trail. The total distance on this journey is 4.7 miles. Winter hiking can be tough, as the dirt trails turn to muck.

The best thing about the "Rez" is its ever-changing face. As the seasons shift, the landscape goes from green to gold. There are some deciduous trees that show brilliant color changes. The water can be calm and mirror-smooth or choppy, with whitecaps rolling across the surface. In the Fall and Winter the early morning mist makes you think you're walking through a Tolkien novel.

While the entire park is dog-friendly, it's important to remember it's all on-leash. There's a hefty fine for letting your pup run unleashed, and it's just bad manners as well. The next thing to bear in mind: Bring a pooper scooper bag! Even if you forget them in the car, there are three separate dispensers where bags are available free of charge. These bags cost the EBMUD eight cents apiece, but it's a small price overall to keep from tap-dancing around the piles. And yet people still leave poop along the trail!

To get to the Rez, take Highway 24 West from Walnut Creek and get off at the Central Lafayette exit. Turn left on Deer Hill Road and follow it to Upper Happy Valley. Left there and then right on Mt. Diablo Blvd. The entrance is less than a mile on the left. Turn left at the top of the driveway to park at the metered spaces. Metered parking costs a dollar per hour with a two hour maximum. If you find the Rez to be your kind of place like I did, you can buy a yearly parking pass for $120. That entitles you to unlimited parking time in the main lot. Hours are seasonal, so click here to check them out.

Doggie Etiquette

2008-11-06T12:30:00.000-08:00

Manners, Please!

Imagine this: You're at the Mall, looking in shop windows and thinking about heading for the food court. Out of nowhere, somebody you've never met veers across the walkway and stands right next to you. They start asking you questions, looking in your bags, sniffing your hair and not letting you move forward. Second scenario: Same place, same unknown person. They stop you with an "Excuse me", and ask where the nearest Orange Julius stand is. You give your answer, they thank you and move on. Which person do you want to meet?

Believe it or not, your dog most wants to meet that second type as well. Not only that, you want your dog to be that second type.

I walk dogs in all sorts of social situations, from crowded city streets to open parkland, and the best way for our pooches to interact is by invitation. You'd be amazed at how quickly a "friendly" looking dog can suddenly become a snapping, snarling menace when you drop your guard, under the impression that all dogs want to run right up and meet each other. I have a couple of leash-aggressive pups that I walk regularly and it's not uncommon for another dog owner, their charge straining at the leash, to allow their dog to basically confront my dog. They get very miffed when I say "Excuse me, this is not a friendly dog." "Well, why are you walking him in public?"

Huh?

Here's the best bit of advice for any dog to dog situation: Ask first. As you approach another dog, get to a comfortable distance, say 15 feet or so, and ask: "Can my dog meet your dog?" If the answer is "Yes", both owners should stand on the outside, opposite each other so that the leashes don't cross. This allows either one to break contact for any reason without getting tangled up.

Dogs usually greet each other by a quick face to face and then go right for the butt. There are anal scent glands there that are the dog's "signature". If you notice that the other dog is pricking up its ears, getting stiff-legged, growling (of course), tail sticking straight up, or not allowing your dog to sniff his butt, simply say "OK, Fido, let's go" pleasantly and walk on. When it comes right down to it, your number one priority is having fun and keeping your dog safe. The snide remarks of uneducated dog owners should slide right off in the face of those considerations.

Dog Parks

Such a cauldron of doggie hormones and human anxiety! I frequently take my client dogs to the Hap Magee Ranch Dog Park in Danville for exercise and sociability training. There are a lot of experienced dog owners there who know the Rules. Number One being: Let Dogs Be Dogs! These guys love to run, bark, tumble, growl (playfully) and even hump each other. If a particular dog is acting out too aggressively, as in pinning another dog or starting a true fight, most of the folks there know to give that pooch a time out.

If it's your first time at a dog park, do all you can not to transfer your anxieties to the dog. Holding the leash, being overprotective or shouting at other dogs will make you persona non grata among the "regulars". Check the link I provided above for more dog park tips.

We can all get along just fine if we remember that the rules of socialization among our furry friends are not all that different than between ourselves.

Our Greatest Responsibility

2008-11-03T19:49:00.000-08:00

I am a frequent visitor to the Hoffman's Reptiles here in Concord, CA. At first, Dan Hoffman might not strike you as a typical "pet store" owner. Good thing, because he's far from it. Posted right on the cashier's counter is this framed statement:

"When you purchase a living thing you hold its life in your hands. This is a awesome responsibility that must be taken seriously. If you cannot care for this precious life, do not take it home."

Can't argue with that. When I was a kid my concept of owning a pet was to go out to the store and buy some furry little critter, take him home and promptly ignore him. I had hamsters and gerbils because Mom and Dad didn't want to get a dog. All well and good, but when I tried to teach the little guys to fetch they just ran away under the bed. Not much fun. And that's really the problem with any new pet. Too often pets are purchased to fill some perceived need for companionship, a desire to teach responsibility or even as an exotic form of decor, without giving thought to the fact that we have now accepted a new life into our own and must cherish and nurture it.
I have volunteered at Tony LaRussa's Animal Rescue Foundation and graduated from the Marin Humane Society's Consultant Instructor Training Academy and I have seen many pets who were simply abandoned because they were too much trouble to care for. These poor creatures had no control over who bought them and took them home. Too often the problem is bad planning on the part of the owners. Let me make some suggestions here:

Before you ever leave the house to get a pet, sit down and list all the pro's and con's of ownership. Where will it sleep? Who will feed it? Where will we get medical care for it? How much will it cost to keep this pet to old age? Whose pet is this?
Get somebody with an objective point of view to help you with your decision. When a good friend of mine was thinking about getting a dog, he asked me to come over and talk to the whole family about the process. I asked the kind of questions you see above, then I went with them to ARF to keep them from taking every dog home!
If you're getting an exotic pet like a snake or turtle, get all the information you can about their special needs. The East Bay Vivarium and Hoffman's Reptiles will talk to you about just what these guys need to survive and thrive.
If yours is a busy lifestyle, make sure the pet you choose can either come along or doesn't require copious amounts of your time. There's nothing more pitiful than seeing a dog chained to a tree in a yard, barking at passersby while its owners go on about their lives. If you can't spend time with it, don't get it!

Pets are a wonderful addition to our lives. My family zoo includes a dog, two cats, a rabbit, a lizard, a frog and a tarantula. They all have their places in our lives and we have made a commitment to help each one live to the full measure of their life expectancies. That can only be done through diligent, informed care.