If the worst happens, here are five things to do to bring your lost dog home:

1.    Contact your local humane society.  Your dog may have already been picked up by animal control, or someone may have phoned in a report of a dog roaming free. Leave your name and number so they can contact you with any news, and ask if there are any other animal rescue organizations operating in the area. Check the blue pages of your local phone book for listings or go to www.cfhs.ca.

2.    Call your veterinarian. Your dog’s rabies tag lists your vet’s name and telephone number, so they may be the first to hear if somebody finds him. Ask for the numbers of any local veterinary emergency clinics and contact them as well, in case your pet has been involved in an accident.

3.    If your dog is microchipped, file a lost pet report with the registry. Make sure that they have your current contact information.

4.    Organize a search party. Recruit friends and family to canvass the neighbourhood, visiting any familiar spots that your dog may be drawn to. Be sure that all searchers are equipped with a leash as well as some treats to lure your dog, it may be frightened and reluctant to come to strangers.

5.    Make up flyers. Create a stack of brightly-coloured flyers with a photo and description of your dog. (Withhold a few identifying characteristics so that you can weed out scam artists who are only after the reward). Indicate the date and location where your dog was last seen, as well as your home, work and cell phone numbers. Knock on doors, leave your flyers in mailboxes and show them to mail carriers, garbage collectors and crossing guards. Also post them in places where dog-lovers congregate, like pet stores, vet clinics and parks. Most lost pets are found and returned by neighbours, so spread the word.

For more helpful advice, check out these related articles:
Stolen moments: Dog theft
Lost dog: A fast, systematic response will help you find
your missing pet.

By Natalie Ann Comeau

Natalie Ann Comeau is a freelance writer with a special interest in working ca­nines. She lives in Oakville, Ont., with her family and two unemployed dogs.

Like his most recent release, Matthew Good gives the real goods – live and unedited. A self-proclaimed defender of those who don’t have a voice, it’s no real surprise that Good speaks out for the underdog. His fans are aware of his role as a human rights activist, but there is much more about the man who bears out his apt surname.
Paws for a Cause, an annual Vancouver SPCA fundraiser, was introduced to Good by his friend Keira, and SPCA animal protection officer Angela Mead. The money raised helps provide food, shelter and medical assistance to abused and abandoned animals. Given the cause and his connection with animals and activism in other areas, Good said of his involvement, “It was something that just made sense.”

Despite the business he’s in, Good is not an attention-seeker. He felt that if he could help in some way, his association was “purely for the benefit of the animals.” They decided to make it a feature issue on his web site and once he made the initial post linking to Paws for a Cause, donations quickly began rolling in supporting his friend Keira’s entry. She had registered under the names of Good’s dogs – (at right, left to right) ‘Benji,’ ‘Casey,’ ‘Pete’ and ‘Bella’ – with a fundraising goal of $7,500.

When asked about supporting the fundraiser, Good is quick to state another goal of importance to him: “It was more about the awareness.” He talks passionately about the responsibility of caring for a dog, wanting more people to be aware of this and how much work and effort comes with being a responsible owner. “Some of the dogs may need a little more work in the beginning,” he said of dogs adopted from the SPCA, “but it’s always worth putting in that extra time and effort.”

The Good dogs
These days, Good lives with two delightful small dogs, Casey and Benji, both rescued from unfortunate circumstances.

He goes on to express his views on the importance of spaying and neutering, especially if living in an urban setting. Good always comes back to talking about care and responsibility with our pets. Meanwhile, from the sofa Casey is watching the goings-on beyond the window and Benji has settled in at Good’s feet. He talks quietly to them and each time he uses their names in discussion, they turn to him with full attention.

The Paws for a Cause is a family affair for Good – his mother and other family members also participate on the day of the fundraiser. When he was growing up, Good’s parents had a female terrier cross and when she had pups, he says, “We kept the two sons.” He grew up with these three dogs that lived to about 17 or 18 years old.

After his divorce, Good had four dogs and, always wanting the best for the dogs, two went to live with his parents. He talks about how well Pete, his Dachshund, adjusted because of having previously bonded with his father while Good was away on a long road trip. Bella, another rescue, took longer to make the adjustment.

Listening to him talk about the dogs in this way, his deep concern and understanding of his dogs’ emotions is evident. Several times he brought up the strain of having to separate the dogs at that time. “It was a very difficult thing to do.”

Good talks openly about the comfort his dogs bring him, and their unconditional love during some difficult times he’s expe-rienced. Those of you who are fans and follow his blog will know how candid he is about his experiences and the depth of his feelings for the dogs.
Good becomes animated when talking about the personalities of his dogs and how they interact with each other. With that sustained vibrancy, he shares details about the dogs, describing each in terms of their cunning, intelligence or bravery, for instance, and we burst into laughter as he shares stories about their antics.

So what does a musician do with his dogs when he’s on tour? When his Dachshund Pete was young, Good left him with his parents while he was away on a road trip. He’s fortunate that either his parents or a friend will dog sit when he’s out of town. In the past, he has taken the dogs on the road with him, but only for up to a week. Good explains that when they have been on the bus with him, “They get quite excited about it. They sleep with me in my bunk.” But he also realizes it gets too crowded for everyone if the dogs are along.

Absolute responsibility
Our discussion finds its way back to the theme of responsibility. Good talks about pet ownership that’s for the wrong reasons: “Whether it’s girls who buy Chihuahuas for accessories or guys who buy pit bulls to look tough, and they end up in the pound three months later…. There has to be absolute responsibility and dedication if you’re going to have an animal.”

As we wind up our conversation, Good is concerned that it’s time to take the dogs outside. We leave the condo together, Good’s attention primarily with the dogs. He doesn’t just talk the talk, he walks the walk.

By Diane M. Schuller
Diane M. Schuller is a freelance writer, an award-winning fiction writer, and a proud member of the Dog Writers Association of America. She writes from a farm near Hythe, Alta. with her three office assistants, ‘Maggie’ an English Springer Spaniel, and Australian Shepherds ‘Pearl’ and ‘Austin,’ who ensure she gets outside to walk and play.

(Originally appeared in our December 2008 issue)

While most of the backyards in her central Ontario neighbourhood were gripped with record snow levels in 2007-08, Max and two of his best mates, Border Collie ‘Gracie,’ and ‘Dixie,’ a Labrador Retriever, dug trails through the snow banks and rolled around together to flatten the powder on Jamieson’s property.

“A bored dog is generally a destructive or problem dog,” says canine behaviourist and trainer Kathy Currie-Eyers of Top Dog K9 Services in Barrie, Ont., who suggests not only keeping your dog physically challenged in the winter, but mentally engaged as well.

When not engaged in numerous activities to keep them exercised, the canine clients at Currie-Eyers’ doggy daycare are kept busy trying to figure out how to get the kibble out of hard plastic balls they roll around outside.

“I drill some holes in the balls and put the kibble inside. The dogs will roll them around and the kibble falls out. It keeps them moving and makes them think,” she explains. “As long as we don’t have any food-guarders, we’ll put some kibble in and that keeps them busy for a while. We throw a few of these balls around.”

Her own Labrador Retrievers get a ‘jump’ on their treats by knocking their noses against a clean paint can (you can purchase unused cans at a paint store) filled with kibble and hanging by a bungee cord from a tree branch. Currie-Eyers drills holes in the cans to allow just enough space for the food to drop out. She says it’s a great way to keep the dogs’ minds and bodies occupied.

Indoors…
While many people – and some dogs – like to hibernate when the mercury drops below zero, it’s important to be more creative than ever in order to keep your dog active. Although Jamieson and Max can be found walking the local trails most winter mornings, when it gets too icy to risk an outdoor adventure, her inexpensive alternative is an indoor fitness regimen that includes Max following her up and down the stairs inside her home and doing doggy push ups.

“I make him sit, then lie down. Then I say, ‘Up,’ then ‘Sit,’ then ‘Down.’ It keeps him busy,” she laughs.

Currie-Eyers stresses the need to keep dogs that are active in the summer just as active in the winter, especially if they are involved in organized sports.

“If owners let their dogs sit all winter, [they] can atrophy and start losing their muscle memory and then they’re starting from square one every spring,” she says, adding that many who are into agility set up a few jumps in their garage or basement to keep the dog working. She even suggests looking into activities for dogs at a sports dome or other indoor facility during winter months. “If they don’t use it they will lose it,” she warns.

and out
For a high-energy romp through the snow with their dogs, many Canadians have turned to skijoring (see photo above), a Scandi-navian sport that has gained popularity in Canada over the last decade. The activity involves attaching one to three dogs to a per-son on cross-country skis, via a line attached to a wide belt worn by the human and a harness worn by the dog(s). A quick-release device is recommended for safety.

“If you fall, or if you’re in a wooded area and you’re [headed] for a tree, you can pull on the quick release and you’re off,” says Hans Oettli. Skijoring is extremely popular in the Yukon, where Oettli owns Tanzilla Harness Supplies, but most of his Internet orders for equipment come from Ontario, Alberta and B.C.

“It’s unbelievable how many people are out there skijoring and I send kits across Canada, the United States and Europe,” says the Swiss-born Oettli, who has been skijoring for 30 years.
While prices vary, $110 can buy a beginner’s skijoring kit, which includes the belt, dog harness, line and an instruction book. An advanced package has a more supportive harness, similar to a climber’s harness that has better support with leg straps.

Judith and Bryan Pearce have been involved in sled dog sports since the mid-’60s. Their goal is to “get people and their dogs off unemployment” and their company in Hudson, Que., called A.K.K.O. Sports, sells skijoring and dog-sledding equipment in Canada, the United States, Europe – and even South Africa.

In 2000, Judith, a former nurse, became involved with the International Federation of Sleddog Sports, and this position led her to look more closely at the level of activity of many families and their dogs.

“I looked in greater depth at the increase in organization and the realization that a lot of people were still trying to have a traditional family with a house in the burbs, two children and one dog, and ‘Excuse me dog, just lie in the corner and be quiet and don’t bother us because we’re so busy,’” she said. “The problem in society today is we do have a problem with obesity and lack of exercise and I’m really keen to promote [winter dog sports] to anyone who might be interested.”

Judith and Oettli strongly recommend putting in some training time before taking the family pet skijoring or dog sledding. Teaching the dog the basic commands to stop and go, turn right and left, and ensuring the dog always stays in front with a tight line, are imperative.

Be careful to not run into the dog’s hind legs, cautions Oettli. He also reminds people to ensure their dog is physically and emotionally mature enough to take on the task. Pups under the age of one year run the risk of damaging their hips by pulling too hard for too long.

“What you want is to be working as a team with the animal. You don’t want them to be making decisions like stopping on their own,” advises Judith, adding that dogs used for these sports should weigh more than 35 pounds (16 kilograms). “This is not to say that you can’t stop, but the directive should come from you.”

Whatever the activity – or budget – having fun and keeping your dog exercised is the key to good health and a happy home throughout the winter.

By Kim Goggins
Kim Goggins is a journalist whose articles have appeared in many Canadian magazines and newspapers. She lives with her husband Hugh and dogs ‘Alex’ and ‘Brodie,’ who don’t seem to mind that her writing has gone to the dogs.

(Originally appeared in our December 2008 issue)

We might even say that this applies to general thinking when it comes to dog training. If you repeatedly give your dog a biscuit for sitting when asked, you should be able to count on the result. This reward vs. no reward concept is widely used in dog training.

However, have you ever stopped to consider that this is the same method dogs use to teach us what they want? We are not the only clever ones. In fact, I think dogs do a great job teaching their humans and seem to get the upper hand in many homes.

Clever ‘Levi’
I can start with my own little terrier. Levi came to me as a rehomed dog when she was close to a year old. She was a bundle of energy and at 13 hasn’t slowed down much. She is clever and has the art of manipulation down pat.

Her main issue was coming when called in the park. It was my goal to give her some freedom, so it was important that she have a reliable Recall. She was rewarded hundreds of times over a few months for running like the wind toward me when she heard her name. She was the talk of the park because her Recall was so fast and reliable.

Over time, I noticed Levi running further and further away. She would always come when called, but her roaming distance seemed to increase daily. After observing her, a light bulb went off in my head. If she was close by, she wasn’t called; if she wasn’t called, she didn’t get a tasty morsel for returning. She had trained me very well. She knew that if she went a distance that made me uncomfortable, she would be called back and receive her treat.

Our new program started immediately. Instead of calling her back, I gave her treats and attention for be-ing close. I would occasionally drop a treat out of my pocket when she was nearby and hadn’t been called. Whenever she went too far, I would walk in the oppo-site direction. I knew she had her eye on me at all times. If she ran back to catch up, there was no reward. The only reward was for being close to me.

That did the trick and while she still has a fantastic Recall, she now chooses to stick around.

How smart is your dog?
Our dogs are clever and spend their days observing us, and there are many ways they train us. Attention-seeking is huge in dogs, and when they want our attention, they get it. Imagine sitting at the computer and your dog is bumping your arm, bumping your arm, bumping your arm. Eventually you pay attention. You might think that your dog has to go outside, but generally that isn’t the case. Dogs that bark at us so we’ll speak to them have us well trained. If you ignore these behaviours, they will soon disappear.

How about the dog that barks at the door to go out? Is that real or is he just calling you to the door to see some activity? I’m sure our dogs are telling each other, “Check out how fast I can get my people to run to the door.” Get up and let your dog out initially, but if this starts to happen every hour, you know you’re in trouble. It takes an observant owner to decipher their own dog’s language and know when the need to go out is legitimate, but keep in mind that your dog might just want to see a scurry of activity and get some attention.

Can you imagine? Now there are dogs that won’t come when called, but if they call us to the door, we come at the speed of lightning and they get rewarded for it.

There are even some dogs that are so smart a turn of the head will get them what they want. They will sit beside their people and do the head tilt, and who can resist? Very clever. Of course, there is really no harm in this, but it’s interesting to see a dog’s mind at work.

Dogs train us when we think we’re training them. We teach them to walk nicely beside us on a walk, but the walk will continue even if they pull. They wait for the two- or three-sit command. Sit, sit, sit and finally a response. They are even clever enough to roll on their backs for a belly rub right in the middle of a training exercise. And who can resist them?

Consistency pays off
Many dogs simply want to wiggle out of the rules. Dogs that are told numerous times to do something and are finally left alone have learned that if they ignore their people, they will eventually be let off the hook. You must be consistent; when you ask your dog to do some-thing (Sit, Down, Get off the counter) you need to follow up. This is the primary way dogs learn that we mean what we say. No muss, fuss, yelling or upset, just follow-through. Consistency now will save you time and frustration in the future.

The other day I was having coffee with a friend who recently acquired a seven-year-old Husky mix. It has been many years since they’ve shared their home with a dog, and this one has stolen their hearts. There are many stories of ‘Juno,’ and how clever he is, and I have to agree. He’s a lovely dog that had lived a sheltered life and is now getting the attention he deserves.

The other day Juno started pushing at my friend’s arm in a determined way. They were savvy enough to not just give him a pat, but to get up and see what he wanted. He immediately ran to the back door and, once outside, promptly tossed up his dinner. His communication with his owner paid off… for both of them.

Who’s the smart one now?

By Gillian Ridgeway

The director of Who’s Walk­­ing Who (Toronto and Ajax), and co-author of the book Citi­zen Canine, Gil­lian Ridge­­­­­­way has been working with fam­ily dogs for over 34 years. She can be reached at www.whoswalkingwho.net

(Originally appeared in our December 2008 issue)

For me, it was my mother-in-law’s little Poodle ‘Sophie’ who disappeared. We were taking care of her for a week and she had been at our home many times. This particular day was a snowy wonderland but we had a fenced yard, and four other dogs at the time, so there wasn’t much concern for her safety when they were let out that morning. The other dogs all came in from the yard, but not Sophie. After much calling and searching, it sank in that she was missing. The next step was to be calm and decide systematically what to do. Panic would not help our cause.

What to do
The first thing was to make up a flyer alerting everyone to keep an eye out for her. We could then have someone on the phone, calling vet clinics and shelters and gathering fax numbers so we could send them the flyer with her description and contact information. Unfortunately, our flyer did not include Sophie’s photo, as we were the babysitters. To be prepared for this type of emergency, be sure every caregiver has a current, clear photo of all your pets.

We then set off on foot to get the flyers taped to trees and posts in our area. As we were in a snowstorm, we put the flyers into plastic sleeves.

We also spoke to as many people as we could find and knocked on our neighbours’ doors. It’s important to ask your neighbours to look in their sheds, garages and under their decks, or ask if you may look yourself. Many dogs become nervous when out of their own comfort zone, so might hide away, waiting to be found, and don’t always come when called. Be sure to take some treats and a leash when you go searching. If your dog is upset, he may react differently when you approach.

If you’re not having any success in your search, you will need to enlist friends and family to help check all the nooks and crannies again. Visit all the local animal shelters and put an ad in the newspapers to get the word out.

Recruiting the kids in your area is a great idea. Offer them a small reward. Kids are out and about, and seem to notice anything out of the norm. They usually know all the dogs around, and have the time to help. They will turn finding your dog into a mission.

Keep up the search
Years ago I had a terrier that got loose and was missing for days. It was hard to keep up the search with a broken heart. My best friend kept looking and after five days she found him. A nice neighbour down the street had taken him in and had called the humane society to say they had him at home, rather than taking him to the shelter. When my friend called the shelters, they had him on file, and gave out the neighbour’s contact info. For my neighbour, returning the dog was bittersweet as they had become quite attached to him, but for me, the joy of finding him after so long was overwhelming.

While most dogs go missing in search of great adventure outside their yard, others are taken. Having your dog accompany you on daily errands can be great, but never leave him tied outside a store by himself. You won’t forgive yourself if you come out with a bag of groceries to find that your dog has been taken. Besides, sitting alone outside a store makes a dog vulnerable – at risk of being given treats, or bothered. It’s not worth it.

Preventive measures
To help keep your dog safe, put all the safety measures in place. Make sure your yard is escape-proof; if little spaces need to be filled in, don’t delay. Teach your dog to respect all doors. No dog should be allowed to bolt out a door, even to a fenced area. Teach him to sit while the door is being opened, and to not go out until you give him a release.

Your dog should have both a microchip and a visible tag. If he doesn’t have a microchip, ask your vet for the details. If your dog slips out of his collar, he can still be identified by his microchip. The downside is that your dog has to be taken into a clinic or shelter to be scanned. However, the chip number will then be called into a database and your dog’s contact information will be accessible.

Your dog should also wear a visible tag at all times – not just his rabies tag and licence, but a tag with your contact information. If you’re going away and taking your dog with you, go to a tag kiosk (located in many pet stores), have a new tag made for your new location and attach it to your dog’s collar for the duration of your holiday. If you change cell phones, get a new tag made to reflect the new number.

Make sure your dog is wearing his collar and tag at all times, even if you walk him with a harness or halter, and that his collar is an appropriate size so he can’t slip out of it. The exception is dogs that spend time alone outdoors. Their collars should slip off if the dog gets caught in the brush.

And Sophie? We searched and searched, called around and searched again. It was puzzling that she had even managed to get out of the yard. Lo and behold, three days later, she was sitting on our deck looking just a bit hungry. She had managed to make herself a little bed under our deck and to the best of our knowledge must have been too afraid in the storm to come out. We had looked under there many times, but she had squeezed into an area that was not visible. So, there she was, safe and sound, and back to us before her owner returned from holiday. A happy ending.

By Gillian Ridgeway

The director of Who’s Walking Who (Toronto and Ajax), and co-author of the book Citizen Canine, Gillian Ridgeway has been working with family dogs for over 33 years. She can be reached at www.whoswalkingwho.net.

(Originally appeared our October 2006 issue)

Below, you’ll find a PDF version of the 2007 statistics for Canada’s Top Dogs in field, conformation and obedience.

2007 Top Field Dogs

2007 Top Show Dogs

2007 Top Obedience Dogs

The American Kennel Club/Canine Health Foundation’s bi-annual Parent Club Conference in St. Louis (October 2007) brought the message of stem cell research and its importance home in very clear terms as the researchers themselves explained their work. It certainly dispelled any notion of horrors that have been alluded to in the media.

The reports at the meeting were on stem cell research in cancer and cardiology. Rick Vulliet, D.V.M., Ph.D. (University of California, Davis) used the term “cytotherapeutics” when giving his keynote address. He pointed out that among the diseases in which stem cell therapy might make a difference are degenerative myelopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, and selected inborn errors of metabolism. In general, any disease that results from a premature loss of cells has the potential for treatment with cells, from either the patient or donations from closely related donors.

Trials in both humans and animals are underway. Anyone interested in seeing the range of trials can go to: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Stem cells and cancer
Cancer has been recognized in people since the time of the ancient Greeks. According to Dr. Jaime Modiano, we began to recognize why cancer happens only at the end of the 19th century. Dr. Modiano has taught and conducted research at several veterinary schools in the United States. In July 2007, he joined the College of Veterinary Medicine, School of Medicine, and Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota, where he continues his research program as Professor of Comparative Oncology holding the Al and June Perlman Endowed Chair.

Today we know that cancer is the leading cause of death in humans under the age of 85, and the most common cause of disease-related death in dogs. There have been advances in cancer identification and therapy and many patients, both canine and human, live productive lives after diagnosis and treatment.

Cancer is a disease of stem cells, which makes this type of research valuable. Cancer begins with one cell that expands and self-renews. Both a normal and a cancerous cell will do this, but the cancer cell is one that has mutated from a normal cell.

According to Dr. Modiano, “The ‘cancer stem cell’ theory states that cancers arise from cells that share properties with stem cells. These are 1) the ability to make progeny that can undergo continuous self-re-newal (make an identical daughter cell) and 2) the ability to differentiate along one or more pathways.

Self-renewal and differentiation potential are two essential features of stem cells, but that does not mean that all cancers necessarily arise from stem cells. It is a source of confusion and controversy because the definition is functional and not semantic. In fact, some people believe that ‘cancer stem cells’ arise from somatic cells that undergo mutation in key genes that endow them with stem cell potential. Cancer cells have some properties that resemble those that are found in stem cells.”

Modiano adds, “The natural history of lymphoma, osteosarcoma, and melanoma are similar in dogs and people, and for that reason we can extrapolate information from what we learn in dogs to improve outcomes for people with these tumors and vice versa.”

Emerging technology
“Stem cell technology is emerging clearly as one of the more exciting and promising areas of biomedical research,” says Matthew Breen, Ph.D., C.Biol., M.I.Biol., Professor of Genomics in the Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research at North Carolina State Univer-sity. Dr. Breen was honoured by AKC/CHF with their highest award, The Asa Mays, D.V.M., Excellence in Canine Health Research award, one well deserved by this pioneer in research that will ultimately benefit both our canine companions and their human friends. Breen’s research interests include genomics, genome mapping, and comparative aspects of canine research in human research. Breen was one of the key investigators in the mapping of the canine genome.

“There is growing hope that [research in stem cell technology] could lead to development of new treatments and maybe even cures for some terrible disease. There is still much to learn about this field and so time will tell if the optimism surrounding this area of research will be sustained and realized broadly,” adds Breen candidly.

“There is no specific ‘stem cell therapy’ that is being developed to treat cancer, to the best of my knowledge,” states Modiano. “Stem cell transplants may help support or repopulate the bone marrow after cytotoxic chemotherapy (as has been done for breast cancer patients for some time). On the other hand, identifying key features that are unique to ‘cancer stem cells’ – a better name may be ‘tumour initiating cells’ – may al-low us to develop more effective therapies. But we have no reason to believe normal stem cells will necessarily provide cancer cures at this time.”

To aid in the research, not only do these researchers and their colleagues work together but they have formed the Canine Comparative Oncology and Genomics Consortium of which Dr. Breen is a founding member and director, as is Dr. Modiano. The consortium has an independent advisory board. Researchers share the samples and their findings.

Research has been centred on both cancer and cardiology, but that would seem to be just the tip of the iceberg. If this early research is any indication, many more diseases might benefit from stem cell treatment. Only investigation and time will tell. The possibilities are enormous and exciting.

By Darlene Arden

Darlene Arden is a writer, lecturer and Certified Animal Behavior Consultant, and a frequent contributor to Dogs in Canada. Her most recent books are Small Dogs, Big Hearts, and Rover, Get Off Her Leg! You can find Darlene on-line at www.
darlenearden.com.

(Originally appeared in our November 2008 issue)

Our trepidation had to do with the higher-than-usual likelihood of the dog’s return to the shelter once the domestically appealing idea of dog (or worse, puppy) and baby arriving in rapid succession gave way to the inevitably chaotic reality. The common denominator among these failures was lack of preparation, in some cases simply because there wasn’t time between the acquisition of a dog, his training, and the plunge into parenthood.

In the ensuing years of counselling dog owners, I was relieved to see oodles of people succeed, including dog moms who expanded their horizons to become dog and baby moms.

What these successful families had in common was advance preparation: get the dog up to speed before the baby arrives.

The three areas I recommend you work on before the baby’s arrival are:
•   building a positive emotional response from your dog to babies;
•   a strong obedience behaviour that will come in handy; and
•   management and logistics plans and procedures to make your life easier.

Creating a happy response to babies
Get some items from a young baby, things that will really smell like a baby: unwashed bedding or clothes, or even a used diaper. If you don’t know anybody with a baby who can lend you some, put up a poster at a Lamaze class in your area, or at a local baby store. Put each item in a freezer bag and zip it shut. Now get a supply of out-of-this-world treats, something like roast chicken pieces. Fill a couple of zip-lock bags with these goodies.

Several times each day, take one of the baby-item bags and one of the treat bags, sit down somewhere and invite your dog over. Open the bag with the baby item. Let your dog sniff it for a good five or 10 seconds. Praise him the whole time and when the five to 10 seconds are up, give him a generous helping from the goodie bag. Praise him a little longer, then zip up both bags and put them away. Follow this procedure to the letter no matter what he does. He might sniff interestedly, be relatively uninterested, try to eat the diaper – none of this matters. Focus your attention on presenting first the baby smell and then the goodies.

A few hours later and in a different room, repeat the process. After a few days, what you’ll get from this is a conditioned emotional response to the smell of babies. Babies mean good things for dogs (as opposed to being ignored, banished or yelled at “Get the dog away from the baby”).

When your dog first meets your baby – the first impression is very important – let him investigate a bit, then ask for a Down (you’ll have trained this), and then reward him with one of the goodie-bag treats (the roast chicken). You can practise this same procedure using a doll held in your arms or, if you can get one, an actual baby.

Obedience prep
If you have the time, I highly recommend signing up for an obedience course, even if your dog seems pretty well behaved. It’ll strengthen your understanding of how he learns and sharpen important things like Sit, Don’t jump, Walk nicely on leash and Down. An even better option would be to hire a private trainer for a few sessions to build a solid Go-to-your-mat down-stay, which is the king of all dog-management behaviours. Once the dog reliably targets the mat and settles down there, the mat can be transferred from the baby’s room when you’re nursing or attending to her, to the living room if that’s where everybody is hanging out, or to anywhere you’d like the dog included but not all over the baby.

If you want to have a bash at training it on your own, peruse the training books and DVDs available at www.dogwise.com. If you train 10 minutes or so a day, it’ll take you on the order of a month to teach your dog to target his mat and stay there. One crafty technique to extend the duration of his stay is to give him a chew item (a bully stick, for example) and let him chew away provided he stays on the mat. If he leaves the mat, he loses the chewie. In a few repetitions, your dog will learn that the mat is a chewing oasis. Practise sending him to the mat whenever you sit in a chair with the doll. With enough reps, he’ll automatically target the mat and wait for his chew toy as soon as you start cradling the doll.

It’s also a great idea to crate-train your dog if you’ve not already done so. By this I mean training him to like being in his crate for gradually longer durations. Which brings us to management and support.

It takes a village
Among the circus of acquisitions (car seats, strollers, furniture, toys, gear, gear, gear) tack on a serious supply of chew items, and a dog walker for those days when you need a tired dog but cannot create this yourself for want of time. Find out what your dog likes to chew and stock up. Here’s an equation for you: chewie plus crate = contented dog out from underfoot. Here’s another: dog walker three times a week = much calmer dog in house.

If you have dog-friendly friends, develop a contract with them, something like “If you’ll take my dog for an afternoon or a day when my hair is standing on end and I need one less thing on my plate, I will…” and figure out a barter that would make it worth their while.

Knowing there are safety valves like crate time, your dog walker and a friend or two (or three) who will rescue you on those days when you feel overwhelmed can make a huge difference. It’s not good for anybody – you, the dog or the baby – for you to be overextended, especially chronically.

Finally, if your time is stretched but your budget allows for it, I suggest you find a dog groomer and have your dog done every month or two. A common concern among parents is the inevitable dirt, hair and dander that comes with owning a dog. While it can’t be eliminated (and research shows, in terms of your baby’s likelihood of developing allergies, it’s advantageous to be raised with a dog, so you wouldn’t want to eliminate it anyway), it can be mitigated with regular grooming. Trainers are fond of saying “A trained dog is an included dog.” Let’s add “A clean dog is an included dog.”

By Jean Donaldson

Canadian Jean Donaldson is the founder of the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers. Her books include The Culture Clash, Dogs Are From Neptune and MINE! A Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs.

(Originally appeared in our November 2008 issue)

Across Canada, registered charities and non-profit organizations strive to improve the health and well-being of dogs, and use the dog’s unique aptitudes and abilities to provide physical and emotional support to people in need. There are countless opportunities for dog lovers to contribute financial support or volunteer their time to worthy canine causes. Here is just a sampling of the doggone good work that’s happening from coast to coast.

A national charity dedicated to promoting the role and welfare of dogs in Canada
It’s been 20 years in the making, but the CKC Charitable Foundation is well positioned to support canine health initiatives and promote the benefits that dogs provide to society. With financial support from individuals and corporations, the Foundation will fund research into canine genetics and health, and sponsor educational programs for breeders, covering fundamental subjects like hereditary diseases, effective breeding programs and ethics. Public awareness programs will promote the benefits of the human-animal bond and educate the public about responsible dog ownership. And in cooperation with other organizations, the Foundation will work with legislators to develop fair and effective laws that control the activities of irresponsible dog owners and breeders, without adversely affecting the rights and privileges of responsible dog lovers.
(416) 675-5511 or www.ckc.ca

An organization that teaches at-risk youth to train service dogs
Like most assistance dogs, Canine Opportunity People Empowerment service dogs increase their handlers’ independence, assist them with everyday tasks and provide them with therapeutic benefits. But a COPE dog’s service to the community begins long before it’s matched with its handler. COPE teaches high school students who are at risk of dropping out to train and care for the young dogs, providing them with leadership skills and a sense of achievement. In addition to training their dog to respond to 90 special commands, the students and their dogs volunteer as buddies for elementary students who need help with reading and math, and provide therapeutic visits to retirement homes and hospitals. Dog lovers in the Barrie, Ont., area can provide foster homes for the dogs outside school hours, or volunteer with newborn pups in the Puppy Petters program. COPE relies on donations to cover the $22,000 cost of breeding, raising and training each dog.
(705) 734-COPE (2673) or www.copedogs.org

A foundation that gives low-income dog owners access to necessary veterinary care
For people with limited financial means, the illness or injury of a beloved pet can be devastating. Fortunately, the spirit of a big, shaggy dog sometimes comes to the rescue. The Farley Foundation, named after the family dog in Lynn Johnston’s cartoon strip For Better or For Worse, provides Ontario veterinary clinics with financial assistance to cover the cost of necessary treatments for pets belonging to low-income seniors, or people with disabilities. October is Fundraise for Farley month, when veterinary clinics across the province hold local fundraising events. Donations can also be made year-round at veterinary clinics or on-line, and Ontario drivers can show their support with a Farley graphic license plate from the Ministry of Transportation.
1-888-262-9811 or www.farleyfoundation.org

A volunteer group that looks for lost or missing persons
Formerly the RCMP Civilian Search and Rescue Service Dog Program, the Canadian Search Dog Association is a group of dedicated volunteers who train their own dogs, on their own time and at their own cost, to assist Alberta authorities in searches for lost or missing persons. The dog-and-handler teams train year round and undergo rigorous annual certification. In addition to responding to search and rescue calls, members participate in public education programs like Lost in the Woods. Volunteers provide their services to authorities at no charge, and rely on donations of funds, services and supplies to offset costs. The association is also seeking hardworking, dedicated dog owners who are interested in participating in the search and rescue dog training program.
(780) 412-5489 or www.canadiansearchdogs.com

A team that provides veterinary care to communities in need
The Canadian Animal Assistance Team was originally created to help pets that had been abandoned or displaced in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Today, this group of dedicated volunteers provides emergency medical care to domestic animals following natural disasters, and organizes vaccination and spay/neuter clinics in areas where veterinary care is otherwise not available. Veterinarians, technicians and experienced animal handlers volunteer their time and cover a portion of their own expenses to travel to communities in need, bringing expertise, advice and donated medical supplies. In addition to financial support to offset expenses, the team is seeking volunteers to participate in future missions to Nunavut, Labrador, Vancouver Island, Mexico, Belize and Fiji.
1-888-500-3330 or www.caat-canada.org

A program that provides temporary housing and care for the pets of women in distress
For many women in abusive relationships, the fear of what will happen to the pets they leave behind can prevent them from seeking help at women’s shelters. In fact, more than half of Ontario women who left an abusive relationship stated that their partners had brutalized or killed their pet. The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association’s SafePet Program helps women escape abusive relationships by providing temporary, free care and shelter for their pets. Women’s shelters across Ontario can contact any veterinarian, who will then make the necessary arrangements. Animal lovers who wish to provide temporary foster care for the pets of families in crisis can sign up at their local veterinary clinic.
1-800-670-1702 or www.ovma.org/pet_owners/safepet

A school that provides dogs for children with Autism
Autism assistance dogs are the newest addition to the service dog community, and demand for their services has far outstripped the supply. The Positive Assistance and Companion Canines for Kids Foundation, which opened in early 2008, is the first school of its kind in Quebec. Combining the benefits of service dogs, therapy dogs and search and rescue dogs, PACCK dogs can prevent children from bolting into traffic, interrupt self-harming or repetitive behaviours, and track down a child who has wandered off. Perhaps just as important, the companionship of a specially trained dog can increase the child’s capacity to connect with people and their environment. PACCK relies on donations to cover the cost of breeding, raising and training the dogs, and uses volunteers to provide foster homes and to assist with administrative support, fundraising and community programs.
(514) 876-8888 or www.pacck.org

A centre that conducts research into the care of working dogs
For a police service dog, injury in the line of duty, or a chronic medical problem, can often mean the end of its career. But with the cost of replacing a dog averaging $60,000, not to mention the months invested in training and bonding, the British Columbia Institute of Technology recognized a need for research in the area of injury prevention and rehabilitation specifically focussed on the requirements of police service dogs. The first program of its kind in Canada, the BCIT Centre for Biomechanics Research is committed to improving health screening for potential candidates, finding ways to prevent injury, and improving rehabilitation for injured police service dogs. Donations cover the purchase of laboratory equipment and fund ongoing research projects.
(604) 432-8302 or  www.bcit.ca/appliedresearch/canine

A group that uses dogs to provide therapeutic benefits to seniors and children (
For senior citizens living in hospitals or nursing homes, a visit from an affectionate therapy dog from Therapeutic Paws of Canada can lift their spirits, stimulate conversation and provide much-needed companionship. And for children struggling with reading skills, the opportunity to read to a dog in the Paws to Read program can provide the non-judgmental environment necessary for them to practise their skills. Volunteers pay a nominal fee to have their dog assessed to ensure it has the necessary confidence, manners and sociability to work as a therapy dog. Individuals with extensive knowledge of dog behaviour and hands-on experience working with animals can also apply to become team leaders or registered evaluators. Donations can be made directly to Therapeutic Paws of Canada or through the United Way.
(613) 632-6502 or www.tpoc.ca

A fund that promotes the health and well-being of pets
The Atlantic Veterinary College on Prince Edward Island may be the smallest veterinary school in Canada, but thanks to support from the Companion Animal Trust Fund, the college is on the cutting edge of research into animal diseases. The fund supports research and invests in improvements to facilities and equipment – and everything is focussed on improving the health and well-being of companion animals. Donations can be made in memory of a beloved pet, as a lasting tribute to someone who was devoted to animals, or in recognition of a favourite veterinarian.
1-866-453-4119 or www.upei.ca/avc/comp_animal_trust

A school that trains dogs for Canadians with disabilities
Since its inception in 1983, Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides has provided specially trained dogs free of charge to hundreds of Canadians with visual, hearing, medical or other physical disabilities. With no government support, all costs related to raising and training the dogs are covered entirely by donations. Supporters can collect pledges and walk their own dogs in the Canada-wide Purina Walk for Dog Guides held annually in early summer. Other options include making a donation in memory of a loved one, purchasing a plaque on the Pet Memorial Wall, or sponsoring a dog guide team. Dog lovers in the Greater Toronto Area and southwestern Ontario can also volunteer to raise a future dog guide in their home, or lend a hand with a variety of tasks at the Foundation’s offices and kennels.
1-800-768-3030 or www.dogguides.com

A group that battles banned-breed legislation
A not-for-profit group organized in response to Ontario’s ban against pit bull-type dogs, the Dog Legislation Council of Canada works to support non-breed-specific dangerous-dog laws, and to promote responsible dog ownership and public bite-prevention education. Membership dues support the Council’s initiatives, and members can volunteer their time and services to further the cause. Donations to help fund a legal challenge against the legislation may also be made through Banned Aid (www.bannedaid.com), a coalition that is working to have dangerous-dog laws based on behaviour, not breed.
www.doglegislationcouncilcanada.org

By Natalie Ann Comeau

Natalie Ann Comeau is a freelance writer with a special interest in working ca­nines. She lives in Oakville, Ont., with her family and two unemployed dogs.

(Originally appeared in our November 2008 issue)

At the centre of this controversy is a company called Flexpetz with offices in Los Angeles, New York and London and plans of spreading around the world. Canada has been pinpointed.

When the company opened for business in London, Labour MP David Drew tabled a motion in the British Houses of Parliament. “Dogs are not jewellery or dinner suits to be used for a day and then returned,” he made clear to his colleagues.

“This House expresses concern about the operation of the dog rental company, Flexpetz, which has opened in London with the intention to expand to various cities across the United Kingdom; acknowledges that the U.K. dog rental business is currently very small but recognizes the potential for its growth due to the increase in fashion accessory dogs; disapproves of causing distress to dogs as a result of them being rented out to numerous people; believes that this encourages irresponsible attitudes to dog ownership; further believes that dog renting is, or should be, a breach of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 in that it is highly likely to inhibit dogs from having the ability to exhibit normal behaviour patterns…”

When animal lovers in the United States heard that the company was planning to open its doors for business in Boston, a group called The Coalition to Prohibit the Renting of Pets stepped up to the plate and, with the help of Boston city councillor Chuck Turner, the Act Prohibiting the Renting of Certain Pets became law in that state on August 5, 2008. Hopefully they have set a precedent others will follow.

Its own web site explains it best: “Flexpetz is a unique concept for dog lovers who are unable to own a full-time doggy pal, but miss spending time with a canine friend. Through the Flexpetz shared dog ownership concept, members can spend from just a few hours to a number of days with each of our dogs. Flexpetz dogs are available in varied breed sizes to ensure compatibility with our member’s individual lifestyles and unique circumstances.”

This doggy timeshare concept isn’t cheap. Firstly, it works on a membership basis. On registration, members pay for a one-time in-home introduction session of $150 plus an annual administration fee of $99. Thereafter, there is a monthly membership fee of $99 plus what the company calls four minimum monthly Daily Doggy Time usage days at $45 per day. Members are not required to take out a Flexpetz dog for any set number of days, but they are billed for a minimum of four days regardless of actual usage.

The web site also reveals that the dogs rented out in this scheme “are rescues or in urgent need of re-homing. Sometimes we have little or no history on a dog,” says the informational text, “which means spending lots of time and money to bring them back to a healthy state, both in body and mind.…”

A bad idea
“It’s a ridiculous concept,” says Shelagh MacDonald, Program Director of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies. “Dogs find it stressful moving homes with families they love. It’s their nature to thrive on companionship, routine and familiarity. Even when it comes to going for their daily walks, they are quite happy to walk the same route every single day. By renting out pets, you are completely overlooking the message of responsibility and commitment that is the very essence of spending time with a companion animal. There may be benefits for the renter but certainly not for the dog. They are not commodity items.”

Well-known dog trainer and animal welfare campaigner Jean Donaldson echoes these sentiments.

“It goes against the very essence of that wonderful human–animal bond. Dogs thrive on routine and when you are constantly fracturing bonds, it can lead to stress and all kinds of behavioural problems.
“It’s tough enough when their humans take a vacation once a year without them. To have this as a day-to-day or week-to-week reality, however convenient for the ‘consumer,’ it’s rough on the dog.”

Better options
For anyone who misses the company of dogs, there are lots of wonderful volunteer opportunities to help out in animal shelters and dog-adoption drives.
Many dog lovers are always willing to have friends along when they take their furry companions to the dog park or on special outings. These days there is also a plethora of pet events and dog owner get-togethers that you can attend, too.

And if you have disposable income, instead of wasting money on membership fees and daily rental charges, any animal shelter can offer dozens of ways to put your dollars to good use.

For anyone suffering from doggy withdrawal, MacDonald suggests offering to look after a friend’s pets for a couple of days.

Repeated phone calls to Flexpetz founder Marlena Cervantes as well as to the company’s public relations department had the soft jazz sounds of Dave Brubeck playing Take Five in my ear and then eventually there was a switch-over to voice mail. Neither the calls nor subsequent e-mails were returned.
Perhaps they’ve gotten the message.

By Sandy Robins

Sandy Robins of southern California is an award-winning writer. Her work appears regularly on msnbc.com and msn.com. She is a besotted pet parent to a spoilt menagerie and “auntie” to every dog on the block.

(Originally appeared in our November 2008 issue)