Month: March 2020

Podcast – Babies, Toddlers, Kids & Dogs with Jennifer Shryock from Family Paws Parent Education

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< Updated 31OCT20 >

< A short link for this page
–  bit.ly/WfMw-Kids_Dogs-28MAR20 >

In this episode of The Woof Meow Show from March 28th, 2020, Kate and Don have a conversation with Jennifer Shryock about keeping children and dogs safe. We believe this podcast will be especially useful to anyone called upon to supervise the interactions between a child and a dog. This podcast is not just for people with kids and dogs. Any professional that works with parents, children, and dogs can benefit from this information.

Jennifer Shryock is the founder of Family Paws Parent Education and is an excellent resource for helping parents manage a home with a little human and a canine. As a mother, pet parent, teacher, and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Jennifer knows how to help mom, dad, a child, and the dog live in harmony.

In this show, we discuss the behaviors dogs need to learn to perform reliably and the fact that training a dog takes time. Prepping the dog and your home for the arrival of the baby should begin many months ahead of time. If the dog has anxiety or fear issues, working with a veterinary behaviorist may be essential and should start even earlier than training. Jennifer discusses the importance of parents learning how to familiarize themselves with carrying an infant while interacting with the dog and recommends that be done before the child ever comes home.

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

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Contact Info for Jennifer

Organization: Family Paws Parent Education
Address: 141 Brannigan place. Cary, NC 27511
Phone: 919.961.1608
EMAIL: jen@familypaws.com
Website: https://www.familypaws.com/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FamilyPawsParentEd/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/familypaws
Instagram: #familypawsofficial

Recommended Resources

Free Downloadable Handouts from Family Paws
Click on the title to view/download as a PDF

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

Behaviors your dog needs to know

How to Choose a Dog Trainer – http://bit.ly/HowToChooseADogTrainer

Reward Based Training versus Aversives – http://bit.ly/RewardVSAversive

 Alone Training – http://bit.ly/AloneTraining

Teaching the ATTENTION or LOOK Behavior – http://bit.ly/GAKS-Attention

Teaching The Name Game – http://bit.ly/TeachingTheNameGame

What Should I Do When My Dog Does Not Let Me Take Something They Have Stolen and Snaps or Tries to Bite Me? – http://bit.ly/StealGuardGrowlSnap

What Should I Do When My Dog Growls? – http://bit.ly/DogGrowls

Podcasts from The Woof Meow Show
( http://bit.ly/WfMwPodcasts )

Podcast – The Benefits of Training Your Dog and 2020 Classes at Green Acres Kennel Shop – http://bit.ly/WfMw-Training2020

Podcast – How to Choose A Dog Trainer (2017) – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/01/08/how-to-choose-a-dog-trainer/

Podcast – Kids & Dogs with Colleen Pelar – part 1 – http://traffic.libsyn.com/woofmeowshow/WoofMeowShow-2007-02-11-LivingwithKidsDogs-part-1.mp3

Podcast – Kids & Dogs with Colleen Pelar – part 2 – http://traffic.libsyn.com/woofmeowshow/WoofMeowShow-2007-02-18-LivingwithKids-Dogs-part2.mp3

Podcast – Dogs and Babies with Jennifer Shryock from Family Paws Parent Education – http://traffic.libsyn.com/woofmeowshow/WoofMeowShow-2013-08-17-Dogs_and_Babies_w-Jennifer_Shryock_.mp3

Books

A Kids’ Comprehensive Guide to Speaking Dog! by Niki Tudge – http://bit.ly/BkRvw-KidsGuide-Tudge

Living with Kids and Dogs…Without Losing Your Mind: A Parent’s Guide to Controlling the Chaos by Colleen Pelar – http://bit.ly/BkRwv-LvngKidsDogs-Pelar

©28MAR20, Donald J. Hanson, All Rights Reserved
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Podcast – Pets in the News No. 8

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< Updated 14MAR20 >

< A short link for this page –
https://bit.ly/WfMwPetNews8 >

In this episode of The Woof Meow Show from March 14th, 2020, Kate and Don discuss several recent articles in the news about dogs and cats. The topics they discuss include; cats and some of the things we do that cause our feline friend’s undue stress. Directly related to that is an article that discusses the best way to pet a cat, so it is an enjoyable experience for both you and the cat. Then we divert to dogs, answering the question, why does my dog kick when I scratch him a certain place? Next, we look at seasonal allergies, an issue for both people and pets, and how climate change is likely to make the suffering from seasonal allergies worse. We address two common training questions; the puppy that doesn’t like to go for a walk and the dog that bites at his leash. Also, we discuss an article that explains why some foods make better training rewards than others. You can find links to all of the articles we discussed below.

Links to Articles from the Show

10 Things You Might Do That Stress Your Cat Out, Dr. Karen Becker, healthy pets, 11FEB20 – https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2020/02/11/causes-of-stress-in-cats.aspx

When Petting Your Kitty Think Like A Cat, Dr. Karen Becker, healthy pets, 28JAN20 – https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2020/01/28/places-to-pet-your-cat.aspx

Is That the Spot! Why Does My Dog Kick When I Scratch Him?, Dr. Jean Dodds, Hemopet, 2FEB20 – https://www.hemopet.org/is-that-the-spot-why-does-my-dog-kick-when-i-scratch-him-scratch-reflex/

Climate Change Can Affect Seasonal Allergies, Dr. Jean Dodds, Hemopet, 9FEB20 – https://www.hemopet.org/climate-change-can-affect-seasonal-allergies/

Puppy Doesn’t Want to Walk Outside, Karen London PhD, BARk, FEB20 – https://thebark.com/content/puppy-doesnt-want-walk-outside

The Strongest Reinforcers, Nancy Kerns, Whole Dog Journal, 26FEB20 – https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/blog/the-strongest-reinforcements/

How Can I Stop My Dog From Biting on the Leash, Karen London PhD, BARk, OCT29 – https://thebark.com/content/how-can-i-stop-my-dog-biting-leash

 

Contact Info for The Woof Meow Show

Address: 1653 Union St., Bangor, ME 04401
Phone: 207-945-6841, x103
Upcoming Shows: http://bit.ly/WfMwUpcomingShows
Website: www.woofmeowshow.com
Don’s Blog: http://bit.ly/Words-Woofs-Meows
Podcast Site: http://bit.ly/WfMwPodcasts
Live Stream: http://bit.ly/AM620-WZON
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WoofMeowShow/

 

©14MAR20, Donald J. Hanson, All Rights Reserved

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COVID-19, Working from Home, & Pets

< Updated 22MAR20 >

< A short link for this page –
https://bit.ly/GAKSCOVID-22MAR20 >

There has been a wide variety of information circulating online and in the media about COVID-19 and pets. I have reviewed material from scientific and veterinary resources, as well as the general media, and have summarized it here. Please remember that we are learning more about COVID-19 every day, and so some of what you read may change.

At the top of many people’s list of questions is can COVID-19 be transmitted from humans to pets and vice versa. There has been news reported out of Hong Kong by the mass media about the possibility of two dogs testing positive for the COVID-19 virus.  Two sources that I trust believe that there is no proven risk of direct transmission of COVID-19 between people and pets at this time.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus spreads from humans to humans. There is no research to support human to animal spread at this time. – Science Magazine AAAS, March 12, 2020 – https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/03/quarantine-cat-disinfect-dog-latest-advice-about-coronavirus-and-your-pets

Currently there is limited evidence that companion animals can be infected with SARS-Cov-2 and no evidence that pet dogs or cats can be a source of infection to other animals or to humans resulting in COVID-19. This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available. – WSAVA, March 20, 2020 – https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COVID-19_WSAVA-Advisory-Document-Mar-19-2020.pdf

Science and the WSAVA offer some excellent advice about how we interact with our pets during this pandemic.

  • If you are infected with COVID-19 or are awaiting test results, limit contact with your pets. Wash your hands, and don’t let them lick you on the face. The CDC recommends you avoid petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food with your pet.
  • It is best to quarantine your pets away from anyone infected in your home
  • Be prepared, in the event you become sick or are quarantined, or worse yet, end up in the hospital. Make sure you have enough food on hand for your pet and that you have someone lined up to care for them if you are unable to do so. Whomever you chose to care for your pet in such an eventuality, make sure they have a plan as well in case they become ill.

Is COVID-19 the same as the coronavirus that infects dogs and cats? –  Several types of coronaviruses affect different species, including humans, dogs, cats, and more. Neither the canine nor the feline coronaviruses infect humans.

Can our pets carry COVID-19 even though they are not infected? – The COVID-19 virus can survive on some surfaces for up to 24 hours in a laboratory environment. It may be possible for a pet to carry the COVID-19 virus on their body, leash, or collar. For this reason, it is recommended that no one with the virus handles your pets. A helpful article on this topic comes from Healthy Paws Pet Insurance and can be read at https://www.healthypawspetinsurance.com/blog/2020/03/03/coronavirus-in-dogs-what-to-know-about-covid-19

Can my dog and I still go for walks? – Yes, providing you maintain social distancing and maintain a 6-foot distance from others and use hand sanitizer after all interactions with others.

Help! – Because the whole family is staying home all day with the dog right now, things are getting a little crazy. – If you and your family are not used to being together 24/7, and it’s not typical for your pets(s), things may be stressful for more than one of you. Dr. Zazie Todd recommends; Stick to your routine, Let pets have safe spaces, Supervise pets and children closely (if you cannot supervise, separate), Make more time for play, keep the dog on a short leash when off property, Engage your pets and keep them busy with puzzle toys, and Do some training. ( https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2020/03/spending-more-time-with-your-pet-due-to.html ). One thing that Dr. Todd did not mention is ensuring some alone time for your dog. If we are required to stay home for any length of time, your dog could get used to you being there 24/7 and may need some adjustment time when everyone disappears. My article on Alone Training Can be found at http://bit.ly/AloneTraining.

Stay well!

©22MAR20, Donald J. Hanson, All Rights Reserved
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Recommended Resources on Kids & Dogs

< Updated 28MAR20 >

< A short link for this page – http://bit.ly/GAKS_Kids_DogsResources >

Dogs and children can become wonderful companions. However, do not assume for one second that a dog and a child will automatically enjoy one another and live together harmoniously every moment of their lives. Parents need to teach both child and dog how to interact with one another appropriately.

Most children have multiple caregivers; parents, grandparents, older children, other family members, babysitters, and more. Therefore, ALL caregivers must be knowledgeable about dogs and infants, toddlers, children, and young adults and how to manage their interactions.

Below I have listed resources I believe you will find useful in working with your children and dog. These are my favorites resources on the subject.

Books

A Kids’ Comprehensive Guide to Speaking Dog! By Niki Tudge – If your family includes children and a dog, if you have children that spend time with friends and family members that have a dog, or if you have a dog that spends any time around children, you, your children, and your dog will benefit from this book. This is not a book you hand to your child, but it is a book you need to read with them. You can read our full review by clicking this link http://bit.ly/BkRvw-KidsGuide-Tudge

The Doggone Safe website – https://doggonesafe.com/

Living with Kids and Dogs…Without Losing Your Mind: A Parent’s Guide to Controlling the Chaos by Colleen Pelar – This book provides a realistic, down to earth discussion about how to successfully manage the probable mayhem that accompanies a home with dogs and kids. You can read our full review by clicking this link http://bit.ly/BkRwv-LvngKidsDogs-Pelar

Colleen’s website – https://www.livingwithkidsanddogs.com/

Family Paws Parent Education

( https://www.familypaws.com/ )

Working to increase safety and reduce stress in homes with young children and family dogs.

Free Downloadable Handouts from Family Paws
Click on the title to view/download as a PDF

Pet Professional Guild Junior Membership

( https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/Junior-Members )

Is your child actively participating in the care and training of the family pets? If so, I encourage you to consider enrolling them in the Pet Professional Guilds (PPG) Junior Membership Program. The program helps children learn and understand about pet care and training and will be especially beneficial to those contemplating working with pets as a volunteer or as a career. There are three levels to the program; Basic (for ages 8 to 12), Advanced (for ages 13 to 17), and Apprentice (for ages 18-20).

The PPG Junior Membership program allows participants to earn preliminary credentials in force-free pet care. Junior Members receive a membership badge and certificate and a free e-book –A Kid’s Comprehensive Guide to Speaking Dog. They will also be invited to participate in the Annual Training Deed Challenge. All Junior Members also have access to the Provisional Junior Accreditation Program for their age group, as administered by the Pet Professional Accreditation Board (PPAB). Junior Members who successfully complete the accreditation process and receive an accreditation card will receive a 50% discount on the Green Acres Kennel Shop training class of their choice.

The Pet Professional Guild (PPG) is a membership organization representing pet industry professionals who are committed to results-based, science-based, force-free training, and pet care. Members include veterinarians, veterinary technicians, behavior consultants, dog trainers, dog walkers, pet care technicians, pet sitters, and groomers. PPG represents training and behavior professionals across many species. All members of the Green Acres Kennel Shop staff are members of the PPG.

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

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

How to Choose a Dog Trainer – http://bit.ly/HowToChooseADogTrainer

A Recommended Reading and Listening List for Pet Care Professionals – http://bit.ly/ForPetCarePros

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

 

Podcast – The Woof Meow Show – Babies, Toddlers, Kids & Dogs with Jennifer Shryock from Family Paws Parent Education, aired 28MAR20 – < bit.ly/WfMw-Kids_Dogs-28MAR20 >

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