Tag: Shared Blog Post

Shared Blog Post – All About Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds – They’re NOT!

< Updated 16JAN22 >

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

Many people desperately want a dog in their life but have allergies. There are dog breeds advertised and promoted as being “hypoallergenic.” This would seem to imply that if you get one of these dogs, you will not have an allergic reaction. Sadly, the very suggestion that a dog is “hypoallergenic” is disingenuous. As noted in this recent blog post by Embark, “Being called hypoallergenic means the dog is less likely to cause someone to have an allergic reaction. However, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic.”

If you are searching for a “hypoallergenic” dog, I encourage you to read this blog post from Embark. It provides detailed, scientific information on dog allergies and which breeds may be less of a concern than others for a person that has dog allergies. However, the fact remains no dog will be 100% allergenic.

Embark – All About Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds – https://embarkvet.com/resources/blog/all-about-hypoallergenic-dog-breeds/?

If you are thinking about buying a dog from someone telling you that the dog is “hypoallergenic,” I suggest you talk to other breeders, rescues, and pet professionals before making a financial commitment. At least, ask yourself, “What else have they told me about this dog that might not be true?” The following article from my blog may be helpful as you look for the right dog for you and your family.

Adopting A Pet – Finding the Right Dog for You and Your Family – http://bit.ly/FindingTheRightDogForYou

Shared Blog Post – Dogs That Should Avoid Going to a Dog Park from Dr. Karen Becker

In this post from May 10th, 2019, veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker discusses dog parks and why they are not appropriate for all dog dogs. < Click to read Dr. Becker’s post >

For additional information on dog parks, you may wish to read these articles on my blog.

Before You Visit the Dog Park – http://bit.ly/BeforeYouVisitTheDogPark

Going to the Dog Park – Is It A Good Idea for You and Your Dog? –  http://bit.ly/GoingToTheDogPark

Podcast – Podcast – Going to the Dog Park – Is It A Good Idea for You and Your Dog? – http://bit.ly/WfMwGoingToTheDogPark

Shared Blog Post – What My Dog Taught Me About Consent

< Updated 15NOV19 >

< A short link for this page – http://bit.ly/Dog-Consent >

This post by Jenny Efimova from The Happy Dog Blog discusses how the author, an advocate for trauma survivors of domestic and sexual violence learned that the same principals she used with people, “meeting them where they are” are every bit as important when working with her new dog. These two paragraph say it all, but please read the entire article.

“The power imbalance in our relationship with our dogs is vast. We control every solitary aspect and resource in their lives. Conventional dog training reinforces this imbalance and encourages us to use power and control as the model of how we relate to our dogs. But just because things have always been this way, doesn’t mean they have to be.”

“Just because I could have made Larkin do what I wanted him to, doesn’t mean I should have. Just because we can force someone into compliance, doesn’t make it right. Force, fear, and coercion are not values consistent with any healthy relationship, be it with our friends, family, significant others, children, or animals.”

Having read Efimova’s post on Thanksgiving Day, I must add that I am very thankful that more and more trainers are abandoning training based on pain, force, and fear all of the time. Thank you, Jenny, for sharing your wisdom and helping to spread the word.

You can read the entire article at http://thehappydogbrookline.com/blog/2018/11/12/what-my-dog-taught-me-about-consent

Recommended Resources

Articles on Don’s Blog

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

Accepting the Pet You Have – http://bit.ly/AcceptingYourPet

 

Shared Blog Post – Does a Wagging Tail Mean a Happy Dog?

< shareable, short link to this post – http://bit.ly/EileenAndersonWaggingTails >

Many people are under the misconception that if a dog is wagging its tail that it is happy and therefore safe to approach. The fact is, a dog may also wag their tail when aroused, when preparing to attack, when anxious, and while hunting prey.

To learn more about dogs and their tails, read this blog post from author and dog trainer Eileen Anderson at her blog eileenanddogs – https://eileenanddogs.com/2018/10/14/does-wagging-tail-mean-dog-is-happy/

Recommended Resources

Articles on Don’s Blog

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

Introduction to Canine Communication – http://bit.ly/CanineComm

Handouts to Download

Body Language of Fear in Dogs – Dr. Sophia Yin – http://bit.ly/Yin-BodyLang-Fear

Signs of Anxiety and Fear – Dr. Marty Becker – http://bit.ly/MartyBecker-AnxietyFear

Books

On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals, Turid Rugaas, Dogwise Publishing, 2006

Shared Blog Post – Acupuncture – Stuns Veterinarians, Relieves Pain Without Side Effects

In this blog post from September 13th, veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker discusses the many benefits of acupuncture for treating our pets. Acupuncture is not some new-age trend but is an ancient Chinese healing art with thousands of years of history behind it. It can be useful for treating pain, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), seizure, cancer, hip dysplasia, and arthritis. I have personally benefited from acupuncture as have two of my pets; Gus and Muppy.

FMI – https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2018/09/13/acupuncture-for-pets.aspx?

Recommended Resources

Articles on Don’s Blog

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

A Chiropractic Adjustment and Acupuncture Treatment for Muppy – WWM DEC2016 – http://bit.ly/ChiroAcupuncMuppy

Holistic and Complementary Wellness for Pets – My Journey – WWM – OCT2016 – http://bit.ly/CompMed4PetsMyJourney

Podcasts from The Woof Meow Show

( http://www.woofmeowshow.com )

Podcast-Holistic and Complementary Wellness for Pets – Veterinary Acupuncture and Chiropractic for Pets with Dr. Michael Munzer – All Creatures Acupuncture – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/10/09/podcast-holistic-and-complementary-wellness-for-pets-veterinary-acupuncture-and-chiropractic-for-pets-with-dr-michael-munzer-all-creatures-acupuncture/ 

Podcast – Holistic Approaches to Chronic Disease – Orthopedic Issues, Skin Issues and Lyme Disease with Dr. Michael Munzer from All Creatures Acupuncture – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/03/18/podcast-holistic-approaches-to-chronic-disease-orthopedic-issues-skin-issues-and-lyme-disease-with-dr-michael-munzer-from-all-creatures-acupuncture/

 Podcast – Holistic Approaches to Chronic Disease – GI Issues and Cancer with Dr. Michael Munzer from All Creatures Acupuncture –  http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/03/25/podcast-holistic-approaches-to-chronic-disease-gi-issues-and-cancer-with-dr-michael-munzer-from-all-creatures-acupuncture/

Podcast – Holistic and Complementary Wellness for Pets – Our Personal Journey – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/10/08/podcast-holistic-and-complementary-wellness-for-pets-our-personal-journey/

Podcast – Pet Health and Wellness – Don and Kate’s Journey with Complementary Medicine – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2015/08/29/podcast-pet-health-and-wellness-don-and-kates-journey-with-complementary-medicine/

 

Shared Blog Post – The Shock-Free Coalition Responds to the UK Government’s Decision to Ban Electronic Shock Collars in Pet Training, Care, Behavior Modification, and Management

The Shock-Free Coalition, the advocacy arm to the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) fully supports and applauds the Government of the United Kingdom’s decision to implement a nationwide ban on the use of remote control electric shock collars for the training, management, and care for pets. Further, PPG is in full agreement with the U.K. Kennel Club (2018) that “the use of electric shock collars as a training method has a long term negative welfare impact on dogs.”

There is a growing body of peer-reviewed, scientific research that shows, whether discussing dogs, humans, dolphins or elephants, that electric shock as a form of training to teach or correct a behavior is ineffective at best, and physically and psychologically damaging at worst. States renowned board-certified animal behaviorist and veterinarian, Dr. Karen Overall (2005): “There are now terrific scientific and research data that show the harm that shock collars can do behaviorally.”

It is PPG’s view that pets need to be well-socialized and mentally and physically healthy if a productive and safe relationship for all members of their family and the public at large is to be ensured. As such, PPG urges all parties involved in determining new legislation to focus first on education, operational standards and modern, humane methods. Governments have a responsibility to implement effective public health measures that increase the information available to the public and decision-makers, protect people from harm, promote health, and create environments that support healthy behaviors (Friedman, 2010).

FMI – https://www.shockfree.org/Open-Letter-Response-To-The-UK-Decision-to-Ban-Shock-Collars/

Recommended Resources

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

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

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

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

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

Podcast – The Woof Meow Show: The Pet Professional Guild and the Shock-Free Coalition with Niki Tudge – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/09/27/podcast-the-woof-meow-show-the-pet-professional-guild-and-the-shock-free-coalition-with-niki-tudge/

Shared Blog Post – Be Aware – This Pet Food Contains a Stunning List of 40 ‘Clean’ Ingredients – More Marketing Deception

 

In this post from 18AUG18, Veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker discusses the latest marketing practice by some pet food companies; the hyping of “Clean” ingredients. While that may sound like a good thing, because of the lack of a legal definition of the term “Clean ingredients” puts this in the category of just more misleading marketing hype.

Key points highlighted by Dr. Becker are:

  • The processed pet food industry is increasingly at a loss to understand how to keep pet parents happy and buying their products.
  • The industry touts the self-funded “science” behind their pet food, but laments that consumers don’t trust it.
  • The pet food industry also engages in misleading marketing practices intended to present their products as fresh, wholesome, “natural” and “clean.”
  • Unless big pet food aligns its goals with those of pet parents, it will continue to lose ground as consumers find alternatives to processed diets.

I find that the following two paragraphs from Dr. Becker’s post summarize her concerns quite well:

“No, the science the pet food industry would like us to buy into is the science of learning how to keep dogs and cats alive (surviving, but not thriving) on biologically inappropriate, “feed-grade” diets that must include synthetic vitamins to meet minimum nutrition standards.”

“The science they tout involves testing the limits of dogs’ and cats’ tolerance for poor-quality, biologically inappropriate ingredients that have undergone extreme processing methods. The endgame is to keep carnivores alive on a processed diet of grains, starches and the poorest-quality animal protein they can get away with. It’s the science of dollars and cents. The cheaper the ingredients, the bigger the profit margin.” [ Emphasis Added ]

If you care about your pet’s health and what you feed them, you need to read Dr. Becker’s post. – https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2018/08/18/processed-pet-food-clean-eating.aspx

Recommended Resources

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

Shared Blog Post – Blogs by the Guild – The Pet Professional Guild Position Statement On The Use of Shock In Animal Training

Today the Pet Professional Guild ( https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/ ) shared their position statement on the use of shock in animal training on Blogs by the Guild, part of PPG World Services. The post starts out by stating:

“It is Pet Professional Guild’s (PPG) view that electric shock in the guise of training constitutes a form of abuse towards pets, and, given that there are highly effective, positive training alternatives, should no longer be a part of the current pet industry culture of accepted practices, tools or philosophies. In this position statement, PPG will combine decades of research with the opinions of certified animal behaviorists, and highlight the question of ethics to explain why using electric shock in the name of training and care is both ineffective and harmful.” [Emphasis added]

I encourage anyone who truly is concerned about the best interests of dogs to read the PPG position statement ( https://ppgworldservices.com/2018/04/12/the-pet-professional-guild-position-statement-on-the-use-of-shock-in-animal-training/ ) and to take the next step and sign the Shock-Free Coalition pledge at https://petprofessionalguild.com/Advocacy-Resources

Click here to view a list of Maine Pet Care Professionals that are committed to not using electric shock.

Recommended Resources

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

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

Is Your Dog Your Best Friend or a Family Member? If Yes, Then Please Join Me and Take the Pledge – http://bit.ly/BestFriendsAndShock

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

The PPG and AAHA – Making A Kinder World for Dogs – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/04/11/the-ppg-and-aaha-making-a-kinder-world-for-dogs/

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

Please Be Cautious When Choosing Who Cares For Your Pets – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/04/11/pet-care-services-please-be-cautious-when-choosing-who-cares-for-your-pets/

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

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

 

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

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

Podcast – The Pet Professional Guild and the Shock-Free Coalition with Niki Tudge – http://bit.ly/PodCastShockFree-NikiTudge-2017

Podcast –Pet Behavior, Vets & The AAHA Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines – Dr. Dave Cloutier – Veazie Veterinary Clinic – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/07/02/podcast-encore-pet-behavior-vets-the-aaha-canine-and-feline-behavior-management-guidelines-dr-dave-cloutier-veazie-veterinary-clinic/

The Unintended Consequence of Shock Collars – http://traffic.libsyn.com/woofmeowshow/WoofMeowShow-2014-03-29-Unexpected_Consequences_of_Shock_Collars.mp3

From the Green Acres Kennel Shop Web Site

Press Release – Green Acres Kennel Shop Joins the Shock-Free Coalition – http://www.greenacreskennel.com/images/stories/press-releases/2017/green%20acres%20kennel%20shop%20joins%20the%20shock-free%20coalition-25sep17.pdf

Maine Shock-Free Coalition –  http://www.greenacreskennel.com/donate/shock-free-coalition-of-maine.html

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

Green Acres Kennel Shop Position Statement on Pet Friendly, Force-Free Pet Care – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2006/02/01/no-pain-no-force-no-fear-green-acres-kennel-shop-position-statement-on-pet-friendly-force-free-pet-care/

From the Shock-Free Coalition Web Site ( https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/advocacy-resources )

The Shock-Free Pledge –  https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/Shock-Free-Coalition

The Shock-Free Pledge (PDF) –  https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/resources/No%20Shock%20Coalition/PPG%20Pledge%20Document.pdf

What is shock training – https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/What-is-Shock-Training

Electronic Fences, What You Need to Know – https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/Electronic-Fencing-What-you-need-to-know

Are Electronic Shock Collars Painful or Just Annoying to Dogs? – https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/Are-Electronic-Shock-Collars-Painful-or-Just-Annoying-to-Dogs

What Experts Say – https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/What-Experts-Say

Myths and Misconceptions – https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/Myths-and-Misconceptions

Web Articles

Can Aggression in Dogs Be Elicited Through the Use of Electronic Pet Containment Systems? – http://www.leaonline.com/doi/abs/10.1207/S15327604JAWS0304_6;jsessionid=nFup

Training dogs with help of the shock collar: short and long term behavioural effects – http://eldri.ust.is/media/ljosmyndir/dyralif/Trainingdogswithshockcollar.pdf

Association of Pet Behaviour Counselors Press Release on Shock Collars – http://www.apbc.org.uk/article2.htm

Dog Trainer & Author Pamela Dennison on Invisible Fences – https://www.pamdennison.com/why-i-really-hate-electric-sock-invisible-fences/

A scene on shock collars from the documentary Dogs, Cats and Scapegoats – https://vimeo.com/231589923

 

Shared Blog Post – Many Pet Parents Now Demand This, Saving Their Pets From Potential Agony

The Difference Between Being An Anti-Vaxxer and a Responsible-Vaxxer

In this blog post from February 11th, veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker discusses pet vaccination protocols and the difference between an anti-vaxxer and those recognizing the importance of taking a responsible approach to vaccinating pets, which concerns the over-vaccinating of pets. Dr. Becker notes that “Vaccines should never be viewed as “harmless preventive medicine,” as they can trigger vaccinosis and very significant disease in pets” and discusses how using titer tests can help prevent over-vaccination.

If you are interested in vaccinating your pet as safely as possible, I encourage you to read this article < click here > and those listed below.

Recommended Resources

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

Shared Blog Post – AAHA Vaccination Guidelines 2017 for Dogs – A Review by Dr. Jean Dodds – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/11/06/shared-blog-post-aaha-vaccination-guidelines-2017-for-dogs-a-review-by-dr-jean-dodds/

Shared Blog Post – Updated Canine Vaccination Guidelines by Nancy Kay, DVM – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/11/06/shared-blog-post-updated-canine-vaccination-guidelines-by-nancy-kay-dvm/

Vaccinations–Interviews with Dr. Ron Schultz – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2013/07/15/vaccinations-interviews-with-dr-ron-schultz/

How to Report Adverse Reactions to Vaccines, Drugs, Devices, Foods, and Flea and Tick Products – http://bit.ly/ReportAdverseReactions

Complementary Medicine – Tikken – Vaccines, Aggression & Homeopathy— http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2014/10/06/complementary-medicine-tikken-vaccines-aggression-homeopathy/

Shared Blog Post – It’s Time to Put a Stop to the Mindless Over-Vaccination of Pets – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/07/05/shared-blog-post-its-time-to-put-a-stop-to-the-mindless-over-vaccination-of-pets/

 

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

Podcast – A Holistic Approach to Vaccines for Dogs – Part 1 w/Dr. Judy Herman – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/07/15/podcast-a-holistic-approach-to-vaccines-for-dogs-part-1-wdr-judy-herman/

Podcast – A Holistic Approach to Vaccines for Dogs – Part 2 w/Dr. Judy Herman – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/07/22/podcast-a-holistic-approach-to-vaccines-for-dogs-part-2-wdr-judy-herman/

Vaccinations- Why they are important, Core Vaccines & Vaccination Schedules w/Dr. Ronald Schultz (June 22nd, 2013) – http://traffic.libsyn.com/woofmeowshow/WoofMeowShow-2013-06-22-Vaccinations-1.mp3

Vaccinations, Titer Testing, Non-Core Vaccines and Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex with Dr. Ron Schultz (June 29th, 2013) – http://traffic.libsyn.com/woofmeowshow/WoofMeowShow-2013-06-29-Vaccinations-2.mp3

 Vaccinations– Non-Core Vaccines for Cats and Adverse Reactions to Vaccines with Dr. Ron Schultz (July 6th, 2013) – http://traffic.libsyn.com/woofmeowshow/WoofMeowShow-2013-07-06-Vaccinations-3.mp3

Vaccinations – The Rabies Challenge Fund with Dr. Ron Schultz (July 13th, 2013) – http://traffic.libsyn.com/woofmeowshow/WoofMeowShow-2013-07-13-Vaccinations-Rabies_Challenge_Fund.mp3

Podcast – Holistic and Complementary Wellness for Pets – Our Personal Journey — http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/10/08/podcast-holistic-and-complementary-wellness-for-pets-our-personal-journey/