News

Rules for Playing Tug of War With Your Dog
Information excerpted from an article by Pat Miller

Tug is a great game to play with your dog to work off energy and allow the two of you to roughhouse safely. It won’t make him “dominant” and it won’t make him aggressive or unruly, as long as you play by the rules. And it’s the process of being able to follow rules and exhibit a degree of self control that makes this game such a great one for Do-Over Dogs. The rules are designed to remind him that you are in charge (the leader controls the good stuff), and to let him know which behaviors are acceptable, and which ones are not when he’s playing exuberantly with humans.

Rules of Tug:

1. Use a toy that is long enough to keep your dog’s teeth away from hands and that is comfortable for you to hold when he pulls. Keep the tug toy put away. Bring it out when you want to play tug.

2. Hold up the toy. If he lunges for it, say “oops” and quickly hide it behind your back. It’s your toy – he can grab it when you give him permission.

3. When he remains sitting as you offer the toy, tell him to “Take it!” and encourage him to grab and pull. If he’s reluctant, be gentle until he learns the game. If he’s enthusiastic, go for it!

4. Randomly throughout tug-play, ask him to “Give” and have him relinquish the toy to you. If necessary, trade him for a yummy treat. After he gives it to you, you can play again (see steps 2 and 3). You should “win” most of the time – that is, you end up with possession of the toy, not the dog.

5. While you are playing, if his teeth creep up the toy beyond a marked or imaginary line, say, “Oops! Too bad,” in a cheerful voice, have him give you the toy, and put it away briefly. (You can get it out and play again after a minute.)

6. If your dig’s teeth touch your clothing or skin, say “Oops! Too bad,” and put the toy away for a minute.

7. When you are done playing, put the toy away until next time.

8. Children should not play tug with your dog unless and until you are confident they can play by the rules.

For more ways to play with and train any dog, buy Pat Miller’s Do Over Dogs, Give Your Dog a Second Chance for a First Class Life from Whole Dog Journal.

http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/23950879/special-report-deadly-dog-virus

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) –

A new virus is hitting dogs throughout the country, and if not treated, it can kill an infected animal in just days. There’s no vaccine, it’s highly infectious, and scientists still can’t say with certainty how it’s transmitted.

What is certain is this disease is deadly, especially in kennel settings. Even though cases have been limited to just three states so far – California, Michigan, and Ohio – it’s just a matter of time until it makes its way here.

Dr. Olivia Pan is keeping up with all of the latest information for when it does, because early study results are frightening.

“They’re suspecting the dogs can bleed into their cavities, their chest into their abdomen, and those are some of the more serious ones that would bleed to their deaths,” said Dr. Pan.

It’s called circo-virus. Vets have been aware of it for years but mainly in pig populations – it can decimate an entire hog farm in just a week. Certain pet birds also seem susceptible, especially parrots, parakeets and cockatoos. What’s new is the virus has never made the jump to dogs – until now.

At The Pet Spot, a kennel in a suburb of Cincinnati, three dogs died and a fourth became ill in just three days, all suffering from symptoms consistent with circo-virus. For the owner, it’s been hard both personally & professionally.

“We consider this the loss of three of our family members,” said Jeff Voelpel. “We’ll always continue to ensure that we do things the right way, and make sure we’ve taken every step to ensure a clean, safe environment.”

One of the main problems with circo-virus is there’s no easy way to diagnosis it. Since it can kill so quickly, sending blood samples off to a lab for testing just isn’t practical.

“There’s no way of us knowing it’s the circo-virus or not until you do all of these tests, and by then – you don’t get the results back for weeks,” said Dr. Pan.

Doctors do know that dogs who are frequently boarded or spend time in “play situations” with large groups of other dogs are at greatest risk. The bad news is, there’s no vaccine to prevent it – no known cure – and to make matters worse, it’s still not clear how the virus is spread.

That fact is especially frightening for kennel or doggie daycare operators responsible for a large number of dogs.

“Definitely, we do have a fear that all of these dogs are going to get sick at the same time,” said Dr. Pan.

Since the disease was only first detected in dogs in 2012, the symptoms aren’t set in stone.

Here’s what we know: all of the infected dogs had severe inflammation in their intestinal tract, and exhibited varying degrees of lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea. If your dog exhibits those symptoms, visit the vet immediately.

Copyright 2013 WWBT NBC12. All rights reserved.

Posted: 2013-10-26, 1:53PM MDT

LOST DOG: BLACK COLLIE MIX (santa fe)

His name is Ziggy. He was lost while wearing tags and a leash. He was last seen by EJ Martinez Elementary School and near Galisteo Road. He has a chip implant as well.
If you have any information please call or text me at 505-690-6877 or 505-690-1632 or email.