Los Angeles: Free Pet Spay and Neuter Surgeries Today

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Inger Martens

Pet owners in Los Angeles check this out. The Spay and Neuter Project of Los Angeles is joining forces with the Humane Society of the United States to Celebrate World Spay Day 2012 and they have a gift for you!

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the HSUS, the Spay and Neuter Project of Los Angeles (SNP LA) are together providing free spay and neuter surgeries and vaccinations for 100 pets at their Van Nuys location today!

Pet owners must have a household income of less than $40,000 per year and make an advance reservation to take advantage of this free offer.

For more information or to make an appointment call Spay and Neuter Project of Los Angeles at (310)574-5555.

SNP LA is hosting an open house at the Van Nuys location (14409 Vanowen St., Van Nuys CA 91405) from 4-7 pm today to celebrate performing it’s 50,000th surgery since launching in 2007. Over the past five years the 50,000 surgeries preformed have avoided the births of thousands of animals that would normally crowd the shelter system.

A system that already euthanizes over 100,000 pets countywide. By the way, that’s county not country.

The open house, which is open to the public, will offer an opportunity to meet SNP LA’s staff and the state-of-the art clinic, as well as food, drink and door prizes.

Getting your pet fixed makes for a better all around pet, helps training immensely, and helps ward off other major health issues.

Thank you Spay Neuter Project of Los Angeles and the Humane Society of the United States!

Love At First Sight? 4 Essential Tips For Bringing Home A Shelter Dog

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Inger Martens

A unexpected tip when choosing and committing is to look at your own lifestyle and energy level. Are you a couch potato or a workout junkie? These qualities are important to view and be honest with your self. Choosing the best match is very dependent on being honest with your true lifestyle and truthful about how much time you have for getting a dog.

Ask the shelter person or rescue to estimate the dogs age. This is usually done by looking at a dogs teeth. Often back ground information is not available on pound pups, but teeth and energy levels are usually great indicators to age. Animal shelter employees or rescue groups often have information about observation’s about a dogs temperament around movement, other dogs and meal times.

Know that most new dog issues can be solved. Like any new relationship, a routine, a little training creates trust and love ( of course) is key. Remember, your dog is looking to you to drive the car, if you know what I mean.

1. A great idea is to hand feed a “new” dog just a “few servings” to get him used to eating out of your hand. You need not do this exercise excessively, but it is an important initial exercise to do within the first days. Do so on a leash, at first. The leash allows you control and gives your new dog a secure feeling in a new environment. In the event he gets weird at all around food the leash gives you a little control. Remember, regardless what shelter or rescue facility staff say their experience is with the dog was, he will now be in a new environment and your prior dog experience or lack of, matters! Ultimately your new dog is looking to you for guidance and not the other way around.

2. Always get a vet check. Lumps and bumps and have them estimate age.Vet checks are important. They can help determine age and check for any lumps or bumps. Often a dog can have a great temperament initially and then display issues after a few weeks of being in a new home. Not because they’re a bad dog and you choose badly but more because the initial integration into your home was lacks. Remember, a mellow dog can be great with children no matter what tests are done. But then suddenly snap due to a medical ailment that went un-noteiced. For example, sometimes dogs can be unusually mellow and a vet check has diagnosed a rotten tooth as gone un-noticed causing the withdrawn behavior.

As for children and integrating you new adult shelter dog there are a few things to know. Children in general are viewed by dogs as submissive. Meaning the dog views the child more as they would seeing another dog. Behaviors such as possessiveness or aggression can become a target through innocently walking past a food bowl or a piece of furniture the dog is laying under. So as a parent it’s a great idea to have awareness in these spaces in your home, until through training you get to know his personality before allowing full freedom in your house at all times.

3. Check for behavioral signs of comfort. Does your new dog lay around in the middle of the room or prefer laying in corners of rooms or under furniture? Dogs that naturally want to hide in corners of underneath furniture are not the best candidate for kids. They can learn to become more confident with structure, leash training and a solid routine. These rituals can help promote a more outgoing and self assured new dog.

4. Do not assume your new dog is housebroken. You need to initiate this ritual, even if you have a backyard. Simply opening the back door does not send a clear message. There are TONS of new smells and other distractions that may deter your new dog from getting busy. Formalize this concept for a week or so. Go out with your dog and occasionally separate this activity from walks or play. Just a 2 minute potty break on leash with you will clearly define the process.

Shopping For A Dog On The Internet. Is It Love At First Sight Or Are You Being Scammed?

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Inger Martens

Looking for LOVE and how we find our best friend has been revolutionized over the last decade. The method of how we find “our dog” has morphed with technology. Finding a specific breed or that perfect “disney-like pup” has orbited into cyber space along with dating. Even in the unconditional love world of wet noses and wags, the internet has served as a double edge sword for many prospective dog owners. Unsuspecting and uneducated would-be dog parents can stumble upon puppy brokers guised within large internet companies that marked their territory by catering to fast demands of love-at-first site, no pun intended.

If you want a Jack Russell with one cute black eye, you can find it, buy it and have it shipped to you. The fast food-style of finding love in our new pup culture has it’s heartbreak. Sometimes years into the relationship of mutt-rimony issue’s can be revealed with health, temperament or impulse buys that become a mismatch of lifestyle. How do I know? As a long time dog trainer and pet expert, I have seen first-hand the issues and help resolve them empathetically.

The good new is that with people like Betsy Saul the co-founder of Petfinder.com the web can also change the face of animal welfare. Over 5 million people visit that site each month. The website is designed to find your designer dog (in a way) just like the other sites. The only difference is that you can really taylor it to you needs and rescue a puppy or older dog of your choice. Choose any color, size, age and even in your own state and viola you can find your match. They facilitate over 2 million adoptions a year. Since the website (and others) have been created, the number of adoptable pets being euthanized has dropped form over 16 million to an estimated 4 million. Congratulations and thank you!

Now that’s love! Happy Valentines Day

Your Pregnancy and the Family Dog: Are You Ready? 7 Questions…

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Inger Martens

Getting ready for baby may go beyond getting the perfect crib and proper car seat. To get your babe with big ears and a tail ready for the big day, may be become a source of anxiety. Most new mom’s to-be can have some concerns with how their dog is going to adjust.

Concern’s many parents to-be have range from wanting to teach their dog not to go into the new baby’s room and mark to craving a fix for pre-existing problems way before the baby arrives, so that everything is perfect. Issues can vary depending on the age of your dog and it’s socialization and training with and around children, and even training around food!

However, for most new parents the main goal becomes just wanting the “homecoming” of their new child to be “problem free.” The key element to initially address is establishing a routine for your dog. Having a routine helps organize you and your dog to the upcoming lifestyle change. The baby’s arrival means nighttime feedings, new people coming over to your house (to say hello to the baby) and basic overall adjustment to your lifestyle. Therefore, the best place to start with dog training is to begin with making a list of what you envision as to the new rules and what may need a makeover.

Is your dog totally housebroken?
Do you have a jumping problem with your pup?
Is he or she spayed or neutered?
Does your dog have issue around food bowls, toys or the bed?
Furniture, yes or no? Allowing your dog up on the couch can be a big topic among couples causing a debate.
Exercise? Is it enough, or does your dog need more?
Does your dog listen to you?

Solution: A good place to begin is to address one issue at a time, relating to your dog and training. The key to success sans anxiety is to get the list of issues articulated and clear especially to know “what” specifically they are, before your baby is born and comes home! Many owners aren’t clear they are either overly cautious or not cautious enough. Remember, your dog is a family member and could be great with you and other adults yet may need some new socialization training when it comes to being around small children. Start by answering the questions yes or no style, first. In the coming days, I will give solutions to the above questions in our Paws For A Minute® pregnancy and family blog dog series, throughout February, stay tuned! Happy Valentines Day!

Paws For A Minute® Lifestyle: Dog Boredom Buster Tips!

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Inger Martens

Is your dog bored with his stuff or just chewing things he’s not supposed to? Here are a few things to spice up his/her life. Here are a few tips that will save you money and others your sanity.

The re-make of the old tennis ball. How? They used an orbe tuff material and put a whole through the bottom. Why? It makes a soft whistling noise that captures a dogs attention, making him want to chase it! Hmmm.. smart stuff.

www.planetdog.com

Yes, it’s a carrot. Not just for rabbit’s or a salad. Try this natural treat along with a few commands. Sit, stay and come! Great for his teeth and low-cal and best on the budget.

Sweet Potato Madness. Yes, it can be used as a great treat. A runner up to the carrot. Microwave or bake potato as you would for yourself. Dice or cut into small pieces. Cool, take off the skin and put into container and keep in the fridge. Dogs go crazy for this treat! Remember, a little goes a long way.

Forget the new toys. All dogs love to chew. For this boredom buster the best thing you could do is to buy a bully stick. It provides hours of crazy chewing fun and peace for you!

NYC. 2 Nights, One Best in Show. 136 Years of Westminster Dog Show

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Inger Martens

Televised since 1948, this year marks the 136th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show honor. Tonight at New York’s Madison Square Gardens over 2,000 dogs get narrowed down into group winners, which make up the ingredients for America’s Dog Show. Established in 1877, The Westminster Kennel Club is America’s oldest organization dedicated to the sport of purebred dogs. It is the second longest continuously held sporting event in this country only second to the Kentucky Derby.

What makes this dog show interesting is it is America’s first and only “Champions Only” dog show, with entries limited to 2,000 dogs only the top in each breed get to compete. Seven groups of dogs: Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding, Sporting, Working and the Terrier and the breeds that make up those groups get narrowed down to one winner.

This evening will conclude the groups and tomorrow evening “Best in Show” judging will take place Tuesday Feb 14th. 2012 8-11 p.m (ET) live on the USA Network.

www.westminsterkennelclub.org

Looking for LOVE? Los Angeles PetSmart Stores Hosting National Adoption Weekend

Posted on February 11, 2012 by Inger Martens

Are you looking for some LOVE and sweetness this Valentines Day? If in Los Angeles, check out PetSmart’s National Adoption Weekend. All stores throughout the city will be hosting adoptions. The entire weekend will be benefiting more than 2,000 animal welfare organizations; each will receive $35 in adoption- reward grants from PetSmart Charities® for every pet they adopt in stores during this three-day event.

Last year, more than 66,000 pets were adopted into loving homes across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Bye the way, a much needed new PetSmart location is opening at 330 South La Cienega Blvd. (cross 3rd St) in Los Angeles. Check out the pups, shop and who knows you might even meet your match and find some muttri-mony?

Preparing Your Dog For Toddlerhood- 5 Must-Have Tips

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Inger Martens

Preparing your dog for your child’s toddlerhood is really important! Depending on your dogs age, previous exposure to children, food, toys and chew bones will help determine where you need to focus your dog training and socialization. Assessing these points will help you determine safety. Just because your dog is nice and gentle with you and other adult people doesn’t mean a child can’t become a target, by accident!

Dog owners can deem their dog good with children or fine with the baby but with toddlers, I think special a “wild card” factor can happen. No matter what size or breed of dog you own taking the right precautions, educating yourself, and having foresight in certain areas in your home can be a great preventative to an accident. Remember, a toddler can mirror what I call the “loose squirrel” in the house effect, and in those moments add to a parents fantasy to self medicate. Unpredictability to say the least! Parents often adopt a mesmerizing chant declaring “be nice” to the doggy and watch with discernment. This does not protect the dog, which as a parent, you need to factor in to your observation. No matter what size, age or breed, dogs see a child as they would another dog. They operate in a more predictable manner than you image.

Paws For A Minute™ Quick tip: Preparing Your Dog For Your Child’s Toddlerhood!

1. Review all “on leash” commands. This is a great way to tune up your dog. Basic commands like heel, sit, stay and come on leash builds the bond. Never did that before? Then now is a great opportunity! Leash training is a great way to create eye contact between you and your dog and it reinforces praise. What it does very effectively is creates a bond and an understanding that simply off leash repetition and cookie’s don’t accomplish in the same way, It is so fun for a dog. If you do this exercise in the house for 5 minutes a day, it can really tune up your relationship. A few minutes a day will help communicate volumes to your dog and create trust, especially with a new creature that’s crawling and falling all over there territory now!

2. Hand feed you dog, occasionally a few servings. This helps determine any food bowl issues and get your dog used to being interrupted while eating. If your have issues of territorial behavior in this area of life, you must seek professional training.

3. Bring your dog to the vet for a check up. Dogs that are 5 years and up should be checked for lumps and bumps. As your Toddler begins to poke and pat you want to make sure all is well with your dog health wise. Some times older dogs don’t feel well and YOU would never know it.

4. Boundary’s are a great thing. Get your dog used to being baby gated once in a while. This prevents self induced insanity by trying to control your toddler and protect the dog, all at the same time. The gate will allow your child and dog to see each other yet not be the center of attraction. However, the gate’s main purpose in this lifestyle circumstance is to prevent your dog from seeking cover from the child itself. Allowing your dog to seek cover underneath furniture (from your child) is where the danger lies. Going under furniture is a dangerous practice and one that parents/owners need to be aware. Gating your dog prior and then allowing your toddler play time is a better way to teach both how to interact.

5. Brush your dog’s coat. During dog time ( without your toddler) put your dog on a leash and gently brush his coat for a few minutes. The leash helps your dog not wander off during the massage. Associating a treat during this process is also a great thing. Brushing your dog is a great way to get him used to being touched, everywhere even the tail!

More Mutt-rimony to come… Have a great day!