Cold Weather and your pet

You’re probably already aware of the risks posed by warm weather and leaving pets in hot cars, but did you know that cold weather also poses serious threats to your pets’ health? Here are some tips to keep your pets safe during cold weather.

Ensure your pet has had his/her preventive care exam (wellness exam).  Cold weather may worsen some medical conditions such as arthritis. Your pet should be examined by a veterinarian at least once a year, and it’s as good a time as any to get him/her checked out to make sure (s)he is ready and as healthy as possible for cold weather.

Just like people, pets’ cold tolerance can vary from pet to pet based on their coat, body fat stores, activity level, and health. You will probably need to shorten your dog’s walks in very cold weather to protect you both from weather-associated health risks. Arthritic and elderly pets may have more difficulty walking on snow and ice and may be more prone to slipping and falling. Long-haired or thick-coated dogs tend to be more cold-tolerant, but are still at risk in cold weather. Short-haired pets feel the cold faster because they have less protection, and short-legged pets may become cold faster because their bellies and bodies are more likely to come into contact with snow-covered ground. 

Just like you, pets prefer comfortable sleeping places and may change their location based on their need for more or less warmth. Give them some safe options to allow them to vary their sleeping place to adjust to their needs.

Cats and dogs should be kept inside during cold weather. It’s a common belief that dogs and cats are more resistant than people to cold weather because of their fur, but it’s untrue. Like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia and should be kept inside.

Check your dog’s paws frequently for signs of cold-weather injury or damage, such as cracked paw pads or bleeding. During a walk, a sudden lameness may be due to an injury or may be due to ice accumulation between his/her toes. You may be able to reduce the chance of iceball accumulation by clipping the hair between your dog’s toes.

If your dog has a short coat or seems bothered by the cold weather, consider a sweater or dog coat. Have several on hand, so you can use a dry sweater or coat each time your dog goes outside. Wet sweaters or coats can actually make your dog colder.

During walks, your dog’s feet, legs and belly may pick up deicers, antifreeze, or other chemicals that could be toxic. When you get back inside, wipe down (or wash) your pet’s feet, legs and belly to remove these chemicals and reduce the risk that your dog will be poisoned after (s)he licks them off of his/her feet or fur.

Many pets become lost in winter because snow and ice can hide recognizable scents that might normally help your pet find his/her way back home. Make sure your pet has a well-fitting collar with up-to-date identification and contact information. A microchip is a more permanent means of identification, but it’s critical that you keep the registration up to date.

Hot cars are a known threat to pets, but cold cars also pose significant risk to your pet’s health. You’re already familiar with how a car can rapidly cool down in cold weather; it becomes like a refrigerator, and can rapidly chill your pet. Pets that are young, old, ill, or thin are particularly susceptible to cold environments and should never be left in cold cars.

Odds are your pet will be spending more time inside during the winter, so it’s a good time to make sure your house is properly pet-proofed. Use space heaters with caution around pets, because they can burn or they can be knocked over, potentially starting a fire. Check your furnace before the cold weather sets in to make sure it’s working efficiently, and install carbon monoxide detectors to keep your entire family safe from harm.

We don’t recommend keeping any pet outside for long periods of time, but if you are unable to keep your dog inside during cold weather, provide him/her with a warm, solid shelter against wind. Make sure that they have unlimited access to fresh, non-frozen water (by changing the water frequently or using a pet-safe, heated water bowl). The floor of the shelter should be off of the ground (to minimize heat loss into the ground) and the bedding should be thick, dry and changed regularly to provide a warm, dry environment. The door to the shelter should be positioned away from prevailing winds.

If your pet is whining, shivering, seems anxious, slows down or stops moving, seems weak, or starts looking for warm places to burrow, get them back inside quickly because they are showing signs of hypothermia. Frostbite is harder to detect, and may not be fully recognized until a few days after the damage is done. If you suspect your pet has hypothermia or frostbite, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Cold weather also brings the risks of severe winter weather, blizzards and power outages. Prepare a disaster/emergency kit, and include your pet in your plans. Have enough food, water and medicine (including any prescription medications as well as heartworm and flea/tick preventives) on hand to get through at least 5 days.

Keep your pet at a healthy weight throughout the winter. Some pet owners feel that a little extra weight gives their pet some extra protection from cold, but the health risks associated with that extra weight don’t make it worth doing. Watch your pet’s body condition and keep them in the healthy range. Outdoor pets will require more calories in the winter to generate enough body heat and energy to keep them warm – talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s nutritional needs during cold weather.

Keep Dancin’ Larry B

 

Getting the Best Harness for your dog

When picking out your dog's new harness, it is all about safety and comfort. A proper fit ensures a happy hound. The best way to purchase a new harness for your dog is to take her into the pet supply store with you and try different sizes. However, if you are purchasing your harness online you will need to get accurate measurements. A harness is designed for a lot of dogs, especially puppies who pull on their leash and old dogs who need a little support. It goes around the chest, shoulders, and then clips onto the back.

Have someone hold your dog steady, or place your dog in a "stand" position. Have the dog stand quietly while you measure him. It's almost impossible to measure a wiggly dog.

Measure around behind his front legs. Take note of the circumference of the dog's body just behind his front legs. This will be how many inches around the harness must be.

First you can measure around the dog's neck. This particular measurement may not matter with certain kinds of harnesses, but it is good to have it on hand just in case you purchase a harness which depends on the neck size.

Get a chest measurement too. To do this you will start from in front of the dog's front legs. Bring the tape around the front of the dog and around until you reach the same point in front of the opposite front leg.

Watch how your dog walks around in the new harness to make sure he feels comfortable in it too. You do not want it to be pinching or hindering his gait.

After measuring your dog's ribcage and comparing it with Sizing Chart, you may find that two different sizes will fit your dog. Normally, the best size to select will be the smaller of the two sizes.

To determine the correct size, please measure around your dog's ribcage, as shown in the photo, Take this measurement and refer to Harness Sizing chart to find the correct size for your dog.

 

DO NOT use your dog's weight as the primary factor for determining size because various dog breeds distribute their weight differently. For example, Dachshunds distribute their weight over their length versus girth, while Pugs have a greater concentration of their weight at their girth.

Keep Dancin' Larry B

Housebreaking the New Puppy, Roscoe

This entry is on housebreaking, we have done the same training when introducing other pups into a pack with great success. As before, keep the training as part of your normal routine for the house. You want to always incorporate your existing pack in the training of the new puppy.

When the other dogs go out, the pup is taken as well but is held so the rest of the pack can complete their individual task.   While the pup is in your arms, ensure he/she is watching the others. Get excited and praise extensively when the other members complete their task. This shows the pup that this is the behavior you desire in everyone.

We have also learned by introducing the pup this way to the desired behavior, the adults get a break from the pup wanting to play.  Trust me, I do believe, they would thank you for getting the chance to actually take care of their business without a little squirt bothering them.

Let the rest of the pack back in the house and then set the pup down. We use “Make Pee Pee” as our command to get our gang to initiate the desired behavior. Once the pup succeeds in eliminating, get excited, praise and pet the pup for doing a good “Make Pee Pee”.

We also immediately give a very small tidbit for the good behavior. These tidbits should strictly be used for training and given at no other time except with desired behaviors.

When you are home with the pup, keep to a regular outdoor schedule, first use every 2 hours and slowly increase over time. We work this increase in time over 4-6 weeks from every 2 hours when you are home with the puppy to 4-6 hours between potty breaks. A good rule of thumb is 1 hour per pound so if pup is 3 pounds every three hours do a “Make Pee Pee” run.

Now, of course, the pup is still going to have accidents indoors till they get the full idea that the only good behavior is eliminating outdoors.  Indoors, we utilize washable training pad for the day pen and also by the door that we use to take dogs out.  We found using disposables was just tempting for the pup to want to shred since everything at this stage is explore and destroy...

Two things to remember with accidents: 

1. If you did not see it occur, take it in stride. I take the pup to the scene of the accident, simply Point it out to the pup and say this was a bad girl/boy.  Nothing more than a harsh bad girl/boy is all that is needed. Clean it up and place this on the indoor pads, show the pup again and state this is good place, good girl/boy.

2. If you catch the pup initiating or in the process of the accident immediately, use your Negative command, we use a loud guttural ECH or No. This will usually distract the pup for a second; take the pup preferably outside or to your indoor pad.  Give the “Make Pee Pee” command and praise for being good girl/boy at the appropriate location.

If your pup is the only one, you have at this time, we recommend taking an indoor pad to the outdoor area you want the pup to conduct his/her business this helps in transitioning the pup to go outside, the good place inside moves outside. Over a few weeks the only place he/she sees the pad is on the outside and associates the outside as the only good place left to “Make Pee Pee”.

 Roscoe is 11 weeks old and only being in the house with his new pack for 2 days is at 99% accuracy on going on his pad when in day pen or the other designated “Make Pee Pee” pad in house. We have had rainy weather since his arrival so the outside concept has not been introduced the past couple of days.

Kennel training for bed time is another area to consider for housebreaking. I utilize a kennel that is large enough for the pup as an adult. The first few weeks, a disposable pad is folded and place in the back of the kennel and a pillow in front for the bed.  This gives the pup an immediate good place for accidents when kept in the kennel at night.  After 2 weeks, I recommend removing this pad from the kennel, so the pup learns that this bed area is not going to be a location for elimination.

Expect a few accidents in the Kennel but we find after a few times of being so close to their own accident, the pup learns this is not a behavior they will tolerate.

We are utilizing a baby play pen for Roscoe since he is going to remain a small guy. He is getting all food and a pee pad in the Play Pen for the next couple of weeks so he will be happy to spend time in the pen alone.  He is starting to not whine after a few minutes of being placed back in pen, he has already learned if he hurries up and does a Good Boy, Make Pee Pee. He gets to come out to be with us faster.

Roscoe and I hope our learning articles are of help to other pups and their human companions.  Roscoe agrees it is frustrating to get his human to respond appropriately at times but worth the hassle of training.

 

Keep Dancin' Larry B

Introducing a New Puppy

After 30 plus years of having Poodles as pets and breeding a few litters, we are patiently waiting for the arrival of our newest pack member a cute little Male Toy Poodle.  I kept thinking this was not so hard with Bogart; he had been introduced into the house with Jennifer and Eddie.  I am the first to admit the integration of Bogart into the pack was made a lot easier by Jennifer, the past Lady of the pack. She took over as mother figure for Bogart, keeping him in line with hierarchy of the pack and showing him the ropes of being a good house dog.

Yes, you may be laughing at me for saying Jennifer was responsible for showing Bogart the ropes. I am here to tell you that I did not realize how much she influenced his training and assisted me in raising Bogart to adulthood.  I think we did a great job with him.  Jennifer is no longer with us and training our Clarabelle was a challenge with a pack of boys, although I think we did a pretty good job with Clarabelle, she is definitely a Tomboy at heart. Which is quite alright in this pack.

The difference between Jennifer and Clarabelle is that Jennifer had been a Mom to several litters and Clarabelle has not been a Mom and only had boys as influences on her life. So it is going to be interesting to see how she responds to having a new pack member and whether she takes on the role as true Beta of our pack.  We will break the issues down to Introduction to Pack and Feeding, Housebreaking and Leash Training over the next few articles.

Prior to introducing the puppy, you need to set up a day area that is safe and open for the new puppy.

Introduction to the Pack - I recommend bathing the new dog in the same shampoo as the rest of your pack. If bathing is not an option, then use a towel that has your scent on it and rub the new member down with it.  I have found by doing this, the other dogs seem to be more accepting; the new member already has a similar scent. 

Keep the initial introduction short; the other dogs are not going to be pleased to be sharing your attention. After the initial introduction, let the pup explore its day pen and get accustomed to the house.  This is a good time to show some special attention to the existing members.

I usually wait about an hour or so then let the new pup out of the day pen to explore the house and check out the other members under close supervision.  Let the other members growl or bark at the new puppy, just ensure their safety and make sure no one being too aggressive.  The existing members have to show the puppy who is who in the pack.

Example:  both the boys growled and got out of Clara Belle’s reach; puppy energy can be a little over-powering for adults. After the first week, the growling lessens, but the “getting out of her reach” was still the ultimate goal for both boys.

Keep these initial meetings short, controlled; keep in mind to talk to the existing members in soothing tones of  assurance that they are still very loved and important members but have a new kid on the block to learn to love as well.

I have found that by playing with the puppy and keeping the other members of your pack included in the play helps with the emotional stress they are all under, and with learning that this new member is here to stay.

Don’t expect everyone to get along the first few weeks. The puppy has to learn so many things, from toilet training to who is the Alpha in the pack. The other members may even have some regression in behaviors but these all should rectify themselves, if you continue to give the existing members their own special time and attention.

You don’t want to disrupt the household routine, so even with the training of the new puppy, include it as part of the normal routine and include the whole pack as much as possible.

Feeding - remember the new puppy will not be on the same schedule the first day as the rest of the house, so you need to slowly adjust the puppy to the household schedule. Keep the puppy in the day pen for feedings. This reduces the stress on the existing members and allows everyone to have their meals as routinely as possible.

I have also found that giving the existing members special dinner a few times the first week really does help them adjust, and that maybe the new kid is not so bad – the new pack member may be responsible for the special meals.  Who am I to say different? It seems to work and I speak from experience.

Watch for our continued installations on the integration of our new little guy into the existing pack.

 

Keep Dancin’ Larry B

 

 

Austin Peay State University offering Eclectic Line Dance Class

Starting November 3, 2014, Austin Peay State University (APSU) will be offering a great Beginner Line Dance Course/Class. This will be a 6 week course that is designed to fit with the University setting. The course/class is not just to teach a person line dances but to teach an absolutely Beginner how to dance. Of course, it is always great to review those basics so everyone is welcome to participate.

Students will learn the basic dance steps used in all dances. Proper Execution of steps, understanding of weight changes, how to recognize different rhythms, timing of steps and how to count music. 

The 6 week course/class will focus on the particular characteristics that make that week’s rhythm unique. The line dance(s) taught each week will focus on the particular steps that demonstrate the week’s rhythm.

The 6 week Course/Class will be taught by Larry B. Larry has been Line Dancing for over 15 years and an Instructor of 10 years. For More information on the above course, click here http://signmeup.apsu.edu/CourseStatus.awp?&course=141G67802

For more information on Larry B and other great dance opportunities in the Middle Tennessee area go to www.linedancenews.com

The benefits of dancing: Strengthening bones and muscles, tone your entire body, improve posture and balance, reduce stress and tension, boost memory, improve flexibility, weight loss, increase energy and increase mental capacity.

 Keep Dancin' Larry B

Sweetest Day, October 18, 2014

Sweetest Day observed the third Saturday in October.  I frankly had never heard of this holiday till a few years ago.  I do a great deal of research these days so I had to find out just how this day originated.

It is amazing how a simple search can lead to such interesting reading.  Now the most popular story is that Herbert Birch Kingston, a Cleveland, Ohio philanthropist and candy company employee started Sweetest Day. He wanted to bring happiness to orphans, shut-ins and under-privileged. His intent was to show these people that they were not forgotten.  In 1922, he started this holiday by giving candy and small gifts. He often used movie stars to distribute the gifts.

Primarily a regional observance celebrated in the Great Lakes region and the Northeast, Sweetest Day is gradually spreading to other areas of the country. Over the years, Sweetest Day has evolved into a time to express romantic love and also to show appreciation to friends. 

There also seemed to be those that feel the day was a concentrated marketing promotion sponsored by the candy industry. At the same time that Sweetest Day was being promoted in Cleveland, it was also being promoted nationally by the candy industry as "Candy Day" and "Sweetest Day." Promotions were staged in New York City, Buffalo, Detroit, Chicago, Cincinatti as well as in Cleveland, Ohio.

I think it should not matter whether the day was created by one individual or an industry. It exists as an opportunity for you to recognize that sweet and special someone. It doesn’t matter who that person is, or what their relation to you. They just have to be "sweet" in order to get a little recognition.

Remember the simple fact is it does not matter if you recognize that special individual in your life on Sweetest Day and you can make every day is Sweetest Day.

Keep Dancin’ Larry B

 

The Balancing Act By: Kathy Paauw

I came across this article while flying back from my work visit to the Tamarac GENEX office. Thought I would share it this week..

"The average office worker receives more than 200 messages a day via snail mail, email, express mail, cell phone, landline, wireless Web, bicycle messenger, singing telegram, you name it. Taking in information these days is like trying to drink from a fire hose."
--Dr. Martha Beck

Did you know that one Sunday edition of The New York Times contains more information than all the written documents in the world during the 15th century? Does it seem like life is spinning out of control? The pace of life just keeps picking up! And with it, job satisfaction is on the decline.

In an Associated Press article, Marc Greenbaum, a 50-year-old professor at Suffolk Law School, stated that "I'm personally happier but I observe more people that are more miserable. There's more pressure on them to produce, more problems with maintaining a boundary between work and family, even maintaining a boundary between work and the outside because of things like e-mail, voicemail and the Blackberry. They can't get away."

According to the Families and Work Institute, over 47% of U.S. workers surveyed feel overworked. In addition, 59% of Americans describe their lives as very busy according to an NBC news survey. According to Dr. Richard Swensen, author of Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives, the average American will spend one year in his/her life searching through desk clutter looking for misplaced objects. We are working harder and faster than ever. Being more organized can help reduce stress, save time, and improve efficiency.

We celebrate National Get Organized Week the first week in October. Most people think of "getting organized" as a physical act - clearing piles of paper, putting things away, etc. What many people overlook is the mental part of getting organized. And I always say that organizing your physical environment without first clarifying your priorities is like rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic!

Here are 8 tips to help you with the mental part of getting and staying organized. I encourage you to read through the whole list, and then go back and choose two or three ideas to implement.

1. Understand the difference between URGENT and IMPORTANT. If it's important, it may be a vital priority for you. If it's urgent, it's time-sensitive, but it may or may not be important. Be sure you are clear about the difference when deciding what deserves your time. Check out the time management matrix at www.orgcoach.net/timematrix.html, which beautifully illustrates the difference.

2. Find time for yourself. Schedule time away from your work and your family. Use this opportunity to tune in to what you want and need. Don't feel that you're being selfish; you have a responsibility to yourself to take care of your needs. Studies show that productivity dramatically increases when you are well rested.

3. Check for balance between these four vital areas of your life:

·         Well-being - caring for your physical, mental, spiritual, and social needs

·         Family relationships

·         Work activities

·         Service activities - volunteer work, being a good neighbor, practicing random acts of kindness

4. Live your life in the present! Quit saying, "I'll do this when I get around to it." I have yet to find a person who said on their death bed, "I wish I had spent more time at the office."

5. Increase productivity by planning your week and fine-tuning your workday. Block out time to handle priorities. Important tips to remember as you plan your week:

·         Have unscheduled time in your calendar for handling unexpected but important tasks.

·         Plan to work on creative activities during the time of day when you are at your best.

·         Schedule "protected time" to work on projects that need your undivided attention. If interruptions are eating you alive, close your door and ask that people come back to see you at a designated time.

·         Temporarily turn off the audio feature on your cell phone, pager and email account. Pick and choose when you respond and when it's appropriate to let calls go into voice mail.

·         Be realistic about your expectations. Don't set yourself up for failure by planning too much in one day.

·         Leave work at a reasonable hour so you have time for those other three areas of your life - self-care, family, and service to others.

6. Reduce your stress by being underwhelmed. Here are a few tips to help you avoid getting overwhelmed:

·         NO is a complete sentence. Don't bite off more than you can chew. When someone makes a request, buy some time before answering. Say, "Let me think about it," or "I'm in the middle of something right now. I'll call you back and let you know." This will give you time to evaluate the situation and decide if it's something you truly want to do.

·         Delegate as much as you can. Focus your time on activities that you enjoy and are best at.

7. Stay out of e-mail jail. Here are a few tips to help:

·         Determine frequency of checking for e-mail messages. Some people choose to check it throughout the day and even use such devices as the Blackberry when on the road, while others only check for messages a couple times a day. You are the only one who can determine what will work for you.

·         Use the F.A.T. (File, Act, Toss) method to keep your email inbox from piling up. If a message needs to be filed for future reference, place it in the appropriate email subject or contact folder. Place a red flag next to those items you need to act on but don't have time to do right at the moment. Immediately toss (delete or forward) anything you don't need to keep.

·         Remove your name from subscription lists that do not provide value to you.

8. Set up your work environment to keep your focus on what's most important. Here are some tips:

·         Arrange your workspace so you have the most commonly-used things close in. Store things used less frequently in less accessible space.

·         Create a filing system that enables you to find things instantly. The #1 reason that people pile instead of file is a fear of not being able to find it when they need it. Visit www.orgcoach.net/PaperTiger.html for some ideas.

·         Create a tickler file system to remind you of important follow up at the appropriate time. The #2 reason that people pile is a fear of forgetting to do something that is out-of-sight and out-of-mind. A good tickler system reminds you to follow up on the appropriate date, and provides an alternative to that "I'll just set it here for now" pile. Visit www.orgcoach.net/products/tickle.html#ticklerfile to see what a good tickler file system looks like.

·         Use the F.A.T. (File, Act, Toss) method to process your mail daily. Review our Trim the F.A.T. tip sheet at www.orgcoach.net/trimthefat.html.

·         Keep only what you plan to focus on today on your desktop. Remove visual distractions from your workspace so your attention is not pulled away from what you've chosen to work on today! Everything else should be put away until it's time for you to focus on it.

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Keep Dancin' Larry B.