Scout's Blog

Dog Training Workshops

Jess Saba — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:22:00 GMT

Training Classes for Positive Owner-Pet Relationships

Many Humane Societies offer affordable workshops and classes to help owners hone basic dog training skills, alter social issues or teach advanced tricks. Classes are a great way for dog owners to strengthen the relationships with their animals. Owners who participate in workshops will be able to read dog behavior, understand their dog's learning style and learn new training techniques to develop positive relationships with their pets.

See below to find a class that may be helpful to building a great relationship with your dog:

Basic Training Classes-Teach your dog to sit and stay when asked, to lie down on command, to walk on a loose leash, leave distractions alone and come when called.

Socialization Skills-Help your dog become comfortable socializing with other dogs and people, teach him house manners, house training and how to play well with others.
Shy or Feisty Dogs- There are many classes to help dogs who growl, bark ,lunge, are shy or uncomfortable around other dogs. Classes will help you manage or modify these behaviors around other dogs.

Agility Classes- Teach your dog the skills needed to participate in dog agility events. You will both learn learn jumps, running as a team, pole weaves and more.

Private Lessons for Aggressive Dogs-Your dog may need private consultations if he is showing signs of territorial issues, is aggressive or guards resources from people or dogs.

Puppy Playtime- Learn and practice puppy social skills with other people and new puppies. These classes are a great way to burn off extra energy.

Unique Classes:

Baby Behavior Class- If you are worried about the way your dog might behave with a new baby, The Boulder Humane Society offers a class to teach new parents to have safe and comfortable dog and baby interactions.
Dog Yoga Class- The Seattle Humane Societyoffers classes to "explore yoga, massage, stretching and relaxation techniques for you and your dog."
Therapy Dog Training- The Wisconsin Humane Society offers classes to help you and your dog become an animal therapy team so you can volunteer in local hospitals, nursing homes and schools.
Dog Sport Classes- The San Diego Humane Society teaches you and your dog the skills needed to compete Flyball events. San Diego offers demonstrations by champion Flyball dogs before each class.

Visit your local Humane Society or Camp Bow Wow for organized dog playtime, classes, and social events.

Leather Dog Collar Company

Jess Saba — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:44:00 GMT

Many dog owners prefer leather collars to synthetic material since they last longer. The difficulty is in finding a durable, stylish leather collar for a reasonable price.

Lennox Dog Collar Company based out of Colorado specializes in creating unique leather dog collars. Currently, The Lennox Dog Collar Company has four designs which are priced at $25.95 each.

For more information check out the website:

Pets On a Plane!

Jess Saba — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:21:00 GMT

Transporting your pet

Have you ever felt badly traveling with your pet, knowing he was in the cargo hold of a plane without supervision? Pet Airways has developed a service to alleviate the stress of transporting your pet.

Pet Airways is a pet airline that will fly your pet across the country in the main cabin, not in cargo. Pet Airways promises that your pet will never fly under the seat or as baggage again and will be taken care of throughout the flight by a trained attendant. The cabin temperature is controlled so there are no hot or cold weather conditions that would restrict travel.

Customers have the option to drop a pet off between 2 hours and 72 hours before the flight and Pet Airways will board your pet and provide bathroom breaks before the flight.

Travel arrangements can be booked online at PetAirways.com and owners can track their pet through the website

Cities Served

Pet Airways travels to and from the New York area(NJ,CT & Philadelphia), the Washington DC/Baltimore Area, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, and Ft. Lauderdale.

Fares start at $149.

Have you used Pet Airways? How was the experience?

If you need to board your pet while on vacation or if you can't fly your pet, be sure to check out Camp Bow Wow, the premier doggie day and overnight boarding camp. With over 150 locations nationwide you are sure to find a location near you, while at home or on vacation.

Healthy Paws Make Happy Dogs

Jess Saba — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:24:00 GMT

Dog Paw Care

Dog paws are made of tough skin which create traction and act to absorb the shock on the joints and bone from running and jumping. Although, paws are meant be tough they are still prone to injury.

Signs of Discomfort:

Dog paws become sensitive if there are cuts, lacerations, blisters, infections or objects stuck between paw pads. If your dog is limping, excessivly licking his paws, holding his leg off the ground be sure to check his paws. If you notice any of these behaviors gently lift his leg to check for the cause of the discomfort.

It is always a good idea to place a muzzle on an injured dog before inspecting the affected part of his body. Even mild dogs may bite if he feels threaten by a touch.

Care for Paws:

Trim nails regularly to avoid pain or discomfort. Ask your veterinarian to teach you the proper way to cut your dog's nails, or bring your pup to a groomer.

Check paws for debris: After a long day of playing outside in the snow or mud be sure to remove packed snow or ice balls stuck in his paws. Make sure each paw is clean and free from mud or dirt to avoid discomfort.

Restrict licking: If the paw is bleeding try to restrict your dogs ability to lick his paws. An old sock or bandage should deter licking long enough to bring your dog to the vet.

Watch where you walk: Be sure to remove any sharp objects from your backyard to help avoid injury. When walking in public places determine if the surface is safe by asking yourself if you would walk barefoot in the same place. Hot pavement, broken glass and large gravel may damage paw pads.

Always check with your veterinarian before removing lodged debris or before treating serious paw wounds.

Dog Grooming Basics

Jess Saba — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:30:00 GMT

Groom your dog to maintain health and appearance

Grooming your dog is an important way to maintain your dog’s health and appearance. Clipping nails and frequent ear inspections help prevent in-grown nails and ear infection while dogs who are brushed often tend to have healthier and shinier coats.

Each time you groom your dog be sure to look at his skin for cut, red or dry skin, check for unusual smells that may point to infection and check his paws for abrasions or cuts.

Each dog breed has different grooming needs. Breeds with longer hair require more frequent brushing to prevent knotted or matted coats while dogs with short hair may need to be wiped down daily with a damp cloth.

Train your dog for grooming

It is much easier to groom an older dog if he was trained to enjoy being groomed as a puppy. Start grooming your dog when he is young in order to help him become comfortable and familiar with nail clipping, brushing and bathing.

Brushing

Many dogs enjoy being brushed as much as they like to be pet. Brushing your dog's fur removes dead hair and dry skin which makes the coat appear shinier and healthier. If you have a dog with long fur be sure to brush it a few times each week while dogs with short hair may only need to be brushed a few times each month.

Bathing

Dogs can be bathed from once a week to once a month depending on how badly he needs a bath. Be sure to only use dog shampoo which is formulated to work specifically with the natural oils and should not dry out or irritate your dog's skin. Ask your veterinarian which shampoo might be best for your dog.

Nail Trimming

It is important to trim your dog's nails once a month. Be sure to ask your veterinarian to teach you how to correctly trim your dog's nails in order to avoid painfully cutting the nails too short.

Ear Care
Dogs can easily develop ear infections since they have hair in and around their ears, they roll around in the dirt and floppy ears hold in bacteria. Although it is important to clean and inspect your dog’s ears, most dogs do not like ear cleaning and medicating. If you are uncomfortable taking care of your dog’s ears it may be best to bring him to your veterinarian.

Urban Dogs: The Tompkins Square Dog Run

Jess Saba — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:25:00 GMT

New York City Loves Dogs

I spent last weekend in New York City. After walking hundreds of blocks, visiting the best bookstores, wonderful art museums, amazing bakeries and popular music venues, my favorite time was the two hours I spent in a dog park speaking with urban dog owners.

The moment I entered the small dog section of the dog run and sat down on one of the benches lining the dog run I was greeted by a variety of energetic and very well groomed terriers, dachshunds and french bulldogs. Dog owners were talking around a picnic table while their dogs sprinted from one side of the enclosure to the other.

In New York City there are over 1,700 parks, playgrounds and recreation areas across the five boroughs. Dogs runs exist within 60 of those parks and dogs are allowed in the majority of the park space. Each park has four area categories designated as no dogs allowed, dogs must be on a leash at all times, dog runs or designated off leash areas.

Tompkins Square Dog Run

Cities like New York are making it easy for urban dog owners to provide their pets with enough space to run around and socialize with other dogs.

I spent time in the Tompkins Square Dog Run in East Village. Tompkins Square was the first dog run in NYC when it opened in 1990 and is located on the edge of the public park.

There are two large fenced off sections, one for dogs under 25 pounds and the other for larger dogs, which are covered by decomposed granite sand. The fences around the dog park are lined with benches which are used equally by people as well as dogs. The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation provides hoses to wash your dog, three small dog baths, picnic tables and a shovel for easy waste removal.

Social atmosphere

I was most impressed by the social atmosphere of the dog park. Inside the fences dog owners were watching their dogs make friends while meeting other dog owners. Park visitors were hanging on the fences around the dog run laughing as they watched the dogs play.

Many of the dog owners I spoke with said they look forward to the time they spend in the dog park. Many owners come multiple times each week, usually at the same time, and enjoy seeing the same dogs and people.

And, the dogs looked happy too.

If you go take note that the most crowded hours are Peak hours at the run:

Mornings - before 9am
After work - 5-7pm
Weekends (especially in the summer)

Pet's Effect on Health

Jess Saba — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:19:00 GMT

Volunteer With Your Dog for Pet Therapy

Pets have a special ability to change our moods, motivate us to exercise and be social and to know when we need attention. When we make him wag his tail by petting his fur, go running in the park, meet other dogs and their owners or feel the satisfaction of feeding him after a long day, it is easy to feel the positive impact he has on our life.

Pet therapy programs rely on the ability to harness the positive effects animals have on human emotions. Introducing dogs to patients has proven to help people deal with anxiety, the blues, loneliness and depression, especially in children's hospitals and elderly homes.

The New York Times published an article which looks at the effects dogs have on patients with different illnesses. The mother of an autistic boy named Milo claims that within a week of introducing Milo to the new family dog her son became calmer, more attentive and more verbal. The effects of the relationship are so apparent that the mother is considering decreasing the amount of medication her son takes.

Volunteer Your Time and Your Pet

Many people take time to bring their dog to visit hospital patients. If you would like volunteer with your pet visit you local humane society, professional dog trainer or local pet therapy organization for more information on how to become certified for animal assisted therapy.

Click here, New York Times to read the article, " Exploring the Health Benefits of Pets."

Human Food Goes To The Dogs

Jess Saba — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:27:00 GMT

Feed Your Dog as You Would Like to Be Fed

Food is a major factor in determining health, longevity, appearance and energy level in humans as well as in dogs. And, just as you would change your eating habits to improve the way your feel, a change in your dogs diet can dramatically improve his health and happiness.

How to make nutritious and well balanced meals:

Keep it simple. By combining as few as three ingredients you can offer your pup a treat made with love, without the unecessary additives of commercially produced products.

Aim to feed your dog from all five food groups: Meat, vegetables, fruits, grains and dairy. It is important to find a balance between meat and vegetable intake since your dog's digestive system is designed to process protein from meat as well as from plant sources.

Veterinarian Approved Ingredients:

Meat- Try chicken, turkey, liver, bacon, lean hamburger or eggs. Also, try boneless fish.

Vegetables- Try to feed your dog a large variety of veggies in order to deliver the greatest spectrum of vitamins and nutrients.

Approved vegetables include green peppers, carrots, sweet potato, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, canned tomatoes, kidney beans, spinach.

Carbohydrates- Include cooked rice, macaroni, wheat flour, cornmeal and oats in your homemade doggie meals to offer substance and improve digestibility.

Cheese- Use occasionally as a treat. Try parmesean, cottage cheese, cheddar or jack cheese.

Avoid These Foods:

Onions- Which can cause diarrhea, vomiting and fever. Onions contain a large amount of sulfur which can destroy red blood cells and cause anemia in dogs.

Milk- Some dogs lack the enzyme, lactase, to break down lactose in milk. Without lactase, dogs cannot digest milk and may experience uncomfortable side effects as a result.

Raw Meat- Bacteria and parasites, including salmonella and tapeworm, are prevalent in raw meat. It is much safer to cook meat before serving it to your dog.

Chocolate- Theobromine is a particularly dangerous chemical to dogs which is found in chocolate. Steer clear of feeding any chocolate to your dog. It could be deadly.

Feeding your dog homemade meals and treats will give him a break from the same old dry or canned dog food as well as offering him a variety of nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

Check back to read about specific recipes for meals and treats you can make for your dog.

For more information visit:

K-9s Against Cancer - Walk for a Cure

Jess Saba — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:54:00 GMT

Walk to Raise Money for A Great Cause

K-9s Against Cancer is an annual 5K fun run/1-mile walk, which is open to humans and their canine companions. This family-oriented day of festivities will feature music, food, games, giveaways, and demonstrations. Net proceeds will benefit the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation, the Colorado State University Animal Cancer Center, and Susan G. Komen.

Date: Saturday October 10, 2009
Time: 7:00 am - 10:00 am
Location: Stapleton's Central Park (at Martin Luther King Blvd.)
Stapleton, Colorado

Did you know one in four dogs dies of cancer? It is the number one killer of our canine friends, and accounts for half the deaths of dogs age 10 and older.

Please walk or donate to help cure canine cancer.

About The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation:

Founded in 2007, The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for sick, abandoned, abused, unwanted and neglected canines everywhere. The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation accomplishes this by focusing on finding foster and lifetime homes for unwanted dogs, promoting humane education and treatment in the U.S. and abroad, and investing in research and treatment for dogs devastated by illness and disease.

To register or donate please visit the foundation online at:

www.bowwowbuddies.com.

Introducing Your Puppy To a New Home

Jess Saba — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:02:00 GMT

Bringing Your Puppy Home

When you bring your puppy home for the first time it is important to be sensitive to the fact that he is leaving the comfort of his mother and family. Below are some tips for making the transition as easy as possible for your puppy.

Create a relaxed environment:

Bring your puppy home to a quite environment with as few people, loud noises or distractions as possible.

Ask your friends come over one at a time to meet your puppy.
Allow him to sleep. Waking a puppy to play may cause anxiety and restlessness.
If you have another dog, separate the puppy for a few days to allow him to adjust and become familiar with the surroundings on his own. Create barriers between the two until they have time to adjust to each other.

Commit time and attention:

It is important to help your puppy acclimate to his new home.

Try not to leave your puppy alone for the first two weeks so you can begin to understand and manage his personality, temperament and fears.
Do not crate your puppy for more than four hours at a time. Puppies have short term bladder control.

Create a personal space for your puppy:

An indoor pen area will offer your puppy a comfortable sense of personal space as he adjusts to the new environment. Be sure the space has the following elements:

Plenty of light- Set up the pen in the corner of a large well lit room so he doesn't feel cut off from the rest of the world.
Comfortable bed- A space where he can curl up to rest with his favorite soft puppy blanket.
Toys- Your puppy won't need more than three toys. Make sure they do not have small pieces that could pose a choking hazard.
A place to pee- Try a pee pad or use a material that resembles outdoor materials.

The most important thing you can do to make the tranistion easy for your new puppy is to offer love and attention. It is vital to supervise your puppy to keep him safe and happy.

If you need to leave him alone for more than a few hours at a time, call a dog-sitter to help watch him while you are away.

Visit Camp Bow Wow's Home Buddies page for more information about in-home dog sitting services.

Stinky Pup? Have You Cleaned His Collar Lately?

Jess Saba — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:29:00 GMT

How often do you clean your dog's collar?

Dog collars are used every day, on every dog for walking, training, and identification. After your dog has been running, rolling in the dirt (and other things), hiking, swimming and sleeping, his dog collar can begin to absorb and hold odors from the day.

Even after giving your dog a bath, putting the same stinky collar back on can make your pup smell like a wet dumpster. To make sure your dog's collar smells fresh remember to clean it each time you give your pup a bath.

Below are some care tips for different types of collar materials:

Leather: Leather can develop odors from the oils on your dog's coat. Clean leather occasionally with leather care products. Leather will last a long time if cleaned and conditioned every few weeks.

Nylon: Nylon collars work best for water dogs since they tend to dry fast and take longer to start to smell. Clean nylon often with a damp cloth and collar cleaner to wipe away the dirt. Also, since nylon collars are in expensive, consider replacing the collar once it begins to look worn.

Rubber: Rubber collars are durable and tend to resist odors. But, be careful of rubber collars since they may streach if used with a leash.

Make sure to keep his collar clean because if you can't handle the smell of his stinky collar then his friends are probably thinking the same thing!

Do You Make Your Own Dog Food? Share a Recipe!

Jess Saba — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:03:00 GMT

Share Your Dog Food Recipes

There are many stories about people who make their own dog food to ensure their pet is eating the most nutritious meals with healthy ingredients and no artificial flavors or fillers. Since all dogs have different dietary needs it is important to make sure your pet is getting the most nutrients while minimizing his intake of processed foods.

Do you make your own dog food or dog treats? If so, please share your recipes, tips and advice about making dog food at home as an alternative to processed pet foods.

Kennel Cough Update

Jess Saba — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:12:00 GMT

Kennel Cough on The Rise

Kennel cough is a respiratory virus which impacts dogs and is similar to the flu. Also called Infectious Tracheobronchitis, the virus can cause coughing, high fever, nasal discharge and a fatal pneumonia.

Kennel cough is also referred to as New Canine Influenza, Greyhound Disease, and Race Flu and is considered highly contagious. It is important to understand how this virus can impact our pets at Camp and other open play environments.

Most dogs will only experience mild coughing however puppies and older dogs are at greatest risk for fatalities associated with the virus.
The number of dogs at risk from dying from this virus may be anywhere from 1% to 10%.

Canine Cough:

You can treat the bacteria with medication but not the virus.

The bacteria can be treated with antibiotics but is only prescribed if the dog has a fever and is not eating.

The virus is treated with "supportive" care such as: bed rest, low activity/decrease activity, hydration, not pulling on collar, and keep warm.

Below are commonly asked questions at camp-

WHAT IS "CANINE COUGH?" Canine Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis) is a highly contagious upper-respiratory disease which is spread by an air-borne virus. The incubation period of the disease is roughly 3 to 14 days. The main symptom is a gagging cough, sometimes accompanied by sneezing and nasal discharge, which can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Although this coughing is very annoying, it does not usually develop into anything more serious but it is recommended to be treated by a vet. It can lower the dog's resistance to other disease making him susceptible to secondary infections.

HOW IS IT CURED? Just as in the common cold, Canine Cough is not cured but must run its course. Many times antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent secondary infection, and sometimes cough suppressants will be prescribed to reduce excessive coughing, but these medications do not attack the disease itself.

DOES CANINE COUGH OCCUR ONLY IN KENNELS? No. Since this virus can be present anywhere, and can travel for considerable distances through the air, they can affect any dog...even one which never leaves its own back yard. But canine cough is more likely to occur when the concentration of dogs is greater such as at a dog show, kennel, veterinarian offices and hospitals as well as pet shops. Dogs can also be exposed while running loose or while being walked near other dogs or playing in the park.

AREN'T THE CHANCES OF CATCHING IT GREATER WHEN A DOG IS IN A KENNEL? It can be because, in a kennel, a dog encounters two conditions that do not exist at home which are proximity to a number of potentially contagious dogs, and the excitement of a less familiar environment, which can result in lowered resistance to disease. These same factors explain why children are more likely to catch the flu in school, rather than at home. But the more frequently a camper comes to overnight or day camp, the greater are the chances the camper will acquire an immunity to the disease.

IS THIS VIRUS A CONSTANT PROBLEM? No. Canine Cough, like the flu, is often seasonal. It also tends to hit an entire area at one time. When veterinarians begin to see cases, they normally come from every kennel in town, dog park users, as well as from individual dog owners whose dogs were not kenneled at all. When the virus has run its course, the veterinarians might not see another case for months.

CAN MY DOG BE VACCINATED TO PROTECT HIM AGAINST CANINE COUGH? Yes! Vaccines against Canine Cough however are not always routinely used as part of a puppy and an adult dog's yearly check up. Please explain to your veterinarian your pup comes to play at Camp Bow Wow and they need to be vaccinated with the Bordetella vaccination (either injection or intranasal). It is important to understand the Bordetella vaccination used to prevent this viral disease is made from only one strain of over the 100 different strains of the virus. Thus the vaccination is not as effective against some strains as others. Some strains are not included in any of the vacations. Therefore, in some cases there is not prevention against Canine Cough.

CAN'T THE KENNEL PREVENT MY DOG FROM CATCHING CANINE COUGH? Unfortunately, no amount of supervision, sanitation, or personalized care can prevent a dog from "catching" an airborne virus. All that we can do is to recommend immunization against Canine Cough. We also refuse to board any obviously sick dogs; we listen and watch for any signs of sickness, and make sure that any dog requiring veterinary attention receives it as quickly as possible. Strangely, the dog with Canine Cough does not usually appear ill, yet is contagious.

How to Pick the Best Dog Treat

Jess Saba — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:43:00 GMT

Be sure you choose the right dog treat for your dog.

All dogs are different. Each breed looks, acts and plays differently. Older dogs need more time to sleep and less training while puppies must be socialized and given adequate time to burn energy.

The way you interact with your dog will determine the type of treat you give him and how often. Dog treats can benefit the relationship you have with your dog as well as the health of his teeth and bones.

While it is fun to reward your dog, be sure you are feeding him the best treat to maintain his health.

Training treats: If you are in the process of training your dog and using treats as positive reinforcement for obedience, a smaller, low calorie treat is best. Smaller treats can be kept in your pocket and be given more frequently. Rewarding your dog with larger treats may contribute to overeating and health problems.

Treat feel: If you have an older dog with weak teeth, look for a softer treat. If you are more worried about dental health in a younger dog choose a raw hide or hard dog bone.

Types of Treats

Meat Treats- Lamb, venison, beef, chicken, and fish jerky treats are available. Look for air dried meats with no fillers, grains or preservatives.

Natural Treats- Many people choose to eat organic food to ensure health and longevity. Dog owners are just as concerned about the food they are feeding their dogs. When choosing a natural dog treat look a product that is easy to digest, tasty and nutrient rich. Avoid treats with ingredients you can't pronounce.

Puppy Treats- Try a teething bone which will help satisfy your puppys desire to chew while maintaining dental health. These bones may help keep your dog away from your clothing and furniture. Also, look for treats fortified with calcium to promote bone and teeth density and growth.

Biscuits and Cookies- Dog bakeries are becoming very popular.While boutique prices can be more expensive, the treats look good enough for humans to eat. If you choose these fun treats look for pupcakes, little bones, decorated cookies and seasonal treats.

Dental Treats- Some dog treats are designed to help promote strong and clean teeth while masking doggie breath. Parsley as a main ingredient ca n be used as an all natural breath freshener.

Choosing the right treat takes thinking about what your dog needs. Consult your veterinarian about your dog's dietary needs and health concerns.

Happy treating!

Choosing a Dog Day Care

Jess Saba — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:30:00 GMT

How to Choose The Right Dog Day Care

Choosing the right dog day care will impact the comfort, happiness and safety of your dog while he is in someone else's care.
What to look for:

Outdoor/indoor play area: Look for a boarding camp that offers plenty of run-around space and room for dog socialization. Choose this option over a kennel that cages your dog for the majority of the day.
Staffing : Ratio-Look for a camp with a minimum of one staff member to every fifteen dogs. Certification-Ask if each of the staff members are certified by the American Red Cross in pet first aid and CPR.

Interview Process: Some camps require an initial meeting with camp counselors in order to assess the behavioral characteristics of your dog's personality.

-This is an important safety precaution to ensure your dog will play well with others.

-It helps your dog understand that he will be able to go home at the end of the day.

-You will be able to get a sense of who will be responsible for taking care of your pet.

-Some camps even offer the interview day as free trial day of camp.

Dog Fight Prevention Methods: Ask how employees are trained to prepare to break up dog fights.

Quality Personal Space: A closed off area where your dog can play with his own toys brought from home, curl up on a bed alone or chew his bone is an important option to make sure he feels comfortable while away from home.

Bring Your Own Food Option: Look for a camp that offers high quality food but also allows you to bring your own food at no extra cost.

Administration of Medications: If you have a pet that needs a daily medication, look for a camp with trained professionals who can help make sure your pet gets his prescriptions each day at camp.

Bedtime Care: In order to make sure you dog unwinds from the day gets the best night sleep look for a camp that offers treats before bed, turns down the lights and keeps the temperature perfect for sleeping.

Dog camp can be just as much fun as the vacation you take without your pup. Make sure to find the most professional, responsible and experienced camp close to you.

To find a Camp Bow Wow boarding camp location near your Click Here: To Find A Camp Bow Wow Location Near You!

Dog Socalization:

Jess Saba — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 10:13:00 GMT

Why Socialize Your Dog?

As obedience classes, puppy play times, dog day cares, dog parks, and other dog-oriented activities (on- and off-leash) become more prevalent and popular, the idea of a well-socialized dog has gained in popularity as well. Dogs are social animals by nature and truly enjoy the company of other dogs and people - if care is taken to socialize them properly.

It Becomes Easier to Find a Caretaker:

At some point, you will likely need to leave your dog in the care of another while you travel for a vacation, family emergency, or for business. Even if you usually prefer to take your pup with you everywhere you go, this is not always feasible.
If your dog is well socialized, leaving them is easier for them (and for you). It is easier to find a neighbor or family member to care for a dog that is well socialized, and in the event that your usual dog-sitter isn't available, a boarding facility will be more than happy to see your well-socialized pup.

Well Socialized Dogs Pass the Kennel Interview:

Socialization means being able to leave him in a facility (or a home) where he can continue to socialize with people and pets, greatly expanding your options should you need to leave Fido behind when you travel

Build Stronger Relationships:

Having a well-behaved dog is important to most of us who share our homes and our lives with a canine companion.

Training for Dog Bite Prevention

Socialization is important for many reasons including dog-bite prevention. Not only is a well-socialized dog less anxious in every-day and new situations, he is less likely to bite out of fear or aggression. Many people don't understand that more dog bites occur due to fear than true aggression.

Even a dog that has been very well socialized can still be provoked to bite if it is uncertain of its surroundings or the current situation.

Dogs that get along well with other dogs at the off-leash dog park can snap viciously if a dog approaches him when he is on-leash. A dog that is afraid of nothing (even the vet!) can be completely thrown off kilter by helium-filled balloons in his living room, fireworks on the Fourth of July, or the sight of a man dressed as Santa Claus.

Familiarity and Comfort:

Every new situation is cause for a dog to make a decision: fight or flight. Of course, the better socialized your dog is, the less likely he will be to make either of those decisions and the more likely he will be to explore a third option: curious exploration followed by cautious acceptance.

If all goes well, the second encounter with the new person, thing, place, or situation will go even more smoothly than the first and will hopefully lead to your dog not just accepting the situation, but enjoying it!

Living with a dog that you can trust with strangers, children, other dogs, cats, and maybe even the mailman is very rewarding.

Do remember, however, that just because your dog is well socialized, well trained, and trustworthy doesn't mean that all strangers, children, other dogs, etc. are.
Take care to monitor your dog's interactions with others at all times to ensure that a bad experience or two doesn't lay to waste all of the hard work you've put in to your dog's socialization and training process.

Click Here to View Dog Socalization Video

Dog Behavior Tip Sheet

Jess Saba — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:37:00 GMT

Addressing the Issues

Like people, dogs can sometimes act in unexpected ways for a number of social reasons. Behavioral problems left unaddressed can cause tension between you and your dog. The Humane Society of the United States has put together a helpful web page with information to inform you of the reasons dogs act certain ways. Adressing behavioral problems is important to the relationship between you and your dog and your dog and your family, friends and neighbors.

Click Here to read the Human Society's Tips

Dog Safety: Car Travel with your Dog

Jess Saba — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 12:56:00 GMT

Hop in the car, hit the road, adventure awaits!

If you are bringing your dog on your next road trip make sure you are both prepared for the ride. Below are some tips to make the sure you travel safe with your pet.

Before the Trip:

Practice: If your dog hasn't taken many car rides be sure to train your dog with shorter trips to see how he reacts to being in a car.
Eat: To avoid motion sickness, be sure to feed your pup at least three hours before the trip begins.
Tags: Make sure all dog tags are updated and securely attached to the collar. Tags can help the return of a pet if lost on vacation.

What to Pack:

- Two leashes: It is very important to keep your dog on a leash in unfamiliar places, especially on the road and at rest stops around cars. If one leash is lost or stolen an extra will help avoid the stress of quickly finding a new one.

- Dog First Aid Kit: Include: Gauze, bandages, adhesive tape, antibiotic ointment, latex gloves and tweezers. Pack a nylon leash to act as a muzzle if your dog is hurt and becomes uncomfortable being touched. Dog First Aid Kit.
-Crates or Separators: If you know your dog gets excited or anxious in the car it is very important to keep him separated from the front seat. Crates and separators will help ensure a safer trip.
-Phone Numbers: Always carry the phone number for your dogs vets and for a 24 hour emergency pet hospital.
- Paper Towels:To clean up unexpected messes in the car resulting from motion sickness or anxiety.
- Don't Forget the Essentials: Water bowl, treats, dog food, dog bed,toys and plastic bags for scooping.

Most Importantly:

Never leave your dog unattended in the car. Heatstroke is a major, preventable cause of sickness and death for pets.

If you are unable to travel with your dog Camp Bow Wow offers the safest and most fun place to board your dog while you are away.Click here to find a location closest to you.

Urban Dog Ownership: Dog Park Etiquette

Jess Saba — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 20:59:00 GMT

Off Leash Dog Run Rules

Increased urban dog ownership in major cities across the country has lead to expanding acreage of designated recreation space for dogs, or dog runs, in public parks.

Designated dog space in public parks are the result of hours of negotiations and partnerships between dog owners, non-dog owners and policy makers.

When enjoying these public spaces leash-free be sure to follow the common rules of etiquette below to ensure the privilege remains.

To control your Dogs:

Maintain voice control at all times
Bring no more than 3 dogs into park at once per person
Owners must hold a leash at all times
Do not bring dogs in heat or intact males in to off leash area
Do not bring in any puppies under 4 months old
Remove any spike or prong collars

Human Behavior

Update vaccines and licenses
Always pick up after your dog to avoid the spread of zoological disease and to maintain public support for the off-leash spaces
Remove dog from off leash area at first sign of aggression, provoked or otherwise
Do not bring in treats made for humans or dogs
Fill any holes your dog may have created
Hold leash in hand at all times
No wheels ( skateboards, bikes, roller blades ect.)
No Glass Bottles in designated area

Contribute financially or with your time to the upkeep of the dog run in your city. The time and money it takes to propose, develop and maintain a public dog space far exceeds the public support available. A dog park in a public space is the result of public and private partnerships and many hard hours of fundraising. For more information on dog parks in your area contact your local Department of Recreation.

Most of all enjoy the space you have to run, play and socialize with your pup in the city.

Also, to see one dog advocacy's efforts to bring a designated dog run to the Boston Commons visit: Boston DOG

Pet Adoption: Rescuing pets from shelters

Jess Saba — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 09:15:00 GMT

Rescue rather than purchase

Animal shelters across the United States are quickly becoming overcrowded and underfunded. Tough economic times are forcing families to give up their pets due to a lost job or the realization that the time, money or energy to take care of a pet does not exist. More than half of the animals in shelters are euthanised because they are unable to find a home.

While people still make the decision to purchase a pet from a store or breeder, there are many advantages to rescuing a pet from an animal shelter.

Benefits of rescuing rather than purchasing

Adopting from shelters reduces the demand for puppy mills.

Puppy mills are large dog breeding operations that sacrifice the health and safety of animals in order to turn a bigger profit. Puppy mills supply many pet stores or sell animals on the internet. Problems with puppy mills include over breeding, inbreeding, poor quality food and care and overcrowding.

The money you spend at shelters goes towards taking care of other abandoned animals.

Shelters take in hungry, abandoned or homeless animals and give them a place to sleep, food, vaccinations and check ups.

Many shelters offer services to help make the adoption process as easy as playing fetch.

Among other services, shelters offer advice about pet parenting, how to choose the right breed for your family, how to train your new dog and classes about dog behavior.

Best value

Most animal shelters are non-profit organizations so adoption fees are considerably less expensive than purchasing a pet from a pet store or breeder.
Working with a shelter gives you a higher chance of adopting a pet that has been vaccinated, dewormed and spayed or neutered.

When the time is right for you to adopt a pet be sure to consider rescuing an animal from a shelter in order to help ensure more animals have the chance to find a home in the future.

To see how Camp Bow Wow is working to find great families for homeless animals, please visit the Bow Wow Buddies page.

For more information on animal shelters, pet adoption and puppy mills visit the Human Society of the United States by clicking HERE

Dog Safety: How to Give Your Dog CPR

Jess Saba — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:03:00 GMT

Be Prepared to Save Your Dogs Life

Getting to know your dogs means more than knowing their favorite toy, place to sleep or after dinner treat, it means knowing how to keep your dog safe.

Melanie Monteiro, a certified pet first aid instructor and author of The Safe Dog Handbook, has created a series of YouTube Videos teaching dog owners how to keep their dog safe.

In the video below Melanie demonstrates the correct way to save your dogs life if his heart stops beating or he stops breathing by preforming CPR.

How to Give Your Dog CPR- Video

Since all dogs are different shapes and sizes, Melanie recommends you know where the strongest pulse can be found on your dog before there is an emergency.

In the case of an emergency follow these steps:

1.Call for help

2. Open the airway

3. Look, Listen and Feel for breath

4. Check for heartbeat and pulse

5. Compression and rescue breaths

Click here to View the CPR video for more detailed instructions.

Dog Attack Prevention and Safety

Jess Saba — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 18:51:00 GMT

While most dogs you will come into contact with are well trained, socialized and friendly, there is always a chance that you may find yourself faced with an aggressive dog.

Dogs warn of an attack by staying still, staring, growling, bearing their teeth and barking. When a dog attacks it will move quickly. If you think the dog might attack you, here are some tips to protect yourself:

Aviod Eye Contact: Do not stare directly at the dog. Look in a different direction, but keep the dog in your peripheral vision.

Body Language: Do not face the dog directly. Turn your body sideways to the dog.

Movement: Do not run from the dog. Slowly move away from the dog towards safety, taking small steps. Running from the dog will trigger a prey instinct and is more likely to provoke an attack.

Upon Approach

If the dog approachs you, but does not attack, stand completely still, like a telephone pole, with your arms at your side, and your chin up a bit and your eyes looking upward. Let the dog sniff you. More than likely it will get bored and walk away. Then, move slowly away from the dog towards safety.

If the dog tries to attack you, do not run away. It will only encourage the attack and may cause more damage. Curl up like a ball on the ground. Make your hands into fists and cover your ears with your fists. Most likely the dog's attack will subside. When you think it is safe, attempt to slowly move away from the dog towards safety.

When you see a loose dog, tell an adult who can call the local animal control authorities. Do not try to capture the dog yourself. A loose dog must be handled by professionals. If it is someone's pet, they will do everything they can to reunite the dog with its home.

Click Here for information on Camp Bow Wow Rules and Safety Procedures

Dog Bite Prevention

Jess Saba — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 18:22:00 GMT

Did you know over four million people in the US are bitten by dogs each year? Most are under 13 years old!* Dog bites can be prevented by taking some simple precautions. Below are a few tips about dog bite prevention

Puppies

Puppies play by nipping each other. They extend this to human fingers, toes, ears, and even noses. It is important to teach a puppy that nipping people is not acceptable. Start by imitating a puppy's reaction to a bite that hurts too much: yelp! If that doesn't work, gradually work your way up the reaction ladder from least to most severe. Say "No!" in a firm, strong voice. You can try shaking a can of coins. This startles most dogs. Or give the pup a "time-out" for about 3-5 minutes.
Tip: give the puppy something it is allowed to chew on like a toy or a bone. All dogs, even puppies, know the difference between fur, flesh, and a toy between their teeth.

Family Dogs

Even though they are considered part of the family, dogs have different rules and behavior than people. Here is a list of things not to do to any dog, even a long-time family pet: Do not do anything that might hurt the dog in any way. Do not tease the dog. Do not surprise the dog. Do not bother the dog while it is eating, drinking or sleeping.

Approaching a New Dog

If you haven't met the dog, ask an adult if the dog is friendly. If an adult is not around, find an adult first or wait until an adult is available. If the dog is friendly, ask if you can pet the dog. Pet the dog only on the chest or on its back, gently.

Do not pull on the dog's fur and do not press too hard on the dog.

Additional tips:
Train your dog in basic obedience and practice often. Teach your dog not to be possessive of food, treats, and toys.
To wake a sleeping dog, gently call its name a few feet away until it responds. Most dogs must be trained to not be possessive of food and toys. Until this happens, it is best for the adult to pick up the food dish, water dish, and toys only when the dog is not present.
Basic obedience will help with any unwanted behavior and can help prevent dog bites. Make sure everyone in the family is familiar with the training and is comfortable giving the dog commands. If the dog learns it must obey people, there is less possibility of it biting a person.
Do not touch the dog any place but its back and its chest
Do not let children take anything out of the dog's mouth. If the dog is chewing something that may be harmful, instruct them to notify the adult owner of the dog.
Remind children to stay away from stange dogs to not offer the dog food, treats, or toys and to not try to play with the dog.
Most importantly, if you realize your dog is not friendly towards other dogs, certain people, or other creatures, take steps to ensure your dog is never a threat to that creature

Dog Socialization

Jess Saba — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 18:03:00 GMT

Why Socialize Your Dog?

Easier to Find a Caretaker
At some point, you will likely need to leave your dog in the care of another while you travel for a vacation, family emergency, or for business. Even if you usually prefer to take your pup with you everywhere you go, this is not always feasible. If your dog is well socialized, leaving them is easier for them (and for you). It is easier to find a neighbor or family member to care for a dog that is well socialized, and in the event that your usual dog-sitter isn't available, a boarding facility will be more than happy to see your well-socialized pup.

Socialization means being able to leave him in a facility (or a home) where he can continue to socialize with people and pets, greatly expanding your options should you need to leave Fido behind when you travel

Stronger Relationships
Having a well-behaved dog is important to most of us who share our homes and our lives with a canine companion.
As obedience classes, puppy play times, dog day cares, dog parks, and other dog-oriented activities (on- and off-leash) become more prevalent and popular, the idea of a well-socialized dog has gained in popularity as well. Dogs are social animals by nature and truly enjoy the company of other dogs and people - if care is taken to socialize them properly.

Safety: Dog Bite Prevention
Socialization is important for many reasons including dog-bite prevention. Not only is a well-socialized dog less anxious in every-day and new situations, he is less likely to bite out of fear or aggression. Many people don't understand that more dog bites occur due to fear than true aggression.
Even a dog that has been very well socialized can still be provoked to bite if it is uncertain of its surroundings or the current situation. Dogs that get along well with other dogs at the off-leash dog park can snap viciously if a dog approaches him when he is on-leash. A dog that is afraid of nothing (even the vet!) can be completely thrown off kilter by helium-filled balloons in his living room, fireworks on the Fourth of July, or the sight of a man dressed as Santa Claus.

Familiarity and Comfort
Every new situation is cause for a dog to make a decision: fight or flight. Of course, the better socialized your dog is, the less likely he will be to make either of those decisions and the more likely he will be to explore a third option: curious exploration followed by cautious acceptance.

If all goes well, the second encounter with the new person, thing, place, or situation will go even more smoothly than the first and will hopefully lead to your dog not just accepting the situation, but enjoying it!

Living with a dog that you can trust with strangers, children, other dogs, cats, and maybe even the mailman is very rewarding. Do remember, however, that just because your dog is well socialized, well trained, and trustworthy doesn't mean that all strangers, children, other dogs, etc. are. Take care to monitor your dog's interactions with others at all times to ensure that a bad experience or two doesn't lay to waste all of the hard work you've put in to your dog's socialization and training process.

For more information on why to socialize your dog:

Click Here to View Camp Bow Wow's Dog Socialization Video

Home Alone. Uh-Oh!

Jess Saba — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:11:00 GMT

Dear Mom,

I'm sorry for ripping the pillow, peeing on the couch and scratching the floor while you were at the grocery store. Its just that I was sooo bored at home all alone. I feel so badly that I made a mess that I wanted to give you a few ideas for keeping me happy while you're out. Feel free to tell your friends too, so my furry friends stay out of trouble.

1. Make sure I have lots of toys to play with and a comfortable bed. When I have toys and somewhere all my own to sleep, I am less likely to go looking for trouble.
2. Hire a neighborhood kid to play with me while you are gone. I know lots of kids who need jobs and I would love the company!
3. Set up a play date for me at a friend's house. Just make sure they can come over and hang out with me when their moms need a break.
4. When the weather is nice, set up an outdoor lease so I can play outside while staying in the backyard.

Thanks mom! Love you!

Love Scout.