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DOG CAT
PET
SITTING
™
PET CARE
What You Should
Know About Hiring
Someone to Watch
Your Pets
Ask Dr. Marty—
“America’s Veterinarian”
Tackles Litter Box
Problems and Other
Tough Questions
A Top Trainer’s
Secret to Effective
Training with Treats
Keep Your Pet
Healthy
At
Every Age
Reduce Shedding
by
Brushing
www.dogandcatpetcare.com
A Helpful Guide to
Spaying &
Neutering
Get Help
Paying for
Pet Care
Contents
FEATURES
17
20
H
ealthy at Any Age
A guide to caring for your kitten or
puppy throughout all phases of life.
P
aying for Pet Care
Pet insurance and other ways to pay
for your pet’s health care.
22
“ Back to School” Rules
24
G
uide to Spaying and
Neutering
Helping your dog manage a change in
routine prevents bad behavior.
You can manage your pet’s surgery for a
positive outcome.
In Every Issue
3 EDITOR’S LETTER
4 Editorial Advisory Board
5 Editorial Contributors
PREMIERE ISSUE
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1
6 Nips and Tugs
Noseworthy News Pet Parents
Can Use
Dog-friendly cars, heroic hounds, a pet
rescue tool, and more!
7 Ask the Vet
Answers to Pet Parents’ Most
Persistent Questions
What to do about litter box misses, a
cat that won’t use the pet door, and a
hyperactive (but aging) dog.
10 Ask the Groomer
Essential Brushing
A step-by-step guide.
11 Ask the Pet Sitter
Pet Sitting 101
How to hire a pet sitter for peace of mind
when you can’t be at home with your pet.
14 Ask the Expert Kennel
Operator
The Happy Boarder
Find the perfect home-away-from home
for your pet.
28 Celebrity Pet Buzz
Breeds of the Rich and Famous
Celebrity pets mirror the personalities of
the stars they live with.
31 Trainer’s Corner
Training with Treats
A simple tip from our expert will
encourage your dog to do the right thing.
2
Letter from the
Editor
I
t was a dark and stormy night when I
brought my puppy, Grace, home for
the first time. As I carried her up the
sidewalk, lightning flashed, thunder
boomed, and Grace shook uncontrollably. So did I. What did I know
about raising an American Bulldog?
Zero. For decades, I shared my life with
two cats. Then one day I stopped at a
store to buy a litter pan. I was caught
off-guard when I realized the store also
sold pets. Compelled by a look across
a crowded aisle from two brown eyes, I
dropped a paycheck. There was a “waiting” period before I was allowed to take
Grace home—just enough time to read
a lot of conflicting advice on the Internet that left me truly frightened about
buying a dog from an unknown breeder
and the self-confidence and skill required to “master” the breed itself. Too
Photographs: Maria Taglienti
The look that won my heart.
late, I thought about the cats. Would she
eat them? I prayed that the dog trainer
I had hired to come to my home that
night would not be one second late.
That was four years ago—I can now
say, four of the most rewarding and fun
years of my life. They weren’t always
easy. I had a lot to learn about raising
Grace—and about myself, too.
How much easier it would have been
if I’d had a panel of trusted advisors to
shorten the learning curve. Well, now
I do—and so do you. Dog and Cat Pet
Care gives you the information you
need to care for your friend, not just in
the adorable puppy and kitten stages,
but throughout life. You’ll learn the
essentials of grooming, training, health
care, and nutrition from our panel of
experts. We’ll also explore activities to
help you make the most of your time
with your treasured companion.
Look for us at your pet service provider each month. As I’ve discovered
in the years since that first rainy night,
there is much to learn about our fourlegged friends.
Best wishes to you and your pet,
Marguerite Smolen
Editor
P.S. The cats are fine.
Dog and Cat Pet Care | www.dogandcatpetcare.com 3
Editorial Advisory Board
Art Director: Jane Brunton
and
DOG CAT
PET CARE
Susan Briggs is
a Certified Kennel
Operator (CKO)
and an owner
of Urban Tails,
LLC pet facility in
Houston, TX. A
member of The Pet Care Services Association (PCSA; formerly the American Boarding
Kennel Association), a non-profit trade
association, Briggs helped to develop the
first standards for the dog daycare industry
through the PCSA’s Voluntary Facility Accreditation (VFA) program. Briggs wrote
Off-Leash Dog Play with Robin Bennett.
She and her partner Bill Kamps live with
Sheppy, a Chow, and Archie, a Golden
Retriever mix.
Linda C. Claflin has
more than 30 years in
the pet styling industry,
including 17 as owner of
a pet salon in Keene, NH.
Claflin was a member of
GroomTeam USA, 2004,
a competition honoring
the top ten groomers
in the U.S., and served on its Board of
Directors from 2007-2009. Claflin is the
Show Coordinator for the New England Pet
Grooming Professionals (NEPGP). Claflin received the Sibyl and Jolie Memorial awards
for kindness to animals.
Marc Goldberg,
is a certified dog
trainer (CDT)
and president of
the International
Association of
Canine Profes-
4
Publisher: Amy Bailey
Group Publisher: Frank Goldberg
Phone: (917) 747-5947
[email protected]
™
Editor: Marguerite Smolen
[email protected]
Editorial Advisory Board:
Susan Briggs, CKO; Linda C. Claflin;
Marc Goldberg, CDT;
Candance Labane-Godfrey
Editorial Contributors:
Dr. Marty Becker, DVM;
Mychelle Blake, MSW, CDBC;
Tina Bradford; Cheryl Kimball, CVT;
Gina Spadafori
Vice President of Sales: R. DeMeo
Phone: (908) 693-6506
[email protected]
Dog and Cat Pet Care, Volume 1 Issue 1
Copyright©2010 All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without
written permission is strictly prohibited.
Published by JB Publishing & Marketing
531 RT. 22 East, Suite 225
Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889
Phone: (917) 747-5947
Website: www.dogandcatpetcare.com
sionals (IACP). He is former host of The Pet
Show on Chicagoland’s WCBR-FM, has
American Kennel Club (AKC) titles on many
dog breeds, and has appeared as a guest
on radio and TV. Goldberg trains dogs
using his signature ForceFree Method in
Chicago, IL (www.ChicagoDogTrainer.com).
Candance Labane-Godfrey is a past
president of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS), a non-profit
trade association. She started Precious
Pets In-Home Services in Sacramento, CA
more than a decade ago and has grown
it to a 70-employee operation with an astounding 4,000 clients. Labane-Godfrey is
involved with fostering and the care of feral
communities. Her pet household includes
Princess (an American Stafford Terrier), nine
family cats, and four fostered felines.
Editorial Contributors
Dr. Marty Becker,
D.V.M. “America’s
Veterinarian,” is a
contributor to ABCTV’s Good Morning
America and the
resident veterinarian
on The Dr. Oz Show
and The Pet Doctor With Dr. Marty Becker
for ABC News. Dr. Becker is co-author of
Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul and
an author of more than 20 other books,
including The Healing Power of Pets and
Fitness Unleashed: A Dog and Owner’s
Guide to Losing Weight and Gaining Health
Together! He was named Companion
Animal Veterinarian of the Year by the Delta
Society and the American Veterinary Medical Association. His home is the Almost
Heaven Ranch in Northern Idaho.
Tina Bradford is
content manager and
co-founder of www.
wellspringhealthandstyle.com. She has
contributed articles to
numerous lifestyle publications. She shares
her workday with Sir Oswalde (Ozzie), a
lively eight-year-old Wire Hair Fox Terrier.
Elvis, her cat, prefers to stay at home.
Mychelle Blake is a
Certified Dog Behavior
Consultant (CDBC)
through the International Association of Animal
Behavior Consultants
(IAABC); Director of
Communications for
the Association of Pet
Dog Trainers (www.
apdt.com); and Editor-in-Chief of The APDT
Chronicle of the Dog. Blake is also a Community Training Partner with Best Friends
Animal Society. She lives in Las Vegas, NV
with her husband, two dogs, two budgies,
and a cockatiel.
Jane Brunton
is a freelance
graphic designer
and artist who
lives in Colorado
with her husband
and two dogs.
She has degrees in drawing, painting
and graphic design. She is known for her
charming portraits of dogs.
Cheryl Kimball is
a New Hampshirecertified veterinary
technician (CVT)
and an instructor for the Great
Bay Community
College Veterinary Technology Program in
Portsmouth, NH. Kimball is the author of
Start Your Own Pet Sitting Business, The
Complete Field Guide to Goats, and Horse
Wise. She lives on a 90-acre tree farm with
two dogs, two cats, and three horses.
Gina Spadafori is a
syndicated columnist
and author of Dogs
For Dummies and
(with Dr. Paul D. Pion)
Cats For Dummies.
In 2007, she formed
a partnership with Dr.
Becker with whom
she has written more
than nine books. Spadafori lives in Sacramento, CA on a suburban microfarm with
her dogs and cats.
Dog and Cat Pet Care | www.dogandcatpetcare.com 5
Nips and
Tugs
Paws-Friendly Rides
Shopping for a new automobile? Honda’s
Element Concept SUV has a dog-friendly
package that includes extra-wide doors, removable seats, a stowable ramp, kennel suitable for dogs 80 pounds or less, spill-resistant
water bowl, bag dispenser, fan, easy-to-clean
More than Just Another Pet Tag
A regular pet ID tag only goes so far—
what if someone finds your pet and dials your
phone number, but you don’t answer? When
your pet is found, and 1-800-Help-4-Pets is
dialed, the 24-hour, nationwide Pet Protector
network goes into action. If they can’t find
you, you can authorize them to arrange for
emergency medical treatment and provide
your pet’s medical history. Visit www.Help4Pets.com or call (310) 652-9838.
Photo courtesy of Honda
Noseworthy News Pet Parents Can Use
People’s Hero
The Humane Society awards courageous
canine companions with the Valor Dog of
the Year awards. Calamity Jane, of Aledo
Texas, was voted
People’s Hero.
This golden
retriever mix was
living with Shar
and Homer Pauley, recovering
from having her
Photo by Shar Pauley
leg amputated
and giving birth to seven puppies. One night,
her foster mom took her and the family’s
other two dogs outside for a break. Calamity
Jane bolted to the neighbor’s yard, ferociously
barking. A door slammed and then a car sped
away. Shar hurried back inside her house
with the dogs. Minutes later, the neighbor
came to the Pauley’s door and asked them to
call 911. His family and guests had been held
at gunpoint for close to an hour by intruders
who fled when they heard the ruckus made
by Calamity Jane. Read more about doggie
heroes at www.humanesociety.org. Search
for “Dogs of Valor.” 
urethane-coated utility floor, and stain-resistant seat fabric. Visit dogfriendly.honda.com.
Check out the ratings at www.dogcars.com.
October is
National Fire
Safety Month—
Virginia sixth
grader Monica,
right, was
inspired by a
news story in
which a pet oxygen mask saved a family’s pet after a house fire. Since then,
she’s raised money to supply fire trucks
coast-to-coast with them. Go to www.
petmask.com to donate.
6
ask the
vet
By Dr. Marty Becker, d.V.M.
and Gina Spadafori
Universal Press Syndicate
Advice from
“America’s Veterinarian”
How to handle common challenges of pet parenting
Litterbox Rules
Q
A
Is your cat hit or miss where the
litter box is concerned?
The failure to use a litter box
sends countless cats outside or
to shelters every year. Before
you even consider such a drastic step,
you need to try to work things out with
your cat.
The first step is to make sure it’s not
a medical condition—and that means a
trip to your veterinarian for a complete
workup. Urinary tract infections and
diseases such as diabetes make consistent litter box use impossible for even
the most well-intentioned cat. You cannot hope to get your cat using the box
again until any health issues have
been resolved.
If your cat checks out fine,
you need to start working to
make sure that everything
about the box is to your
cat’s liking.
Cleanliness Cats are fastidious animals, and if the litter box
is dirty, they’ll look elsewhere for a
place to go. Clean the box frequently—twice a day at least—and make
sure it’s completely scrubbed clean and
aired out on a weekly basis. Having an
additional litter box may help, too.
Box type and filler Many choices
people make to suit their own tastes
conflict with the cat’s sense of what’s
agreeable. A covered box may seem
more pleasing to you, but your cat may
think it’s pretty rank inside or scary.
Likewise, scented litters may make
you think the box smells fine, but your
cat may disagree—not only is the box
dirty, he reasons, but it also has this
extra “clean” odor he can’t abide.
Start with the basics: a large
box with unscented,
clumping-style
litter.
ask the
vet
Location Your cat’s box should be
away from his food and water, in a place
he can get to easily and feel safe in.
Make the area where your cat has had
mistakes less attractive by cleaning it
thoroughly with a pet-odor neutralizer
(available from pet-supply retailers).
Discourage reuse by covering the area
with foil, plastic sheeting or plastic carpet runners with the points up.
If changing things around doesn’t
clear up the problem in a healthy cat,
you may need to retrain him by keeping
The No. 1
behavior problem
reported to
veterinarians when it
comes to cats?
Missing the litter
box, by far.
But don’t blame
the
cat.
your pet in a small area such as a guest
bathroom for a couple of weeks.
Make sure the area you choose has no
good options besides the litter box—no
carpet, no pile of dirty laundry. Block off
the bathtub or keep an inch of water
in it to discourage its use as a place to
go. After your cat is reliably using the
litter box, let him slowly expand his
territory again.
8
If you just can’t seem to get the
problem resolved, ask your veterinarian
for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist. These veterinarians are skilled in
behavioral problem-solving and are able
to prescribe medications that may make
the difference during the retraining
period.
Introducing Pet Doors
Q
I recently installed a panel pet
door in a sliding-glass door. My
cat will not use it. Only once
was I successful in tenderly pushing him
through it so he could see how it works.
Do you have any ideas? —L.H., via e-mail
A
Start by taping the flap securely
out of the way, or by removing it
completely for the time being. If
you are going to tape it up, be sure you
use enough tape to keep the flap from
falling down. If your cat gets hit in the
nose, the training will take even longer.
Next, every time your cat wants to
go out, let yourself out the sliding-glass
door and close it behind you. Then call
your cat, while kneeling on the other
side of the flapless cat door and coaxing
him with praise and treats. Chances are
your cat will look through the wideopen door and come right on through.
Never open the sliding-glass door to
let your cat out. From now on, go out
without him and make the cat door the
only way out.
After he’s going in and out with confidence, set the flap halfway up so he
can still see through opening. Once
ask the
vet
that’s working, you can put the flap all
the way down.
Agility and Older Dogs
Q
I have a question concerning
my dog. She’s a cattle dog mix,
perfect in every way.
The only problem: We can’t give
her enough exercise. She’ll play fetch
forever, but it’s not enough. We took her
through obedience class (she rocked!),
and the instructors suggested we take an
agility class. Looks like fun, but at 8, is
Tandy too old? —B.W., via e-mail
A
I’d take a slightly cautious approach to agility work for Tandy.
Ask your veterinarian how he or
she would assess the dog’s fitness, and
make sure she’s not overweight so she
doesn’t stress her joints as she works.
When you start agility training, don’t
push too hard—pay close attention
and stop when you see your dog tiring. Work on emphasizing “fun” over
“competition.” That’s because in training
sessions, you can keep the jumps at
levels lower than is required at trials,
and spare the wear and tear on your
dog’s joints.
If you both do really well, though, you
might try some limited competition.
Top agility dogs in top form compete
well into their senior years.
The bottom line: Proceed with caution, but give it a chance. Agility work is
a joy for both dogs and humans, and it
will go a long way toward keeping you
both feeling young. 
Dogs can compete in agility well into
their senior years.
Dog and Cat Pet Care | www.dogandcatpetcare.com 9
ask the
groomer
By Linda C. Claflin
Essential Brushing
A step-by-step guide to detangling your dog’s coat
B
rushing is essential to a dog’s
comfort and health—and to a
clean house. When you brush
your dog, pet hair collects on a brush
instead of your furniture. Try to brush
your dog at least every other day. Brush
a double-coated breed more frequently
in the fall when it sheds the downy coat
that insulated it from the hot days of
summer.
To start, have your tools ready: a
slicker-type brush with wire pins close
together and sometimes bent at the end,
a wide-toothed comb, undercoat rakes,
and a detangling spray to make it easier
to glide the brush through the coat.
Lightly spray the conditioner from
a distance of about 12 inches. Move
along the spine from the base of the tail
toward the neck. Brush with the slicker
brush along the grain of the coat.
Next, tackle the legs: divide them into
four sections—outside, inside, front,
and back. Starting with the left
back leg, use a slicker
brush to remove
dead hair.
10
Short strokes, either with or against the
direction of the hair, are fine.
For the side coat: starting at the spine,
work in horizontal rows using vertical
strokes. Then lift the brushed hair up
out of the way and move on to the
next row.
For bushy tails: hold the tail in one
hand and brush it from base to end. Do
one side, then the other.
For the head, brush the hair forward
moving from behind the eyes to the
back of the skull. Brush hair around
their cheeks in forward strokes from
the nose to the ear. Hold the ear leather
with one hand, protecting the ear.
Gently fan out the hair with your brush
on the backside, and then brush on the
inside of the ear.
Use your thumb and index finger or
the corner of your brush or end of your
comb to fan snarls apart. Follow up
with the comb in the same pattern. If
these areas become too matted, your
groomer can shave them out.
If your pet is shed-
Handy grooming tools: an
undercoat rake, left, and a
slicker-type brush
Continued on page 30
ask the
pet sitter
By Candance Labane-Godfrey
Pet Sitting 101
A professional sitter can provide you with security and peace of mind when
you can’t be at home with your pet. Here’s what you need to know.
W
ise pet parents know that
their four-legged children
are happiest in their own
environment. So it’s no wonder professional pet sitting is one of the fastest
growing industries.
When you hire a professional pet sitter, your loved ones remain comfortable
in the surroundings they are used to,
eat the same food they always eat, and
maintain their regular routines. While
you are away your pet will get one-onone attention from your professional
pet sitter who can obtain medical help
if needed. There’s no more imposing on
friends or family or worrying about the
youngster down the street forgetting
your beloved pet family member.
Special Requests
Does your kitty routinely eat dinner at
the formal dining room table, set with
Dog and Cat Pet Care | www.dogandcatpetcare.com 11
ask the
pet sitter
her own china
up mail, packThree things your
setting with a linen
ages, and flyers
professional pet sitter
napkin—to which
daily, and water
should have are
kitty is called by
lawns, plants, and
ringing a bell, as
flowers to avoid
insurance, bonding,
is the case at the
the “neglected
and a license
home of one of my
look.” As security
clients? Perhaps,
is part of the job,
like another clithere should be
Most pet sitters obtain
ent my company
no signage on the
insurance and/or bonding
serves, you have a
pet sitter’s vehicle
through an organization such
six-foot-long green
or clothing. A
as NAPPS. Licensing is
lizard named Fred
professional pet
generally required by local or
freely roaming the
sitter is always
house, who likes to
mindful to secure
state governments.
be rocked to sleep?
your home.
(And Heaven forbid if Congo the African Gray does not
Qualifications
get his Jimmy Hendricks...) In the words Not all pet sitters are equal. Ask whethof one of my favorite colleagues, Debra
er the sitter has any training in caring
Farrington, “Pet sitting is a vocation,”
for companion animals. How many
and the professional pet sitter is here to
years has the sitter been in the business?
accommodate your needs.
Is the sitter certified or does the sitter
belong to a professional organization,
Convenience and Security
such as the National Association of ProIncluded in a professional pet sitter’s
fessional Pet Sitters (NAPPS), 856-439care is the following: feeding, walking,
0324; www.petsitters.org? This organicombing, or just spending family time
zation provides education and training
with your loved ones. The professional
for its members and requires members
pet sitter provides love and attention
to adhere to professional standards and
for your pet family and special care for
ethics. Don’t forget to ask for and check
elderly or sick pets. They water, scoop,
up on references.
brush, massage, and exercise your pets.
In-home professional pet sitters also can
play an important role in home security
while you are away, because they are in
your home everyday. Professional pet
sitters adjust lights and window coverings to create the “lived-in look,” pick
12
Schedule an In-Home Visit
An in-person interview tells you a lot
about how professional the pet sitter is.
The pet sitter will bring a packet that
includes references, a vet notification
form, and a contract service
agreement.
Policies
Procedures
You should know about
the services you get, including the number of visits per day,
time of visits, fees and standard
procedures, such as calling you
to confirm a few days in advance,
records kept, daily diary/report,
cancellation terms, and what happens if you end up coming home
earlier or later than expected.
Also communicate your expectations, the qualities and habits
of your pet, any areas that are
off-limit, and any special services you
are requesting, such as taking your pet
to the groomer, etc. Ask how far in advance you typically need to make your
reservations.
Before You Go
Tour the house beforehand so the pet
sitter knows everything needed to make
the experience good for your pet child.
Be sure to leave:
• Contact information for you, the
veterinarian, and a local contact (such
as a neighbor). Don’t forget to notify
them a pet sitter may call!
• Contact information for anyone with
keys to your house or people who
may need to be contacted in case of
a problem
• Toys, bedding, leash, collar,
identification tag
• Your pet’s normal schedule
• Pet food, dishes, and, if necessary,
measuring cups and can openers in
an obvious location
• Information on health problems and
medications
• Instructions for what to do in case of
an emergency
• Verification of vaccinations and a
release form allowing the pet sitter to
obtain medical care for your pet
• Have a spare key available
• The location of litter boxes, litter,
cleaning tools, trash and waste
disposal bags
Then leave on that vacation or business
trip confident that your pet child will be
well taken care of while you are away. 
Dog and Cat Pet Care | www.dogandcatpetcare.com 13
ask the kennel
expert
By Susan Briggs, CKO
The Happy Boarder
Guidance on how to find a great home-away-from home for your pet
Q
A
What should I look for in a
boarding facility, so this is a
positive experience for my pets?
Word of mouth is helpful, but
I would want to start by asking
whether the facility and/or
its operators belong to any organizations that promote pet care education
and established standards of care. For
example, the Pet Care Services Association (PCSA), which I am a member of,
is an organization for boarding kennels
that requires its members to adhere to
a minimum standard of care and a code
of ethics.
14
Tour the Facility
Random tours can disrupt a kennel’s
normal operations, but a facility should
have time set aside for tours. Consider
Cleanliness: Is it clean and uncluttered? Some odor—perhaps a whiff of
neutralizer—may be apparent, but your
senses shouldn’t be overwhelmed with
unpleasant smells. Ask about pest control, especially if your dog will be spending time on nature walks where ticks
could be plentiful. Responsible kennels
require all animals to be flea-free on
arrival, while responsible owners will
have their dog on Frontline or another
control program. But if a flea is spotted,
ask the kennel
expert
the animal should get a flea bath before
going home.
Behavior of Other Boarders: Boarders may bark when they see you, but try
to get a sense of whether the animals
appear able to relax.
Exercise Options: Minimally, your
cat or dog will need to be able to stand
up, move around, and lie down in the
kennel at all times. Kitties should get
extra playtime in a room adjacent to the
boarding area. A dog requires exercise
in an area large enough for it to be able
to break into a trot. Most kennels now
offer activity packages for dogs, such
as one-on-one
time with a staffer
in a fenced area
or hiking on
the grounds. Be
cautious about
signing up for
group play, if your
pet is a stranger
to the facility’s
playgroup; any
pet in unfamiliar
circumstances
can respond uncharacteristically.
Security: How does the kennel ensure
your dog will not come into contact
with other dogs? Fences and locks
should be in good repair. Enclosure
walls should be high enough so that
dogs cannot jump over or squeeze
under them or in any way access other
nearby dogs. There should be no gaps
at the bottom of a fence, either, that a
dog could potentially squeeze through.
Solid walls provide added protection—
preventing contact by other dogs and
contamination from their stools. There
also should be multiple gates between
the kennel area and the exterior of a
building, so a dog that “escapes” can’t
easily run outside. Ask how the facility
is monitored outside of normal business
hours (nights and weekends), and be
sure it has a security alarm system.
Elimination Matters: Dogs need a
minimum of two potty breaks a day.
Ideally, dogs should be taken outside on
a leash three times a day to eliminate or
be provided with a separate elimination
area. Cat litter boxes should be scooped
a minimum
of twice a day.
Elimination
habits should be
monitored and
recorded by kennel staff. Being
placed in a new
environment can
disrupt normal
elimination, but
not eliminating
also could be a
sign of serious medical illness, especially
in cats, where it could signify a blockage
in the urinary tract.
Staff: Your pet is less likely to be
impressed with a luxurious suite and a
TV than with an attentive staff person.
Does the staff seem happy? Are there
mature, experienced individuals guiding any younger staff members? What
kind of training does the staff have?
Minimally the facility should be staffed
with pet technicians trained in pet first
Dog and Cat Pet Care | www.dogandcatpetcare.com 15
ask the kennel
expert
aid, canine communication, normal
elimination, cleaning product safety,
and how to identify signs of stress or
physical symptoms dangerous to your
pet’s health. The facility should have a
relationship with a nearby veterinarian for use in an
emergency.
Policies and
Fees: Ask about
policies. To prevent
the spread of
disease, boarding
facilities typically
require proof of
vaccination or a
titer test (a blood
test to check the
dog’s immune defenses). At sign-in
time, your kennel also may require you
to spend a few dollars a day on a healthy
pet guarantee program to cover medical emergencies. You may be asked to
provide a credit card to reserve space.
Ask how charges are applied; at some
kennels, you’ll be billed for two days for
one overnight stay (the day before and
the day after). What are the scheduled
drop-off and pick-up times? Sometimes
they are limited to set times in the
morning or afternoon. If you can’t make
them, you may have to wait until the
next scheduled time or incur more fees.
Once you’ve decided ...
To get your pet familiar with the facility, try a trial board for a short period of
time prior to a lengthier stay. Start with
a day board.
16
Reserve in Advance: The best facilities are often booked up a month or two
in advance for peak seasons (Christmas,
Thanksgiving, and the summer holidays). To avoid last-minute scrambling,
book your pet’s stay when you make
your own travel
reservations.
Packing Up:
Type out your pet’s
scheduled routine
for eating, elimination, and exercise
so that the facility
knows what your
pet is used to. Be
sure any food, toys,
or other items are
clearly marked with your pet’s name,
your name, and instructions; an inventory sheet can help with tracking.
Dropping Off: At check-in, you’ll
sign paperwork and review your pet’s
routine and any any medication, food,
or other items you’ve brought.
You’ll likely be asked to note whether
your pet has any medical or behavioral
issues. You should be sent home with
your dog collar and leash. Collars can
get caught in drains, on fencing, or
elsewhere—a reputable kennel will
use an identification collar, similar to a
hospital wristband, to identify your pet
instead, and a kennel leash.
Finally, say a quick good-bye and
leave confident that your pet will be well
taken care of while you are gone. 
Healthy
at
ANY AGE
By Cheryl Kimball, CVT
Caring for Your Pet Throughout the Lifecycle
Just like kids, puppies and kittens grow up before you know it. At least
the puppy won’t ask to borrow the car keys, and the kitten won’t need a
tuition fund! They will, however, need looking after throughout all phases
of life.
PUPPIES AND KITTENS
Initially your main health concern
will be getting your puppy or kitten
vaccinated according to the protocols
for your part of the country per your
veterinarian’s recommendations. Rabies,
in most states, is mandatory in order to
license your dog. The others are your
choice, with some highly recommended
and others, such as Lyme disease, decided after weighing the local risks.
The next biggest concern at around
six months for both dogs and cats is
neutering and spaying (see page 24).
Besides medical concerns, you also
need to pay particular attention to
behavior and training in your pet’s
developmental years. What you do now
will set the foundation for your pet’s
behavior for the rest of its life. Housetraining is an obvious one—you need
to be particularly attentive to litter box
cleanliness to properly housetrain your
kitten and to setting up a routine for
your puppy.
Socialization for dogs needs to take
place while they are just weeks old; oth-
Dog and Cat Pet Care | www.dogandcatpetcare.com 17
erwise you could end up with an adult
dog that does not know how to interact
with other dogs.
ADULT STAGE
Young adult life begins around one
year, although it can vary with different
breeds. Hopefully your pet will be well
trained by this age.
Obese young animals are prone to
developing health issues later in life.
Ask your veterinarian about the optimum weight for your dog or cat and
experiment with finding the right mix
of food and exercise to maintain that
healthy weight. One of the best things
you can do for a young dog is to ensure
that it gets sufficient exercise. A tired
dog will not come up with inappropriate ways to burn excess energy, such as
snacking on your furniture.
Your veterinarian will check your
pet’s teeth during annual routine wellness exams. Some pets will require
dental attention at 2 or 3 years; others
may have sparkling teeth years beyond
that. Appropriate dental care will help
your pet live a longer, healthier life.
SENIORS
Most dogs and cats are considered
seniors at around 7 or 8 years old. By
this time, you will have come to know
your dog or cat quite well. You will be
able to tell when something isn’t quite
right. And your veterinarian will alert
you to any concerns she finds during
routine exams.
GENERAL CARE
As your pet ages, he might enjoy a
more cushy bed. If you allow your dog
18
or cat on your furniture, you may find
he needs some assistance either from
you or from a ramp.
Exercise is still as important in
later years but assess your pet’s energy
and stamina and trim your hikes
accordingly.
Like humans, pets will experience
vision and hearing loss. It can be difficult to detect vision loss since animals
are very good at compensating for
weaknesses, but change the furniture
around and you may notice that Rover
bumps into things. Thorough exams
will alert you to any concerns that need
medical attention and allow you to
make things a little easier for your pet.
Consider increasing your senior pet’s
veterinary exams from annually to twice
a year. This will help you become aware
of any developing conditions while they
can still be easily managed.
hind legs. See your vet. Diabetes should
never be left unmanaged.
> Kidneys
Kidney stones and other kidney issues
can show up in the aging pet. Your pet’s
blood work will tell your veterinarian a
lot about your pet’s kidney function and
the best way to manage any disease.
AGE-RELATED DISEASES
Age itself is not an illness! But some
diseases are more likely in aged pets.
> Osteoarthritis
Inflammatory joint disease is a fact of
aging. While there is no need for alarm,
arthritis should not be ignored. Pets
can become disinterested in exercise
because it hurts and may gain weight,
which makes the arthritis hurt more.
If your older pet gets up with greater
difficulty, has trouble climbing stairs, or
other mobility issues, talk to your vet
about medical and homeopathic treatments as well as massage, swimming,
and other joint-friendly activities.
> Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a pancreatic disease in which the production of insulin
is insufficient for proper metabolism.
Signs of it are excessive thirst and urination as well as weight loss. Cats may
walk with an unusual stance using their
> Thyroid
Thyroid disease in older cats is relatively common. It’s managed through
medication taken daily for life. There is
also a successful treatment for hyperthyroidism—when the thyroid overproduces hormones—using a radioactive
iodine that blocks thyroid hormone production and resolves the problem typically without further medication. This
can be a cost advantage and a blessing
when the cat is difficult to medicate.
> Other Conditions
Hormonal issues such as Cushings
and Addison’s diseases (where the adrenal gland under or over produces hormones) may arise in elderly pets. Heart
disease, especially in large breed dogs, is
possible. Elderly animals are also subject
to cognitive disorders similar to human
dementia. Older dogs can become
prone to certain skin conditions and
parasites such as hot spots and mange
due to aging immune systems.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Chances are, especially if you have
been an attentive caretaker, your pet
will age with few serious health issues.
Keep your pet at a healthy weight,
feeding him high-quality food, and
exercising him within his capabilities.
And be sure to use your veterinary staff
as important members of your pet’s
health care team! 
Dog and Cat Pet Care | www.dogandcatpetcare.com 19
Paying for Pet Health Care:
know your
options
By Cheryl Kimball, CVT
Most pet parents prefer not to make
decisions about their pet’s care
based on cost alone. Fortunately,
there are many options for paying for
all aspects of your pet’s health care.
SAVINGS
When you decide to bring a pet into
the family, you know up front that you
will incur costs. Vaccinations are lowcost care; you can probably pay for them
as they come due, especially once you
get past those initial vaccinations that
require boosters for puppies
and kittens.
You also know your puppy/kitten will
need to be spayed or neutered around
six months old. Get an estimate from
your veterinarian when your pup is
getting those first vaccinations. This will
give you three to four months to start
saving, perhaps $25/week. By the time
the surgery occurs, you will have most
of the money in your account.
A wise pet parent continues to contribute to this fund. But without careful
planning, a savings account may not
cover all health costs.
SET YOUR BUDGET
One way to plan for your pet’s health
care is to ask your veterinarian what
20
procedures your pet will likely need. For
example, if you have a very active largebreed dog, such as a Rottweiler, you
might ask your veterinarian how much
repairing an ACL (anterior cruciate
ligament) tear—a painful and common
condition in large dogs—costs. If the
surgery is estimated at $3,000, a credit
card with a $3,500 limit might
be sufficient.
Labradors are well-known for putting almost anything in their mouths
(retrieving ducks is what they’re bred
for), so if you have one, let the cost of
abdominal sock-removal surgery be
your guide.
Now that you have your budget, it’s
time to consider your financial options.
PET HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT
A pet Health Savings Account (HSA)
is an account into which a pre-designated amount is directly deposited automatically on a regular basis. However,
unlike HSAs for people, there are no tax
benefits; you are not allowed to deposit
pre-tax dollars. They are promoted as
offering “competitive” interest rates and
may be worth checking out for that reason alone. One such account is Pawsitive Savings™ (check it out at
www.petvetpro.com/pethealthsavingsplan.php).
CREDIT CARDS
Consider setting aside a credit card
specifically for your pet with a limit that
you think you could afford if your pet
were to need emergency care and the
lowest interest rate you can negotiate. If you are required to use it in the
interim to keep it active, be sure to use
it modestly and pay it off each month so
that the full limit is available if the need
to use it arises.
CARE CREDIT
Care Credit (www.carecredit.com/
vetmed) is a health care lending program that many readers may be familiar
with for their personal health care. It is
also available for pet care. Care Credit
is a credit card used specifically for
health care with a payment plan and
interest rates that are highly competitive and often favorable over regular
credit cards—even with a few months
of interest-free payments. You can apply
for Care Credit right at your veterinary
office at the time of visit if he accepts it
(not all vets do); or you can be prepared
in advance by applying for Care Credit
ahead of time. Your credit limit, interest
rate, and repayment schedule will be
based on your credit rating.
You must make your payment on
time every time in order to maintain
your favorable interest rate. If you are
late on a payment, you will lose your
favorable rate, and the higher rate will
be back-charged on the entire amount.
PET INSURANCE
Pet owners are increasingly turning to
pet health insurance as an ally in their
overall pet care plan. Read all the fine
print and carefully consider your pet
and whether making this monthly insurance premium makes sense for you.
Most pet insurance companies
consider your pet’s age and pre-existing
conditions in determining if your pet
is insurable. Plans are all different. Do
your homework before choosing which
pet insurer to sign on with. You can
change if the one you choose doesn’t
end up being right for you and your pet,
but keep in mind that at some point
your pet will be too old to insure.
Unlike many human health insurance
plans, you typically do not have to take
your pet to a veterinarian on an approved list. You can use the veterinarian
of your choice. Another key difference
is that typically you are expected to pay
the veterinary bill in full at the time of
treatment; you submit the claim to your
insurer and are reimbursed directly
from your insurance company. You may
not even need the signature of your
veterinarian on your claim form, just a
copy of the formal treatment bill that
outlines exactly what was done and
shows itemized costs. Continued on page 30
Dog and Cat Pet Care | www.dogandcatpetcare.com 21
c
a
S
k
hool”
c
“B
to
Rules
By Mychelle Blake, MSW, CDBC
The transition from summer vacation to a regular school schedule can be
just as trying on dogs as it can be on kids. Here’s how you can make this
change in routine fun for the whole family.
D
ogs are social animals. During
the summer months when the
kids are home all day, your dog
can quickly become used to having constant companionship. When children
return to school, your dog can become
stressed. Here’s how to address your
dog’s mental and physical needs so this
change in routine won’t result in
inappropriate behaviors.
Involve Your Children
First, discuss with your children
the effects that
their “disappearance” from the
household will
have on your dog.
They can help
to diminish
22
any stress the dog feels when they leave
the house each morning by keeping
their exits and their returns home from
school low key.
Even the most confident dog can get
into trouble when school starts because
his level of daily exercise is likely to
kibble hunt
Dogs enjoy “hunting” for their food
using their noses.
Take a scoop of your
dog’s kibble and trail
it around the house,
or yard, or even in
“obstacle courses”
that you can create
from cardboard boxes,
paper bags, etc. Point
your dog toward the
first few pieces, and
let him loose for some
serious kibble-hunting.
drop now that he no
longer has children to
play with. Working out
a schedule for dogrelated chores with your
children, as well as the
adults in your family,
helps ensure that your
dog’s exercise needs are
met despite the change
in schedule. Post a calendar on your refrigerator with duties. Be sure
to praise your children
for taking care of the
dog each day as planned.
Exercise, Exercise!
Taking your dog for a brisk 20- or
30-minute walk twice a day helps prevent undesirable behaviors. Sadly, many
dog owners today do not walk their
dogs regularly. In terms of physical and
mental enrichment, there is a big difference between your dog going on
a purposeful walk at a steady pace
around the neighborhood with you
versus simply meandering around the
yard by himself.
If you have an adolescent or a highenergy dog, consider a doggie daycare
one or more days a week. Find a place
that has a friendly, well-trained staff
educated in canine body language and
stress signals. Dogs should be placed in
play groups that fit their size and energy
level, and they should be given frequent
breaks to rest throughout the day.
(Look for an article on
choosing a daycare in an
upcoming issue of Dog
and Cat Pet Care.)
Toys and Puzzles
Food-stuffed toys provide Fido with a physical
and mental workout. If
you have a very hectic
schedule, involve your
children in a toy-stuffing
routine once a week
and freeze several days’
worth of food-stuffed
toys—the food will last
longer and be more difficult for the dog
to remove.
The best-known toy for food stuffing
is the Kong (www.kongcompany.com),
which comes in several sizes, shapes,
and textures. The Nina Ottosson dog
puzzles (www.nina-ottosson.com) are
wooden and plastic toy puzzles that
challenge the dog to figure out how to
get his kibble out. Designed for supervised play only, they are not meant to
be left alone with the dog. Premier Pet
Products also has a full line of foodstuffed toys (www.premier.com).
Take a Class
Finally, consider working with a professional trainer to help you learn more
ways to exercise your dog’s body and
mind. Visit the Association of Pet Dog
Trainers’ web site, www.apdt.com, for
more information. 
Dog and Cat Pet Care | www.dogandcatpetcare.com 23
A Helpful Guide to
Spaying
and Neutering
An overview of
these common
procedures can
help you manage
your pet’s surgery
for a positive
outcome.
By Cheryl Kimball, CVT
O
ne of the most important decisions you’ll have to make when
you bring home that cuddly kitten or puppy is whether or not to allow
your new pet to have a litter.
Spaying a female pet or neutering a
male pet, so it will be infertile, has many
benefits. Some of those benefits are to
the animal, some to the pet owner, and
some to the world at large.
Intact cats and dogs become obsessed
with mating and can become injured in
fights or hit by a car if they get loose.
Unneutered male dogs may provoke
dog fights, which can result in people
and dogs being bitten. Increasingly, dog
parks do not allow dogs in heat or dogs
that are unneutered because of the risks
they present. Unspayed cats also exhibit
behaviors that can distress their pet
24
guardians, including yowling. Unneutered males may spray and unspayed
females can also create a mess, making
keeping a house clean more difficult.
Unspayed female cats have a greater risk
of mammary cancer and life threatening
uterine infections.
THE BEST TIME TO
SPAY/NEUTER
Your veterinary clinic staff can help
you decide what age is best for your
animal’s breed and size. Six months is
an average age for both dogs and cats.
It is preferable to spay a female before
her first heat, which lowers the risk of
certain reproductive cancers. Cycling
causes swelling of the reproductive
organs, which may make spay surgery
take longer.
SAFETY CHECKS
Spaying and neutering are the most
common surgeries that small animal
veterinarians perform, and today’s
Top Reasons to
Spay/Neuter
• Avoid the mess of a cycling
(“in heat”) female
• Prevent the smell of a male
cat scent-marking his
territory
• Eliminating behavior problems associated with the
animal’s desire to breed,
such as male roaming and
barking and females being
generally unsettled during
cycling
• No need to worry about the
animal interacting with an
intact (not neutered) animal
• No unexpected litters of
puppies or kittens to
care for
veterinary surgeons now have access
to sophisticated equipment that can
help keep your pet safe. New anesthetic
drugs, says Dr. Sabrina Campbell of
Milton Veterinary Clinic in Milton, NH,
are fast-acting with fast recovery times.
She also explains that veterinary clinics
now tend to have sophisticated monitors tracking heart rate, pulse, blood
oxygen levels, and other vital signs during surgery. Veterinary clinics practice
the same sterile techniques used in
human hospitals, making incidence of
infection low. And, Dr. Campbell says,
“the protocols for pain management
have increased tremendously for pets.”
Increasingly, laser surgery, in which an
intense beam of light acts as a scalpel,
is an alternative to traditional surgery.
Because the laser seals nerve endings as
it cuts, your pet will have less pain during recovery, and post-surgical swelling,
bleeding, and infection are reduced.
BEST PRACTICES
Your veterinary hospital will follow strict protocols for preparing your
pet for any surgical procedure. These
include:
• Pre-surgery screening bloodwork to
ensure that nothing is going on that
would negatively impact the animal
when anesthetized
• administration of a short-acting anesthetic to safely insert a breathing tube
(called “intubation”)
• administering anesthesia based on age,
weight, and any known medical issues
• clipping and scrubbing the surgical site
• properly positioning the animal on
the surgery table and securing her
for safety
Dog and Cat Pet Care | www.dogandcatpetcare.com 25
SURGICAL
PROCEDURES
According to the
Humane Society of
the United States,
RISKS
Risks from spay/
neuter surgery inSpaying: Spaying
there are millions of
clude those associinvolves the veteriated with all surgical
narian making an inunwanted pets. With
procedures. The bigcision straight down
so many lovable pets
gest concern is with
the middle of the aniout there already, it is
complications from
mal’s abdomen in the
difficult for many
anesthesia, which
area of the uterus and
animal lovers to bring
is greatly reduced
ovaries. Absorbable
by the knowledge
stitches are used for
more into the world.
gained from preany suturing under
surgery bloodwork.
the skin. The exterior
Another general
incision is typically
closed with several individual stitches or surgical risk is infection. Bleeding is
the most common risk of castration
with surgical staples.
Neutering: Neutering a male animal, surgery in dogs and cats. Keep in mind,
however, that while risks are always real,
also known as “castration,” is a relatively
veterinary surgeons conduct castration
simpler procedure than spaying but
and spay surgeries almost every day and
surgery nonetheless. All sterile protocols are followed, anesthesia is used, and are extremely skillful.
incisions are made.
Several methods are used for feline
castration, depending on the choice of
veterinarian. In all cases, an incision is
made to expose the testicle. The surgeon
works on one testicle at a time. The
spermatic cord is clamped to prevent
hemorrhaging when it is cut. The cord
end is either sutured or, more typically,
tied in a knot. The incision is usually left
open to drain and close on its own.
Dogs are neutered either in an “open”
or “closed” technique. An open procedure is similar to the cat procedure described above and involves stitches. In
the closed procedure, the entire scrotal
sac is incised as a whole and no stitches
are required.
26
RECOVERY
Recovery from surgery begins in the
clinic and extends to the animal’s first
few hours and days at home. Recovering
animals are carefully monitored until
fully conscious. Dogs with shortened
noses (called “brachycephalic”), such
as Pugs and Pekinese, can be more
prone to anesthesia complications and
are monitored especially closely. Some
animals may be kept overnight for postspay surgery recovery, so be prepared.
GOING HOME
When your pet is considered fully recovered from anesthesia, and the veterinarian and veterinary technicians have
determined the animal is not exhibiting
any post-operative concerns such as
bleeding or extreme discomfort, he will
be discharged. Strictly comply with any
and all instructions for caring for your
pet when home. These may include:
• keeping your pet extremely quiet for
several days and until any stitches are
removed
• administering pain medications and
preventive antibiotics
• slow introduction to normal food levels
• discouraging the animal from licking
and biting at the surgical site
• applying an Elizabethan collar (which
he probably was sent home wearing) if
necessary to prevent the pet from being able to reach the surgical site
WHEN TO CALL THE VET
indicate a call and perhaps even a trip
back to the clinic are:
• bleeding, redness, or swelling at the
surgical site
• torn suture that reopens wound
• difficulty breathing
• elevated temperature
• lethargy beyond the first day or so
• whining or other indication of
discomfort
FOLLOW-UP
Surgeries that required nonabsorbable sutures will require a follow-up
appointment to remove the sutures.
Almost all spays will require a follow-up
visit. Most castrations will not unless a
recovery problem arises. 
Some things to look for that would
Dog and Cat Pet Care | www.dogandcatpetcare.com 27
Celebrity
PET BUZZ
By Tina Cantelmi Bradford
Celebrity pets mirror the distinctive personalities of their
star-studded companions. Here are some of favorite breeds
of the rich and famous.
V
iva le French bulldog.
Only the likes of Martha
Stewart will do for the
darling duo Francesca and Sharkey.
French bulldogs are elegant whether
hobnobbing for charity or entertaining
at home.
Frenchie’s date back to the
19th century,
28
when English lace makers bred the
affable lap dog, then moved to the land
of fine wine, cheese and chocolate. In
their adopted homeland, Frenchie’s are
regarded as “a clown in the cloak of a
philosopher.” No wonder Little Sharkey
posts his own blog (woof, woof!).
Graceful, alert, swift and perky, the
pint-sized Chihuahua is the perfect
“purse dog” AKA the famous Bruiser
in the film Legally Blonde starring
Reese Witherspoon, but this keenly
intelligent mini-canine, originating in
the warm climes of Mexico, is equally
a mucho macho. A
beefy Mickey Rourke
thanked his then 16year old Loki while
accepting Best Actor
nod for The Wrestler
at the 2008 Golden
Globe Awards, stating Loki “saved my
life.” A year later,
Loki expired to
doggie heaven.
However, a heady
dose of spirited
Chihuahuas continue to share
the celebrity spotlight with personalities
from the super-sweet Alyssa Milano to
the eternal publicity hound Paris Hilton.
Chihuahua’s rock, amigo!
Actor Jake Gyllenhaal, best known
for his roles in October Sky, Brokeback
Mountain, and The Day
After Tomorrow, shares
his New York and Los
Angeles digs with Atticus, a mighty German
Shepherd, and a feisty
diminutive Puggle
named Boo Radley.
Jake’s former flame,
Reese Witherspoon
was often spotted
jogging with Atticus,
whose ancestors
originated in 1899 in
Germany. Today, the
breed is known for
steadfast loyalty and
protective instincts. Is
it any wonder Rin-TinTin was a G.S.? (And
Reese, inquiring minds
want to know: if your
former beau is anything
like Atticus what were
you thinking when you
said, “Adios, Jake?”)
As for Jake’s Puggle, a beagle/pug hybrid formally recognized by dog lovers
a decade ago, its affection, high energy
and personality-plus make it a lowmaintenance mix. Other famous Puggle
lovers include Uma Thurman, Sylvester
Stallone, and Julianne Moore.
Indeed, so-called “boutique” dogs are trending large.
Rhianna simply adores her
super-diminutive Malte-pooh,
while celebrity gossip hound
Perez Hilton has been swept
away by his trendy and oh-soadorable Golden Doodle named
Teddy Hilton.
For some celebs, only a cat will
do. The Siamese was favored by
screen legends Vivien Leigh and
James Dean, whose Siamese was
gifted by yet another screen legend, Liz Taylor. But Susan Boyle,
whose rendition of “I Dreamed
a Dream” on “Britain’s Got Talent” shot her to worldwide fame,
cohabits with a kitty of undetermined origin. For some entertainers, there can be no greater
proof of one’s fabulousness than
a feline, no matter how humble
the genes. 
Continued from page 21
DIFFERING PLANS
Most pet health insurance companies
offer various plans to which you can
choose to subscribe, depending on what
you determine is in the best interest
of your pet and your goals for insuring
your pet. The two basic components of
any pet health care plan cover routine
visits and catastrophic care.
Wellness plans are designed to
cover a percentage of the costs of a
menu of preventive care, like vaccinations, heartworm prevention medicine,
and dental care. Insurers all use different names for these kinds of plans; VPI
(www.petinsurance.com), for example,
has a CareGuard plan available in two
ranges, Core and Superior, the latter of
which reimburses at a higher rate (and
costs a higher premium).
Emergency care plans are for
those unexpected trips to the veterinarian or emergency care facility.
Encounters with a porcupine, serious
lacerations, and being hit by a car all
fall under these plans. Again, each
insurer has different ways of offering
these plans. For example, the American
Kennel Club’s pet health care (www.
akcpethealthcare.com) offers a plan that
covers emergencies and accidents at
different levels of reimbursement; from
there, you can choose to add wellness
plans, also at differing levels, as riders
onto this basic policy.
The bottom line is that there are ways
to pay for the health care you want for
your pet. Do your homework and decide
on the options that are best for your
budget before an emergency arises. 
Continued from page 10
ask the
groomer
ding, use the same pattern with an
undercoat rake. Start with a coarse rake
continuing down to finer teeth. Use a
short stroke; not more than about four
inches going with the grain of the coat.
Sometimes, you can stretch the skin
a bit to give a firmer surface to work
with. Follow up with the comb using the
same pattern.
If your dog struggles, stop, but try not
to let go. Reassure your dog. When your
pup relaxes, continue where you left off.
30
Your dog will become familiar with
your organizational pattern. Give him
or her reassuring praise and a pat on the
head for cooperating. 
Trainer’s
Corner
By Marc Goldberg, CDT
How to Train
with
What is this
dog learning?
Treats
Many people don’t realize that using food the
wrong way can actually make your dog’s
behavior worse! Here’s how to use food to make
progress instead.
The first thing you have to know
about using food in training is how
NOT to use it. The primary rule is not
to use it to stop an unwanted behavior.
Instead, use it to create a new behavior
you want to teach.
For example, let’s say Fido growls at
other dogs on his walks. If you tell him
to stop growling, and distract him with
a treat, what has he really learned?
YOU’RE thinking: he stopped growling, so I rewarded him for that with a
cookie. He won’t growl again.
FIDO is thinking: this is cool, I growl,
then mom pops me a cookie. Let’s
growl more!
Think of food as a directional reward.
How, when, and where you deliver
it all determines whether the treat
teaches your dog what you intended, or
something else altogether. For example,
you tell Fido to sit, and you hold a treat
six inches over his head, while pushing
down on his butt. Sound about right?
Wrong! By holding that treat six inches
over his head, you’re really teaching
Fido to sit then immediately break that
position in favor of jumping up to get
the cookie.
Instead, start Fido standing on a
closely held leash. Show him you have
a cookie, by holding it at nose level—
only an inch from his sniffer—while
he’s standing up. Direct his attention,
and nose, slightly higher by raising the
cookie only enough so that he must tend
toward a sit to view it. While he’s focusing upward only a couple of inches over
his nose, use your other hand to push
his butt down, while your cookie hand
keeps the treat only a couple of inches
from his nose as it moves.
As soon as he is sitting, deliver the
treat to him just slightly above nose
level, and slightly toward his rear. This
means that to collect the treat, Fido
must actually lean back into the sit to
reach it.
Mission accomplished! Food hasn’t
been just randomly delivered to your
dog, leaving him wondering why he got
it. Instead, the food has clearly communicated how he can get this treat even
faster next time, by sitting when
you ask. 
Dog and Cat Pet Care | www.dogandcatpetcare.com 31
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PET CARE
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Essential
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Training:
Supplementation:
The top 5 nutrients
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How to get your
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Caring for the
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Holiday
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What you
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All About Dental
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