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BEAGLE BUGLE
For the volunteers and supporters of Alberta Beagle Paws
January 2014
IN THIS ISSUE:
OUT AND ABOUT
 Out and about
 Up and coming:
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Mark your calendars
Featured fosters:
- Shiloh
- Pepsi
For your information:
- Behaviour modification:
Keep it positive
- Canine Good Neighbour
Program
In Memoriam:
- Mo (foster dog)
- Bailey Caswell
- Hooligan Ramsay
- Sally Hichula
Etcetera:
- Clicker training
- Aviva Community Fund
Challenge
- On Toby’s Terms
- Maple Leash Canadian Dog
Clothing Boutique (fund
raising opportunity)
Above and Beyond
Beagle Paws was delighted to partner with
Namao Crossing Petvalu to offer Pet Photos
with Santa on Saturday, December 7.
Santa gave each pet a goodie bag, courtesy of
Petvalu. Pet parents were happy to warm up
with Tim Horton’s hot chocolate and goodies
baked by Petvalu staff.
We extend our sincere appreciation to:
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Petvalu for their kind support of
Beagle Paws
Erin Anderson, Pawsitive Tails
Photography, for donating her time and
expertise
Santa (Brian Hanna) and elves (Norrie
Davison, Dawn Lundquist and Marian
Sorensen) for their help
Shelly and Molly Middleton
(Photo by Pawsitive Tails Photography.)
Foster dogs Shiloh and Riley did their best to draw people’s attention to Adoption Day at
the Calgary Trail Petsmart on January 11. Although there were no takers, we’re sure they
left an impression with everyone they met.
Thank you:
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Jo-Ann Siebert, from PAWS
Rescue, for inviting Beagle Paws
as a partner at Adoption Day
Calgary Trail Petsmart for the
use of the store
Foster mom Jody Bartley and
foster dad Erik Kline
Foster dogs Shiloh (left) and Riley
(Photo by Jo-Ann Siebert, PAWS Rescue.)
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BEAGLE BUGLE
For the volunteers and supporters of Alberta Beagle Paws
January 2014
UP AND COMING
Edmonton Pet Expo
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Saturday, January 25, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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Sunday, January 26, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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Edmonton EXPO Centre, Hall A, Edmonton
Whether furry, feathery or slithery, pets have a knack for finding a way into our hearts and
lives. Pet Expo features dog-sports performances, a grooming competition, endless shopping
possibilities and cute overload. Visit Beagle Paws with a bevy of beagles for people to meet.
FEATURED FOSTERS
Beautiful little Shiloh has travelled all the
way from Newfoundland to find her
forever home in Alberta.
To foster, adopt, donate or
volunteer, contact us:
www.beaglepaws.com
[email protected]
[email protected]
She’s a typical energetic one-and-a-half
year-old beagle who relishes playtime,
especially chasing a ball in a fenced yard.
Shiloh loves squeaky toys and lots
of attention.
Like most beagles, she enjoys walks and
sniffing missions. Shiloh would make a
great walking or running partner but
needs to work on leash manners. A very
good jumper like an antelope, Shiloh
needs a secure yard with a high fence.
Foster dog Shiloh
(Photo by Sharlene Kline.)
Sweet Pepsi has had a rough start. Although she
loves women, she’s learning to trust men. Once
Pepsi gains that trust, she adores her people and
exchanging kisses. Very affectionate and eager
to please, she’s unusually easy for a beagle to
train. Smart Pepsi knows to sit, lie down or go
where directed. She loves being close to her
people and playing fetch, and has better recall
than most beagles. Pepsi likes to talk and will
say what she wants, which is quite entertaining.
Born with springs in her legs, she jumps well and
needs a home with high fences.
Foster dog Pepsi
(Photo by BrindleBerry.)
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Pepsi is looking for a calm, gentle home with a
family who’ll continue to work with her so she
can be the amazing dog she’s meant to be.
BEAGLE BUGLE
For the volunteers and supporters of Alberta Beagle Paws
January 2014
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Behaviour modification: Keep it positive
Good dog, smart owner
“The most common cause of
aggression in dogs is fear. Pinning
a dog down when he is scared will
not address the root of his fear.”
(American Veterinary Society of
Animal Behavior [AVSAB])
Punishment is the easy way out to change behaviour. And isn’t it bullying?
Hitting, punching and kicking are no longer acceptable approaches to canine behaviour
modification. Even seemingly innocuous actions, such as slapping or pinching, work on the
premise that, “If you do something wrong, I will hurt you”. In human terms this is now
understood to be abuse.
“Dominance and leadership are not synonymous."
(AVSAB Position Statement on the Use of Dominance Theory in Behavior Modification of Animals)
Dominancy or aggressive training is not appropriate. These methods are hurtful and they
don’t contribute to a relationship built on trust. Therefore, don’t alpha roll or pin a dog.
Don’t slap, pinch or hit. Say no to pinch, prong or shock collars.
We love our dogs and feel their pain if they’re injured or unwell. So the question that begs to
be answered is: Why would you want to hurt someone you love?
Isn’t it better that your dog learns how to behave because he or she trusts you and wants to
please you, rather than being afraid of you? (See Piper and Tuig’s story on page 7.)
Piper
Surely we’re capable of changing behaviour using nonviolent methods. There are options to
physical heavy-handedness to change behaviour. Punishment only teaches a dog what not to
do but not how to behave. You need to provide the dog with acceptable options.
(From Tonji Stewart’s video.)
Beagles, and likely all dogs, respond better to patient, persistent training and positive
reinforcement. The dog learns to view you not as the enforcer but as a trusted guardian.
Positive reinforcement will be a much more rewarding experience for you, too.
Here’s your challenge: Use your ingenuity and imagination to find non-aggressive ways to
change your dog’s unwanted behaviour. To understand and communicate with your dog,
look at his or her behaviour from a dog’s perspective. Identify your role and any action(s)
that may be unwittingly contributing to unwanted behaviour.
The following resources offer food for thought about behavior modification philosophies,
techniques, pros and cons.
 The Dominance Controversy, Dr. Sophia Yim, http://drsophiayin.com/philosophy/dominance
“Instead of using coercion we can learn to lead like a leader in a dance. The leader’s job is to
decide ahead of time which steps to perform and then guide his partner in a clear manner so
that the partner CAN follow.”
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BEAGLE BUGLE
For the volunteers and supporters of Alberta Beagle Paws
January 2014
 Dogs: Positive Reinforcement Training, The Humane Society of the United States,
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/dog_training_positive_reinforcement.html
“A study of dogs (Herron, et al.
2008) found that confrontational
techniques, such as hitting or kicking
the dog for undesirable behavior,
growling at the dog, performing an
alpha roll, staring the dog down, and
enforcing a dominance down
frequently elicited an aggressive
response from the dog.
Basic guidelines: Timing is everything. Keep it short and uncomplicated. Consistency is key.
Use positive reinforcement. Don't inadvertently reward unwanted behaviours. Shaping
behaviour takes time. Use continuous and intermittent reinforcements.
 “Common Dog Training Mistakes – The top five errors committed when training your dog
with positive techniques and positive dog training methods”, Pat Miller, The Whole Dog
Journal, www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/10_5/features/Positive_Dog_Training_15931-1.html
“When your dog … offers the desired behavior in response to your cue at least eight out of 10
times, it’s time to start reinforcing intermittently. Like a gambler at a slot machine, your dog
will keep playing the game because he’s learned it will eventually pay off.”
“The aggression may also be
redirected toward inanimate objects,
or other animals or people besides
the owner. Even non-physical
punishment, such as a harsh verbal
reprimand or shaking a finger at a
dog, can elicit defensive aggression
if the dog feels threatened by it.”
 Dreams do come true, Carol MacDonald, behavior specialist and trainer, Edmonton Humane
(AVSAB)
 Don't Shoot the Dog! The New Art of Teaching and Training, Karen Pryor, 1999.
Society, http://portal.edmontonhumanesociety.com/ehsblog/?p=1494
“… science has known for over 10 years now that these positive-based methods are far more
effective with less negative side-effects.”
 Control Unleashed – Creating a Focused and Confident Dog, Leslie McDevitt, 2007.
 The Culture Clash, Jean Donaldson, 2005.
Canine Good Neighbour rewards good manners
Here’s a fun, rewarding training program to help your purebred or mixed-breed dog present
good manners at home, in public and in the presence of other dogs. The Canadian Kennel
Club’s good neighbour program identifies and rewards responsible, caring guardians and their
canine partners throughout Canada (www.ckc.ca/en/default.aspx?tabid=91).
The handler-dog relationship is assessed, as
is the handler’s ability to control the dog.
Dogs are evaluated on their abilities to
perform basic exercises and demonstrate
good manners in everyday situations.
The non-competitive tests (12) follow:
Test 1 – Accepts a friendly stranger
Test 2 – Politely accepts petting
Test 3 – Accepts being groomed by a stranger (e.g., groomer)
Test 4 – Walks politely on loose leash
Test 5 – Walks through a crowd
Test 6 – Sit, down and stay
Test 7 – Comes when called
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BEAGLE BUGLE
For the volunteers and supporters of Alberta Beagle Paws
January 2014
Test 8 – Calms easily following play or praise
Test 9 – Polite in presence of other dogs and handlers
Test 10 – Reacts calmly and confidently to distractions
Test 11 – Confident when left alone with strangers (e.g., groomer, etc.)
Test 12 – Sits and waits before going through doors
Each successful handler-dog team receives a certificate of accomplishment.
IN MEMORIAM
Foster dog Mo
Perhaps they are not stars
But openings in Heaven
Where the love of our children
With fur pours through and shines
Down upon us to let us know
They are at peace.
Author unknown
Mo was an intelligent, handsome boy who
spent his last six months in a home where
he was very much loved, treated gently and
lived the life he deserved. With a large
repertoire of tricks, Mo loved to show off
for treats. He spent the last few days at the
foster family farm with his other canine
friends, running carefree in the fields and
investigating every new scent that made its
way past. Unfortunately, his nose and
stomach found stray rodenticide. Despite
dedicated work, the vets were unable to
stop the internal bleeding and Mo passed
away in December 2013.
Our deepest sympathies are with his foster
family who adored him. In the end, Mo was
surrounded by his foster family. He will
most definitely be missed.
Mo
(Photo supplied.)
Donations towards Mo’s vet bill would be very much appreciated. Please visit
www.beaglepaws.com/donate; indicate donation is for Mo’s veterinary care. Thank you.
Bailey Caswell
On November 8, 2013, Bailey left to join his sister, Belle, at the Rainbow Bridge. Although
we only knew him for five short years, our love for him was all of the 17 years that he lived.
Bailey was one of the special ones in our lives. As our vet, Terri, said, "He was born a dog
and died a gentleman." That was so true of him.
Bailey was a "brat" right to the end. A week after he was gone we threw out a loaf of
bread from the fridge with a bite out of it … from you know who! Bailey was a true beagle
at heart. We loved his mischievousness. He made us laugh and smile. It was hard to get
mad at him.
(Di Caswell and Janice Laliberte)
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BEAGLE BUGLE
For the volunteers and supporters of Alberta Beagle Paws
January 2014
Bailey
(Photos by Diane Caswell.)
Hooligan Ramsay
We lost our sweet little baby girl,
Hooligan, on June 25, 2013. She was
nine-years-old.
Hooligan loved the cats and became
best of friends with Tank. Three years
ago a stray dog showed up scared and
starving. We adopted her and
Hooligan and our cats fell in love with
her.
Hooligan, we all miss you so very
much. We are so grateful to have
been chosen to give you seven
awesome years. You touched our
hearts and gave us so much joy and
we thank you for that. I know we will
meet again at Rainbow Bridge.
(Rhonda and Michael Ramsay)
Hooligan
(Photo by Rhonda Ramsay.)
Sally Hichula
Six-years-old and weighing only six pounds, Sally was a rescue from a puppy mill. She ruled
the roost for 10 years despite her size, which didn't remain at only six pounds.
After a long life Sally's little body began to shut down and, on November 25, 2013, the
difficult decision was made to let her go.
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BEAGLE BUGLE
For the volunteers and supporters of Alberta Beagle Paws
January 2014
Sally
(Photo by Dayle Hichula.)
Thanks to our Beagle Paws’ foster dog, our beagle Trigger didn't go through a deep mourning
at the loss of his lifelong friend. Rest in peace, Sally. See you at the bridge.
ETCETERA
Talent realized by positive reinforcement, clicker training
According to “experts”, beagles are not particularly noted
for their intelligence. In fact, they’re ranked 72 out of 79
breeds. It’s reported that a beagle’s understanding of new
commands requires 80 to 100 repetitions (!) or more, and
will obey on first command only 25% of the time or worse.
Beagle stats 2013 (unofficial)
Adopted through Edmonton Beagle
Paws = 32
Surrendered to Edmonton Beagle
Paws = 18
I suspect the problem is that the criteria are based on
obedience, and we all know where beagles stand on that
matter. Time and again I hear not only how smart beagles
are but also of their abilities to observe and plan, usually
when it’s something they want.
Tuig
(From Tonji’s video.)
I’m sure Tonji Stewart would disagree with the expert’s assessment of beagles’ intelligence.
Tonji is a professional clicker trainer from PEI. Her two beagles, Tuig, who was adopted from
Beagle Paws, and Piper are famous for their incredible skills with the paint brush
(http://www.caninecompany.ca/painting_beagles.html).
However, Piper and Tuig’s amazing talents aren’t just limited to painting. Tonji’s clever video
of Piper the “Basketball Playing Beagle” won grand prize at the Canis Film Festival in Chicago
in 2011. And her must-see “This Little Beagle goes to Market” won in 2013
(http://www.video.clickertraining.com/canis/finalists/2013/this-little-beagle-goes-to-market). These
are great examples of positive reinforcement and shaping. Piper’s repertoire is now
comprised of more than 120 trained behaviours!
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BEAGLE BUGLE
For the volunteers and supporters of Alberta Beagle Paws
January 2014
Although Tonji is a clicker-trainer extraordinaire, it’s nice to think that, contrary to the
opinions of “experts”, beagles are smart enough to learn to perform amazing behaviours. I’m
sure these are feats we can only aspire to but, if you’re looking for something new, try clicker
training with your beagle.
Aviva Community Fund Challenge: We’re in the finals!
Thanks to the support and votes of many, Beagle Paws has made it to the finals in the Aviva
Community Fund Challenge. The next step begins when our submission goes before a panel
of judges, along with the top 10 from each category. You can still help Beagle Paws. Visit the
Aviva Facebook page and indicate why Beagle Paws should win the challenge
(www.facebook.com/avivacommunityfund?ref=stream&hc_location=stream).
We wait for the judges’ decision about the funds, to be awarded at the end of January.
Order bestseller via Beagle Paws, save $2
Order On Toby’s Terms at $16.95 ($2 off retail price and
no GST) through Beagle Paws. Pay by Paypal on
http://www.beaglepaws.com/news-events or email May
at [email protected].
Did you know…
In the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti
earthquake, a search-and-rescue
Beagle with a Colombian rescue
squad was credited with locating the
Hôtel Montana owner, who was
subsequently rescued after being
buried in the rubble for 100 hours.
On Toby’s Terms recounts the adventures of author
Chamaine Hammond and her husband with their newly
adopted five-year-old Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Toby.
Although expecting some period of adjustment, they
weren’t prepared for the twists and turns their lives
would take in the process. After a heart-stopping
encounter with the knife-block in the kitchen, they
decided Toby needed professional help.
This best-selling book is an endearing story of a beguiling
creature who teaches his guardians that, despite trying
to teach him how to be the dog they want, he’s the one
to lay out the terms of being the dog he needs to be.
This insight would change their lives forever.
Save 10% at local dog boutique, support Beagle Paws
Treat your dog – 10% off – to designer dog clothing, collars, accessories, carriers, beds or
other specialty items, courtesy of Maple Leash Canadian Canine Couture, a Edmonton
family business.
Purchases will please your dog and help support Beagle Paws. Shop in store or online
(http://www.mapleleash.com) and get a 10% discount pre-tax/shipping. In store, give the
cashier the code BPAWS10. Use the same code online on the checkout web page.
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BEAGLE BUGLE
For the volunteers and supporters of Alberta Beagle Paws
January 2014
ABOVE AND BEYOND
I’ve given much thought as to who I think is awesome and what constitutes “above and
beyond”. Anyone whose extraordinary, unsolicited acts of generosity, kindness or empathy
that touch my heart is certainly awesome. Since becoming a Beagle Paws volunteer I’ve met
many awesome people. But some stick out in my mind as being extra special.
Most of us are nothing but pushovers when it comes to beagles, but they have Jody Bartley
wrapped around their paws. It likely started out innocently enough. Jody is a vet tech at the
General Veterinary Hospital, where Brooke and Sook were boarding, awaiting placement in a
new foster home. Sook went right to her forever home in Kelowna. But Brooke, somewhat
older, had nowhere to go. That’s where Jody came in and Brooke found a new place to stay.
Jody has fostered and assisted with many “difficult” cases since Brooke. With Jody’s patience
and firmness, beagle-French bulldog Oakley learned acceptable behaviour. Chloe, weighing
30 kg with a hairless tail and unable to walk across the yard (and later discovered to be
hypothyroid), is a “trim” 22 kg and has discovered the joys of walks around the block and a
new home with Jody! Beautiful Bayley, rescued mid-winter from a rural area west of Edson,
has learned self-confidence, conquered an inordinate fear of confinement and separation
anxiety, and now has a forever home with a canine companion. Sweet diabetic, one-eyed
Luke found a home with Jody before going to live with a wonderful family on the BC west
coast. More recently, Jody took Riley under her wing and he’ll soon learn that good manners
are the best way to initiate playtime.
Jody is not only a dedicated foster
mom who’s always more than
happy to bring her foster dog out
to Beagle Paws events, but she’s a
valued resource when it comes to
questions about veterinary care.
We can also add guest speaker to
her resume. She recently spoke
about nutrition at Beagle Mania.

Jody, you have my eternal
respect and gratitude. It’s
truly an honour to know you.
You are indeed awesome!
Chloe (left) with Brooke
(Photo by Jody Bartley.)
Beagle Paws is a Canadian beagle rescue organization that promotes beagles as a family pet
and helps prevent the abuse and neglect of beagles everywhere. Visit www.beaglepaws.com.
Check out Edmonton Beagle Paws on
Facebook at http://www.facebook.
com/pages/Beagle-Paws-Edmonton.
Beagle Bugle is produced for the enjoyment of all beaglers in Alberta. We welcome your
comments and ideas for articles. Please email May at [email protected].
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