Pet Food Perils

This is an old post I'd written but still holds true. What you feed your pet may not be as wholesome as it's advertising makes it out to be. Learn what's in your pets' food and how to choose the best nutrition for them. ;)

Pet Food Perils

An article by Rebecca

In light of the recent pet food industry recalls I feel it’s important to have a resource for pet owners where they can find some answers to their questions and concerns about their pet’s nutritional health. Many pet owners have never been given any education about pet nutrition or how to choose a pet food.

What we feed our beloved pets should be healthy and of good quality. But what does this mean? We shouldn’t settle for any less than the quality of food we would put in our bodies. We wouldn’t eat low quality food made from rotten ingredients or harmful chemicals. We wouldn’t eat food that came from suspicious or unknown sources either. But somehow our pets have been subject to these types of foods. Read on for more information on the unimaginable practices in the pet food industry.

The General Rule

If you can buy it in the supermarket it’s not quality food. Though that’s a basic rule, there’s still more to know about pet food. If it’s in a supermarket it’s not quality food, but just because it’s in a pet supply store doesn’t mean it’s all quality food either. You have to learn how to be selective.

Real quality pet food should be “human-grade” and is made by companies dedicated to pet health. You can tell just by reading the ingredient list and by reading the literature on these products. Most of these can be found in pet supply stores and some are special order or online order only. There are many holistic, natural and human grade foods out there that meet the standards of quality pet food. Some of them are: Wellness, Innova, Canidae/Felidae, Solid Gold, & Flint River Ranch.

The 4 D’s of Poor Quality Pet Food: Diseased, Disabled, Dead and Dying

You read right. The 4 d’s describe the quality of foods that poor quality pet food companies use in your pet’s food. These are ingredients deemed unfit for human consumption. Why do they use them? It’s cost effective. And because there are no strict regulations on pet food ingredients, they get away with it. Pet food companies aren’t required to specify the source, quality or quantity of meat used in their product. So their meat may come from suspect sources, undesirable body parts and from diseased or rotting meat.

Many pet food companies use fillers such as corn to bulk up their food, and the majority of the product is filler. These fillers provide no real nutritional value and are often some of the most common allergens that dogs and cats are allergic to. Corn, wheat, soy, eggs, & certain types of proteins are the most common allergens and some are used highly in pet food ingredients.

It’s unbelievable how many pet food companies are filling our pets with unacceptable ingredients and poor nutritional content from poor sources. And the unsuspecting pet parent doesn’t even know what they’re feeding their pets. They only know what they read on the package marketed towards humans. The words “wholesome, nutritious, delicious” make it sound great, but in reality it’s anything but.

The Sad & Sickening Truth

If you thought the 4 d’s were bad, what’s worse is what you’re about to read:

"Dogs and cats euthanized at clinics, pounds and shelters are sold to rendering plants, rendered with other material and sold to the pet food industry. One small rendering plant in Quebec was rendering 10 tons (11 tons) of dogs and cats per week from Ontario. The Ministry of Agriculture in Quebec, where a number of these plants are located, advised me that "The fur is not removed from dogs and cats." and that "Dead animals are cooked together with viscera, bones and fats in 115 C (236 F) for twenty minutes." One large pet food company in the U.S., with extensive research facilities, used rendered dogs and cats in their food for years and when the information came to light "claimed no knowledge of it”

- Ann Martin, Natural Pet Magazine

Ann Martin, author of “Food Pets Die For” And “Protect Your Pet: More Shocking Facts” has done her research. After mysterious illnesses in her own dogs lead her to suspect their food as the culprit and getting no clear answers she decided to take on the pet food industry on her own. This lead to her extensive research on the pet food industry. She has uncovered many of the disturbing practices in the pet food industry.

So we know now that some pet food companies use both undesirable meat sources and unspeakable practices, what else could there be? Well, what’s more is that many pet food companies use chemicals that are known to be toxic and harmful to extend the shelf life of their product and preserve the already tainted ingredients.

"The common chemicals used are BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytolulene), both known to cause liver and kidney dysfunction. Some European countries prohibit the use and importation of these preservatives. Another fat stabiliser often used is Ethoxyquin, suspected of being a cancer-causing agent.” ~Dr Wendell Belfield, DVM, former USDA Vet, "Let's Live" Magazine

 Unfortunately, it’s a reality that the pet food companies are commercial industries. Businesses like anything else, who like many others, make their first priority money. Even when dealing with living beings. It’s unfortunate that although this world has made so much progress where animals are concerned, they still aren’t as important as they should be. Otherwise pet food regulations might be stricter to protect the well being of our companions.

So what is a pet parent to do? Take matters into your own hands and become educated. Read on for some basic facts and resources to help you help keep your pet healthy.

What You Need To Know

Becoming aware of what’s in your pet’s food, learning to read the labels and understand what they mean is your first step in protecting the pets you love. Just because your dog or cat has been fine on the supermarket food they’re eating doesn’t mean it isn’t causing long term damage or shortening their lifespan. Aside from that, it’s just despicable, disturbing and plain out gruesome to think what some pet food companies have put into their foods.

So what’s important to know about labels?

The source – “meat meal”, “bone meal” or “meat by products” doesn’t specify what kind of meat they used. While specific labels like “chicken meal”, “lamb meal” or “beef by-products” give the consumer an idea of what type of meat was used, it still doesn’t specify what quality of meat was used and whether it could be one of the 4 D’s. Look for foods that specify the meat source such as “chicken meal”, “beef meal” and even better those that say “chicken”, “beef”, “duck”.

The quality – the quality of pet foods can be determined by looking at the kinds of ingredients they put into the food and by their information in the literature. Does the company label their food as having "real" ingredients or better yet "human-grade" ingredients?

Do they have ingredients you can recognize or is the ingredient list contaminated with chemical ingredients you can’t even pronounce?  Things like Oatmeal, Ground Barley, Ground Brown Rice, Rye Flour, Canola Oil, , Rice Bran, Whitefish, Carrots, Spinach, Sweet Potatoes, Apples, Blueberries, Flaxseed, Ground Millet are ingredients you want to find along with the main meat source, vitamins and minerals.

The quantity- What ingredient is listed first on the ingredient list? If it’s anything but a recognizable meat or protein source, put it back. Ingredients are listed in order of quantity. The first ingredient should be the main ingredient and just as you wouldn’t feed your child a diet consisting mainly of candy, you shouldn’t feed your pet a diet consisting mainly of filler or nutritionally devoid ingredients.

So what should the pet parent look for? Foods with ingredients that are fit for human consumption, “human-grade” foods. Quality ingredients as the primary ingredients and ingredients you can recognize. Consider the following examples and compare the difference (real pet food manufacturer names have not been revealed):

Literature & Ingredients from a poor quality pet food:

Brand X Original Flavor has the savory taste of Chicken and Beef dogs crave. Brand X combines crunchy kibble and soft, chewy bits for a delicious taste dogs love. You can feel good about feeding your dog Brand X every day because it has 100% Complete and Balanced Nutrition. Each piece provides key ingredients such as: Crunchy kibble with real beef protein and fat for energy and strong muscle tone; Crunchy kibble with carbohydrates and fiber for quick energy and easy digestibility; Soft, chewy bits with vitamins and minerals for bright, clear eyes, healthy skin and a shiny coat.

Ingredients:

Corn, Soybean Meal, Beef & Bone Meal, Wheat Flour, Animal Fat (Bha And Citric Acid Used As Preservatives), Corn Syrup, Wheat Middlings, Water Sufficient For Processing, Animal Digest (Source Of Chicken And Beef Flavors), Wheat, Propylene Glycol, Salt, Hydrochloric Acid, Potassium Chloride, Caramel Color, Sorbic Acid (Used As A Preservative), Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E, Niacin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3), Calcium Sulfate, Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Red 40, Bha (Used As A Preservative), Dl-Methionine, Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose.

Ingredients are listed in order of quantity. The first ingredient, therefore is present in the largest amounts.
For those who know how to read labels, we know that corn is used as a filler. As the first ingredient we know this company uses it’s filler as the main ingredient. They do this because it’s cheaper. We also know, that although they do specify the “meal” sources, they don’t indicate that they use quality meat ingredients in their literature. What’s more is that the ingredients are largely chemical including BHA which we already learned is harmful. Caramel Color, yellow 6, 5 and red 40 are used to entice the consumer not the pet. And “flavoring” just means they have to add something to the food to make it enticing to pets by covering up all the chemicals and poor quality ingredients contained in the food. For the educated pet parent, this list of ingredients expresses to us that the company doesn’t put pets health first.

Literature Ingredients from a high quality, human-grade ingredient pet food:

Thoughtful Nutrition for the Different Needs of Cats and Dogs

We believe that cats and dogs have different nutritional needs - because cats are carnivores and dogs are omnivores. For cats, we create diets from animal food sources, berries, and other highly digestible ingredients with low magnesium and ash levels. This ensures overall well being, vitality, and urinary tract health. For dogs, we create balanced diets similar to high quality human diets - a healthy blend of meats, vegetables, and grains.

For special diets, such as weight management diets for dogs, or hairball diets for cats, we add carefully selected ingredients such as nutrient-rich fibers. We never use "fillers" and always look for additional ingredient benefits such as higher levels of vitamins and minerals that are available in some fiber sources.

THE BRAND Y WAY: WHAT GOES IN

Quality Protein Sources for Muscular Skeletal Health
We use real meat as our first ingredient and primary source of protein in most of our diets. We also use a delicious digestible combination of other protein sources that offer all the essential amino acids - the building blocks of bone and muscle.

Wholesome Grains for Healthy Fiber and Energy.
We use high quality grains that provide essential vitamins and nutrients, such as oatmeal and barley. For cats, we also use grains like rice which are highly digestible and are low in magnesium (which is particularly important for cats)

Full Rainbow of Fruits and Vegetables for Cell Health

We provide a full rainbow of all-natural antioxidant protection, to help deter over 60 degenerative diseases including kidney disease, heart disease and even cancer.

Carefully Chosen Fats and Oils for Skin & Coat Health

We use wholesome vegetable fats such as sunflower oil, canola oil, flaxseed, and olive oil, which are high in the essential fatty acids such as Linoleic and Alpha Linoleic acids. 

For cats, we also use animal fats such as chicken fat, to provide Arachadonic acid, which cats do not produce for themselves.

Pre- and Pro-Biotics for Digestive Health

We include pro-biotics to provide balanced bacteria in the intestinal tract and prevent harmful bacterial from producing toxins. We include pre-biotics as an important nutrient source to feed the pro-biotics and add additional nutrients for the animal.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Joint Health

We add these nutrients for preventative joint maintenance and inflammation reduction. 

Taurine for Heart Health. We add taurine to help prevent certain heart conditions that can occur in dogs and to provide an essential nutrient for cats.

Botanical Extracts for Antioxidant Protection

We add selected botanical extracts such as green tea and lycopene, to provide valuable antioxidants that help fight cell-damaging free radicals.

Ingredients

Whitefish, Ground Barley (dehulled), Rye Flour, Menhaden Fish Meal, Ground Pearled Barley, Sweet Potatoes, Canola Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols, a natural source of vitamin E), Tomato Pomace (natural source of lycopene), Natural Fish Flavor, Flaxseed, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride.

The list is small and all the ingredients are recognizable. The first ingredient is not a filler, but rather a quality ingredient. The ingredients are clear about what is contained in the food and uses real human grade ingredients. Clearly this company strives to achieve quality standards for the best health for our pets. They want to make sure you know this by clarifying to the consumer in their literature and the ingredient list what their food is made of.

Only The Beginning

This article is only an introduction to pet food for people who care about their pets. We have come to realize that it’s not just important that we feed our pets regularly, but that we feed them properly and that we know where their food is coming from and what it’s made of.  Choose independent companies who place emphasis on pet health, holistic, natural and human grade ingredients. The same goes for pet treats. For more information and articles with more details and information on how to read labels and choose pet foods, please check out the following links:

Dog Eat Dog: What's Inside The Food We FeedWhat's Really for Dinner? The Truth About Commercial Pet Food
The Pet Food Industry and Its Questionable Practices 
Dr. Jane Bicks, HealthyPetNet: Do You Really Know What's In Your Pet's Food?
The Actual Ingredients Meat Based Pet Food Companies Use in Dry and Canned Foods 
(downloads as a microsoft word document)

For a guide to pet food ingredients check out:

Dog Food Comparison Charts 

Feed your animals bodies with healthy food and their hearts with healthy love.

~Rebecca~

Can Dogs Live Happily Outdoors?

Believe it or not, many people still leave their dogs to live outside in this day and age - and I've been called upon to try and help. Though it might seem that a dog would be happy living outdoors, the reverse is actually true.  Not only can dogs suffer from frostbite, heatstroke and dehydration but they can also suffer psychological damage and develop behavioral problems that stem from lack of companionship and social interaction. Dogs are, by nature, social animals who crave and thrive on human and animal companionship. Dogs destined to a life outdoors lack the social bonds that indoor family dogs have. While some argue that the reason they have a dog is to protect their home, the irony is - a dog who does not live in the home will not be likely to protect it since it isn't theirs. 

Many of the calls that come into animal rescue and welfare organizations are calls about outdoor dogs. We feel such the need to rescue them from a life of isolation, extreme temperatures, loneliness and lack of companionship. While our dogs sleep curled up in a warm home on their fluffy dog beds and sometimes in ours we lie awake agonizing over how we can better the lives of those less fortunate. Unfortunately, the laws for animals only require that dogs who are kept outdoors are given the bare minimum. That includes appropriate shelter from weather, clean water and food.  Love is, unfortunately, not part of those requirements.

Rescue organizations and well-run shelters will not adopt to any owner that doesn't intend to keep their dog as an indoor, family pet. Why? Because they want the best for the animals and they understand what  the experts know. 

The experts say it best,  in author and canine behavior expert Pat Miller's 'The Great, Awful Outdoors' she explains why it isn't just nice to bring dogs indoor, it's crucial to their physical, mental and behavioral well-being. 

Read more at the links below for excellent resources on how to help outdoor dogs, how to help bring outdoor dogs in and why leaving dogs outdoors is plain and simple no life for a dog.

Backyard Dog, Outdoor Dog: Facts, Guidance, Solutions

Man's Best Friend or Living Lawn Ornament?

Outdoor Dogs

We give them the love we can spare, the time we can spare. In return dogs have given us their absolute all. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made. -Roger Caras

Size Differences Between Dogs & Why It Matters

A while back I read an article from the San Francisco SPCA on size differences between dogs. Their adoption policy, which I'd never heard of in other rescues, is to use a "50% rule" when adopting a dog into a home with existing pets.  This 50% rule states that the smaller of the two dogs must be at least half the weight of the larger dog. Common sense tells us that smaller dogs are more fragile and so playing, living and socializing with larger dogs does put them at greater risk for injury. But the specifics as to why the SF SPCA chooses to make this policy is something interesting, informative and important for all dog owners and rescues to be aware of.  It's called "Predatory Drift"

According to trainer Kelley Filson, CTC, CPDT:
Predatory Drift is a sudden, and drastic change in a dog's demeanor that is characterized by behaviors associated with hunting small prey. The term is most often used to describe a medium to large dog who has suddenly and uncharacteristically targeted a smaller dog as prey.  Predatory Drift is NOT Aggression, but it can mean injury or death for small dogs. Predatory Drift happens when the larger dog's instinct to hunt are triggered. These instincts can be triggered when play escalates or gets too much like the real thing (an out of control chase game).  It can happen when a small dog gets scared or injured and squeals or wriggles in a way that makes them look like prey, Predatory Drift can happen just because the size difference says, "You are comparatively bite-sized, or move like something that is bite-sized, and I am a canine predator." The most alarming fact about Predatory Drift is that it can happen even with well-behaved, well-socialized, playful dogs who play well and often with no aggression, and no fights. Dogs who are triggered into predatory drift, may or may not have ever been in a dog fight, and may or may not be generally well-behaved and obedient. 


This information is another example of why we must always remember that while our pets are also family members, they are not human. They are animals with instinct and sometimes that instinct kicks in. This isn't to say that small and large dogs can't get along, but it is important to always supervise interactions between dogs, understand your dogs body language and behavior and to safely and effectively separate dogs when they cannot be supervised.

I think the authors on this topic have said it best and so I have referred to an excerpt from an article by trainer Gail T. Fisher on the subject below. Read on to learn, be informed and understand an important aspect of dog behavior...


There are six specific behaviors that may be included in dog play: stare, stalk, chase, nip, grab and shake.


Not all dog play involves each of these. Your dog may race around and wrestle with another dog (chase, grab and shake/wrestle). Or grab a toy and shake the heck out of it. And depending on genetics, your dog may stare intensely at a buddy, stealthily approach, then suddenly break into a great game of chase -- all normal, harmless, fun behaviors.


Play behaviors are programmed in the dogs’ DNA, but not as play. These are all hunting behaviors related to survival: finding, approaching, catching, and killing dinner. 


The domestic dog shares many of the same genes as its relatives, members of the genus Canis (the domestic dog is Canis lupus familiaris). This genus includes wolves, jackals, coyotes and dingoes. Even the sweetest dog in the world shares DNA with his predatory ancestors -- hunters and scavengers. Play between wolf cubs looks just like dog play, but the wolf cubs are honing their skills for hunting as adults.


Consider the behavior chain you’ve likely seen in a film of a wolf pack on the hunt. The wolves eye their prey, staring intently. Then they stalk stealthily closer, sneaking as close as possible before being noticed. Sensing danger, the animal takes off, and the chase begins. When the wolf catches up, it bites, grabs, shakes and kills.


With the exception of “kill,” each element of the hunt is what we see in normal, non-violent play between dogs: stare, stalk, chase, nip, grab, and wrestle. Put another way: Dogs play behaviors are the vestiges of predatory behavior. Which brings me to the topic for this week’s column: “predatory drift.”


Predatory drift happens when normal play suddenly “drifts” over the line and the dog’s predatory instincts kick in and take over. At that moment, if something doesn’t happen to stop the behavior, it can turn ugly. 


Predatory drift can happen suddenly and unpredictably. It can even occur between two dogs who have played together for years – or live together and have always gotten along. Suddenly something triggers a fight.


The trigger for predatory drift can be pain, over-arousal (play that gets out of hand), or a yelp or scream. It can happen when a dog is hurt or frightened by another dog in play and squeals. The squeal triggers a predatory reaction, which can ripple through the entire pack in an instant. Unless people are right there to stop it, the result is what happened to Jasper the Old English Sheepdog I wrote about, who yelped and was attacked by 13 dogs.


The attacking dogs are not bad dogs. They are simply dogs. It isn’t a conscious reaction; it’s visceral and instinctive. 


It isn’t just dogs that behave this way. Consider what happens to a mob of fans at a soccer game, or a group of normally-civilized people standing on the sidewalk yelling “Jump!” to the poor, troubled person out on the ledge. Or consider how differently teenagers may behave in a group, or gang members when they’re together in a “pack.” 


It isn’t that two differently-sized dogs might not play very well together, but if predatory drift occurs between dogs of disparate sizes, the “shake” can kill the small dog quickly, before anyone can even begin to intervene.


My purpose in writing about these topics is not to alarm or upset readers, it is to educate so you’ll be your dog’s best advocate and protector. Dogs greatly enjoy and benefit from playing with other dogs in a multi-dog setting such as a playgroup, dog park or daycare. It would be sad to deprive them of this terrific outlet and enjoyment.


The caveat for owners is to be aware of the possibilities and take all due care. Don’t put your dog in an unsupervised or poorly supervised play environment, and at a dog park, don’t put your small dog in a group with larger dogs, and stop overly exuberant play before it might go over the top. 


Stopping play is a simple as stepping between two dogs, and redirecting their play, or holding them quietly on leash for a minute or so to give them a chance to settle down. If the highly aroused level of play continues, the dogs are likely overly stimulated, and it’s time to go home. 

I hope that this information provides some insight into dog behavior. My goal is to help dogs be understood as animals and for humans to understand their dogs' behavior. Far too often we anthropomorphize, project, misinterpret or even take personally our dogs behavior when we see them through human eyes. It is important to remember that though these amazing and wonderful creatures have managed to become human-like in our eyes, they still retain their animal instincts. They still remain animals whose behavior, communication and learning abilities are magnificent, intriguing and quite interesting to learn about when we take a moment to step out of our world and take a glimpse into theirs. 

Understanding Our Canine Companions

In encountering many people both dog owners and non, I find one thing most disconcerting. People are not given the appropriate information for living with and understanding their dogs.

What amazes me, is that we, as human beings, bring animals into our homes and expect them not to do what comes naturally to them.

In nature, animals communicate by vocalizing, using certain body movements like jumping, rolling, using their paws. They hunt, they dig, they bite, they grab and they fight when it's necessary. And though, true it is, that domesticated animals are a toned down version of wild animals, bred over and again through the years to create desirable traits, there are certain instincts you can never remove from them. Pushed to the limits, a dog will do what comes naturally, what is instinctual. People are surprised when dogs jump, bark, dig, growl or bite, but this is how they communicate with their own species, how would they know how to communicate in our language unless we teach them?

I read Jean Donaldson's book entitled "The Culture Clash" where she so perfectly paints a picture of what it must be like to be a dog in a human's world. Using a scenario of humans living as pets in an aliens world, she explains how dogs must be living in such a confusing world trying to understand foreign creatures. To see things in this way makes me so truly sad that more people don't take great care in understanding their dogs as DOGS and not anthropomorphizing them.

I find often that people interpret their dogs behavior through human eyes. But this is not only incorrect but a disservice to their dogs. People describe their dogs as spiteful, resentful or guilty when these are only human emotions. A dog's body language is trying to tell you something, but not in human language.

One example I can think of is when a dog has pottied for the 3rd time in their owners home. When the owner comes home, the dog cowers and the owner thinks "he knows he did something wrong because he looks away and cowers when I come home". The truth of the matter is, the last two times the owner yelled at the dog when he came in the door and so, the dog is reacting in this way in expectation of being yelled at. He cowers, because he expects the same experience preceeded by the same event as the day before. 1) Owner returns home followed by 2) Owner yells at dog. So commonly dog behavior is misunderstood and so we are sending the wrong messages to our dogs.

In an article by Suzanne Clothier entitled "He Just Wants To Say Hi!" the author explains how often owners mistake their dogs behavior to the dogs detriment. This happens all too often at the dog park. An owner thinks his dog is trying to be friendly by sniffing, jumping, pawing and nudging another dog. The dog being sniffed growls to indicate warning that he does not wish to be sniffed any further but the first dog persists. Next warning is a snap and if the persistent dog does not respond to his warnings, the next one might not be a warning but an action. Depending on how the persistent dog reacts, there could be a fight or he may back down. If a fight breaks out, the dog who gave the warning is often blamed. But who was the real instigator?

One of the most common misconceptions is that a dog wagging it's tail is happy. While this is true, it is not ALWAYS true. A wagging tail indicates an excited state, but the position that the tail is in dictates what kind of excitement. Is it aggression? Happiness? Uncertainty? Fear? Dogs communicate through vocalizations but primarily through body language. It's so important to understand our dogs body language. 


In the book "Calming Signals" by Turrid Rugaas, the author explains a variety of body postures and movements that dogs use to communicate with each other. The subtlest things like a yawn, head turn, an open mouth vs. a closed one, all mean something in dog language. And if you learn about these signals, you'll see, your dog has been using these with you all along.

According to Karen Delise of the national Canine Research Council

"We purchase or adopt a dog and expect them to automatically adjust to our chaotic life, while failing to recognize that dogs need guidance, attention and affection. Without our assistance our canine companions may have a difficult time meeting our expectations and can become stressed and confused"

"My research and investigation into 45 years of incidents of dog bite injuries has convinced me that a situation we understand as non-threatening, may be perceived quite differently by our dog," says Delise. "When we say a bite is 'unprovoked,' we mean 'I do not understand why the dog reacted as he did.'."

Dogs are incredibly tolerant of humans and usually communicate their stress, fear or discomfort without biting. Their level of stress can reach the point where there is a nip or single bite. Serious attacks by dogs are rare and are usually the end result of a series of problematic human and canine behaviors.

Before adopting any dog, do your research. Not only about the breed, their needs and temperament but also about dog behavior and training. Be prepared for your new companion and ready not only to adopt the right dog but to be the right owner.

To understand more about your dog, check out the following resources:

Click Here for information about specific breeds, cross breeds & mixes

Click Here and scroll down to see various dog body postures and what they mean.

For articles on dog behavior Click Here

And see my website for an incredibly informative video on dog body language called

"Speak Dog".

As always...love your dog for doing what it does best...being a dog. :)

The Importance of Spaying & Neutering

In this day and age there simply no reasons not to alter your pet. The benefits of spaying and neutering are many and are important. One of the most profound is the contribution it makes to the great problem of pet overpopulation in this country. Every year, approximately 8-12 million pets enter shelters and approximately 5-9 million never leave. There are so many homeless pets there simply isn’t room for all of them. Those not fortunate enough to be adopted end up spending the remainder of their lives in a shelter or are often euthanized.

There are a list of reasons animals end up in shelters. Many are surrendered pets given up by owners who turn in their pets for behavioral issues. This is another issue contributed to by not altering your pet. Male dogs are more dominant and burdened with a higher sexual drive which can cause problems like aggression, over-stimulation, mounting, scent-marking and a tendency to be one-track-minded. A male dog who is not neutered is likely to think for himself and not listen because his brain is simply somewhere else. Male dogs are also more likely to wander and try to escape. Why? Their hormones are calling them to search for a mate. Removing the need to escape and wander creates dogs who are less likely to wander and be hit by cars. Un-neutered, male dogs also run a higher risk of certain cancers which neutering can eliminate. Neutering before 6 months of age greatly reduces all of these risks. When neutering males later in life, often the problems of scent-marking and mounting remain, even after neutering.


Females who are not spayed go into heat within 6 months to a year of age. This is a bit of a messy problem, but also one that can cause personality changes and sometimes false pregnancies. An owner of an unaltered female must take the responsibility to keep their pet confined to prevent unwanted pregnancies. While spaying before first heat is optimal, some research shows that early spaying contributes to growth problems, bladder and incontinence issues and increased risk of thyroid problems. If an owner chooses to wait to spay after first heat, it is imperative they keep their pet confined during their heat period. Not spaying after the first heat, or at all, increases the risk of uterine and mammary cancers and of course, the risk of unwanted pregnancies and pet over-population.


There’s more. Your pet will be a happier pet. Spaying and neutering helps a dog be more focused, relaxed and content. It also helps to facilitate training, which in turn, improves the relationship with your dog. A well-trained dog is a happier dog and a more enjoyable companion. At dog parks, boarding facilities and places where dogs congregate and socialize, your dog will be less likely to be involved in a fight or aggressive situations (as the attacker or the victim), less likely to bite, less likely to mount other dogs, less likely to attract unwanted attention and be a more enjoyable, friendly and social dog for people and pets alike to be around.


For those who feel the emotional strain of losing their reproductive organs is too much on the owner themselves (dogs do not mourn the loss of these or of appendages either!) there are prosthetic replacements. Check outNeuticles . Yes, you saw right. Prosthetic testicles for dogs.


Perhaps owners are concerned about the cost of spaying and neutering. Well there’s an answer to that too. Low-cost spay/neuter clinics and vets provide low-cost services to people looking for a solution to the cost of surgery. Certain organizations provide certificates for low-cost or free spay/neuter as well.


As pet owners, lovers, guardians and pet parents can see, the benefits of altering greatly outweigh the disadvantages and doing so couldn’t be easier with the access to low-cost and free spay/neuter options. Dogs and cats have been bred out over the years to create domesticated animals who are safely able to share our lives. A good part of how dogs live is nothing short of “un-natural” because we have changed that by breeding out the wild instincts in them, having them live in our homes and treating them like family. It’s funny, but when dogs do what comes naturally to them, like barking, chewing, digging, jumping…we train them not to, so as to make them more enjoyable companions. We are asking them to behave in a manner that is not “natural” for dogs. Why make life more difficult for them to live in our world by not spaying and neutering?


There are still some who feel their pet is too cute not to breed and opt not to alter their pets for this reason. While this may be true, breeding is a responsibility best left up to responsible and experienced breeders. Breeding is a huge responsibility and not just about making puppies. Experienced and reputable breeders do it, not for the money, but for upkeep of the breed and upkeep of healthy animals. A great deal of money goes into genetic testing and health expenses and responsible breeders are aware of the lineage of their dogs and where exactly they came from and, where they go to. They are careful not to in-breed and have extensive knowledge on the subject. A subject that should not be entered into lightly. Leave the breeding to the experts and don’t breed your dog, for this and a list of many other reasons. For more information on breeding and the difference between backyard breeders vs. reputable/responsible breeders, check out: A Comparison of Backyard vs. Reputable Breeders


An altered pet is a happier, healthier, more enjoyable, social and more trainable pet. One that both owners and dog lovers alike can enjoy for many years to come. A responsible owner is one to be respected for they have made the decision to be responsible for their dog's physical and mental health and have chosen, responsibly and selflessly, to remove the possibility of adding to the already large problem of pet overpopulation in this country.


Please, spay and neuter your pets. For the well-being of your pet, your relationship with your pet and the lives of homeless animals everywhere.


If you still need a reason…follow this link:


In Hope

Dog Obedience, Problem Solving, Behavior Modification & Doing It Yourself: When To Call A Professional In

Dog training. It sounds simple and sometimes it can be, but there are times when you should NOT opt to do it yourself.

There are different types of trainers and different methods and different reasons for the types of training used. Some trainers stick to old methods of using different tools and aversive methods that can instill fear into a dog. While this may have been the old way of training, it's been replaced by positive reinforcement, redirecting behaviors and rewards. Why? Because science has shown it works and it's also more humane. In fact, it may surprise some people to know that the old school ways can actually worsen certain behavior problems by putting undue stress on dogs. Dog training isn't just teaching your dog a few new tricks, dog trainers who have the education behind them understand that dog behavior and training is a science. Do it right and you'll understand why. Do it wrong and you can be putting yourself and your dog in unnecessary danger.

Types of Training 

Obedience Training

Sure it seems simple. Teaching your dog to sit, stay, come, do tricks. Obedience training becomes more than just teaching tricks when you realize that any positive behaviors you teach your dog are behaviors he will keep in his repertoire and use when he wants something, which is unarguably better than barking, chewing, growling or any number of other undesirable behaviors a dog can use to get what he wants. He learns to earn and learns that nothing comes without asking nicely. Not only does obedience help build a better mannered dog but it also builds a relationship with your dog and helps to establish your dog's role in your home.

Problem Solving

Trainers are often called in for dogs who were not given a foundation for good behavior with obedience training and whose healthy relationship with his owner was never established. It's often needed when a dog is not given proper outlets for his energy as well and sometimes simply when the problem is housebreaking and the owners don't understand how to communicate the message to their dog. Problem solving applies to any behavior a dog normally does when he does not have the tools to do otherwise. These include: chewing, barking, nipping, hyperactivity, destructive behavior, housebreaking, and a few others. 

Behavior Modification

This is a category best left to trainers experienced in more serious behavior issues and often it is necessary to call upon the services of a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist or Veterinary Behaviorist to discuss not only behavior modification but occasionally the use of medications to help facilitate behavior modification techniques. Behavior modification is based in science and methods for training take a scientific approach to dog behavior. A behaviorist should be consulted when a pet's behavior goes beyond basic training. Behaviors that CAAB's are usually called in for are those such as aggression and behaviors based in fear and anxiety for example. It is crucial that owners not attempt to manage these behaviors on their own or without the help of a professional experienced in this field as the wrong methods can often exacerbate or worsen the problem and decrease a dog's chance to succeed. Sadly, many dogs that fall into this category are given up or euthanized when they could have been helped by the right professional. 

Do-it-Yourself Training

As with most things, there are trained professionals who have obtained the schooling and education needed to succeed in their field. Dog training, problem solving and behavior modification are areas of knowledge that, if done wrong contribute to the detriment and sometimes fate of the animal. Don't lessen your dog's chances of success. Call a professional when you need help with your pet. They do, afterall speak a different language and trainers are here to help translate and improve the communication and understanding between you and your dog. Why he does what he does may not actually mean what you think it does.

For information on where to find a Certified Dog Trainer, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist or Veterinary Behaviorist visit the link below:

http://www.thesuburbanpet.com/behavioralrefs.html

Sit and stay posted for more!

~Rebecca

Walking Your Dog Off Leash

We all love our dogs. Sometimes to a fault. They are a part of our lives, a part of our family and we let them into every part of our lives without hesitation and allow them freedoms without boundaries. Sometimes though, in doing so, we forget they are animals who function often on instinct and who, despite the fact we feel we understand our dogs 100%, there is no way we could, given that they don't speak our language or communicate in the same way that humans do.

You're walking your dog off leash. You trust your dog, he has never strayed from your side and he's as friendly as the day is long. Every day you walk him through the neighborhood, in the park and outside your home without worry. But there are a few things to consider before walking your dog off leash.

1. Be Polite: Not everyone loves dogs. It's a sad fact, but a fact nonetheless. Consider too, some people are actually afraid of dogs and size doesn't matter here. I've had plenty an adult and child run away crying from my pugs. Your well-meaning, friendly dog could be approaching someone who doesn't appreciate or want them doing so.

2. Respect Personal Space: Today I was walking one of my client's dogs when a loose dog, off leash, came running towards us. Not only did I not know this dog, but I didn't know his temperament, his intentions or how the dog I was walking would react. Had this been another dog who was not dog-friendly, fearful or saw this loose dog as a threat, we could have had a big problem on our hands. We walked the other way, but he kept following. Suppose that dog had approached, the dog I was walking reacted fearfully or aggressively and the loose dog retaliated? I'd have control of my dog but no one would have had control of the other dog. Though your dog may be friendly, others around do not know that and may not have friendly dogs themselves. Respect others' space by keeping your dog on leash so he/she doesn't invade the space of others.

3. Remember Dogs Have Instincts: Well behaved as your canine friend may be, there are some instincts that are hard wired into their brains. Instincts like prey-drive, chasing, hunting and/or killing small prey are especially strong in hunting breeds like hounds, terriers and many other breeds. If your dog sees something he/she wants, be it a squirrel, a cat or any small animal running across the street or even an animal or object that catches their interest, sometimes instinct kicks in and that drive overpowers them. If your dog is off leash and they run across a busy street you could be in for some serious trouble.

4. Respect Personal Property: Walking your dog through a residential area off leash or not, we may encounter residents who aren't dog-friendly, people who take very seriously the care and appearance of their homes or people who've been victims of the "poop-and-run" - aka owners who don't pick up after their dogs. Walking your dog on leash shows that you are responsible for where your dog goes and that you control where they walk and that you respect your neighbors property.

Although your dog may be wonderful off leash, it's courteous, responsible and in some towns, the law to keep your dog on leash. It's not just about keeping your dog safe, it's about respecting others and keeping others safe and comfortable as well.

For more information on dog parks and dog friendly places to take your dog walking off leash click below:

Dog Friendly NY 

Linus & Lucy sporting their 3 Dirty Dawgz Leashes