Newsletter
Shady Mountain Howl
Issue #4, October 2024
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Pet of the MonthHazel is a Mini Goldendoodle. She's absolutely perfect! She has super conformation (rare for a Doodle), is super intelligent and loves to learn.
Hazel would be a great performance show dog as she loves to perform. She's happy doing obedience, Rally, and tricks. She offers new behaviors such as sneeze, and multiple twirls. Sometimes she adds a Speak or Bow. We're lucky to have her visit us for holidays and summer vacation. We can't get enough of this sweet pastry. To follow her activities, view our Current Guest page or check out our Facebook page. |
Howling On This Month
December was a busy month as it tends to be. The suites were mostly filled, but we did have to turn down some potential guests due to positive fecal tests. Thorough antigen fecal tests are important to do frequently as dogs can be harboring parasites or flagella without showing symptoms. The floatation test is not sufficient. It often misses parasites and flagella such as giardia and coccidia.
We apologize when this occurs but cannot accept the pet as a guest or it can endanger our other guests. The safety and health of all of our guests is part of what makes us the safest place to board them.
This month we had some interesting and challenging K9 students. There was big Cooper, a black GSD, who had the sad experience of previous training via an eCollar. It took him a week before he learned to focus without force. By the end of his month with us, he was performing beautifully with the leash dropped and surrounded by myriad distractions.
We had Jasper, a rescue mix, for a couple weeks. He's a live wire and always in need of an occupation. He did learn quickly, though, and loved to perform, Sadly, he showed symptoms of giardia, which his vet didn't detect prior to his arrival. He was boarded at a nearby kennel where they aren't as "particular" about precautions as we are. Jasper had to leave after 2 weeks, so we're doing his training in his own home.
Cooper Ahn spent the month with us as well. He and the GSD Cooper hit it off nicely. When black Cooper left, Golden Cooper played with Calypso, another Golden Retriever.
Our Big Buds, Zorro and Roux, visited a few days, as did Kay-D and some of our other regular guests. We highly value our regular guests as they are our family.
This month Hazel Dickerson earned her first obedience title - Rally Novice (RN). We've been working hard the past few months to earn this, and she did it in 3 straight shows, with scores of 91, 99 and 97. She got 2 second places and a first place. This is a huge accomplishment for a formerly highly reactive dog.
We apologize when this occurs but cannot accept the pet as a guest or it can endanger our other guests. The safety and health of all of our guests is part of what makes us the safest place to board them.
This month we had some interesting and challenging K9 students. There was big Cooper, a black GSD, who had the sad experience of previous training via an eCollar. It took him a week before he learned to focus without force. By the end of his month with us, he was performing beautifully with the leash dropped and surrounded by myriad distractions.
We had Jasper, a rescue mix, for a couple weeks. He's a live wire and always in need of an occupation. He did learn quickly, though, and loved to perform, Sadly, he showed symptoms of giardia, which his vet didn't detect prior to his arrival. He was boarded at a nearby kennel where they aren't as "particular" about precautions as we are. Jasper had to leave after 2 weeks, so we're doing his training in his own home.
Cooper Ahn spent the month with us as well. He and the GSD Cooper hit it off nicely. When black Cooper left, Golden Cooper played with Calypso, another Golden Retriever.
Our Big Buds, Zorro and Roux, visited a few days, as did Kay-D and some of our other regular guests. We highly value our regular guests as they are our family.
This month Hazel Dickerson earned her first obedience title - Rally Novice (RN). We've been working hard the past few months to earn this, and she did it in 3 straight shows, with scores of 91, 99 and 97. She got 2 second places and a first place. This is a huge accomplishment for a formerly highly reactive dog.
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I wanted to make a point of this to other pet parents of reactive dogs. It takes time, consistency and hard work to overcome such behavior issues, but it also creates a stronger bond for having done it.
The year is almost over, as of tomorrow. I'm sure there will be many new challenges in the coming year. I hope you all meet them successfully and remember, I'm always available if you need help or have questions, or just need a great place for your dog to visit when you travel.
The year is almost over, as of tomorrow. I'm sure there will be many new challenges in the coming year. I hope you all meet them successfully and remember, I'm always available if you need help or have questions, or just need a great place for your dog to visit when you travel.
List of features in this month's Shady Mountain Howl:
Training TipsTips to Successful Dog Training
List of Local Pet Rescue OrganizationsAre you looking for a new pet? Are you needing help with an animal that you found? There are several local organizations that can help.
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Training Tips
There are many ways to train dogs. Some trainers use harsh methods or training tools. Others may apply force. It doesn't take long for dogs to learn to either repeat behavior that's been rewarded or to avoid behavior that's been punished.
Dogs are commonly part of the family and no longer a piece of furniture to be abused and discarded, though sadly that still often occurs. This is due to those who do not value the true love and uplift to one's life that dogs bring us.
If you do value these things, use positive reinforcement training methods. Dogs are highly motivated by learning how to earn rewards. There's rarely any reason to apply force once this lightbulb turns on.
Here's a few tips to ensure positive reinforcement works for you and your dog:
1. Use a reward that motivates your dog. This can be food, a toy or even tummy rubs. Food is the easiest to manipulate while training, so attempt to use food first. If meat jerky doesn't work, try freeze dried meat. If that doesn't work, try mozzarella cheese sticks. For very finiky dogs try hotdogs or cooked chicken.
2. Use a unique sound to bridge the gap between your dog, such as a click, "Yes!" or "Good!" Just remember to use these sounds/words only for when your dog has accomplished something you requested.
3. Do not repeat your command cues. You are teaching your dog a language. If you begin using words repeatedly you will always have to repeat the words for your dog to respond. One name then one verbal cue.
4. Clearly delineate when your dog can relax. I use the word, Break, as that isn't commonly used at other times as you interact with your dog. Using the word, OK, can become confusing.
5. Keep your leash loose at all times. I suggest you hold the bulk of it in your right hand as your holding your treat in the other (in a closed fist so your dog can't access it as you move). Dogs tend to fuss more if the leash is tight, especially if wearing a head halter. A tight leash with a head halter means you're constantly punishing your dog by applying face pressure.
6. Be consistent with your body cues. Dogs read us as we read words. Consistent body cues enhance their learning ability and will produce a more positive outcome. Here's a couple examples:Use your left foot first when stepping forward as you cue the Heel.
* Use your right foot first when stepping forward as you cue the stay.
* Bend forward facing your dog as you cue the Recall.
* Stand upright near your dog when you cue Sit.
* Bend down at the waist as you cue your dog Down.
7. Be persistent. Continually redirect until your dog returns their focus on you. Never give in to your dog being reactive or not responding to a cue.
8. Dogs enjoy routines and schedules. Try to maintain one so your dog will understand and look forward to their training sessions and other exercise periods. This will prevent anxiety.
There's a lot more to training your dog than these tips, but they are a good rule of thumb to keep in mind when you approach training your own dog.
Dogs are commonly part of the family and no longer a piece of furniture to be abused and discarded, though sadly that still often occurs. This is due to those who do not value the true love and uplift to one's life that dogs bring us.
If you do value these things, use positive reinforcement training methods. Dogs are highly motivated by learning how to earn rewards. There's rarely any reason to apply force once this lightbulb turns on.
Here's a few tips to ensure positive reinforcement works for you and your dog:
1. Use a reward that motivates your dog. This can be food, a toy or even tummy rubs. Food is the easiest to manipulate while training, so attempt to use food first. If meat jerky doesn't work, try freeze dried meat. If that doesn't work, try mozzarella cheese sticks. For very finiky dogs try hotdogs or cooked chicken.
2. Use a unique sound to bridge the gap between your dog, such as a click, "Yes!" or "Good!" Just remember to use these sounds/words only for when your dog has accomplished something you requested.
3. Do not repeat your command cues. You are teaching your dog a language. If you begin using words repeatedly you will always have to repeat the words for your dog to respond. One name then one verbal cue.
4. Clearly delineate when your dog can relax. I use the word, Break, as that isn't commonly used at other times as you interact with your dog. Using the word, OK, can become confusing.
5. Keep your leash loose at all times. I suggest you hold the bulk of it in your right hand as your holding your treat in the other (in a closed fist so your dog can't access it as you move). Dogs tend to fuss more if the leash is tight, especially if wearing a head halter. A tight leash with a head halter means you're constantly punishing your dog by applying face pressure.
6. Be consistent with your body cues. Dogs read us as we read words. Consistent body cues enhance their learning ability and will produce a more positive outcome. Here's a couple examples:Use your left foot first when stepping forward as you cue the Heel.
* Use your right foot first when stepping forward as you cue the stay.
* Bend forward facing your dog as you cue the Recall.
* Stand upright near your dog when you cue Sit.
* Bend down at the waist as you cue your dog Down.
7. Be persistent. Continually redirect until your dog returns their focus on you. Never give in to your dog being reactive or not responding to a cue.
8. Dogs enjoy routines and schedules. Try to maintain one so your dog will understand and look forward to their training sessions and other exercise periods. This will prevent anxiety.
There's a lot more to training your dog than these tips, but they are a good rule of thumb to keep in mind when you approach training your own dog.
Benefits of Multiple Dog Households
Benefits of Multiple Dog Households
There are numerous benefits to having more than one dog. As dogs prefer to live in social units, multiple dog households enhance each individual canine’s overall well-being. From the comfort of constant companionship to feelings of security, the benefits of multiple dog households far outweigh the little bit of extra effort involved in having multiple dogs.
If you are able to offer a good home to an additional dog, both the time and financial commitment, you and your current canine will derive numerous benefits. Once you experience a multi-dog household you may never go back to just one dog.
Few of us will play with our dog the way another dog might. We won’t go tousle in mud puddles, nor do we want to put our mouths around our dog’s legs while wrestling. Not many of us can keep up with chasing balls and sticks, either. We have to face the fact that most dogs need other dogs to play with.
You may have to work long hours through the day, errands to run and other regular chores. Regardless of your schedule it is unlikely that you can spend all of your time with your dog.
Another dog in the home will insure that they engage in more activity. Instead of coming home to a dog anxious to exercise, his excitement will be centered on greeting you. Dogs who have day-long access to a fenced yard, through a doggy door, will further reduce the home-alone anxiety that many latch-key dogs experience.
If your dog must be crated during the day, he can still enjoy the company of another dog in a crate alongside. Having a pack member in close proximity will further alleviate separation anxiety related depression.
There are many other benefits as well, such as:
Social Benefits of Multi-dog Households
Dogs love to socialize! Whether it means spending time with you or other dogs, they prefer being in the company of others.
Dogs descended from wolves, who have highly evolved social societies. They live harmoniously in large family groups and hunt together. When a youngster misbehaves he is ostracized; the ultimate punishment. Due to this natural behavior, instinctive in domestic canines, being alone can have very negative connotations.
If you work long hours or are otherwise fully engaged, your dog will feel left out. Some develop negative behaviors such destructive chewing, excessive barking or licking as well as depression. A dog with severe separation anxiety can be very difficult, sometimes requiring medication and other special arrangements.
One of the most important things to dogs is to have a pack, at least of two. The company of others gives dogs feelings of security and companionship. It reduces anxiety and fosters personal growth. It is very important to dogs to have a sense of belonging to a family unit. Another dog in your household will enhance your dog’s life, relieving his feelings of being alone.
Exercise Benefits of Multi-dog Households
Dogs thrive on exercise. Humans can rarely keep up with what dogs really need in order to remain both physically and mentally healthy. Another dog in your household can offer your dog lots of exercise throughout the day.
One of the biggest triggers of destructive behavior is lack of exercise. Bored dogs will tend to chew and dig a lot more than one who is well exercised and tired. That’s not to say that two dogs can’t also create twice the damage, if left alone for long periods of time, as much of their interactive play can entail digging and playing tug-o-war with your pillows. But, if well trained, and contained in a safe area, they are more likely to play with each other than tear down the walls.
Well exercised dogs tend to have better appetites. Dogs with good appetites are easier to maintain, as you can be certain they are receiving the nutrients needed to remain healthy. Dogs who exercise also have stronger bones and muscles. Good body condition tends to prevent injury and illness.
Moderate exercise is beneficial to older dogs in order to keep their bodies in condition and their minds occupied. A single elderly dog will tend to sleep most of the time, making him more susceptible to illness. Even a couple walks and light play can help your older dog live a longer, happier, and healthier life.
Young dogs need a lot of exercise or they resort to attention seeking behavior that is generally mischievous. While it’s never a good idea to obtain two puppies at the same time, a well-trained young adult dog can benefit from a new friend of any age. Two dogs can spend many hours playing in the yard, tiring themselves in a positive way instead of being destructive to your home.
Second Dog is Easier to Train
Believe it or not, dogs teach each other. Here are just a few of the ways that one dog teaches another:
Emotional Benefits of Multi-dog Households
Besides the fact that your own life will feel fuller, your dog will be more relaxed and secure.
Dogs are very emotional creatures. When left alone for long periods of time they can become depressed. Depression is displayed both physically and through behavior. A typical sign of depression can be obsessive licking, creating lick granulomas on legs which can become infected. Some dogs will chew things that can be dangerous to them, requiring an emergency trip to the veterinarian to remove swallowed objects.
Another dog in the home is likely to alleviate your dog’s depression, preventing obsessive behavior. Having another dog to cuddle with makes dogs feel more content and part of a pack, which is their natural inclination.
Enhancement to Child Development in Multi-dog Households
Children with pets tend to be more balanced and responsible as they mature. Should you have more than one child, having multiple dogs will give each child a special friend. They can learn to be responsible for their special canine friend which, in turn, gives them feelings of confidence and security.
Dogs help children cope with crisis in their lives such as family disruptions, bad experiences, loneliness and other types of stress. You can consider dogs as in-house therapy. A pal who is always there to listen to and comfort your child.
While there are many things to consider prior to adopting a second, or third dog, the benefits outweigh these challenges. Your first dog will have company at all times, someone to play with, and someone to be part of his canine pack. Your family will have another companion to share your lives.
There are numerous benefits to having more than one dog. As dogs prefer to live in social units, multiple dog households enhance each individual canine’s overall well-being. From the comfort of constant companionship to feelings of security, the benefits of multiple dog households far outweigh the little bit of extra effort involved in having multiple dogs.
If you are able to offer a good home to an additional dog, both the time and financial commitment, you and your current canine will derive numerous benefits. Once you experience a multi-dog household you may never go back to just one dog.
Few of us will play with our dog the way another dog might. We won’t go tousle in mud puddles, nor do we want to put our mouths around our dog’s legs while wrestling. Not many of us can keep up with chasing balls and sticks, either. We have to face the fact that most dogs need other dogs to play with.
You may have to work long hours through the day, errands to run and other regular chores. Regardless of your schedule it is unlikely that you can spend all of your time with your dog.
Another dog in the home will insure that they engage in more activity. Instead of coming home to a dog anxious to exercise, his excitement will be centered on greeting you. Dogs who have day-long access to a fenced yard, through a doggy door, will further reduce the home-alone anxiety that many latch-key dogs experience.
If your dog must be crated during the day, he can still enjoy the company of another dog in a crate alongside. Having a pack member in close proximity will further alleviate separation anxiety related depression.
There are many other benefits as well, such as:
- Increased appetite
- Increased activity levels
- Reduced incidence of separation anxiety
- Improved socialization skills
Social Benefits of Multi-dog Households
Dogs love to socialize! Whether it means spending time with you or other dogs, they prefer being in the company of others.
Dogs descended from wolves, who have highly evolved social societies. They live harmoniously in large family groups and hunt together. When a youngster misbehaves he is ostracized; the ultimate punishment. Due to this natural behavior, instinctive in domestic canines, being alone can have very negative connotations.
If you work long hours or are otherwise fully engaged, your dog will feel left out. Some develop negative behaviors such destructive chewing, excessive barking or licking as well as depression. A dog with severe separation anxiety can be very difficult, sometimes requiring medication and other special arrangements.
One of the most important things to dogs is to have a pack, at least of two. The company of others gives dogs feelings of security and companionship. It reduces anxiety and fosters personal growth. It is very important to dogs to have a sense of belonging to a family unit. Another dog in your household will enhance your dog’s life, relieving his feelings of being alone.
Exercise Benefits of Multi-dog Households
Dogs thrive on exercise. Humans can rarely keep up with what dogs really need in order to remain both physically and mentally healthy. Another dog in your household can offer your dog lots of exercise throughout the day.
One of the biggest triggers of destructive behavior is lack of exercise. Bored dogs will tend to chew and dig a lot more than one who is well exercised and tired. That’s not to say that two dogs can’t also create twice the damage, if left alone for long periods of time, as much of their interactive play can entail digging and playing tug-o-war with your pillows. But, if well trained, and contained in a safe area, they are more likely to play with each other than tear down the walls.
Well exercised dogs tend to have better appetites. Dogs with good appetites are easier to maintain, as you can be certain they are receiving the nutrients needed to remain healthy. Dogs who exercise also have stronger bones and muscles. Good body condition tends to prevent injury and illness.
Moderate exercise is beneficial to older dogs in order to keep their bodies in condition and their minds occupied. A single elderly dog will tend to sleep most of the time, making him more susceptible to illness. Even a couple walks and light play can help your older dog live a longer, happier, and healthier life.
Young dogs need a lot of exercise or they resort to attention seeking behavior that is generally mischievous. While it’s never a good idea to obtain two puppies at the same time, a well-trained young adult dog can benefit from a new friend of any age. Two dogs can spend many hours playing in the yard, tiring themselves in a positive way instead of being destructive to your home.
Second Dog is Easier to Train
Believe it or not, dogs teach each other. Here are just a few of the ways that one dog teaches another:
- Housetraining – dogs will often relieve themselves where they see and smell the leavings of other dogs. As your trained dog has learned to relieve himself outdoors in a specific area, your new dog will likely follow suit.
- Reaction to stimuli – your well trained dog has learned how to react to the door bell, family members and being walked. Dogs often learn inappropriate behavior patterns from other dogs and humans. For example, if your dog does not jump on visitors it will be easy to guide your new dog in this direction as well.
- Overall behavior patterns – Your first dog has learned the schedule. His behavior will help your new dog do the same, such as when it is time to go outside, eat, and when they will be walked and worked with. Copying each other’s behavior is a natural part of canine development and pack cohesion.
Emotional Benefits of Multi-dog Households
Besides the fact that your own life will feel fuller, your dog will be more relaxed and secure.
Dogs are very emotional creatures. When left alone for long periods of time they can become depressed. Depression is displayed both physically and through behavior. A typical sign of depression can be obsessive licking, creating lick granulomas on legs which can become infected. Some dogs will chew things that can be dangerous to them, requiring an emergency trip to the veterinarian to remove swallowed objects.
Another dog in the home is likely to alleviate your dog’s depression, preventing obsessive behavior. Having another dog to cuddle with makes dogs feel more content and part of a pack, which is their natural inclination.
Enhancement to Child Development in Multi-dog Households
Children with pets tend to be more balanced and responsible as they mature. Should you have more than one child, having multiple dogs will give each child a special friend. They can learn to be responsible for their special canine friend which, in turn, gives them feelings of confidence and security.
Dogs help children cope with crisis in their lives such as family disruptions, bad experiences, loneliness and other types of stress. You can consider dogs as in-house therapy. A pal who is always there to listen to and comfort your child.
While there are many things to consider prior to adopting a second, or third dog, the benefits outweigh these challenges. Your first dog will have company at all times, someone to play with, and someone to be part of his canine pack. Your family will have another companion to share your lives.
List of Local Pet Rescue Organizations
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If you have decided to adopt a pet please check out the below links. To the left is Layla, who was rescued by one of these organizations and adopted by Stephanie Carter. Layla spent a lot of time at SMPR and enjoyed her training hikes. She also enjoyed socializing with some of our other guests. She passed away this past May and we'll miss her terribly. But, she is proof that you can find a forever companion at a humane society or rescue organization.
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Are you looking for the perfect indoor/outdoor bed for your pet? Try a Kuranda bed! These beds withstand the most rugged dogs. They come in a large variety of sizes and neutral colors.
Click link below to order one for your dog.
Pet Product Review
Honour Heartbeat Plush Toy
It's hard for puppies to leave their mom and siblings when they are taken to a new home. Dogs are pack animals and are most comfortable when with other dogs. Puppies pile on top of each other, sharing warmth and security. Mother dog licks them clean as they nurse, teaches them appropriate behavior and keeps them together.
When puppies are taken into new homes, all of these behaviors that offered them security are suddenly removed. Many puppies will howl, whine and cry. New puppy parents will hold their puppy and teach them about a new type of affection and security within their household. But puppy parents can't just sit around all day hugging and playing with their puppies. One must earn a living to afford to have the puppy in the first place and a home to live in. This means that there will be times when the puppy will be left alone with no one to cuddle near.
The Honour Heartbeat Plush Toy will give your puppy the surrogate that they need. The feeling and sound of another puppies' beating heart and the feel of having another puppy to cuddle near will help your new puppy settle into their new environment.
Whether you're crate training, putting your pup down for the night, or you don't have time at the moment to play, let your puppy have the Heartbeat Plush Puppy to help them through their insecurities.
When puppies are taken into new homes, all of these behaviors that offered them security are suddenly removed. Many puppies will howl, whine and cry. New puppy parents will hold their puppy and teach them about a new type of affection and security within their household. But puppy parents can't just sit around all day hugging and playing with their puppies. One must earn a living to afford to have the puppy in the first place and a home to live in. This means that there will be times when the puppy will be left alone with no one to cuddle near.
The Honour Heartbeat Plush Toy will give your puppy the surrogate that they need. The feeling and sound of another puppies' beating heart and the feel of having another puppy to cuddle near will help your new puppy settle into their new environment.
Whether you're crate training, putting your pup down for the night, or you don't have time at the moment to play, let your puppy have the Heartbeat Plush Puppy to help them through their insecurities.