Cleveland's Source for Dog Training News and Information
Dogs Who Can Heal
Ever
notice how just looking at a dog can make your heart melt? And then
when they love up on you and you get to pet them .... Sometimes it just
makes the whole world feel right again.
The healing power of dogs has long been established and documented. Being in the presence of a dog can regulate your breathing, relax muscles and reduce blood pressure. People who live with dogs have a longer life expectancy. And many hospitalized patients who receive visits from Therapy Dogs enjoy faster recovery times. Nursing home residents are often able to regain cognitive connections that had previously been lost, enhancing their quality of life.
All of us at one time or another have noticed how our dogs become keenly in tune with our emotions. Rachel Friedman, a dog trainer and social worker in Cleveland Heights, refers to dogs as emotional barometers. How many of us have taken comfort from a dog who came to cuddle with us in a time of sadness? Almost everyday we are greeted by dogs as happy to see us as we are to see them. Time to play? Most of the time our dogs are ready to go as soon as we are. They are uncanny for reflecting and complimenting the state of our spirit.
But what about when things are going poorly? It seems a part of the human condition that we carry with us chronic low-grade stress. Especially now in an uncertain world with the constant threat of war and terrorism we bear an extra burden. Even at this very moment notice your shoulders. Are they completely relaxed? Hmm. And who is the barometer, the mirror, the co-carrier of our stress? Is it our dog?
Dogs are great emotional healers. But they are also indicators of own spirits and states of mind. And we've found that dogs bearing chronic low-grade stress often express it in ways that don't necessarily look like the human variety of stress. Certainly stressed out dogs can tremble, pant excessively, pace and worry. But they can also act out in ways that may look like misbehavior. Stressed out dogs are often hyper dogs. In fact, dogs who are nervous or anxious may outright ignore you when you ask him or her to do something. The dog may turn his face away, lie down in apparent defiance or turn his back on you. Misbehavior or stress? Stressed out dogs may urinate and defecate more. And they may do it in your house. They may chew. They may lick. In extreme cases they may have a lowered tolerance for frustration making an aggressive display more likely.
In all cases nonviolent reward-based training is called for. Simply engaging your dog's mind (and your mind for that matter) can aid in reducing stress. Now you're experiencing the healing power of a relationship with your dog, a training relationship. Play is also an excellent way to reduce stress in your life and your dog's life. It's is a delightful way to release natural calming neurotransmitters in your dog's brain.
In many cases it might also be beneficial to explore other ways to reduce anxiety in your life in general. See how that helps not only you but also your dog.
The Healing Power of Dogs
North Coast Dogs is honored to welcome Rachel Friedman, LISW and Jane Miller, LISW to our Lakewood Learning Center for an afternoon of learning and sharing, Saturday May 3rd from 4-6 p.m. The event will focus on the emotional connection between people and dogs, identifying signs of stress in dogs and in yourself and coping techniques.
$15 pre registration with Jon by e-mail or by phone at 216-221-DOGS
or
$20 at the door the day of the event. (space is limited)
New 4-Week Classes for Summer
Summer
is almost here and that means vacation time. We at North Coast Dogs
know it's sometimes hard to fit a 6-week class around Summer events.
So, we've designed three exciting new 4-week classes for you and your dog.
They all start in June and most will continue on into the seasons and years
ahead. All of these classes are already on the online
schedule. Pick out a class that fits your schedule and sign up.
Tricks and Fun
Juno is "speaking" on cue in the picture to the right. That's just one of the fun tricks we're teaching in our new Tricks and Fun course. You might already know some of the tricks in our curriculum. But we'll make sure there are many more new ones to keep you and your dog learning the fun and easy way. This is totally a light-hearted and fun class. Leave your stress at the door. Much of the class will be taught off-leash. No reactive dogs please.
Family Dog Extra
How 'bout brushing off your dog training skills and getting your adolescent or adult dog back on the training track. Family Dog Extra is the perfect refresher course for Family Dog grads. It's also the new fast-track class for Family Puppy Grads. Family Dog Extra reviews and skill builds all of the primary elements of Family Dog and Family Puppy with an emphasis on preventing jumping on people and leash pulling.
Junior Dog Training
Here's some fun kids and parents can enjoy together! Junior Dog Training is a daytime class for children 8-12, parents and dogs (Family Dog or Family Puppy grads). The focus is on teaching dog training and handling skills to the children. The approach is light and energetic to keep the young minds whirling. Gentle Leader Head Collars are strongly recommended unless your dog reliably works well on leash.
Walk on the Mild Side
Spring
is finally here and summer's on the way. Now's the time to think about
putting on the walking shoes and taking Rover (or Rocky - pictured right)
out for some leisurely exercise. Ah, but we all know how quickly that
relaxing walk can turn into a frustrating battle. Here are some ideas
for helping your dog walk nicely on a leash
- Teach your dog to enjoy walking by your side by luring her with a delicious treat. Talk sweetly to your dog so long as she's by your side. Give treats generously at first. For instruction on this technique take a Family Dog or Family Dog Extra Class. Or call for a consultation.
- Start simple. Always set your dog up to succeed. Practice first in your driveway or in front of your house before venturing out too far. You are always welcome to practice at our Lakewood Center. Just call ahead.
- When your dog pulls try stopping and getting her attention back on you before resuming the walk. Never let your dog practice pulling. She'll only get better at it. We also recommend changing directions on your walk when she pulls.
- Along the walk practice sits and downs. This will help keep your dog's attention and maintain her in "training mode."
The Gentle Leader
There's
an even easier way to alleviate leash pulling. It's the Gentle Leader
Head Collar. With proper fitting and training most dogs will walk nicely
on a Gentle Leader within 20 minutes. Your read that correctly.
Twenty minutes.
The Gentle Leader is similar to a horse bridle. It is not painful or punishing. Instead it changes the physics of leash pulling. Your dog simply can't get the same kind of leverage on a Gentle Leader that she can get on a regular collar. Here are some instructions for using a Gentle Leader.
- Make sure the GL is properly fitted.
- Associate your dog's wearing of the GL with praise, fun walks and treats.
Never scold your dog while she's wearing the Gentle Leader. - Keep the leash between you and the dog.
- Never yank on the leash. If your dog pulls gently steer her out of it.
- Keep slack on the leash whenever your dog is walking nicely.
- Allow for occasional sniffing and exploration. That's part of the fun for your dog.
- Praise your dog and enjoy the walk.
Red Cross Pet First Aid and CPR
Do
you know how to save your pet's life in case of an emergency? Your actions
prior to taking a loved one to the veterinarian can be make or break.
There is still room in our April and May Red Cross Sanctioned Pet First Aid and CPR Classes. Jon Corrigan is our Red Cross Certified instructor. In addition to his training with the Red Cross Jon has a background as a veterinary assistant.
The class is 3-hours and comes with a book (pictured left), breathing mask, sterile gloves and bandages. A pet first aid kit is optional but recommended. You can sign up for class online right now or call us at 216-221-DOGS.
Flea Season is Here
Now that the warm weather has arrived so too have those nasty little fleas. North Coast Dogs strongly recommends you consult your veterinarian about safe and effective flea control.
Though we have strict requirements regarding vaccinations we cannot insure that the dogs in our lasses will be adequately treated for fleas. You however can insure that your dog remains flea free by properly using the methods recommended by your veterinarian.
Flea infestation is uncomfortable and can lead to unpleasant allergic reactions in your dog. Fleas can also spread tape worms. Some over-the-counter flea products are ineffective. Used improperly they can sometimes be harmful to your dog. So, please consult your veterinarian.
Warning: Dog Thieves in Northeast Ohio
It was a cool day and she was just going to run in and out of the store for a minute. The dogs would be safe in the car. For this unnamed local woman it seemed like any other day at Avon Commons. What it turned into was an absolutely terrifying day. When the woman came out of the store her two beloved dogs, a boxer and a great Pyrenees, were gone.
Erie Shores Humane Officer Mitch Witherell says dog theft is a common and constant threat. And the thieves aren't stealing the dogs to make them their own house pets. They're stealing them to be dog fight bait or research animals. "Some labs pay $500 to $800 for dogs," Witehrell says. He's heard reports from other areas that thieves are smashing car windows to get at dogs. It only takes seconds for someone to take your canine family member away. In most cases the dogs are never found.
Fortunately in this case police and humane officers got the word out quickly. They found the stolen dogs from Avon Commons a few days later. The big boxer and giant great Pyrenees were wondering along a road in Sandusky, tired and malnourished. Police think the dogs were dumped.
Officer Witherell's advice: Protect your dog like you would any other family member and "be aware of just how frail and fragile life is."
North Coast Dogs Success Story: Mystic
She's
an unassuming soul. Mystic is a mild mannered 3 year old female mixed
breed dog. But her face tells a long story of some hard years and some
hard time.
Mystic, like so many other excellent dogs, was surrendered to an animal shelter. We don't know much about her earliest years. But we do know her success story began last year with the Humane Society of Madison County in London, Ohio. They send Mystic to prison.
It's called the Homeless Hounds Program at the Madison County Correctional Institute. Homeless Hounds is one of just 86 programs of its kind in 26 states. Prison inmates, some serving long sentences for serious crimes, raise and train homeless dogs. Confidentiality and security concerns prohibit us from knowing who trained Mystic. We know it was two inmates and that Mystic lived with them for 30 to 90 days. And we know they did a pretty darned good job.
Valerie Gustovich knew she wanted a dog who could become a Therapy Dog. Her search led to Madison County Humane where Mystic was fresh out of lock up. Her trainers had completed a 4 page questionnaire about Mystic's training and behavior. By all accounts she was the perfect candidate for Therapy Dog work. Valerie adopted Mystic and signed her up for a North Coast Dogs CGC / Therapy Dog Class. Everything was looking great for Mystic until the blood test came back.
A routine post-adoption trip to the veterinarian revealed Mystic had heart worms, a sometimes fatal and very preventable parasite infestation spread by mosquitoes. Maybe she got them in prison. Maybe it was before that. Either way, here was another challenge ahead for Mystic. Class was put on hold while the brave dog endured the painful treatment to kill the worms. Valerie's heart broke while Mystic's fought to survive.
The vet gave Valerie and Mystic the okay to start the next round of classes. Still, a cloud hung over them both. Mystic was improving. But her next blood test was still weeks away. Heart worm positive would mean another excruciating injection to the spine or maybe even death. Negative would mean she's in the clear. All the while Mystic worked. She sharpened her skills and tuned the beautiful instrument to touch souls that is the being "dog." And then the answer came.
The results were on Valerie's face when she walked in the door. "Negative!" Just days later Mystic passed another test: Canine Good Citizen / Therapy Dog. The next chapter has begun.
Other CGC / TDI Grads
Mindy Antonio
with Tiny
Karen Schumaker
with Yella Dog
Virginia Smith
with Hanna
Company News
New Employees
We'd like to welcome the newest members of our North Coast Dogs training team. Anne Ferry (pictured right) has been assisting classes for some time. She premiers on the June schedule as a puppy class trainer. Then in July it's off to the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers to earn her counseling certificate. Wish her luck, we know she'll do well.
Tracy Cushler joins us in the office. She's the friendly person greeting you and answering your calls in the evenings. Tracy is a retired Cleveland Police officer. She's also working part time with our partners at the Cleveland APL
New Challenge
Michael Baugh, CPDT will soon be on his way to becoming Michael Baugh, MA, CPDT. The John Carroll University School of Graduate Studies has graciously accepted him to join their community counseling program. Program director, Christopher Faiver PhD says Michael is the first dog trainer to join the program. However, both agree the additional education and subsequent state licensure will compliment his work at North Coast Dogs.
Michael will continue to see clients and teach classes while pursuing his studies.
Fun Summer Events
There are a lot of summer events coming up. We at North Coast Dogs hope to see you and your dog out and about. Here are some of the one's we're attending in the weeks and months ahead.
May 8th
Hair of the Dog Happy Hour hosted by FIDO (Lakewood Dog Park Group)
Great Lakes Brewing Company
2516 Market Ave., Cleveland, OH
Call North Coast Dogs at 216-221-DOGS for tickets
May 17th
First Annual Boxer Fest hosted by Lighthouse Boxer Rescue.
River Grove Picnic Area - Metroparks Willoughby Hills.
Call 216-941-5639 or visit www.lighthouseboxerrescue.org
May 18th
Beauty Pageant Goes to the Dog (contestants wanted)
German Central Foundation
7862 York Rd. Parma, OH
Call Syd Friedman at 440-331-7740
May 31st
APL Walk
Chagrin Valley Polo Fields
Call the APL at 216-771-4616
May 31st
Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo hosted by Animal Foundation of Cleveland
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Call Madelon at 440-460-1725
NCD Event Calendar Highlights
Rally Obedience
Sign up now for the hottest new thing in reward-based obedience competition. Rally-O is it! Classes start May 1st. That means there's still time to join our first ever APDT Sanctioned Rally-O Competition Level 1 on June 28th.
Healing Power of Dogs
Join us in welcoming Rachel Friedman, LISW and Jane Miller LISW for an evening of education and discussion. The topic: Stress in these troubled time and the role our relationship with our dog plays in our lives. See article above. Saturday, May 3rd from 4-6. Pre registration $15. At the door $20.
Canine Massage
From the healing power of dogs to the healing power of touch. Sign up for canine massage class at our Brunswick Learning Center starting Saturday, May 24th at 11:30 a.m.
Event Calendar
Notes in purple are Lakewood Classes
Notes in Green are Brunswick Classes
| May 2003 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
|
|
1 Rally-O Classes Start |
2 |
3 9A Small Dog Park Class 1P Large Dog Park Class 130P CGC Class |
||
4 |
5 6P Family Puppy Class |
6 |
7 |
8 730P Family Dog Class |
9 |
10 9A Small Dog Park 1P Family Dog 230P CGC 3P First Aid |
11 |
12 6P Family Puppy |
13 730P Family Dog |
14 6P Small Dog Park |
15 |
16 730P Family Puppy |
17 9A Large Dog Park 10A Family Puppy |
18 |
19 |
20 6P Large Dog Park |
21 6P Family Dog |
22 |
23 |
24 9A Large Dog Park 1130A Massage |
25 |
26 |
27 6P Family Dog |
28 |
29 | 30 Noon Family Dog |
31 9A Family Dog 9A Small Dog Park 1030A Family Puppy |
Next Month
Canine
Behavioral Health Month
Look for the posters. June, 2003 is a celebration! North Coast Dogs LTD is proud to be the first training and behavior company to celebrate Canine Behavioral Health Month. And we have a huge list of special events lined up.
June 1st: Inaugural cookout celebration
June 6th: Why Dogs Do the Things Dogs Do
June 14th Fly ball Demonstration
June 22nd Free Shaping Demonstration
June 28th: Rally Obedience Trail at the Fair Grounds
And as the saying goes ... Much much more! Stay Tuned.