New Classes....Summer 2011

Happy Warm Weather!!!

It's so wonderful to see green grass and feel a warm breeze after our long winter.

Our Daycare is enjoying the great weather too. Between our outside space and the fabulous wall of windows on both side allows for a great breeze. We love seeing the dogs with the noses in the air catching spring their way. The daily playgroup is such good friends, they just love hanging together. This spring there are some new fur-faces to add to the fun! As always we welcome all clients to take full advantage of our daycare. We offer drop in hours, PICK UP AND DROP OFF's service.

The shoppe just got some really great toys and some tasty new treats. We always welcome special orders. Save big! We don't mark up like the big chains. We have sqeekie tennis balls, and lights for dog's collar to keep them safe at night. We have liver, beef an chicken treats. Soft and crunchy treats too. We have leashes and collars and so much more.


Our classes are focused on your dogs natural skills and real life experiences.


Graduate Handler June-Dec this is the advanced class you have always wanted. It meets for 6 months.


Silence is golden...this class begins SUNDAY June 5 at 11:30-12 this class will meet until Aug 14


Tues 6-7 pm Manners 101, this is the foundation class for all dogs. Ideal for pups to adults dogs. This class is OPEN ENROLLMENT (allowing you to join at anytime.) also meets Tues 6-7. You may attend both classes if your schedule allows. 8 weeks $160


Tues 5-5:45pm. On the road again, this class will meet for the 8 weeks Beginning June 21. This class will meet in all weather. We will work the in the parks and on the bike paths. Also work in Florence and downtown Northampton. This jam packed class is just $160. Limited to 5 handler teams



Weds: 6-7 pm Skill Builder /Experienced Handler this is the next step in any dogs bonding and education. More advanced skills and command are covered in including "go to bed/mat", drop on recall, pre-off leash skills, and so much more. If you are looking for a challenging class using real life situations to allow for more bonding and skill gained. A ten week class. 10 weeks for $190


Weds: 7-8 pm Thearpy Dog Skill Class
Gain the skills to become certified Thearpy Dog Team. We also provide AKC CGC testing for all teams. This is a must for all aspiring to become Thearpy Dog team in a variety of therapeutic settings. Open enrollment class meets for 10 weeks for $190


Friday NEW TIME 6-6:45 pm TRICKS.... Club!!! Learn to roll over, play dead, teach your dog to read! Math tricks, walk backwards and so more. 3 months for $150



Sat 9:30-10:30 NEW TIME (beginning June 4th) Manners 101, this is the foundation class for all dogs. Ideal for pups to adults dogs. This class is OPEN ENROLLMENT (allowing you to join at anytime.) also meets Tues 6-7. You may attend both classes if your schedule allows. 8 weeks for $160


Sat Reactive Dog 10:45-11:45 am this class is for dogs who have fear, phobias or have shown aggressive type behavior towards people or other dogs. PRE-ENROLLMENT INTERVIEW MUST BE SCHEDULED PRIOR TO BEGINNING! please!! This special class, with proven success! Fee $350 for lifetime enrollment.

Our Doggie DayCare! Your Dog could be having this much fun

Practice makes perfect...


Everyone gets into the FUN!!


Our younger staff providing the best snuggles...

Is your dog making you jumping mad?....

First step is understanding....Before you begin to stop any behavior you should try to understand why it is happening. Jumping on humans to a dog is a friendly gesture. It says I am no threat, I want to be friendly with you. This lesson will give you the tools to change the behavior yet allowing your dog to achive the same goal.

The second step to stop dog jumping understands that you will also need to train yourself, and your family members and most common house guests. You (and they) need to be aware of how to react and how not to react to this behavior. The last thing you want to do is pull your dog down or yell at him

Lesson: How to stop the jumping
Fortunately the process of training a dog not to jump on people is relatively simple, although it can be time consuming. Naturally, you will start with yourself. You will have to teach them to “sit” before you can begin. Once your dog can “sit”, on command you are ready to begin. THIS BEGINS THE SECOND YOU WALK INTO THE HOUSE, EVERYDAY, AND EVERYTIME.
1. First remember when using the “SIT” command speaks firmly but without yelling.

2. SAY SIT (no more than 2 times) Show the dog treat in your hand if you need to. As your dog approaches you or a guest say “SIT” (guests should say SIT, the person the dog is greeting MUST be the one to say sit. NOT THE OWNER. )
TROBLESHOOTING: If you dog does not sit, repeat the command up to 2 times no more then if you still do not have a sit, show the treat and use the SIT lure hand motion to achieve the desired behavior.

3. Reward for the SIT, give a treat. REMEMBER to be careful not to give the treat until he is at a full sit for at least 5 seconds (count in your head).
If you give the treat too soon, he'll think it is being given for jumping so he'll simply repeat the behavior. Just the opposite of what we want! Remember your dog thinks he's being friendly not aggressive. He really thinks you will like this. So it is essential that he understands he is being rewarded for sitting and not jumping.

As we mentioned, this may take a little more time than most training procedures simply because to him, jumping is both friendly and natural. His instinct is to be friendly and to want to play. And he loves being rewarded for it. Give your dog plenty of play time, but not when he jumps up on you. It's hard not to cuddle, hug or laugh with him as he jumps when you come home. But you have to hold back. You may even like it, but if you give approval and affection for this behavior, he'll have a hard time understanding that strangers and guests will not feel the same.

Now you'll need the help of family members and frequent guests. They need to know that they should not play with him when he jumps, and they also should not push him off. Your dog will likely see this pushing off behavior as playing. Instead, they should stand still or move sideways. Your dog will learn not to jump. They probably already know Fido will jump of them when they arrive, so they need to know not to react to him. It won't be long before Fido understands not to jump.

We do realize that this will be difficult for one of two reasons. First the person being jumped on may be nervous. Or second, they may want to play with the dog. And this is where the training can bog down. It may be best to keep these people away until the training is complete. Doing otherwise will only serve to confuse your pet, which in turn, will slow the training down.

Don't confuse him and it will be relatively easy to stop dog jumping. Give him the sit command and reward him when he doesn't jump. The less confusion there is, the faster the training will go. If you are consistent, and everyone is doing the same thing, it will be pretty quick training. And once you stop a dog from jumping, you and your guests will be happier. Fido will be too.

Long-Term Health Risks and Benefits Associated with Spay / Neuter in Dogs

Long-Term Health Risks and Benefits Associated with Spay / Neuter in Dogs Laura J. Sanborn, M.S. May 14, 2007 Precis

At some point, most of us with an interest in dogs will have to consider whether or not to spay / neuter our pet. Tradition holds that the benefits of doing so at an early age outweigh the risks. Often, tradition holds sway in the decision-making process even after countervailing evidence has accumulated. Ms Sanborn has reviewed the veterinary medical literature in an exhaustive and scholarly treatise, attempting to unravel the complexities of the subject. More than 50 peer-reviewed papers were examined to assess the health impacts of spay / neuter in female and male dogs, respectively. One cannot ignore the findings of increased risk from osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, hypothyroidism, and other less frequently occurring diseases associated with neutering male dogs. It would be irresponsible of the veterinary profession and the pet owning community to fail to weigh the relative costs and benefits of neutering on the animal’s health and well-being. The decision for females may be more complex, further emphasizing the need for individualized veterinary medical decisions, not standard operating procedures for all patients.

No sweeping generalizations are implied in this review. Rather, the author asks us to consider all the health and disease information available as individual animals ar evaluated. Then, the best decisions should be made accounting for gender, age, breed, and even the specific conditions under which the long-term care, housing and training of the animal will occur.

This important review will help veterinary medical care providers as well as pet owners make informed decisions. Who could ask for more?

Larry S. Katz, PhD Associate Professor and Chair Animal Sciences Rutgers University New Brunswick, NJ 08901

INTRODUCTION
Dog owners in America are frequently advised to spay/neuter their dogs for health reasons. A number of health benefits are cited, yet evidence is usually not cited to support the alleged health benefits. When discussing the health impacts of spay/neuter, health risks are often not mentioned. At times, some risks are mentioned, but the most severe risks usually are not. This article is an attempt to summarize the long-term health risks and benefits associated with spay/neuter in dogs that can be found in the veterinary medical literature. This article will not discuss the impact of spay/neuter on population control, or the impact of spay/neuter on behavior.

Nearly all of the health risks and benefits summarized in this article are findings from retrospective epidemiological research studies of dogs, which examine potential associations by looking backwards in time. A few are from prospective research studies, which examine potential associations by looking forward in time.

SUMMARY
An objective reading of the veterinary medical literature reveals a complex situation with respect to the longterm health risks and benefits associated with spay/neuter in dogs. The evidence shows that spay/neuter correlates with both positive AND adverse health effects in dogs. It also suggests how much we really do not yet understand about this subject.

On balance, it appears that no compelling case can be made for neutering most male dogs, especially immature male dogs, in order to prevent future health problems. The number of health problems associated with neutering may exceed the associated health benefits in most cases.

On the positive side, neutering male dogs
• eliminates the small risk (probably <1%) of dying from testicular cancer
• reduces the risk of non-cancerous prostate disorders
• reduces the risk of perianal fistulas
• may possibly reduce the risk of diabetes (data inconclusive) On the negative side, neutering male dogs
• if done before 1 year of age, significantly increases the risk of osteosarcoma (bone cancer); this is a common cancer in medium/large and larger breeds with a poor prognosis.
• increases the risk of cardiac hemangiosarcoma by a factor of 1.6
• triples the risk of hypothyroidism
• increases the risk of progressive geriatric cognitive impairment
• triples the risk of obesity, a common health problem in dogs with many associated health problems • quadruples the small risk (<0.6%) of prostate cancer
• doubles the small risk (<1%) of urinary tract cancers
• increases the risk of orthopedic disorders
• increases the risk of adverse reactions to vaccinations

For female dogs, the situation is more complex. The number of health benefits associated with spaying may exceed the associated health problems in some (not all) cases. On balance, whether spaying improves the odds of overall good health or degrades them probably depends on the age of the female dog and the relative risk of various diseases in the different breeds. On the positive side, spaying female dogs

• if done before 2.5 years of age, greatly reduces the risk of mammary tumors, the most common malignant tumors in female dogs
• nearly eliminates the risk of pyometra, which otherwise would affect about 23% of intact female dogs; pyometra kills about 1% of intact female dogs
• reduces the risk of perianal fistulas
• removes the very small risk (0.5%) from uterine, cervical, and ovarian tumors On the negative side, spaying female dogs
• if done before 1 year of age, significantly increases the risk of osteosarcoma (bone cancer); this is a common cancer in larger breeds with a poor prognosis
• increases the risk of splenic hemangiosarcoma by a factor of 2.2 and cardiac hemangiosarcoma by a factor of >5; this is a common cancer and major cause of death in some breeds
• triples the risk of hypothyroidism
• increases the risk of obesity by a factor of 1.6-2, a common health problem in dogs with many associated health problems
• causes urinary “spay incontinence” in 4-20% of female dogs
• increases the risk of persistent or recurring urinary tract infections by a factor of 3-4
• increases the risk of recessed vulva, vaginal dermatitis, and vaginitis, especially for female dogs spayed before puberty
• doubles the small risk (<1%) of urinary tract tumors
• increases the risk of orthopedic disorders
• increases the risk of adverse reactions to vaccinations One thing is clear – much of the spay/neuter information that is available to the public is unbalanced and contains claims that are exaggerated or unsupported by evidence.

Rather than helping to educate pet owners, much of it has contributed to common misunderstandings about the health risks and benefits associated of spay/neuter in dogs. The traditional spay/neuter age of six months as well as the modern practice of pediatric spay/neuter appear to predispose dogs to health risks that could otherwise be avoided by waiting until the dog is physically mature, or perhaps in the case of many male dogs, foregoing it altogether unless medically necessary.

The balance of long-term health risks and benefits of spay/neuter will vary from one dog to the next. Breed, age, and gender are variables that must be taken into consideration in conjunction with non-medical factors for each individual dog. Across-the-board recommendations for all pet dogs do not appear to be supportable from findings in the veterinary medical literature.

SEE ENTIRE ARTICLE AT: http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/LongTermHealthEffectsOfSpayNeuterInDogs.pdf

Positive Reinforement Training takes Best in Show

by Larry Kay .... http://www.pawnation.com/2011/02/17/praise-your-dog-like-a-westminster-best-in-show-c/


It's not just the Westminster Best in Show 2011 winner, who thrives under praise. Paw Nation interviewed more than two dozen Westminster Dog Show handlers, owners and officials and found that every one we spoke with uses positive reinforcement dog training, in which praise is emphasized and bad behavior is mostly ignored.

The biggest name in the dog world right now, Scottish deerhound Hickory, is busy taking in the adoration and good wishes of not just the fans at the Westminster Dog Show but animal lovers all over the world. Fortunately, she's had good training for all the attention from the likes of Martha Stewart and more. She became the champion she is today mostly because of the guidance and positive encouragement of handler Angela Lloyd.

"Praise is the key to get inside a dog's head and heart," says Lloyd, who believes that dogs respond magnificently "if you are going to show them unconditional love."

Lloyd's mother, Gwen Plush says that her daughter has become a champion because she "bonds with the animals she shows. She understands them and they love her." Lloyd, now 31, has been going to dog shows since she was a child and in 1998 earned the Westminster Show's Junior Showmanship title.

What the Westminster Experts Say
Thomas Bradley, the Westminster Dog Show's chairman for the past 10 years, says that "positive reinforcement has been on the rise for quite some time." Bradley says that, as far as he knows, new methods among elite show dog handlers are all based in positive reinforcement.

Make a Game of It - Westminster Junior Showmanship competitor 17-year-old Sarah Broom has shown her champion basset hound, Castle Hill's Never Too Rich CD, nicknamed Nicole, at Westminster for the past two years. Broom learned to train and handle dogs in the 4H Club and says, "It's better to tell your dog what she does right." Broom makes the long hours of training more fun with games and toys. She believes that positive reinforcement is the best way to properly train any dog, show dog or not. She has also trained Nicole to be a companion dog, and together they help at-risk kids read in school programs.

Ignore Bad Behavior - Virginia Baxter, a rookie Westminster trainer and handler uses only positive reinforcement with 3-year-old bull terrier Ch. Dogmore's Delight, nicknamed Cricket. "I don't believe in forceful methods," says Baxter, scratching Cricket behind the ears. Instead, Baxter advises, "Ignore what a dog doesn't do right." Cricket, in addition to being a champion show dog is also a certified therapy dog that goes to hospitals.

Some Praise Everything - Veteran Westminster handler Michael Kemp has shown champion dogs for decades and has won Westminster's Best in Show, Best in Group, Best in Breed, Best of Opposite Sex and dozens of other ribbons. How does he do it? "I use as much positive reinforcement as possible." That means Kemp praises the dog for everything she does, even the wrong things.



"I tell them they're good so much that they respond to everything," Kemp says. "I don't force them. I encourage them to show their best." In fact, one champion dog Kemp handled "made a career out of being bad. Instead of trying to make her good, I praised her for being bad, even when she misbehaved." That dog, a bichon frise named Ch. Devon's Puffenstuff, won Best in Group at Westminster two years in a row, Kemp says, "because she was so vivacious." He recommends that family dog owners should simply "trust the dogs to do their thing." He says that it's best to "let dogs use their brains" and that owners should "make something good out of whatever they do."

Different Kinds of Training
There are variety of positive reinforcement methods. All trainers emphasize voice praise. Some trainers also use a clicker, which Bradley notes has increased in recent years. Some trainers use treats, while others do not. Pat Crowley has handled show dogs at Westminster for 31 of the past 35 years, and though she prefers not to use treats, she does use voice praise and believes in the power of positive touch. "Positive reinforcement is all I use," she says.

Winter Early Spring 2011

Upcoming Dates:
Feb 6 11:30-1, Pills, Nails, Ointment oh my... This jam packed workshop is led by Kristen Neal, she is a surgical technician at Dakin Pioneer Valley Spay & Neuter Clinic, we are so excited to have her back. You will learn how to give medication, apply eye ointment, clean ears, trim nails and so much more... This FREE workshop is open to ALL. Please NO DOGS! You are welcome to RSVP, but not needed. Invite friends, family all are welcome!

Winter-Early Spring
Pre-Registration is needed... For all classes, call or email to register.

Sun:
9-10 Graduate Handler
(at present: not accepting students) this 6 month course is for dogs and their people wishing to achieve the ultimate in communication, obedience, skill and safety. This class goals: are total off leash control, both verbal and hand signal control, 20 mins sit/down stays. Experimenting with the very latest in human and dog communication. Highest skills/manners are achieved in this class.

10-11 Social off leash play group, MUST BE TEMPERAMENT TESTED PRIOR  

11-11:30 Silence is golden: this new class is for those wanting to hone there skills and communication with their dogs in the dogs most ideal approach SILENTLY using only body language. This 8 week class is just $160, beginning Feb 20, 2011 LIMITED TO 5  handlers

Monday NO group classes. Private lessons welcome

Tuesday: (and Sat: 9-10 am)
6-7pm Manners 101, this is an open enrollment- on going class. During this jam packed 8 weeks we cover all the basics: sit, down, come, stay, wait, and leave it and more. We cover leash manner, polite greeting, counter surfing, chewing, puppy biting and a lot more. Your are invited to both Tues and Sat classes for just one enrollment fee of $160. New students can begin anytime.

7-8 jumps, tunnels, weaves and fun: have fun learning the foundation of agility. This 6 week class is introduction to fastest growing dog sport in the world. During our classes we will explore a variety of obstacles in the sport along with the beginning of handling needed. Cost is only $150. Beginning Feb 22, 2011

Wednesday:  
6-7 pm Skill Builder/Experienced Handler: this 10 week class is the next step for those with some experience under their collar.  Join anytime, open enrollment. Cost just $190

Weds: 7-8 pm Therapy Dog, this class will prepare the dog and handler for working in a variety of therapeutic environments. During this class we focussing on safety K-9 manners. We will also discuss the the many layers of therapy dog work. Ideal for dog 8 months and up, with graduations from Manners 101 (exception may be made with prior approval) just $190 for 12 weeks, beginning Feb 23, 2011

Thurs: no classes

Friday: 5:45-6:30 Tricks Club: you and your dog will learn while having a blast. This weekly class we learn play-dead, roll over, math trick and even reading. Words do not due this class justice, come watch you sure to want to join. Just $150 for 3 months

Sat: 9-10 am (and Tues 6-7pm)
6-7pm Manners 101, this is an open enrollment- on going class. During this jam packed 8 weeks we cover all the basics: sit, down, come, stay, wait, and leave it and more. We cover leash manner, polite greeting, counter surfing, chewing, puppy biting and a lot more. Your are invited to both Tues and Sat classes for just one enrollment fee of $160. New students can begin anytime.    

Workshops: OUR ONE -DAY WORKSHOPS

Focus, Control and Recall EVERYTIME ™ and Counter Surfin: Saturday 12 at 10:00-11:30am. Learn to keep your dog’s focus, in any situation, including dog parks, around those pesky squirrels; learn Come When Called EVERYTIME ™and so much more. Fee is $40. Limited to 5 students.

Polite Greetings, Leash Walking and Too Much Barking: Sunday FEB 27 at 11:00-12:30 pm. Does your dog's pulling or jumping embarrass you?  Or maybe you just want your arm back in its socket and the scratches on your legs to heal.  Whatever your reasons for teaching your dog not to jump up during greetings and to walk politely on leash, it's a great idea! Fee is $40 Limited to 5 students.

Jumps, Weaves and Tunnels:  This workshop will allow you to explore the fastest growing dog sport and take you and your dog’s skills to the next level. You and your dog will learn trust and teamwork as you progress in your skills with sequencing obstacles and learn the footwork needed to be successful in the sport of agility. Your dog will jump through tires, tunnels, and weave poles, much more.  (Dogs must be a minimum of 5 months of age to jump at the proper height for health and safety reasons) This 1 day  class is limited to 6 dogs. Meets on Sat in TBA from 11-12:30 just $15!

CGC ONE DAY! This 1 day prep class and test for thr AKC Canine Good Citizenship Earning the CGC award will ensure that your dog is a well-respected member of your community.  The Canine Good Citizen award is one of the first AKC certificates your dog can own and CGC provides an excellent foundation for all other training. Canine Good Citizen training is fun and useful.  You’ll find that training for the CGC award will help you establish a closer bond with your dog 1 day class meets Sat FEB 19 11am-12:30pm  the fee is only $30, includes the test! EMAIL ME IF INTERESTED!!! Invite your friends! Open to all!!!

OUR 2-DAY WORKSHOP
Sat-Sun:
Therapy Dog Weekend Workshop:  The focus of this weekend is on preparing the handler and dog for the therapy environment.  This 2-day workshop is ideal for both the novice and experienced handler and will include field trips into the community to gain skills.  Skills include working around medical equipment, loud noises, food, toys, and other distractions.  Topics covered include stress and calming signals in dogs, infection control, medical ethics, general liability, and handling difficult visitation situations.  Beginning Sat-Sun MARCH 26-27 this workshop is just $140. Limited to just 5 teams We will meet from 10-4 both days.

The whole Sha-bang: this Weekend Behavior Workshop covers is all! Polite Greeting, Leash  Walking, Barking, Off-Leash Control, and Counter Surfing and behavior in public: this JAM packed class.  Sat-Sunday 11-4 both days. Fee is just $160 for the entire weekend Limited to 5 handlers. March 19-20

CLASSES CANCELLED! TUES AND WEDS due to winter storm!

Sorry for an inconvenience, with the blizzard conditions we feel its safest to cancel all classes. BOTH TUES FEB 1 AND WEDS FEB 2! the classes will be made up...


Have a safe and warm snow days