The Mayor is a Meower

Well, here's some interesting news.  In Talkeetna, AK, a cat has been the mayor for 15 years!  Apparently Mayor Stubbs was elected as write-in after the citizens of the town were dissatisfied with the human candidates.  He's been honorary mayor ever since.

Stubbs' position is really just a figure-head role since the town is considered a historical district, but the mayor takes his role very seriously.  The townspeople say he makes a great mayor stating that he "hasn't raised taxes, there's no sales tax, and he doesn't interfere with business." 

Mayor Stubbs has also been great at helping the tourist economy boom.  With over 10,000 fans on Facebook, Mayor Stubbs attracts about 30-40 people a day to the small town just to see him.  In his old age, though, Stubbs is avoiding some of the limelight, and is instead opting for long, afternoon naps.

All this makes me wonder, though, does Sarah Palin have some competition for most famous Alaskan politician?

Mayor Stubbs
Photo Courtesy of Facebook

Choosing a Kennel

Things are exciting in this part of the world.  With the opening of a kennel has come a lot of hard work.  Add on to that training for a marathon (more on that later) and basic life, and one is bound to get exhausted.  Still, though, it's all worth it.

As Hans, Shannon, and I have been scrubbing walls, mopping floors, and painting non-stop, I got to thinking: What should people look for when choosing a dog kennel / day care?  I know what sorts of things I notice, but some people seem to overlook these things.  Sometimes a friendly staff is all it takes to win someone over, but they're missing the bigger picture.  So, here are some handy hints.

Smell
There should not be one.  Ideally, unless you're coming during cleaning time, you shouldn't smell cleaner, and you shouldn't smell a lot of dogs or cats.  If you smell cleaner, you're really just smelling an effort to cover up dirt.  If you smell dogs then you can tell there hasn't been much cleaning.  If you smell urine or feces (assuming someone did not just have an accident in the lobby), run.  Run as far and as fast as you can.


Appearance
Obviously, a dog-care facility should appear clean.  There should not be standing water on the floors or dirt on the walls.  Look for dust and dog hair.  Of course, also take note of the general color scheme of a facility.  Some companies may choose darker colors to avoid having dirt be seen.  Other companies choose bright and cheery colors.  Dirt will be seen easier on these colors, so if the place still seems clean you know you've got a winner.


Dog to Person Ratio
How many employees are there watching the dogs?  Is it a 2:1 ratio, a 10:1 ratio, or a 50:1 ratio?  Ideally, you'll have somewhere between 5-10:1.  Of course, the smaller the ratio, the better.  This one is harder to find out, though.  Companies have been known to lie about their numbers.  My mom once called a doggy day care and asked how many dogs they generally have there a day.  She was told 15-20.  In reality they had anywhere between 35-70 on any given day.  Of course, you can sometimes get away with having more dogs and fewer people if the dogs are in smaller groups or the screening process is strict.  However, if it looks like there are more than 20 dogs there, then there probably are more than 20 dogs there. 

Hidden Areas
Due to insurance reasons, most kennels cannot let the general public into areas where dogs are loose.  However, they CAN let you into areas where dogs are put up.  When you tour a facility, you should be allowed to see every part of the building (except the break room or office).  If you're not allowed to see where dogs sleep / play / are groomed / etc. then something is being hidden.  Run.  Do not walk.  Run away.

Your Dog
At some point, you may find a facility that you would like to leave your dog at.  Once this happens, take some time to watch your dog's reactions when he returns to the building each day.  Is he excited?  Happy?  Pulling you towards the door?  Or, his he trying to hide in the car and hugging close to your leg?  Dogs should be happy to go into their daycare.  Of course, sometimes daycare just isn't for some dogs.  Make sure you know your dog's personality before testing out a place.  Also, pay attention to how he feels after some time at a daycare.  Is he getting sick more often than normal?  Is he getting random infections?  This could be a sign of a cleanliness issue at the facility.  Do keep in mind, though, that, just like day care for kids, your dog may catch a few more colds than he used to.  Also, if your dog is playing all day, he may come home a little dirty.  It's not unusual, and it won't hurt him.

My best recommendation for finding a kennel is to ask around.  Ask your friends, ask your vet, ask your trainer, ask the lady in the park walking her dog.  Check reviews online.  Look at websites.  No one can say which kennel might be best for you, but it never hurts to go into your search with an arsenal of knowledge.

Happy hunting!

What Was Your Dog Meant To Do?

Every person I know thinks their dog is special in some way.  Some people thing their dog is the smartest dog on Earth, other's think theirs in the dumbest.  Some people think their dog should be in shows, some people just like to show off their dog.  Either way, everybody thinks their dog is special in some way, as it should be.

The problem comes in when you think your dog is destined for a job he/she is not meant to do.  Think of someone who feels their Basset Hound should herd sheep.  Obviously, this would be a bad match.  The one I most often hear, though, is therapy dog.  Everyone wants their dog to be a therapy dog.  The problem is, not all dogs are meant for therapy.

Some dogs will eventually be great at therapy, but should probably wait until they age a few years.  Some dogs should never even get into it.  Personally, I've always wanted Cody to be a therapy dog, and he has the potential to be decent, but he'd never be great.  Actually, I should clarify.  He'd do wonderfully with children, and would hate working with adults.  It's not that he can't follow the commands, it's just that he doesn't enjoy it.  

Another dog I've trained, however, CJ, makes a BEAUTIFUL therapy dog.  All he wants to do is give love and affection.  He thrives on the extra attention he receives.  Therapy work really is his calling.  For Cody, he's just happy being loved by Hans and me. 

So, it's been a little difficult for me.  I'd love for Cody to be a therapy dog.  As a puppy, I used to imagine him entering hospitals and retirement homes and bringing joy to people's faces.  (Actually, he did have a chance to do this somewhat during a visit to Hans' grandma, but that's a different story).  I dreamt of walking him with a therapy dog vest.  However, I had to realize that those were my dreams, not his.  I had to realize that Cody could have cared less about helping other people. 

I could accept that Cody wouldn't make a great therapy dog, but I would not accept him not having any job.  Then, a friend pointed out he already had one.  Cody's job is to train other dogs and to help them overcome any issues they have.  I've seen Cody play with more than one dog who is supposedly dog aggressive.  He is always on his best behavior when we're training, and I like to believe he actually knows what's going on, and that he enjoys being the dog trainer (literally).

Cody isn't the only dog this happens to.  Plenty of trained service dogs don't make the cut for one reason or another.  Plenty of Labs don't like to retrieve.  Plenty of Australian Shepherds are too excited to make actual shepherds.  However, those dogs who don't make service dogs can still be great therapy dogs.  Those Labs who don't retrieve can be great show dogs.  Those Australian Shepherds who don't shepherd can be great at agility.  Every dog has a job.  It just isn't always what you want it to be.  Don't be afraid to really evaluate your dog.  Put your own wants / needs / desires aside, and really figure out what your dog wants.  Does he / she want to do therapy, or agility, or shepherding.  Or, does your dog want to do something else entirely?  When you figure out what your dog wants, you'll be that much closer to having the perfect relationship with your best friend.

In Case You're Wondering What I Do

Holiday Safety for Your Pet

 

Preparing Your Dog For The New Baby

Bringing a new baby into the home can be stressful.  You’re losing sleep, the baby won’t stop crying, and your poor dog is left wondering what on Earth happened to his nice, calm home.  Your dog wants to be a part of everything, but is just a little too active.  Plus, you do not know how he’s going to act.  So what do you do?  You prepare him for the changes!  When can you start preparing?  Now!  Do not wait until you’re pregnant, or until the baby comes home.  Start preparing him now.

1)      Train your dog.

Obedience training can definitely be an asset when bringing a new baby into the home.  Imagine taking your dog on a walk.  Now imagine it with a stroller and diaper bag.  Scary thought, huh?  Teaching your dog basic commands such as down, off, stay, and heel will make life much easier once the baby’s in the home.

2)      Keep your dog off furniture.

At the very least, teach your dog to ask permission (sit, down, etc.) before jumping up.  This is important if your child is on your bed.  Your dog could jump up and not even realize the child is there, causing at the least a scratch and the worst serious damage.

3)      Consider Crate Training

Crate training is less for the baby’s safety and more for the dog’s.  The crate provides a quiet, secure, area where your dog can sleep or relax undisturbed.  It is also important to teach your children (and their friends) that the crate is your dog’s quiet area…like a meditation room.

4)      Start Socializing.

Get your dog used to children.  Children cry and scream and run around.  They smell funny and make funny noises.  They don’t pet, they smack.  They often pull on ears and tails, climb on, and chase.  They stick their fingers in eyes and ears and food bowls.  They come along with very odd accessories like diapers and strollers and cribs.  They get cool “dog” toys that the dog can’t have.  Oh, and they get all of Mom’s and Dad’s attention.  Get your dog used to all of these.  Try walking him with a stroller.  Hold a baby doll.  Any sort of baby-item that uses batteries or electricity should be turned on at some point.  Take your dog to play grounds (the younger the dog the better).  Record the sound of a baby crying and play it on a nightly basis for your dog (you might get used to it too).  Oh, and don’t forget that your dog’s schedule will change.  Prepare your dog for early-morning feedings.  Throw off his eating and walking schedule.  Basically, let your dog know that all the changes are not necessarily due to the new baby.

Five Steps to Playing Fetch.

Step 1: Find a toy your dog is extremely interested in.  This may differ with each dog.  Some dogs love Frisbees, other love balls.  I’ve even known a dog to love an old water bottle.  If your dog is not big on any toys, try this trick:

Take a tennis ball and make a small slit in it.  Put a few treats in the ball.  Let your dog smell the    ball, and possibly even drop a few treats from the ball.  This should get his interest.

If your dog is easily distracted, refer to the guide “Give Your Dog Toys He Will Love.”

Step 2:  Make sure your dog is ready and willing to play.  A tired dog will not necessarily want to fetch.  Try playing a few games with the dog and the toy first.  Tug of war is a good game to start with.

Step 3: Start with small distances.  Not all dogs can or will run the length of the yard for a toy.  You have to let them know that it’s really fun to do, so we start small.  Practice in one room, with few distractions.  Throw the toy a few feet from you.  Your dog should go over to it.

Step 4: Praise, praise, praise.  Praise your dog as he picks up the toy.  Really praise him as he brings it towards you.  Clap your hands, jump up in down, call out, “Here Fido!  Good boy, Fido!  Who’s a good puppy?”  Make him want to come to you.  Really praise him when he gets to you.  If you used the stuffed tennis ball, give him a treat at this point.

Step 5: Rinse and repeat.  Keep your dog interested in the toy.  Play with him when he returns it.  Do NOT let him become distracted with something (or someone) else.  Really help him think that the toy you have is the best in the world.