Years ago a pet owner's choice for veterinary medicine was limited to ones primary care Vet if one could find a vet in the immediate area. Twenty or thirty years ago pets were not thought of as part of the family as they are today. In the past, they were just animals. If a pet owner wanted special medical care for their pet, they would need to travel to a veterinary college or teaching hospital.

All that has changed and in the past two decades the number of vet clinics has increased throughout the United States. Within the past decade veterinary medicine has also advanced and there are more Vets practicing specialty services.

New Breed of Vet
If you live in larger cities, you may find specialty vet clinics that include orthopedic Vets, neurologists, dermatologists, oncologists, internal medicine Vets, and cardiologists. Specialty hospitals may offer on site diagnostics such as ultra sound, CT scans, chemotherapy treatments and MRI.

These days, most pet owners can readily find alternative Vet care and therapies for their pets. Alternative care may include chiropractic, acupuncture, herbal remedies and aureveda. Some alternative Vet clinics offer on site hydrotherapy therapy and specialized pet massage therapy.

I, like many pet owners treat my pets like family members and will go the distance for my animal's health and well being. I am lucky to have great Vets in my corner and utilize the expertise of both a conventional and alternative vet depending upon what I need. There are many great vets from which to choose in Washington state.

People Skills
All Veterinarians, have their own style of relating to their pet patient and the pet parent. Some Vets are warm and fuzzy with both pets and people, some Vets are warm and fuzzy just with the pet and not the person while other Vets are a little less warm all the way around.

I prefer my Vets to be upfront with diagnosis and not sugar coat reality. If the news is not great, I can fall apart either on site or wait until I get in my car. But, I do want all the facts.

I suggest you find a knowledgeable Vet that is kind, respects your pet and your emotional investment in that pet. It also helps to feel comfortable with the staff at your clinic as they are very much a part of your pet's care.

Look for a Vet that suits you and stays current with advancements in Vet medicine.

Diane Rich
Diane Rich Dog Training, LLC
www.spokesdog.com

Supposedly spring in Seattle is looming somewhere under the recent hail and snow clouds. Hello Nature, we're waiting!

Not only is this the time of year to get back into gardening, it is
a great time to get your dog into any number of the many canine sports available.

Our main list of canine activities includes neighborhook walks,
dog parks, and day care. However, the list of canine sports is growing.

Hiking with dogs is becoming more popular. I have found hiking with
dogs makes for the happiest noses in all breeds.

Like us, dogs benefit from exercise and fresh air. Most dogs thrive when given opportunities to help relieve some pent up energy. I recommend finding a sport your dog enjoys. Consider introducing your dog to a canine activity based on what that particular breed group was hard wired to do. I believe the combination of mental exercise along with physical outlets help create centered, happy pets.

Herding
In the Seattle Times dated 4/20/08 there was a great piece on herding. Herding is mainly open to dogs whose original purpose was to control the movement of livestock. Herding is open to any dog that can demonstrate appropriate behaviors off leash around livestock and what is called "stock sense."

Recently, I had the experience of learning a little about herding with my client's Australian Shepherd, Witty. We are now taking herding lessons from a wonderful herding trainer, Brian Ricards.

I highly recommend you give your herding dog an opportunity with this sport to see if the DNA kicks in. Incredibly fun to watch in person and amazing activity to experience.

Agility
A growing sport that is quite addictive. Your dog runs a specific obstacle course while listening to you giving directional commands directing the dog to the appropriate obstacle. Agility is a great sport to enhance your obedience training and the important canine-human bond. There are a growing number of training facilities in most areas around the U.S.. I recommend you find an agility trainer whose training classes fit your goals and whose approach to training offers a positive, fun experience.

Lure Coursing
An incredibly impressive sport to watch. You may need binoculars as
you watch sighthounds hit maximum speeds trying to catch the plastic bag attached to a mechanically operated pulley system. The bag simulates the quick, zig zag movement of a rabbit trying to avoid becoming lunch. The example in the picture below shows a straight run of about 300 yards. Yes, that is 3 football fields.

Non sighthounds may be allowed to get in touch with their inner prey drive with some lure coursing clubs during some of the practice runs. You just need to find a local club that will give your dog the opportunity for a fun run.

Other Great Canine Sports
Other popular canine sports include flyball, hunting trials, dock dog competition, and Frisbee competitions. There are additional sports gaining popularity. Some sports are AKC (American Kennel Club) sanctioned and some sports have their own clubs. Just go online and type in your sport of choice to learn more about it. Then, audit classes in your area to find a trainer that will bring out the best in both you and your dog.

These sports are not for the weekend warrior dogs. So, make sure your
dog is in shape, healthy and has the green light from your Vet that all systems are GO!

Enjoy.

Diane Rich
Diane Rich Dog Training, LLC
www.spokesdog.com

Many of us parent senior dogs. My older Doberman, Fraser will be 11 years old this year. He loves to work and has a very busy work schedule and social calendar. He has been actively involved with pet therapy visiting patients at Overlake hospital in Bellevue and residents at Cascade Vista in Redmond. However, age related challenges are now presenting.

No Longer 7:1
The new approach to determining the comparative of a dog's age to human years is based on weight and size. The old correlation of dog years to human years was 7:1 or 7 years of a dog's life is equal to one of ours. That 7:1 correlation is no longer accurate. Based on these updated correlations, Fraser, at 10 1/2 would be approximately 86 years old in human years.

Fraser's Medical Emergency
In the past month, at the end of a very active week Fraser needed more of a rest than in younger days and presented some muscle stiffness. Although he did not want to take time off, I let him stay home to rest until I observed what appeared to be recovery. Then, I allowed moderate activity. Dogs are very stoic, not always showing pain and usually want to be with us. If they have an active lifestyle they may want to continue an active lifestyle no matter the discomfort.

Fraser was back to normal for a couple weeks, then suddenly unique and chronic symptoms appeared and necessitated an emergency Vet visit. The symptoms occurred after normal clinic hours of course. It is a good idea to know where your closest 24 hour emergency clinic is before you need it.

Second and Third Opinions
Fraser presented some neurological problems upon the Vet exam at the emergency clinic. The Vet suspected one of several spinal diseases. Upon the Vet's recommendation, I took him to a canine neurologist who concurred with those initial findings and offered options for further diagnosis and treatment. Save your pennies for emergency Vet care or make sure you check into Vet insurance. Surgical options are not inexpensive.

Research Fanatic
When the need arises to learn about medical conditions, I am one to do quite a bit of research and try all avenues before surgery for either myself or my pets. Last Friday, I took Fraser to another Vet practicing alternative care for a third opinion and exam. He suggested acupuncture to help manage pain. Fraser had his first treatment and I observe some positive benefits from that treatment although today is not going so well. I am certainly trying to keep both a positive and realistic outlook as to his condition.

Your Senior Dog
I work with many clients parenting dogs over 8 years of age up to 12 years of age and remind owners to observe their dog and notice any minor changes. You may observe some behavioral or physical changes along with a change in eating habits. All changes are noteworthy. Behavioral changes may at first be annoying to you but these changes can be a heads up that something else is going on with your pet.

Your dog may refuse to jump in bed with you or jump into the car. Your dog may hesitate or outright refuse to take long walks. You may observe your dog refusing commands or becoming unresponsive in some way. Your dog may become finicky with food or seem to exhibit excessive thirst.

CDS
Yes, dogs can even exhibit senior moments. There actually is a condition called Cognitive Disorder Syndrome. It is similar to human dementia.

Mental Changes
Human senior moments could be where we cannot remember where we put our keys, the children, a book, the car, if we brushed our teeth or the idea we just shared with a friend. Like humans, dogs can lose a bit of memory and may not seem as responsive as they were during younger days.

An example of a canine senior moment could be when you dog goes outdoors, he or she just keeps wandering seemingly disoriented. Maybe you have noticed your senior dog no longer recognizes certain family members.

Physical Changes
You also may see your formerly housebroken dog begin have accidents in the house.
Your older dog may even develop some incontinence. You may also observe that your dog has developed a hearing problem. Although, if your dog was not well trained in the first place that selective hearing may now just appear more prevalent. You may see or feel lumps and bumps on various areas of your dog's body. A Vet can help determine if those bumps are benign so always worth an appointment with your Vet.

Your active dog may have developed arthritis so looking into a comfortable dog bed may be in order. If the dog needs to get into your SUV or truck, then buying an access ramp to get in and out of your vehicle would be suggested

At Home Vet Exam
One thing I always suggest to clients is to touch your dog from nose to bum weekly to feel for new lumps or bumps. Look into the dog's mouth to check for tartar and if needed take thee to the Vet for a teeth cleaning. If the dog's breath is bad, then more than likely dental hygiene has been ignored. Brushing your dog's teeth regularly can help promote and maintain better general canine health.

Dietary Changes
I also suggest senior dogs have an annual Vet exam including a CBC (complete blood count) to stay on top of their total physical condition. Your Vet may offer some suggestions on tweaking the diet of your aging dog. Please be careful about adding supplements without professional advice. Over-supplementation can be damaging to any age dog.

If you observe changes in your beloved dog, be it mental or physical, I recommend you be proactive and see your Veterinarian.

Your dog gives you plenty of love and has always been there for you. Caring for our dogs in their senior years is the least we can do for our devoted companions. Every day with a dog is a gift.

Diane Rich
Diane Rich Dog Training, LLC

www.spokesdog.com

The Kirkland Courier (Kirkland, WA) dated 4/9/08 motivated me to write a blog on dogs and kids. The information below is taken from the Courier's Police Blotter.

4:30p.m. A four year old Everett girl was petting a Golden Retriever owned by a 54 year old Port Angeles woman when the dog bit her (the child) in the face. Emergency aid responded and advised the parent the girl would require stitches to her left cheek.

I do not know the details of this unfortunate incident but based on the injury it would seem the child may have been hugging the dog or allowed to put her face in the line of fire. People do not expect a Golden Retriever to bite anyone as the media tends to only cover dog bites from those "other" breeds.

Reported dog bites around the country are in the thousands. Many bites go unreported. Most dog bites are sustained by young children and if medical care is needed, hospitals must contact authorities to report the bite.

Please be proactive and teach your young child proper interactions with pets outside the home. Many dogs do not do well with toddlers or children under the age of 5. When children pet a dog many kids are at muzzle level or allowed to hover right in the dog's face.

It never ceases to amaze me that some parents will allow their child to run up to a strange dog to pet that dog in the first place. On the brighter side, I have observed many children ask permission to pet a dog and have even been taught to thank the owner after they get to pet the dog. Kudos to those parents.

Just because your lovable pooch likes your kids or familiar neighbor kids, the dog may not be comfortable around a child he or she doesn't know. Your dog may not tolerate being hugged and squeezed by children outside the home. Especially if the child gets in that dog's face or throws their arms around its furry neck. Young children do not know their own strength and may tend to squeeze a dog too hard, accidentally step on the dog or frighten the dog in some way.

A few pointers to help everyone have a good day when children want to pet your dog are; after permission is granted from the parent, make sure your child friendly dog is relaxed. Some dogs are more relaxed in public if asked to sit and stay before the greeting can take place. Depending upon the dog, I suggest kids approach from the shoulder and pet the dog on the shoulder, not the head and face. I would suggest not allowing the child to hug your dog.

Many times I will squat down next to my dogs or client's dogs to help the dog know I am allowing this interaction. With many dogs I suggest the owner also pet the dog on the side the child approaches to help lightly control the head. You can always suggest to the child, or even an adult how you would like them to approach and pet your dog.

I wish you the best experiences when your dog interacts with children.

Diane Rich
Diane Rich Dog Training, LLC
www.spokesdog.com

It can be quite entertaining to watch dogs truly enjoy themselves when playing with other dogs. They tend to engage each other with wild abandon and childlike glee. I never tire of watching dogs play.

Hopefully your dog has been introduced to other dogs and enjoys ample opportunities for dog play. Each dog has their own play style. Some dogs enjoy more rough and tumble interactions, some dogs just love to chase or be chased, other dogs love to engage other dogs in a fun game of tug with the closest stick or tug toy, and some dogs play like Boxers pawing at other dogs to instigate play. Some dogs are quite physical or even combative when engaged in play and have their own version of canine WWF. Some dogs are vocal when playing with other dogs by barking and some even vocalize with an intimidating play growl.

If you enjoy taking your dog to an off leash dog park in your area or set up canine play dates with your friend's dogs in a safe, fenced area, it can be educational and certainly amusing to observe the many play styles.

As long as canine play styles match up and owners are diligent about monitoring play so it doesn't escalate to an unsafe level, or allow a dog to bully another dog most canine play works out just fine. Observe your dog to make sure he or she is having a great time at play dates.

My training programs include socialization and give me the opportunity to try to teach owners how to interpret appropriate canine play while observing their body language and interactions. Learning how dogs communicate while engaged in play can help owners make good decisions as to what constitutes proper play behavior or what behavior needs to be interrupted. You can try to learn canine communication by going to your local off leash dog park and spend some time observing dogs in action.

What is your dog's playstyle?

Diane Rich
Diane Rich Dog Training, LLC
www.spokesdog.com

Defining good canine public manners can take on a subjective approach.
A dog owner's perception of good public dog manners and behavior or denial of what many onlookers deem obvious obnoxious behavior is a never ending source of comic relief for me. Many pet parents, yes some dog owners like to be called pet parents, think of their dogs as angels no matter the behavior. Some parents of human children also have blinders on when in public with their children and think their child can do no wrong.

If you are walking your dog in the city or on a nature trail you may experience a leashed dog dragging their owner toward you while you are hearing that out of breath owner declaring, he just loves other dogs. The next thing you hear from the dog is a grrrrrrrrrr, followed by a lunge and pounce at your well mannered dog. One popular excuse offered by some owners of a rude dog is she is only lunging and barking at your dog because she wants to say Hi.

Some pet parents defend their angels rude on leash behavior as the normal way dogs greet each other. First off, dogs are not a species that love every other strange dog they meet on the street. Humans don't love every stranger either. Some owners of ill mannered, untrained dogs expect other dogs that are well mannered to accept their feisty Fido lunging and barking at them under the guise of just wanting to say Hi.

I am out and about daily with my clients and their dogs. I am all over Seattle and the Eastside for my reality training program and there is not a day that goes by that we do not encounter or witness poor public canine manners allowed by a dog owner. I do not blame the dog in any of these circumstances. I point out these examples of poor public dog etiquette to clients to help the owner what situations to avoid. If we encounter great on leash dog behavior and an owner with control over their dog's on leash manners I use that wonderful control as an example for new owners to follow.

One of my pet peeves is an owner's inappropriate use of retractable or flexi leashes in crowded areas where owners allow their little canine angel to be rude from a distance.
The distance these flexi leads can allow from that owner to their dog may be around 10 feet.

The owner acts oblivious that their dog is taking up more than their fair share of real estate on a sidewalk, in a parking lot, down a pet store aisle, or in any city park forcing other leashed dogs and owners to move out of their way. Reminds me of shopping at Costco and navigating around unattended shopping carts left in the middle of an aisle while that cart custodian gets engrossed in a book or more likely a free snack.

I am curious as to your positive or challenging experiences around other leashed dogs when walking your dog.

Diane Rich
Diane Rich Dog Training, LLC
www.spokesdog.com