Help I Have A Dog!

Dogs + Yoga Poses = Fun + Relaxation!    Introducing yoga classes for people and their dogs!  I am always looking for new ways to bring people and dogs together in a fun atmosphere, beginning with a one-hour workshop in February and a four-week series of classes in March.  Check the website for dates and times, TBA.

Workshop - An introduction to Yoga with Dogs,   Fee is $20 and the 1 hour workshop is available for up to 6 dogs and 6 people.  No prior yoga experience is needed.

Class - Yoga with Dogs, four-week series of 45 minute classes,  Fee is $60 and the classes are available for up to 6 dogs and 6 people.  No prior yoga experience is needed.

The Palisades Kennel Club invites you to become a member!  The club is involved in community education (Responsible Dog Ownership Day in September) and offers a Spring Match Show and a Fall Point Show.  Members also enjoy the annual  December holiday party and the Mach awards dinner.  If you would like to socialize with other dog lovers and learn from pros, contact the club secretary (me!) for a membership application.  

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Holistic Veterinarians   I often get requests to help people find a Holistic Veterinarian. It is important to understand there is a distinction and differences in the services Holistic Veterinarians offer. Most are specialized and proficient in a specified area.  I suggest you research each of these, and then begin to search for a Holistic Veterinarian that provides the service you feel will fit you and your dog best.  Below are websites to help you find veterinarians offered each of these specialties.

TCM--Traditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture and Chinese Herbs)

The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society: http://www.ivas.org/index.cfm?vNavID=7

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Best Wishes to you and your dog in this new year, I hope to see you for some fun training and learning soon!

Sincerely,

Connie Formosa

www.helpihaveadog.com          (201) 863-5624          cfomosa@optonline.net

Want to take your dog outside to enjoy the nice weather and socialize?  If you and your dog are headed to dog runs in town, you may appreciate these tips: 

• Be respectful of everyone's feelings so you don't get a "bad owner" label.

 • Unleash your dog when you enter the run "vestibule" if luck and good planning have provided one. A leashed dog may feel threatened by the dogs off leash. A double gated run entry will allow you to avoid that situation.

•  Be watchful when others enter and leave the dog run.  Prevent your dog from crowding at the entry/exit gate.  Move your dog away so that entry and exiting is easier for others.

• Try to remember that you are at the run to spend quality time with your dog.  Interact with your dog!  Put away the book, ignore the cell phone, turn down the ipod for a moment.  Pay attention to your dog for this moment of the day.  Problems happen when people chat too long and don't keep an eye on their dog.

• Pick up dog waste as soon as ..it happens so that nobody steps in it!

 • Don't take more dogs with you than you can control--for most people one or two well trained dogs are enough to keep track of.

• Get some professional help with training your dog, the earlier the better.  Solid obedience skills will help you to control your dog in a way that the dog will more likely respond to.

 • If your dog tends play more roughly than other people or dogs may like, monitor your dog and keep him in control.  Take a moment to speak to others about your dog.  Other "dog people" can be very helpful when given the opportunity.  Leave if your dog can not behave.  

• Dogs with severe dog aggression do not belong in public dog runs.  If your dog is in this category, don't ask for trouble.  Get professional help for your dog.   Recognize the limitations that may be a reality for you and your dog.

   • Don't let your dog dig in the run. Holes are a hazard to other dogs and people.

   • Use a run that has space for your dog if it is a small breed.  In the "large dog run" it can get rough and smaller dogs can get trampled in the rush.  This can damage a small dog physically and emotionally.

   • Please Spay or Neuter your companion dog.  Intact male dogs can bring out bad behavior in other male dogs. Intact male dogs tend to mark, leaving a strong odor which encourages marking by other dogs.  Spayed female dogs are less likely to attract unwanted attention by male dogs, intact or neutered.  When a dog is spayed or neutered they also have no more risk for certain types of cancers.  Please spay or neuter--Please, Don't Litter!

   • Some dogs can be very possessive with their toys.  Some dogs want to steal everyone else's toys.  it's usually a good idea to leave your dog's toys at home.  Dirty toys are bad for your dog's teeth anyway!

   • Dog Runs are for Dogs. Not all dogs do well with children.  Rushing dogs can accidently  knock even an adult over!  Squealing, running kids are targets for chase-loving dogs. Keep children and strollers out of the dog's runs--children have plenty of clean, safe playgrounds!

 • Don't over react to little scuffles that are bound to happen.  Just like a bunch of kids on a playground, Sammy might pull Cindy's hair and Sandy might chase Sally around the yard and make her scream.  With dogs, there is always noise!  But the action usually ends in a couple of seconds with dogs.  They understand each other quite well.  And most dogs don't want to fight or be injured.  They are pretty smart!  People tend to step in too early and make things worse. Breathe and count to 3 before you calmly take action.  

 • Lifting an attacking dog by the waist a few inches off the ground will immobilize the dog and allow the victim to get away.  Sometimes water will separate them.  

 • Never reach into a fight with your hands or legs.  Use anything else (tree branch, thrown books, dirt...) to avoid being bitten.  

 • If you are upset or anxious, your dog will sense it and may react.

• Never leave your dog at the run alone.  The dog park is not a free drop-off facility. Your dog may be stolen or injured if left unattended.