4th of July!

4th of July is rapidly approaching have you thought about your dog?!
Some dogs don't mind the noise and can go out with you and your family in all the noise, fun, and caos this holiday brings. 
Did you know that the 4th of July and the 5th of July is the busiest day of the year for our animal shelters. They are crowded already and they hardly have room to house the dozens of dogs that escape and break out from the fear and sounds of the fireworks. 

MICROCHIPPING CAN SAVE YOUR DOGS LIFE and BRING HIM HOME
Please, Please, Please Microchip your dogs, even if they wear id tags those can come off, and with a microchip they can still find their way back home to you quickly and safely.
Getting your dog a Microchip is quick and no different than a simple shot and it will last forever.
VIP will be at Pet Food Express in Roseville on Tuesday evening from 3:30 - 7:30pm and they would be happy to microchip your pet for $39. Small price well invested to keeping your dog safe.

TAKING YOUR DOG WITH YOU
If you plan to take your dog with you to the festivities and your dog doesn't react to the loud noises please make sure your dog CANNOT slip out of their collar and keep them on a short leash with you.


LEAVING YOUR DOG AT HOME
If you have a dog that is fearful or easily frightened by noises or if its your first 4th of July with your dog and you do not know how they might act.

•  Keep them indoors. If you have a doggy door close it. I have seen dogs bust right through well secured fences or jump fences when they have never tried before.
• Exercise them during the day or early morning a tired dog is much less reactive to things they are fearful of. 
• Keep their brains busy while you are gone a kong with peanut butter or a treat ball works great.
• Leave the tv or radio on rather loud and maybe a fan too to help buffer the outside noises.
• Try talking to your vet if your dog is very fearful - your vet might have a mild drug that will help your dog cope with the noise.
• Their are a many number of things you can buy and try at your local pet store all dogs are different so these won't work for all dogs but you can definitely try them out and see if they will work for yours.
• Calming pills
• Aromatic plug ins that help to calm
• Thundershirt
• etc..

ALTERNATIVES TO LEAVING YOUR DOG AT HOME

• Stay home with your dog :)
• Take your dog to a daycare or boarding facility that is small scale in someones home where your dog will not be alone for the evening while you are out. 
• Or a friend or family members house who adores your dog and plans on staying in for the evening. 

I wish you and your dogs a happy and safe 4th of July!
As always feel free to call or email me with any additional questions you may have.
trainer@pawsinprogress.com
www.pawsinprogress.com
office (916) 735-7496 / cell (916) 956-8036

CGC (Canine Good Citizen)

The AKC designed the CGC certification to help promote responsible dog owners.

The Responsible dog owners Pledge

•  Owners agree to take care of their dog's health needs, safety, exercise, training and quality of life. Owners also agree to show responsibility by doing things such as cleaning up after their dogs in public places and never letting dogs infringe on the rights of others.

The test items that you are physically tested on

Test Items

Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger

Your dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler. The evaluator walks up to the dog and handler and greets the handler in a friendly manner, ignoring the dog.  The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness, and must not break position or try to go to the evaluator.

Test 2: Sitting politely for petting

This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler. The dog may stand in place as it is petted. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.

Test 3: Appearance and grooming

This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so. The dog must appear to be in healthy condition (i.e., proper weight, clean, healthy and alert). 

Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)

This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may be on either side of the handler. The dog's position should leave no doubt that the dog is attentive to the handler and is responding to the handler's movements and changes of direction.

Test 5: Walking through a crowd

This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three). The dog may show some interest in the strangers but should continue to walk with the handler, without evidence of over-exuberance, shyness or resentment. 

Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place

This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler's commands to sit and down and will remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers). The dog must do sit AND down on command, then the owner chooses the position for leaving the dog in the stay. The dog must remain in the place in which it was left (it may change position) until the evaluator instructs the handler to release the dog. 

Test 7: Coming when called

This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog.

Test 8: Reaction to another dog

Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet. The dogs should show no more than casual interest in each other. Neither dog should go to the other dog or its handler.

Test 9: Reaction to distraction

The evaluator will select and present two distractions. Examples of distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a crate dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane. The dog may express natural interest and curiosity and/or may appear slightly startled but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness, or bark. 

Test 10: Supervised separation

This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, "Would you like me to watch your dog?" and then take hold of the dog's leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes. Dog should not continually bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness. 

Benefits of CGC

• Discounts on Homeowners insurance (Especially for "bully breeds" or shepherds) or some Homeowners insurance companies will waive the breed restrictions
• A Canine Good Citizen is a friendly, well-behaved dog that we can take virtually anywhere without risk or bother to others.
• Some hotels or motels will allow dogs with a CGC.
• Some landlords will allow you to have a dog with a CGC when they normally wouldn't allow dogs.
• The training for the CGC is a great time to better your relationship with your dog and form a tighter bond.
• The CGC is a great stepping stone for future training: obedience competition, pet therapy, agility and lots more. 

Building a 1st Aid Kit for your Dog

Humans have 1st Aid Kits at home and sometimes in the car. Have you thought about one for your 4-legged friend?
It is always a good idea to keep one on hand at home and one in the car for when you take day trips with your pup.
What does a doggie 1st aid kit need to have in it?
You can build your own doggie 1st aid kit or most pet stores sell them too.
I have provided a list of things to include in your doggie 1st aid kit, and explained their uses for the things that aren't obvious.


Here is a list of things that your doggie 1st aid kit should have:....
- Gauze Pads at least 10 4X4
- Gauze Tape
- Hydrogen Peroxide (Check the expiration date) 5ml or 5cc's per 10lbs of dog weight
        -Will induce immediate vomiting if you need your dog to throw up something they swallowed.
- Syringe that will hold 30ml of liquid (use for peroxide)
- Hydrocortisone ointment
- Triple Antibiotic Ointment
- Scissors

- Eyewash
- Tweezers
- Pediolyte or other balanced electrolyte fluid
- Large towl
- Gloves
- 1 inch white tape
- Vet rap (self clinging bandage)
- liquid bandage
- Ace elastic bandage
- emergency ice pack
- Benadryl 25mg - for allergies
- Buffered Asprin
- Muzzle
- Thermometer (both oral and rectal thermometers can be used rectally) keep some sort of lube handy for your pup when you use the thermometer.
- Paperwork: 

Health record, medications, local and national poison control numbers, regular vet clinic hours and telephone numbers as well as a list of the 24hr vets and their hours in your area. Make sure to add too this list when you travel with your pet.