February/March 2015 PET-FRIENDLY CALENDAR OF EVENTS • PETS AROUND TOWN Options for How To Train Your Dog I’M FR TAKEEE M E! Catification: Reaching New Heights Who Do You Call? RECIPE: Alpacas Traveling Treats More Than Just the Latest Must-Have Exotic Pet LOVE TRAIN NOW OFFERING BOARDING FOR YOUR CANINE AND FELINE Pet Salon COLUMBIA’S LARGEST DOG WASH VICE T Y R E S FULL G LOYAL MIN : GROO ROGRAM P ff 10% O ual nn With A ment nt Appoi ule Sched Purchase 5 washes - Get one FREE aboutpawscolumbia.com 573-446-4070 • 573-268-0678 3301 Broadway Business Park Ct. Suite G Find Us on Facebook at About Paws Pet Salon Where does your baby stay while you’re out of town? Completely renovated resort accomodations, additional suites and group play daycare! NOWN OPE 573-445-7783 1706 I-70 Drive SW Columbia M–F 7:30–7 Sat/Sun 8–6 The Pet Fair Resort The Pet Fair Suites New spacious 5’ x 5’ runs with heated floors, play areas, extended hours and more! are positively indulgent with daily movies and a massage, pupcorn and special treats. A Full Service Grooming Salon [email protected] Visit us on Facebook! LOVE TRAIN FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 ABOUT THE COVER: Theo, aka – Teddy is a senior Keeshond. Teddy was rescued by Dogs Deserve Better Missouri approximately 3 years ago. Teddy loves to dress up and go out on the town and makes regular appearances at many of the events listed on the Calendar of Events in Pet Project Magazine. Table of Contents 5 Ask the Vet: Getting to the Heart of the Matter of Heart Worms 8 16 26 8 Tails From the Scratching Post: Catification: Reaching New Heights 12 Animal Law 101: Who Do You Call? 13 Pet Recipe: Traveling Treats 14 Oily Pets: New Natural Healing Options 16 Options For How to Train Your Dog 20 Breed Profile: Boxer 21 Calendar: February/March Events 22 Pets Around Town: T.E.A.M. Seminar and more 24 The Dish: Training Treats 26 Alpacas More Than Just the Latest Must-Have Exotic Pet 30 Business Directory 31 Adopt Me Staff Contacts AND Tidbits Publisher Melody Whitworth [email protected] from the Publisher F ebruary is the month of LOVE – A time to give and show our loved ones how much we care about them and we should include our pets. There is no better way to show how much we love our pets than to keep them healthy and happy. A healthy pet Melody is one who is physically and mentally Whitworth & fit and stable. Socializing, stimulating Honeybunny and training makes for a well balanced, well behaved pet and a happy household for both two leggers and four leggers alike. Training is very important to have mentally stable and healthy pets. Training is an obligation and part of being a responsible pet owner. In this issue of Pet Project Magazine, you can learn more about the benefits and importance of positive reinforcement training and how animals learn much faster when owners use reward based training. We would like to welcome our new, regular contributor Andrea Ward. Andrea gives insight on how to keep your felines playful, energized and stimulated with her Tales from the Scratching Post article on “Catification.” These creative ways of giving cats places to climb, crawl and hide is pure entertainment for your feline and will give owners hours of enjoyment while watching their pet frolic and play throughout their catio. Our pets are a commitment and a responsibility. They require more than just food, water and shelter. Pets have physical and mental needs. Pets depend on us to provide all of the essentials for them to live a long, healthy and happy life. Enjoy this issue of Pet Project Magazine. We hope you learn how you can help your pet be happier and healthier for a long, fulfilling life together. Kisses, hugs and belly rubs to all the wonderful companions of Columbia and the mid-Missouri area. Melody Whitworth Pet Project Magazine, LLC Publisher 4 February/March 2015 | Pet Project Magazine Editor-in-Chief Aurora Meyer [email protected] Contributing Writers Sandy Corbet Kadi Easley Pamela Heyen Dr. Beth Hussey Jessica Schlosser Andrea Ward Michael Whitworth Photographers LG Patterson Alicia Troesser Melody Whitworth Magazine Layout Lin Teasley Cottonwood Graphics Printing Modern Litho-Print Webmaster Ronnye Randall sbsproactive.com Contact Us P.O. Box 7018 Columbia, MO 65205 573-397-2100 www.petprojectmag.com [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] © 2014 Pet Project Magazine, LLC. All rights reserved. Ask the Vet GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER OF HEARTWORMS Misconceptions about this common canid parasite. by Beth Hussey, DVM I f you are a dog owner, even a relatively inexperienced one, chances are you have heard about heartworms. Thirty years ago that might not have been the case, but since then we have learned a great deal about these pesky parasites, including effective ways to prevent and treat them. However, there is still a great deal to find out. Some things we thought we knew about them have been proven incorrect. Consider this article a “state of the union” address about heartworms. We’ll tell you the current thinking about this disease and correct some misconceptions about this dangerous parasite. Heartworms are just what they sound like: worms that live in the heart of dogs and other canids (like coyotes and wolves) and certain other species (like sea lions). While infection can and does occur in other species, the canid is the definitive host for the worm. Infection occurs when a mosquito carrying the microfilaria stage of the parasite (microscopic worm) bites your dog. During the transfer of saliva into the bite that allows the mosquito to feed, microfilaria can get into the bloodstream of your dog. Once in the bloodstream the tiny worms make their way over a period of months and through a series of life stages into the pulmonary arteries and then into the heart itself. Once there, as adults, they reproduce and start their own family of microfilaria, which begin to circulate through the bloodstream and February/March 2015 | Pet Project Magazine 5 “Once in the bloodstream the tiny worms make their way over a period of months and through a series of life stages into the pulmonary arteries and then into the heart itself.” the process begins anew with another mosquito now biting your dog and transferring his microfilaria to the next hapless dog victim. The process is a slow one and actual heartworm disease can take years to present as a problem. The worms are not toxic to the dog. They cause most of their problems because of the space they take up in the heart, preventing it from pumping the needed amount of blood and oxygen to the rest of the body tissues. A few worms may live happily in the heart for years without causing the host much of an issue, but the longer they are there and the more of them there are, the worse the disease becomes. A dog with heartworm disease often presents with signs similar to other cardiac diseases: a non-productive cough, often worse at night or in the early morning, exercise intolerance and weight loss. A history of never having been tested for heartworms or treated with preventatives is a very big red flag that usually leads us to a diagnosis. Testing is relatively straightforward these days with a small blood sample. When heartworm disease was first being recognized, the tests we performed were called Knott’s Tests, after the inventor, and we looked for the telltale microfilaria under the microscope. While these are not hard to find in a heavily infected dog, they may not be present in every sample of a lightly infected dog, and the test was dependent on having an experienced, careful technician or veterinarian reading the results. Today the tests are much more sensitive and sophisticated and they test for the presence of heartworm antigen rather than the microfiaria themselves. While no test is 100 percent correct all of the time, the current available tests are extremely accurate. Even so, most veterinarians will run a confirmatory test on every positive heartworm sample they detect. Treatment for heartworms is expensive and not without its own risks, so we want to be very sure that 6 February/March 2015 | Pet Project Magazine we do not have a laboratory error before beginning treatment. Because of the relatively leisurely pace of the heartworm migration to the heart itself, it can take up to six months after a mosquito bites the dog before the dog will test positive for heartworms. A puppy would have to be bitten on the day he was born in order to test positive at six months of age, so there really is no point to testing prior to six months. Depending on what time of year it is when your pup turns six months of age your veterinarian may wait to test a few months longer. There is a significant source of friction between veterinarians and their dog-owning clients over yearly testing. During the days of microfilaria testing there was simply no option. It was dangerous, and potentially fatal, to give a dog who was positive for the tiny worms, the medication of choice at that time, which was a daily medication. The dog could go into anaphylactic shock. Today the heartworm preventatives that we use do not pose that risk. Additionally, veterinarians have done a good job of convincing people that heartworm prevention should be given year-round, rather than just during “mosquito season”. With changing climate patterns and travel of dogs from place to place, there is no real “mosquito season” anymore. For optimum protection your dog should receive preventative every month. “Today the tests are much more sensitive and sophisticated and they test for the presence of heartworm antigen rather than the microfiaria themselves.” But then the inevitable question arises: if these preventatives are so good, and I give it to my dog every month, why do I have to test him every year? It’s a good question. All of us want to take good care of our pets, but we want to do it as economically as possible. Heartworm testing is not a break the bank test cost-wise, but particularly if you have multiple dogs in a household the costs can add up quickly. Some veterinarians have gone to every other year testing, IF they are sure that their client compliance rate is good; others (myself included) allow people with multiple dogs to test about half of them each year. The American Heartworm Society still recommends yearly testing and it is the best idea for several reasons. 1) As good as our current preventatives are, they are not 100 percent effective. No drug is. Even in the limited experience of just one practice (mine) I have had a few dogs who religiously received their preventative come up positive for heartworms. 2) Dogs being dogs, occasionally they vomit up medications without your knowing about it. A quick yark in the back yard, and your preventative is now in the grass and your dog is unprotected. One of my veterinary mentors, Dr. Jack Horton, had a patient test positive for heartworms while supposedly on daily heartworm preventative. The owner had records of purchase of the medication and had given it correctly, and was understandably upset that it had not prevented the disease as promised. The dog was treated and did well. Six months after treatment, the owner bought a new couch and when the old one was removed, found about 200 heartworm pills under it. The dog had apparently taken the pills and surreptitiously spit them out under the couch, unbeknownst to the owner. Dogs can be pretty sneaky! 3) Are you really really sure that you gave that pill on the first of the month? All of us have crazy complicated lives and I confess to have forgotten my own dog’s pills more than once. I’ve been lucky. You might be lucky too…but do you want to take that chance? At any rate, no dog should ever go longer than two years between heartworm checks. Say that your dog tests negative for heartworms in the spring, but over the summer a couple of doses are missed. If you test yearly, then the next spring you could find out that your pet has actually tested positive and start on treatment immediately. If you don’t test that year, then another whole year can pass before you find out about the problem, and during that year the heartworms can begin to cause significant damage to heart, lungs and pulmonary vessels. The more advanced the disease becomes, the harder it is to treat, and some damage may be irreversible. There are so many things lurking out there that threaten our furry friends, and many of them can’t be foreseen or prevented. Heartworm disease, thankfully, is one of the more serious problems that can actually be effectively headed off. EDITOR’S NOTE: This is one of two articles on heartworms. Be sure to check out the next issue for details on treatment and prevention. r Dr. Beth Hussey is a longtime resident of Columbia and has been practicing at Horton Animal Hospital–Central since her graduation from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 1989. She has recently become sole owner of the practice, after the retirement of Dr. Jack Horton and Dr. John Williams. Dr. Hussey is the voice of “The Pet Place” on 1400 AM KFRU on Saturday mornings at 8:10 a.m. She serves on the Columbia Board of Health, the Vicious Dog Advisory Board and the Missouri Review board. She is active in the Columbia Dressage and Combined Training Association and was recently awarded the Region Four Volunteer of the Year for the United States Dressage Federation. She shares her Rocheport home with two cats, Vinnie and Carmine, a rescue dog named Buddy, and three horses, including her active competition horse, Wolfsfalle. Contact her at [email protected] or visit her practice website at hortoncentral.com. February/March 2015 | Pet Project Magazine 7 Tails from the Scratching Post Catification: Exploring New Heights Catification is about seeing your home through the eyes of your cat and tailoring your cat’s needs to your home’s aesthetic by Andrea Ward C atification is a new development where cat owners make enhancements to their homes to fulfill feline-specific instincts and improve their environment though sensory stimulation. Now, we aren’t talking a sea of beige carpet and rope towers. Catification is about seeing your home through the eyes of your cat and tailoring your cat’s needs to your home’s aesthetic One of the ways to cater to your cat’s needs of sensory stimulation is having a screened in porch or enclosure, often called a catio both cat behaviorists and enthusiasts. Catios give cats the chance for far more exploration than just opening up a window on a nice day. They give opportunity for cats to use sight, sounds and smells to view the outside world. Indoor cats can safely enjoy the outdoors this way as long as they have no means of escaping the enclosure, have adequate access to the house and resources and are supervised while playing in their screened in area. Cats may decide to nap and lounge in the sun or stalk a neighboring wild critter, all while taking in the sounds of nature and giving them the mental stimulation they require to thrive. 8 February/March 2015 | Pet Project Magazine “Using your home’s vertical space including shelves and catwalks encourages your kitty to view their home as a confident cat, observing from above as their ancestors naturally would in trees.” Creating a catio allows a cat to have a space all their own and many cat owners cater to their kitties by enhancing the porch with towers, scratchers and beds in order to make the space truly custom-made for their feline friends. Owners can hire someone to build a kitty enclosure or do it themselves. By framing an existing porch with wood and using wire screen to fully enclose all sides and the ceiling, building a catio can be quite the project. While creating a catio is one of the most complex and time-consuming types of catification, it can be a worthwhile investment to see your kitties enjoy their new environment. Another way to upgrade a house to for kitty companions is by using height. Using your home’s vertical space including shelves and catwalks encourages your kitty to view their home as a confident cat, observing from above as their ancestors naturally would in trees. Having vertical spaces that accommodates cats’ desire to be up high also eliminates their likeliness to sit on your counters or tables by satisfying cat’s instincts to climb and perch. Having this safe space up high not only instills confidence but also allows your cat to have a place away from children, an escape from dogs, or some much needed personal space without feeling the need to hide. Many cats enjoy walkways and shelves at varying levels. This also gives them exercise when jumping from one perch to the next. Catwalks and shelves don’t need to be anything fancy and can be quite simple to install or create. You can get all you need at a local hardware store – shelves, brackets and fasteners. The most important thing is to ensure your cat’s safety and make sure shelves are properly anchored into your wall and can withstand your kitty’s weight. Encourage your kitty to explore their new vertical environment by placing them on a shelf and having them jump from one catwalk to another. Or entice your cat with a favorite toy or treat. Cat owners can also opt for non-permanent additions by using fashionable and functional furniture and blending the catification into the home’s décor. Several cat furniture manufacturers are opting for a more modern look, designing pieces not only for the cats, but also keeping their owners in mind. February/March 2015 | Pet Project Magazine 9 Many higher end pieces are being made to make it seem as though cat furniture is actually a conventional furniture piece like an end table or cabinet. Cat owners are seeking creative ways to help incorporate unappealing parts of owning cats, such as the litter box, by masking it into a modern end table or cabinet. This way, the cats have their litter box privacy and owners don’t make it known that the litter box is even in the room. “Catios give cats the chance for far more exploration than just opening up a window on a nice day.” Though many companies make these readily available for purchase, you can build cat furniture for your homes. Now the do-it-yourself movement is quite popular for catification as it allows people to customize things to their specific home and it can be more cost-effective. Several homemade pieces can contain convenient pet-owning solutions such as storage for cats’ accessories, keeping all their necessities in one convenient place. Cat owners can also consider upcycling and repurposing items such as an old TV cabinet or vintage suitcase for a cat bed. Many cat owners who catify their homes share ideas and photos, which can be a great place to draw inspiration for a catification project of your very own. Whether it’s a catio, vertical shelves or freestanding furniture, there are catification design ideas for everyone, regardless of budget or craftiness level. Your felines will thank you for giving them more than just the same old cardboard box to play in. EDITOR’S NOTE: Catification comes from Jackson Galaxy’s book, Catification available at jacksongalaxy. com r Andrea Ward has volunteered with animal rescue for several years and has experience as an adoption counselor, livein caretaker and veterinary technician. You can reach her at andreaward8342@ gmail.com 10 February/March 2015 | Pet Project Magazine The 3rd Annual Spay - Ghetti Dinner What: A tasty dinner, bake sale, and silent auction benefiting No Kill Columbia’s Spay Neuter Project. When: Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 5:30pm - 8:30pm Where: First Presbyterian Church 16 Hitt Street Parking available in 10th & Cherry St. Garage Tickets: $10 in advance, $15 at door, Children $5 Available at: Lizzi & Rocco’s Treats Unleashed or online at: www.nokillcolumbiamo.org Ask about oouurrDD-I-YY sweetheart d eal! PET FUNERAL SERVICES For Dogs & Cats D-I-Y DOG WASH! professional grooming services & self-serve wash “Because Pets Are Family” www.treats-unleashed.com 573.234.2275 • 1400 Forum Blvd • Columbia, MO Central Missouri’s first and only private individual pet cremation service • Dignified, and affordable pet cremation and funeral options • Serving Jefferson City, Columbia, and Lake of the Ozarks • Daycare • Private Lessons • Pet Taxi Service Overnight Care • Grooming • Available to your family 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. (573) 636-2424 www.woodspetfuneralservices.com 815 Blue Ridge Rd. Unit B • www.DOGDAZEPLAYCARE.COm • (573)999-5077 February/March 2015 | Pet Project Magazine 11 ANIMAL LAW 101 Who do You Call? Differences between The Central Missouri Humane Society and Boone County Animal Control. by Michael Whitworth, Attorney at Law T here seems to be a great deal of confusion here in Boone County when it comes to determining who to call when you see an animal in distress, The Central Missouri Humane Society or Boone County Animal Control. They are NOT the same entity and they do not provide the same services. The Central Missouri Humane Society is a private organization which operates under the following mission statement, “The Central Missouri Humane Society exists to prevent and alleviate suffering and uncontrolled reproduction of companion animals with emphasis on public education, adoption and providing basic veterinary services for underserved pet owners.” “If you see an animal in distress…call Animal Control.” If you have lost or are missing a pet, or you found a pet, you should call and visit The Central Missouri Humane Society to fill out a missing or lost or found report. That is where the animal shelter is located. The Central Missouri Humane Society is also where you can visit to see adoptable dogs and cats. It is located at 616 Big Bear Blvd. in Columbia. The phone number for The Central Missouri Humane Society is (573) 443-7387 and adoption Hours are Monday through Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. If you see an animal in distress or one that is being neglected or abused do not call The Central Missouri Humane Society. They do not have resources to dispatch help and it is not under their auspices to be able to help those situations. If you see an animal in distress or one that is being neglected or abused call Animal Control. Their phone number is (573) 449-1888. The purpose of Animal Control, according to the 12 February/March 2015 | Pet Project Magazine website, is to protect people and to protect animals. Animal control officers are charged with protecting people and animals and travel throughout Boone County for these purposes. These officers also have the power to issue a summons, which is a ticket, to people abusing or neglecting an animal or who are in violation of Animal Control ordinances or statutes. The maximum penalty upon conviction in Columbia Municipal Court is $500 and/or 30 days in jail. In the Boone County Associate Circuit Court the penalty is $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year or by both such fine and imprisonment. This is controlled by city ordinances in municipal court and state statute in Boone County Associate Circuit Court. If you see an animal that you believe needs help call Animal Control, report the situation and be sure to have an exact address or location to report. Document the call, make note of the officer that you spoke with and follow up to see what their findings were and what can and will be done about the situation. Animal Control is a governmental entity who serves the community and has the resources and the authority to help. If you live outside Boone County it is important to find out what resources exist in your area and who to call if you need help. This may be Animal Control, the local Police Department or Sheriff’s Department. You can learn about all of the specific animal ordinances in Boone County by visiting the city’s website at gocolumbiamo. com/Health/Animal_Control r Michael Whitworth is a practicing attorney and of counsel in the Columbia law firm Ford, Parshall and Baker, LLC, 573-441-5555. He has been a licensed attorney in Missouri since 1985. Treats l e v a r T : Recipe eling. ies for trav y. reat cook pset tumm These are g h can settle a dog’s u hic in ginger w ta n o c y e h to 375ºF. T your oven illa, egg t 1. Prehea table oil, honey, van owl and l i Place vege ether in a mixing b g getable o . e 2 v p u c ½ d milk tog lend in flour, bakin y n e a n o h p u ½c tly. B ha whisk ligh ginger and mix wit . n vanilla s 1 teaspoo g substitute) owder and until a dough form nd g p e r (o g g 1e oon ce a ilk wooden sp onto a floured surfa lls n skim m e 4 teaspoo ilk) r tu all ba 3. Roll mix apes or roll into sm e a (or soy m le-wheat cut into sh ith a spoon to mak who w 1 ½ cups and flatten . flour ughly. nd cookie utes and cool thoro aking u b o r n o o p s 1 tea l. r 15 min 4. Bake fo ggies for easy trave powder a d b n u Store in on gro ½ teaspo ginger February/March 2015 | Pet Project Magazine 13 Oily Pets New Natural Healing Options How to use therapeutic essential oils to care for open wounds and skin irritations by Pamela A. Heyen, Holistic Health Practitioner W ith the introduction of Young Living’s new Animal Scents Care Collection it is easier than ever to introduce the oils into your animal’s life. These oils are safe for every size and species of animal from your in house pet to your barnyard, according to the information provided by the Young Living Animal Scents Care Collection. Your animal may sustain some kind of open wound injury, such as a bite, scratch or a cut, at some point in their life. Proper pre-cleaning and wound preparation is imperative to improve the healing process. The blend PuriClean contains essential oils with cleansing and purifying properties, which will help to maximize a healing environment, the pamphlet from Young Living 14 February/March 2015 | Pet Project Magazine “These oils are safe for every size and species of animal from your in house pet to your barnyard, according to the information provided by the Young Living Animal Scents Care Collection.” Animal Scents Care Collection states. To use PuriClean: Drop 1-2 drops directly into the affected area to support proper cleansing or put 8-10 drops in a 1-ounce spray bottle with distilled water for a quick skin-cleansing spritz. Spritzing is also beneficial to animals with skin challenges, such as mange or candida. “With the introduction of Young Living’s new Animal Scents Care Collection it is easier than ever to introduce the oils into your animal’s life.” The PuriClean blend contains the oils of: • Patchouli: anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, insecticidal and relieves itching. • Lavender: antiseptic, antifungal, analgesic and anti-inflammatory. • Mountain Savory: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory. • Cistus: antiviral, antibacterial, antiinflammatory and immune stimulant. • Palo santo: anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial. • Lemongrass: antifungal, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and anti-inflammatory. • Rosemary: anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial. • Tee tree: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-parasitic, and anti-inflammatory. • Lavandin: antibacterial, and antifungal. • Mytle: anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive. The combined medicinal properties of these 10 therapeutic essential oils will support the animal’s ability to heal by protecting the area from infection, according to the information provided by the Young Living Animal Scents Care Collection. PuriClean is one of six oils in the Animal Scents Collection that will give you peace of mind at a time when your animal friend may need comfort and tender care the most. r Pamela A. Heyen is the owner of Columbia-based Heyen Wellness Therapies and an advocate for the loving and humane treatment of all animals. Disclaimer: The statements enclosed herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information mentioned in this article are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Any statements made are for education purposes and not intended to replace the advice of your physician/veterinarian. Heyen Wellness Therapies does not dispense medical advice, diagnose or prescribe for illness. We design and recommend individual nutrition and supplements that allow the body to rebuild and heal itself. The views and nutritional recommendations by Heyen Wellness Therapies are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical services. If you or your pet have a medical condition, seek a physician/veterinarian of your choice. You should always consult a medical healthcare professional before starting an exercise, diet or supplementation program, especially if you or your animal are pregnant, nursing or taking prescription medications. www.CountrysidePetRetreat.com Dashing through the snow! 573-642-8561 Dog & Cat Boarding Facility Personal attention is our priority. Temperature controlled Air Filtration System Spacious Kitty Condos Large Dog Runs/Exercise Areas Located east of Columbia Owner lives on site February/March 2015 | Pet Project Magazine 15 OPTIONS FOR HOW T Establishing and maintaining good manners for your dog. by Sandy Corbet I t’s not too late to start 2015 on the right paw and training the family dog to have good every day manners, even if you missed January’s National Train Your Dog Month. Between 6 and 8 million dogs and cats are turned in to animal shelters each year and nearly 4 million are euthanized for lack of good homes, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Studies by the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy have found that most dogs are turned in to shelters for common behavior and training issues that could easily be solved with the assistance of a professional dog trainer. In fact, research has found that training and socializing dogs when they are young can reduce and even eliminate behavior problems in the future, according to the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. With the holidays behind us, now is the perfect time for dog owners who are considering “Dog training involves commitment and consistency.” 16 February/March 2015 | Pet Project Magazine getting another dog or for people who recently adopted a dog to enroll in a good basic training-obedience class. When searching for a trainer it is important to focus on one that uses force-free, positive training methods. In general, positive reinforcement trainers rarely use negative reinforcement and only in very limited scenarios. Positive training is when something is added to reward the dog, such as giving praise, treats or a toy when the dog pays attention. Positive training is extremely helpful in allowing you to reshape your dog’s behavior to bring on good behavior and eliminate bad behaviors. If your dog finds some reward in it, he will continue the behavior. If he finds no reward, the behavior will stop. You can shape his behavior by rewarding the behaviors you like and ignoring the behaviors you do not like. In addition, make sure that you manage the environment in order to prevent undesired behaviors from occurring in the first place. It’s all up to you what the outcome will be. Negative reinforcement is when a stimulus is used and then is removed to encourage a behavior. For example when a slip collar is used and pressure is applied to the collar for unwanted behavior the pressure is then removed when the dog gives the desired behavior. A human example of negative reinforcement is when you get in your car and you don’t fasten your seatbelt. A beep or an annoying sound will continue to sound until you fasten your seatbelt. Ideally, you will fasten your seatbelt in the future in order to avoid hearing the noise. A common scenario for using negative reinforcement TO TRAIN YOUR DOG with your dog is if you left your full dinner plate on the counter to go pour a glass of milk and while your back is turned Rover stands up at the counter and snatches the pork chop off your plate, you don’t want to reward that behavior. You have options for your reaction to provide negative reinforcement and a form of punishment. Reaction 1: You yell, “NO ROVER!” as he runs off to his bed to enjoy his snack. Reaction 2: You catch the thief and pull the pork chop out of his mouth and take him to his bed for a time out. Your reaction will shape what will happen next time you leave your dinner plate unattended. Even though you may have yelled “NO ROVER” the food reward is enough to promote this behavior over and over again. He didn’t care that you were upset or that you now had to eat Mac and Cheese for dinner. If your reaction was #2, Rover found out at that moment that you will not allow stealing food and he received no reward. Another tactic is to teach Rover that your dinner plate is off limits all together. Use a calm, upbeat voice and call him away from the food and when he does so, give him a reward. Watch for behavior that can be as subtle as sniffing the air in the direction of the food. Timing is critical when you are correcting this type of behavior. When his attention is diverted from the plate, immediately guide him into a more positive action saying “yes” or “good boy” or using one of his toys for play or reward him with praise or a treat. Your dog will catch on quickly because he has learned that by changing his own behavior he can receive “Positive reinforcement is when something is added to reward the dog, such as giving praise, treats or a toy when the dog does something that you ask or pays attention.” treats, praise or his favorite toy. Using the correction then reward scenario reinforces that the off limits object is bad and avoiding the object is good and he gets a reward. When it comes to counter surfing the best solution is to keep your counters clear. Set your pooch up to succeed. Don’t leave food unattended on the counter top to tempt him. Without the stimulus of good food smell coming from the counter, the interest will go away and the problem will be solved. Dog training involves commitment and February/March 2015 | Pet Project Magazine 17 “All family members have to be on board and consistent for success. A well trained dog is a happy dog and makes for a happy family.” consistency. Reshaping your dog’s behavior should be fun for you and your dog. Before you enroll your dog in a dog training class or hire a professional dog trainer to come to your home, make sure you are ready to do the work. You don’t want to begin a dog training class and half way through get frustrated because of the time commitment. Dog training should also create a bond between you and your pup. Dogs love to learn and the more you teach your dog the better they become at learning and the more you can teach them. Practice the commands you are learning in class for 20 minutes each day. The 20 minutes can be split into several sessions per day. Five minutes four times a day, or 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes after dinner. It takes time to change your habits with your dog. You may find yourself doing all the right things on week one but on week three you realize you have quietly slipped back into your old habits. Make a checklist to keep on track with training each day. Make sure 18 February/March 2015 | Pet Project Magazine everyone in the family and guests are aware of what you are doing and that they don’t sabotage your work. An example of a sabotage is, you do not allow Rover to jump on you when you get home from work, but when your teenaged son comes home he thinks it fun to have Rover jump up and have a wrestling match. All family members have to be on board and consistent for success. A well trained dog is a happy dog and makes for a happy family. When searching for a dog trainer, look for someone with several years of experience and is certified. Ask questions about training techniques and their certification. Talk to them about your specific needs and issues with your dog. Be sure the trainer is easy to communicate with and is available for questions. Watch for further articles regarding dog training in upcoming issues of Pet Project Magazine. r Sandy Corbet is a dog trainer at Barkley Woods Dog Training. She is CDT, AKC Certified CGC Evaluator and is located in Fulton MO. She can be contacted at 573-642-3886 or [email protected] WE LIKE PETS! LIKE US Watch for contests for a chance to win great prizes. facebook.com/petprojectmagazine www.petprojectmag.com February/March 2015 | Pet Project Magazine 19 BREED THE BOXER is a medium-sized dog P R O F I L E but can vary in size. BOXER Boxers have short, by Pet Project tight-fitted hair and a Magazine staff smooth coat and needs minimal grooming. Colors range from fawn and brindle to white. A boxer’s lifespan is approximately 9 to 10 years. The boxer breed originated in Germany and was bred from the Old English Bulldog. Their skulls are broad and short, they have a square muzzle, a strong jaw and a powerful bite. Boxers are a member of the working class of canines and are extremely energetic and athletic. Boxers can make excellent family pets if enough exercise, training and control can be provided, especially if training starts when they are young. Young boxer’s are playful, friendly dogs, which appeals to families, especially with children. Middle aged boxers can make very calm, loyal companions. Boxers need constant leadership and are intelligent and strong-minded. They respond to upbeat, persuasive training methods but will shut down if dominant or adverse methods are used in training. Exercise can range from very long controlled walks for boxers with a more calm demeanor or romps in a park or fenced back yard playing fetch with a Frisbee or a ball for the more exuberant personalities. Be aware that Boxers are prone to heat stroke. If you are looking for a very attractive, stubborn and devoted companion, the boxer breed might be right for you and your family. 20 February/March 2015 | Pet Project Magazine FEBRUARY 1 Lizzi & Rocco’s North. Valentine Photos to benefit Second Chance. Noon – 4 p.m. Treats Unleashed. Puppy Bowl Pizza & Bowser Beer Event. All Day 7 Central Missouri Humane Society. Low Cost Vaccination Clinic. 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Lizzi & Rocco’s South. Valentine Photo’s to benefit Dogs Deserve Better. 11a.m. – 3 p.m. Lizzi & Rocco’s North. Adoption and nail trim event to benefit Boone County Animal Care. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. PetSmart, Jefferson City. Meet and Greet and Adoption event to benefit Rescued Racers. Noon – 2 p.m. Treats Unleashed. Adoption event to benefit CMHS. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 13 Columbia Mall. Cat Adoption event to benefit Second Chance. 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. PetSmart, Columbia. Dog Adoption event to benefit Second Chance. 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. 14 Central Missouri Humane Society. Furball Adoption event. Noon – 7 p.m. Lizzi & Rocco’s South. Adoption and nail trim event to be benefit Dogs Deserve Better. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Treats Unleashed. Valentine Photos to benefit Rescued Racers. Noon–2 p.m. 15 Central Missouri Humane Society. Furball Adoption event. Noon – 7 p.m. 21 Lizzi & Rocco’s South. Adoption and nail trim event to benefit CMHS. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. PetSmart, Columbia. Meet and Greet and Adoption event to benefit Rescued Racers. Noon – 2 p.m. Treats Unleashed. Adoption and nail trim event to benefit Dogs Deserve Better. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 24 First Presbyterian Church. 3rd Annual Spay-Ghetti Dinner to benefit No Kill Columbia’s Spay Neuter Project. 27 PetSmart, Columbia. Adoption event to benefit Second Chance. 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. 28Lizzi & Rocco’s North. Adoption and nail trim event to benefit CMHS. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. PetSmart, Columbia. Adoption event to benefit CMHS. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. PetSmart, Columbia. Adoption event to benefit Dogs Deserve Better. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. PetSmart, Jefferson City. Adoption event to benefit Dogs Deserve Better. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. MARCH 1–31 PetSmart, Columbia. Cat adoption event to benefit CMHS. 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. 7 Lizzi & Rocco’s South. Adoption and nail trim event to benefit Boone County Animal Care. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. PetSmart, Jefferson City. Meet and Greet and Adoption event to benefit Rescued Racers. Noon – 2 p.m. Treats Unleashed. Adoption event to benefit CMHS. 11 a..m. –3 p.m. 13 Knights of Columbus. Trivia Night to benefit Second Chance. 6 p.m.– 10 p.m. Lizzi & Rocco’s North and South. Myth Buster adoption event to benefit CMHS. 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. 13–15 PetSmart, all locations. National Adoption Weekend. All day. 14 Lizzi & Rocco’s South. Adoption and nail trim event to benefit Dogs Deserve Better. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. PetSmart, Columbia. Adoption event to benefit CMHS. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 21 Lizzi & Rocco’s North. Photo’s with the Easter Bunny to benefit Dogs Deserve Better. Noon – 4 p.m. Lizzi & Rocco’s South. Adoption and nail trim event to benefit CMHS. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. PetSmart, Columbia. Meet and Greet and Adoption event to benefit Rescued Racers. Noon – 2 p.m. Treats Unleashed. Adoption and nail trim event to benefit Dogs Deserve Better. Noon – 2 p.m. 28Lizzi & Rocco’s North. Adoption and nail trim event to benefit CMHS. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Lizzi & Rocco’s South. Photos with the Easter Bunny to benefit Dogs Deserve Better. Noon – 3 p.m. PetSmart, Columbia. Adoption event to benefit CMHS. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. AND Adoption event to benefit Dogs Deserve Better. 11 p.m. – 2 p.m. PetSmart, Jefferson City. Adoption event to benefit Dogs Deserve Better. 11 p.m. – 2 p.m. • Central Missouri Humane Society 616 Big Bear Blvd., Columbia • First Presbyterian Church 16 Hitt Street, Columbia • Knights of Columbus 2525 N. Stadium Blvd., Columbia •Lizzi & Rocco’s South 503 E. Nifong Blvd., Columbia •Lizzi & Rocco’s North 1610 I-70 Drive, Columbia • PetSmart, Columbia 229 N. Stadium Blvd. • PetSmart, Jefferson City 731 Stoneridge Pkwy •Treats Unleashed 1400 Forum Blvd., Columbia February/March 2015 | Pet Project Magazine 21 The Behavior of DOGS! Seminar presented by Dr Ken Martin, DVM, DACVB and Debbie Martin CPDT-KA, KPA CTP, LVT, VTS (Behavior) from TEAM Education in Animal Behavior A two-day, professional seminar on dog behavior and behavior modification techniques for veterinary professionals, trainers, shelter/rescue staff and pet owners. The seminar focused on canine behavior and behavioral development, prevention of behavior problems and behavior modification tools and techniques. In addition, participants learned the importance of creating collaborative relationships between veterinary professionals, animal behavior specialists, trainers and pet owners regarding dog behavior issues. Hosted by Positive Transformations Dog Training & Behavior 22 February/March 2015 | Pet Project Magazine Pets in the Work Place! Having your pet by your side while at work can give you peace of mind, comfort and companionship. Bryan Canterbury, Heathx with Cody and Dolly Denise Stroad Skouby, Smithton Middle School with Hall Monitor, Luke Sarah Ashman, Walt’s Bike Shop with Cedar Bruce Baker, Pet Center Ltd with Chella and Aggie Ana Lopez, Designers Plumbing and Hardware with Istu Janine Gibbs Brown, General Printing Company with Kiki Randee Shenkel, Center for Family and Individual Counceling with Rennie February/March 2015 | Pet Project Magazine 23 THE DISH Motivating your dog with high value treats. by Jessica Schlosser T here are many ways to train your dog, but positive reinforcement training and treat use is one that all types of dogs highly respond to. Rewarding your dog through food creates an enjoyable training and learning process, makes the training sessions more fun and increases your bond with your dog. Who doesn’t love to bond over food? “Rewarding your dog through food creates an enjoyable training and learning process, makes the training sessions more fun and increases your bond with your dog.” 24 February/March 2015 | Pet Project Magazine The great thing about using treats for training is you don’t have to use a lot of them to get results. In fact, just giving your dog a small (think pencil eraser sized), quick-to-eat treat keeps them coming back for more. Rewarding your pet with too much food can upset his stomach. If the treats are too large, it can really take away from their training session if they are spending more time eating than learning. Small, bite-sized treats are easy to grab, quick to eat and let you get on with your training. In addition to finding a treat that is small, consider offering a variety. Variety is essential in using food for training for two reasons: 1) assortment keeps them intrigued and builds interest because they never know what flavor they’ll receive next. 2) your dog assigns different values to different treats – something bland and crunchy will be appreciated, but something soft and strongly flavored will be highly coveted. A mix of textures and flavors is almost as exciting as the great things your dog will be learning. When to use what The type of training treat you should use depends on the sort of work you’re doing with your dog. If you’re doing something that is faster paced, like an agility class, you’ll want something that is very small, soft, requires no real chewing and is gone almost instantly. On the other hand, if you’re out on a leisurely walk and you want to show your appreciation of your dog heeling nicely, something that is crunchy and takes a few seconds to eat would work well in this instance. Wet Noses Little Stars. These small, crunchy snacks are a great all-purpose training treat. They’re easy to grab a handful and throw into your pocket. Etta Says Little Bits. These semi-moist, treats are low calorie but pack a powerful flavor punch. They have a soft texture and strong flavor and are really appealing to dogs. Leanlix. If you’d rather shift away from the bag of treats to something cleaner and more compact, this is the choice for you. Leanlix is a lickable dog treat is self-contained – simply take the lid off, let your dog have a lick, then pop the lid back on. It’s low calorie and completely mess free. r Jessica Schlosser is the owner of Lizzi and Rocco’s Natural Pet Market, 503 E. Nifong Blvd., Suite J, in Columbia. You also can reach her at 573-8752288 or at the store’s website, www. lizziandroccos.com. “There are dozens of training treats available on the market now, so finding one your dog likes and will work for won’t be difficult.” Giving something that is higher value when your dog is working on a new or more complicated command may give them the push and focus they need to learn, whereas a blander, less exciting treat is fine to reward a behavior they’ve known for years. Treats can basically say “hey, nice work!” or “Oh my gosh, you just did the world’s most amazing thing!” – learn what works best to keep our dog’s interest and give them a treat that best rewards them for what they just did. There are dozens of training treats available on the market now, so finding one your dog likes and will work for won’t be difficult. Pick up a few and see what your dog likes best. Our Picks for Training Treats Top Choice: Bravo Freeze-Dried Trail Mix. The variety is already done for you with Bravo’s Freeze Dried Trail Mix. The mix is a blend of four flavors to keep your dog guessing what flavor will be next. This bite-sized blend of turkey, bison, beef hot dogs, and cheddar is high-value treat for your dog and low effort for you when it comes to providing an assortment of training treats. INTERACTIVE BOARDING & DAY CARE FOR DOGS Book for Early ak g Bre n i r p S ding Boar Small Group & Individual Attention in a Natural Setting www.southpawacres.com [email protected] (573) 446-ARFF (2733) Waggin’ Tails since 2001 February/March 2015 | Pet Project Magazine 25 “Many alpaca farmers sell the fleece, but a growing number of them spin the fiber and create handcrafted items as varied as pet beds, felted soaps, scarves and sweaters.” 26 February/March 2015 | Pet Project Magazine Alpacas more than just the latest must-have exotic pet How to tell if adding an alpaca to your menagerie is right for you. by Kadi Easley S ixty-Eight percent of homes in the United States have pets, according to Statista.com. Dogs and cats have always been the most popular pets in the country, but exotic pets trend with the decades much like hairstyles and clothing. In the 80’s the pet rock was king. In the 90’s Tamagachi digital pets died by the thousands when their tween owners forgot about them a week after Christmas. Ferrets and hedgehogs were the in pets to have in the early 2000’s. About the time hedgies became the must have pocket pets, alpacas started gaining popularity. Alpacas are domesticated South America llamas and have been raised there for thousands of years. But they’ve only been raised in the U.S. since the mid-1980s. Most alpacas are raised for their fleece in the U.S., but in other countries they are also raised for meat. Textile artists prize alpaca fleece, according to americanalpacatextiles.com. The fiber is softer than sheep’s wool, durable and luxurious. Many alpaca farmers sell the fleece, but a growing number of them spin the fiber and create handcrafted items as varied as pet beds, felted soaps, scarves and sweaters. February/March 2015 | Pet Project Magazine 27 “Alpacas are also good protectors and can take out a coyote with a well-placed hoof.” Alpaca fleece is warmer than sheep’s wool, hypoallergenic because it does not contain lanolin, and doesn’t prickle and itch, americanalpacatextiles. com states. In much of the world, alpaca clothing is sought after for softness and comfort. Alpacas come in 22 recognized colors ranging from black to pure white, with white being the most common. But it can be dyed to any color. Melissa Fletcher-Hickman and her husband own Uniquely More Farm and have raised Alpacas for the last seven years and are a great resource for someone looking to add an alpaca. Gelded males are the friendliest and make the best pets, Fletcher-Hickman said. They are very sweet and often follow us around like puppies. They will also hum with contentment when they are happy and generally only spit if they are mad or scared. Alpacas spit like llamas and camels, but seldom at people, Fletcher-Hickman said. They generally reserve that behavior for each other. Alpacas make a high-pitched shriek if they are angry or scared, according to Alpaca.com. With their fuzzy coats and sweet faces, you just want to hug them, but Alpacas don’t generally like to be handled a lot, especially around their legs and belly, but they do like the occasional scratch, Fletcher-Hickman said. 28 February/March 2015 | Pet Project Magazine They get along great with other farm animals and can even be good with dogs if they are raised together, Fletcher-Hickman said. They are also friendly with cows, horses, ponies, chickens and cats. My cats can often be found using the alpacas as a nice soft napping spot, Fletcher-Hickman said. Alpacas are also good protectors and can take out a coyote with a well-placed hoof, FletcherHickman said. But alpacas are heard animals and will not thrive alone and do best in herds of three or more, Fletcher-Hickman said. There are two types of Alpacas and are distinguished by their coat. The Huacaya (wah-ki-ah) has a short, dense, crimpy fleece making it look wooly like a sheep. The Suri (sir-e) has long silky pencil-like locks similar to dreadlocks, but not matted together. In some areas, the Suri can be more expensive to purchase as there aren’t as many available. The care and feeding of both types are identical and both types are valued for their wool, so aesthetics can be the deciding factor when purchasing an alpaca. Alpacas are camelids. They are related to Camels and Llamas, but are much smaller, averaging 32 to 39 inches tall at the withers and weighing between 100 and 200 pounds, Fletcher-Hickman said. “Gelded males are the friendliest and make the best pets. They are very sweet and often follow us around like puppies.” Before adding an alpaca to your menagerie make sure your large animal vet treats alpacas. If they don’t the vetting will fall to you, including regular hoof care. They have split hooves, like a goat, that will need to be trimmed every four to eight weeks. They will also require regular dental care. Alpacas have sharp incisors, called fighting teeth, which need to be removed so they don’t injure each other. Once a year their lower front teeth will need cut. Alpacas do not need a large ranch to thrive. You can safely keep up to seven alpacas on an acre, but it’s a good idea to rotate their grazing ground to alleviate parasite issues, Fletcher-Hickman said. Even with those precautions, alpacas should also be dewormed every 30 days if you’re in a humid climate like Missouri, Fletcher-Hickman said. Alpacas like hay, but they will graze on grass and any tree leaves that they can reach. A mineral block and salt block will make sure alpacas are getting all the nutrients they need. Special alpaca feed to supplement their grazing will keep them healthy and happy, Fletcher-Hickman said. Alpacas have a sensitive digestive system and understanding their dietary needs is important to consider before you bring one home, Alpaca. com states. Alpacas can be very inexpensive to purchase, some going for as little as $50. They do require some specialized care, but if properly cared for they can live for as long as 20 years. r Kadi Easley is a Regional Pack Leader with For Tails Only, a direct sales company that specializes in all natural pet treats, toys, supplements and food. She is also the servant of two imperious feline residents and pack alpha to three rescue pups. February/March 2015 | Pet Project Magazine 29 BUSINESS DIRECTORY CARD Find your new best friend Advertise Your Business Here Targeted Audience • Low Rates [email protected] 30 February/March 2015 | Pet Project Magazine ADOPT ME • ARFF MO (Animal Responsibility for Fayette, Mo.) www.arffmo.org •Boone County Animal Care www.facebook.com/BooneCounty AnimalCare •Boonville Humane Society www.petfinder.com/shelters/MO23.html •Callaway County Humane Society www.callawayhumane.org •Central Missouri Humane Society www.cmhspets.com •Dogs Deserve Better Missouri www.dogsdeservebettermissouri.com •Love a Golden Rescue www.loveagolden.com •Malinois Rescue www.malinoisrescue.org •Moberly Animal Shelter www.moberlymo.org •Mo-Kan Border Collie Rescue www.mokanbcrescue.org •Paws (Pet Adoption and Welfare Services) www.petfinder.com/shelters/MO600.html •People Helping Paws www.petfinder.com/shelters/MO586.html •Rescued Racers www.rescuedracers.com •Second Chance www.columbia2ndchance.org •Serendipity – German Shepard Dog Rescue www.serendipitygsd.org February/March 2015 | Pet Project Magazine 31
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