Training Tuesday. The Command That Could Save Your Dog's Life: Stop!

It's a scenario every dog guardian dreads: You're on one side of the road, your pup is on the other, bounding toward you. Between you? A long stretch of highway carrying an even longer line of moving vehicles. You hold your breath, knowing you are powerless to stop what's about to happen.

Are you really powerless in that situation? Obviously, prevention is the most effective way to keep your dog from becoming one of the millions of animals killed each year by vehicles. But, no matter how vigilant you are, accidents do happen: your pup slips past a guest and bolts out the front door, jumps out of the car when you're refueling, snaps his leash or slips out of his collar... No matter what you do, there are ways that your pup can get loose. How do you stop him in his tracks, when the worst is about to happen?

With a single, simple, life-saving command: Stop! We'll begin by defining exactly what you want your dog to do when you issue this command, and then we'll move forward from there to teaching your dog what is expected.

For my pups, stop is actually a combination of three commands: Stop, sit, and wait for me to come to you. Before you begin teaching stop, you should have a steadfast sit - once that's been accomplished, you're ready for stop.

Start with a long or extendible leash, and only use the "stop" command when you know you can get results. With any command, repeating the word over and over gives your pup the idea that he only has to obey after you've said something a dozen times, when you're frantic. When you're out on a walk and your pup is ahead of you, say "Stop" firmly and use the leash to make him do exactly that (never pull or jerk your dog to get him to obey - merely get rid of the slack on the leash and hold.) When he's stopped, say "Good dog"; if he hasn't already, your pooch will likely then turn to look at you. Give the sit command and go to him with ample treats and praise. If he starts to get up before you get there, say "No" or "Uh uh" and make him sit again.
Repeat. And repeat again. Do so over and over again, being sure to give lots of praise when your pup gets it right.

Once your pooch has Stop down when he's moving away from you, it's time to stop him when he's coming toward you. With your dog at the end of a long leash, call him to you. After he takes a couple of steps, you take one step toward him with your hand raised and say "Stop!" firmly. Unlike other commands (like "come"), don't worry about making your voice attractive or welcoming. You want your posture, actions, and voice to give your dog pause - to stop him in his tracks, as it were. If he stops, say "Good dog" and make him sit. Go to him with treats and praise, and release.

If your dog keeps coming when you say stop, take another step forward and repeat the command with a little more force. Remember, don't say the word a dozen times - twice is plenty. If he still keeps a'comin', stop your pup physically with your hand out in a halt gesture once he reaches you, and make him sit. Try again, remembering to give plenty of praise on those blessed moments when he gets it right.

Stop should be a command you refresh often. Run through it a few times every day - in the house, on outings, or running around your (fenced) yard. You'll be impressed with how often it comes in handy, and amazed at your own peace of mind when your pup is on the loose.

Note: The stop command should never be used in place of prevention. Always keep your dog leashed or fenced in high-traffic areas or in situations where your pup could get in trouble. Even the best dogs out there aren't infallible - don't let a moment of weakness mean disaster for your best friend.

EnvironMental Monday: Say Goodbye to Eau de Dog

I love almost everything about my dogs: the way they greet me when I come home from a long day, Adie's sweet little head-tilt when she hears something funny, the way Killian paws my leg when he wants a belly rub. The one thing I don't love about my dogs?

The smell.

Most of the time, my pups aren't stinky creatures - that's one of the benefits of a good, homemade diet. However, the healthiest diet in the world won't diminish the unmistakable smell of a wet dog. Yesterday, our trio - Adie, Killian, and I - were caught in a downpour on the way home from our walk, and the house hasn't been the same since. The musty smell of damp dawg has seeped into blankets, corners, and seemingly the very fabric of the building itself. What's a girl to do?

I went to the grocery store with just that question in mind, and came home armed with six different remedies that seemed sure to restore my olfactory health. Here's what I tried, and here's what I found.

(1) Air Wick Scented Oil Warmer. This is a plastic device that you plug into a standard outlet. You can choose a number of differently scented oils sold separately, plug the warmer into the outlet, and voila. Instant fragrance. Nice, huh? Actually... Not so much, at least to me. I chose a fragrance called "Relaxation," a blend of lavender and chamomile that sounded promising. This may not be typical of all of the blends, but this particular scent was anything but relaxing - definitely overpowering, and not for anyone with any kind of sinus or allergy issues.

(2) Glade Peaches and Petals Scented Candle. As scented candles go, this one is not bad - though again, anyone with sinus or allergy problems should beware. The fragrance was not overpowering, diffused well throughout the house, and left a pleasant, subtly peachy scent long after the candle itself had gone out.

(3) B&D Potpourri: Carpet and Room Deodorizer. I chose the mulberry scented powder, as this seemed to be the least floral-smelling of the multitude of fragrances available. Though I have no carpets, I used the powder on my sofa and chairs, vacuuming them off after a few minutes. Not at all overwhelming, and I have to say that for the first time in quite some time, my living room doesn't smell like a kennel. Which is a very nice change of pace, to say the least.

(4) Lilacs. Picked from bushes in the backyard, these fragrant flowers are some of my very favorites. If you have fresh flowers available, either by choosing a bouquet from your local store or simply by picking them yourself, there really is no substitute. Fresh flowers not only change the smell of a place, they can brighten a room and lighten your mood. Forget the cheap imitation powders, candles, and sprays... When in doubt, pick up a bouquet and let the healing begin.

(5) Lemons. Want an inexpensive way to make your kitchen smell fresh and clean all the livelong day? Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice into a vinegar solution for a "green" cleaner that smells great, or grind lemon rind into your garbage disposal to freshen things up a bit. You can also use lemon juice to freshen your toilet and shower - just beware of leaving undiluted lemon juice too long on fixtures, as it does have some surprising power.

(6) Essential oils. As much as I would love to say that a $4 Air Wick is just as good as a $30 bottle of essential chamomile oil, it's just not true. At the end of the day, there is no substitute for quality, and a quality essential oil can revivify your abused nostrils like nothing else. While many oils are expensive, others - like lavender and eucalyptus - are usually not more than $10 to $15. All are super-concentrated, so a small vial can last a good long time. Pick up a diffuser, put two to three drops of the essence of your choice in water, and the world will be your lavender-scented oyster. Your pup will likewise enjoy the calming effects, and your home will smell like heaven.

Whatever path you choose to keep your home smelling fresh and clean, remember to keep cleaning agents away from curious pups. When choosing flowers, be sure to stay away from any that might be hazardous to your dog's health, and take note if he (or you) seems to be sneezing, wheezing, or having other respiratory difficulties. And finally, if you notice that your pooch seems to have a perpetually unpleasant body odor, don't just accept it as a matter of course. Chemical imbalances, food allergies, skin conditions, and other physical ailments all may manifest initially as a foul or unnatural smell. Consult your veterinarian to see what can be done to make you and your pup more comfortable, and restore your house to the sweet-smelling haven it should be.

Dogward Bound! Pooping Pooches and Sacred Spaces

Unless you're living in a profoundly dog-friendly city, you've likely come across plenty of places where pups are not allowed. And even if dogs are not actually banned, there are certainly some rules of etiquette to follow in public places to ensure that the welcome banner continues to fly for our four-legged friends. Here, then, are five rules to keep your pup in favor wherever you tread.

(1) Are dogs allowed? Some public parks, landmarks, and cemeteries are not just unfriendly to pooches, they won't permit them. If that's the case, all of the information you're about to read is moot - go elsewhere. If you are in a town lacking in dog-friendly destinations, ask around to find out if there's any chance that a little lobbying (and education) may lift the ban. Until that happens, though, it's best to obey the signs and find a new spot for your pooch to roam.

(2) Where are the dog-free zones? Many public places will allow dogs in some areas but not others - be sure to stick to the areas where your pup is welcome. By ignoring signs or treading in no-pup quadrants, you are not only thumbing your nose at a place that is doing its best to accommodate your dog, but you're putting that dog-friendly status at risk and making all dog owners look bad. Be respectful of whatever limits have been set.

(3) Pick up after your pooch! Always come armed with a ready supply of "doggie bags" to dispose of your pup's waste. Don't rely on your destination - no matter how dog-friendly - to supply the bags, as you may well be disappointed. The bag dispenser may not have been restocked, or there simply may not be baggies available. I keep a box of sandwich baggies in my car for emergencies, and usually have a pocket bulging with said baggies whenever I go out.

(4) Be respectful of other people. One of the go-to locations for my pups and me is the local cemetery, since there are no public parks in town. I love the spot - it's shady, quiet, and has lots of grassy knolls for Adie and Killian to roll around on. But, just as with other public spaces, there is a very specific code of ethics when using such a sacred spot. In the case of cemeteries in particular, it is just good sense to be sensitive to those around you: keep your dog leashed when there are others around, be aware of service schedules and choose an alternate route on those days, and keep your voice respectfully lowered when someone is visiting a grave site.

(5) Leave a place better than you found it (or at least as good). I am horrified to admit that Adia has been known, on occasion, to steal toys from a grave site, start digging up the petunias, or kill a mole and leave the carcass in some appallingly inappropriate locale. If your pup does the same, be sure to right his wrongs before heading for home: put the toy back from whence it came, replant the petunias, relocate the mole to a more seemly final resting place. And of course, your pup should never be out of your line of sight, so that you can be sure and undo any atrocities he may have committed.

If all dog guardians followed these simple rules, it seems likely that a lot more places out there would be dog-friendly. Do your part as an ambassador for dogs everywhere, and you'll be amazed at the number of doors that open wide, inviting you (and your pooch) inside.

Dogward Bound! Merryspring Nature Center - Camden, Maine

Located just off Route One headed toward Camden, Maine, is a 66-acre, privately owned park known as the Merryspring Nature Center. Though I've grown up in this area, I had no idea of the existence of the Center until someone mentioned it in passing when I said I was looking for new places to take the pups. Barely a mile down a well-traveled side road just behind the Camden Hannaford shopping plaza, I found just that place. Though it was a warm, sunny Sunday when I arrived, there were only two cars in the limited parking spaces off to the side of the road. Park hours are listed as sunrise to sunset, trails are well-groomed and dog-friendly, and wildlife is abundant. Hooray for the fun of a new place to discover!

The Center is comprised of an entire network of trails, several well-kept gardens, picnic areas, and an open meadow in which dogs can roam free. Dogs are required to be on-leash in all other areas of the park, and there are a couple of places where they are not permitted. These include the central office and gardens and a children's garden just to the back of the office. All areas are clearly marked, so there's no question as to protocol when you're moving from site to site.

On this particular Sunday, there was only one pup - a handsome golden retriever - happily playing fetch with his people in the "dog meadow." I ran into a couple of mountain bikers on one of the trails, but otherwise seemed to be on my own for the majority of my time at the Center. Of course, it's early in the season yet; I'll be sure to update my blog as the summer wears on, to see just how busy this dog-friendly oasis becomes.

Though Merryspring charges no visitation fee, regular pup-visitors are encouraged to become "Merry Dogs." The fee for this is $35 for one dog or $50 for the multi-dog household, and helps to support upkeep of the grounds. I just sent off my check for Killian and Adia, as I expect we'll be regulars there in no time! Though the Center does not have an extensive off-leash area and there are a number of places where pups are not allowed to roam, I would still recommend this as a great spot for an afternoon of hiking and pup-friendly revelry. Check out the website for more information, or take a jaunt over to the Center and see for yourself. You and your pups will be happy you did!

Cinema Saturday: Dogs and Bears

EnvironMental Monday. The Case of the Mad Pooper

In Dog Star Daily recently, there was a great article about how to properly dispose of your pooch's hazardous waste. And while EnvironMental Monday is typically about your home and immediate environs, it seems to me that there's nothing more pertinent to the world around us than the waste we put in it.

There is no dog park where I live, however there is a fairly extensive cemetery where many of the neighborhood pups go for their daily constitutional. I've always tried to be a considerate dog owner, cleaning up after my pups whenever we hit the mean streets or the quiet side lanes. After a bit of research, I've learned that such clean-up is about more than simply keeping the sidewalks clean. According to the Dog Star Daily article and some supplemental research I've been doing, canine feces has a wealth of micro-bacteria that are downright dangerous for the environment, and can pose serious health concerns if the poo leaches into groundwater. Check out the aforementioned article for some great tips on how to dispose properly of your dog's waste; I've actually just ordered a Doggie Dooley Pet Waste Digester myself, and I don't think I've been this excited about mail-order since my last Patricia McConnell shopping spree.

Unfortunately, however, not everyone reads Dog Star Daily. Despite having plastic baggies at our disposal, there are a few negligent dog owners sharing cemetery space here in Thomaston. One of my dog-walking neighbors has a ten-year-old daughter who has become slightly obsessed with the subject - she's a little like the Harriet the Spy of junior dog owners. She has nicknamed the worst offender the Mad Pooper, and apparently stalked me for some time before we actually met, convinced that it was I. Once she realized that I was not, in fact, the Mad Pooper, she turned her attention to others who frequent the "park." I have actually seen a few people there who turn a blind eye when their pups are squatting - one who even walked away while his dog defecated ON a gravestone! While I typically have a hard time making waves and don't want to upset anyone, even I feel that something has to be done. A woman whose young son is buried in the cemetery often writes letters to the editor of our local paper, pleading with dog owners to clean up after their pooping pooches.

So, how is it in this day and age that dog owners who otherwise appear very intelligent, can be so ignorant when it comes to a matter affecting not merely aesthetics, but the physical health of others? Are they really that callous, or merely uninformed? Now that I understand more about the potential health consequences of a poo-infested public space, I feel more equipped to talk to others when I see them walking without that all-important plastic baggie. With a little effort and some much-needed education, maybe we can eradicate the Mad Poopers among us.

Cinema Saturday: Cat Versus Puppy

Thursday's Nutrition Beat: Stocking the Kitchen for Canine Health

If you've ever entertained the notion of making homemade meals for your pooch, you may have been dissuaded once you read a little bit on the subject. It can be overwhelming; in fact, there are still definitely times that I question my own sanity - particularly when I'm in the checkout line at the grocery store, with a few items for myself and a whole parcel for the pups. That feeling goes away when I not only see how healthy Adia and Killian are, but further when I know exactly what is going into their furry bellies each day. A little peace of mind goes a long way, in my book.

At any rate, if you're just starting out or would simply like to give the whole homemade food thing a try, here are a few items that you should always have on hand.

(1) Brown rice. There is some debate as to how great a percentage of carbohydrates are actually necessary for a dog's diet. I tend to stick somewhere in between extremes on both sides, with about 30-percent of my pups' total caloric intake. Brown rice is fairly affordable, easy to prepare, and highly digestible. FYI, white rice is not a good alternative, as it is difficult for dogs to digest.

(2) Veggies! Carrots, celery, yellow squash, zucchini, sweet potatoes, green beans, peas... you get the idea. All of the above are super for your dog, as long as they are well-cooked. In the wild, dogs got their fruits and vegetables by eating the digested remains of whatever was in their prey's stomach. For that reason, dogs do not have the ability to digest raw fruits or vegetables (or carbohydrates, for that matter). An apple or carrot from the fridge isn't a problem, but anything beyond that may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, or constipation. Cut veggies into small pieces, boil in chicken broth, and add to your pup's daily portions. Remember, any change in diet should be done gradually; always introduce new foods in increments over the course of a couple of weeks.

(3) Quinoa or millet. These can be found at most health food stores, or in the health aisle of many supermarkets. Cook up the same way you would brown rice, and use as a tasty base for your dog's food. Both quinoa and millet are a little more expensive than brown rice; often, I'll mix a cup of cooked quinoa in with a couple of cups brown rice to change the texture and give a little variety to the evening meal.

(4) Meat. While there are many folks out there who believe dogs are just fine living as vegetarians, I am not one of them. For me, it is not as much about health as it is outlook... I am a vegetarian, and I am strongly opposed to the methods used by commercial farmers in raising and butchering livestock. But my dogs don't know about that stuff - they just know they really, really like meat. I compromise by using only free-range, organic meats sold at the local co-op. By doing so, I'm not only supporting local, organic farmers, but I'm able to provide the pups with a wide variety of choices: wild turkey, lamb, chicken, fish... They can devour every morsel, and my conscience is clear at the end of the day.

(5) Legumes. Black-eyed peas, kidney beans, and lentils are all great protein sources for your dog. Because meat is expensive, I supplement my pups' nightly protein rations with legumes - usually lentils, because they take the least amount of time to cook, and are pretty inexpensive. Make sure to cook properly and for a long enough period of time, in order to avoid gaseous upset (which isn't fun for your dog or you).

(6) Tofu. Whether or not your dogs are vegetarians, tofu is another great, relatively inexpensive source of protein. It's easy to prepare, and soy has excellent health benefits for dogs. As with the legumes, I typically will cook up some tofu with whatever meat I'm preparing in order to supplement the meal's protein requirement.

(7) Eggs. Oh, how we love them. Eggs are the only 100-percent digestible protein out there for your dogs. I'll often add a raw egg to a finished meal, or will boil up a couple of them when I'm low on other sources of protein. They do wonderful things for your pup's coat, aid in digestion, and are high in both vitamins and minerals.

If you'd just like to start your pup on a more healthful path but don't feel like you can commit whole-hog, try simply adding some homemade bits and pieces to your dog's kibble each day. The standard dog foods have plenty of carbs in there, so don't worry about adding rice or quinoa or anything along those lines just now. Instead, try cooking up some veggies and meat and adding a bit at each meal. Start with just a couple of tablespoons, gradually building up until you're doing a mix of half kibble/ half homemade. Before long, you'll see the difference in your pup's health, coat, and attitude.

Thanks for reading, and be sure to check in for next Thursday's Nutrition Beat, when I'll show you how to create a kitchen herb garden that you and your four-legged friends will love.

Training Tuesday. Using Treats As an Effective Training Tool

Recently, I've heard a few somewhat disturbing comments regarding the misconceptions of using food in dog training. Because I've been working with dogs for a while now, I think I just assumed that using food to reinforce good behavior was standard practice. No one really thinks it's "bribery" anymore, right? Or that you're somehow spoiling the dog by rewarding good behavior? Well... Sadly, that seems not to be the case. Here's an excerpt from a dog training website I stumbled upon recently: "Be forewarned, the words 'Positive Reinforcement, Luring and Operant Conditioning' are code for bribing with food." Keep in mind that these folks are APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) members, seem to have a long history of dog training, and have an extensive website with lots and lots of information. Much of that information is misinformation, and I would be very curious to actually see what their methods are for getting the results they promise.

So, here are three common myths for folks opposed to so-called food-based training, and some tips for how you can avoid such pitfalls when you're working with your own pooch.

(1) My dog will only perform if I have treats.

This common idea demonstrates a misunderstanding of the basic premise of positive reinforcement training. On the first go-round when you're teaching your pup to sit - in other words, you are conveying the physical movement involved in sitting down - the treat should be at your dog's nose to "lure" him into position. As soon as he sits, he receives the treat, thus conveying that the word "Sit" means to settle on his haunches. The word now has meaning to him, and by performing that action he is rewarded. By your second lesson, you should start picking and choosing when the dog receives a food reward. If you're doing a round of three sits, give a tasty treat for the first good sit, none for the second, and one for the third. By now, you should not be showing the dog a treat before giving a command. Tell him "Sit," wait until he has done so, and then produce the treat from your pocket and give it to him.

(2) I am giving up my dominant position by rewarding him for good behavior.

The fact of the matter is that dogs respond best to consistency, affection, and clear boundaries. Think of it this way: You probably have a job of some kind, correct? And from that job you derive some kind of income. The equivalent for your pup is two square meals and a roof over his head; that's your pooch's base pay. Now, what happens to you when you get a bonus now and again, or a well-deserved pat on the back? These little extras make you that much more likely to perform well and enjoy the work you're doing. Do you have less respect for your boss after you've received accolades? Are you less likely to go the extra mile? It's no different for dogs. You can train your dog without those little extras, but studies have proven that it slows the learning process and decreases the level of enjoyment (and thus retainment) for the dog.

(3) My dog won't respect me if I use only positive reinforcement.

Positive reinforcement does not mean your dog never gets feedback when he does something wrong. Every trainer that I've ever heard of - even the ones who are all about positive reinforcement - understands that a dog must get some indication when he does something wrong, in order to avoid making the same mistake twice. For example, my pups Adia and Killian are required to sit and wait at the door until I give the "Let's go" command. When they do it properly, they aren't rewarded with food, but with the pleasure of hitting the pavement (and what's better to a cooped up pup than a walk on the mean streets?) When Adia gets a little too excited and won't sit, or Killian decides he's had enough and rushes the door, their "punishment" is to remove the thing they most want: the walk. I say "Unh-uh" and close the door, and we try again. It isn't stressful for them (or me), and by now they typically settle down after the second try. They respect me just fine, thank you very much, and - because our time together isn't about battling for status, we generally tend to have a blast together.

Whether or not you use treats is, of course, ultimately up to you. But just be aware that a great deal of research has been put into the subject, and most experts agree: a biscuit, triscuit, or tasty golden nugget makes training ever so much simpler for you, and more pleasurable for your pup. And isn't that what it's really all about?

EnvironMental Monday. Spring Cleaning With Dogs

For the past couple of weeks, coming home has been a little less of a pleasure than it once was. I find myself taking the pups and staying over at my mom's place far later than before; morning walks have gotten longer, and I tend to get to work just a little earlier than usual. The reason?

It's shedding season, and my apartment is a scene of true carnage. I have hardwood floors, which technically should make things easier, but my oh my... how the fur does fly. Both Adie and Killian are long-haired dogs, with an uncertain lineage that likely includes Newfoundlands, golden retrievers, and border collies. Killie's hair comes out in great, thick clods, while Adie's is fine and wispy and tends to accumulate behind doors and in darkened corners. This past weekend I decided I couldn't take it anymore, and laid waste to every stray hair, every errant furball I could find. Here's what I learned about de-shedding a shed-upon house:

(1) The Swiffer is a brilliant invention. I've had vacuum cleaners that were supposedly made specifically for pets, but I have yet to find one that's actually all that effective. In my experience, the most thorough way to go is to do a clean sweep first, and then follow up with a Swiffer. I honestly didn't think my floors would ever be that clean again.

(2) I'm not sure what it is about glass that makes it so appealing to pups, but my dogs have licked every single window, mirror, and picture frame within reach. I have no easy fix for this, even though this is supposed to be all about me being an expert in this stuff. Honestly, I'm at a loss. Windex, paper towels, and lots of elbow grease are the only recipe I have to help the sun shine through once more.

(3) Dog beds are your friend. There's something about having a fresh, clean dog bed in the room that - to me - just makes things nicer. It also helps ensure that your pups aren't shedding all over the couch, and makes the atmosphere more pleasant when you just want to hang out. I recommend having a bed in every room you spend time in - I splurged and bought five this weekend, which was pricey. Though I would love to say I go high-end on this stuff, I just don't have the money. If you have a Costco or Sam's Club nearby, that's the way to go. You can get a good bed for about $20 at either place; the covers are removable for easy cleaning, and they last a good, long time (provided, of course, your pup doesn't chew them to pieces).

(4) De-clutter your dog's toy box. For some inexplicable reason, I have a really hard time throwing out my dogs' old toys. It's not as though I have any sentimental attachment to them, but they do pull out that old, decapitated stuffed bear now and again for a game of tug... As a consequence, headless Charlie stays in the toy box, along with a whole slew of other, equally maimed puppy toys. This weekend, I started fresh. I threw out everything but the high-end toys (specifically the Kongs, which we still stuff and use on a daily basis), and paid a visit to the local Goodwill to restock. I picked up a canister of tennis balls for $2 and a whole pile of stuffed toys (no beaded stuffing, and I remove the eyes as soon as I get home to avoid a choking hazard) for $10.

I'm always amazed at how much more content I am in a clean house. My entire outlook changes - making dinner is a pleasure without a sink full of dishes, and bedtime feels almost luxurious with fresh sheets and fluffed pillows. I don't know whether my pups are merely responding to my change of mind, or whether they genuinely prefer things tidy themselves, but either way they seem more at ease at the end of the day. So, if dog fur and window streaks have you feeling down and out, take a day to regain control. A few hours of cleaning can make a world of difference to your state of mind - and that's great news for you and your pup!