Bow&Wow Times July-September2 (Fullcolor)

II

Issue No.12 www.bowandwow.com.ph



Growing up, our parents taught us so many things. From learning how to walk, to potty training, to basic manners such as saying please and thank you. As we transitioned from babies to toddlers and even until early adulthood, our Moms and Dads were there to teach and guide us every step of the way. By the same token, as pet parents we have this responsibility to our furry baby! From the moment we adopt a new puppy or kitten into our home, it is imperative that training be conducted in the very early stages to instill good

values in our pets and to allow them to become well-mannered and respectable furry members of the family, and of society. All dogs and cats are trainable -- very easily, in fact! The hardest role in pet training rests not on the trainee, but on the trainer. It requires patience, dedication, and a lot of love. Keep in mind that a professional dog or cat trainer’s role is only to train you how to train your pet -- and it’s up to YOU to continually reinforce those rules on a daily basis.

When it comes to training, it’s best to cover the essentials first. Crucial for dogs is crate and potty training; for cats, litterbox and housetraining. I remember when my sister and I started potty training H when he was about three months old. We basically followed him around every minute for a whole weekend, timing his inputs (feeding) and outputs (peeing/pooping), and rushing him to his “spot” of newspaper the moment he started showing signs that he’s about to do his business (i.e., sniffing around). After 2 days, when he finally went to the spot all by himself, I felt like I had just won the lottery. I was so proud of my furry baby! Later on, when you’re ready to move a notch higher, you can start teaching basic tricks like sit or stay, to more complex tricks and challenging interactive toys (H loves the Nina Ottosson ones I got him!). The golden rule in training is that once your pet learns the trick, praise him immediately and immensely -- Positive Reinforcement -- with things he loves, like treats or affection. When giving treats though, always remember that not all treats are created equal. Always choose with care and opt for all-natural, human-grade ones.

We’ve just concluded our Bow & Wow Next Pet Model search and I’m happy to congratulate our winners Mindy and Khatie, who grace this issue’s cover in a very fun-filled professional shoot with uber talented pet photographer Denise Lumbad. Along with the 274 other gorgeous photo entries, we’ve managed to raise 30,000 grams in pet food donations for The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). Thanks to everyone who participated in our contest!

For those who missed our super spectacular Bow & Wow Benefit Dinner last June 30, check out our magazine centerfold. Special thanks again to Chef Gaita Fores who very generously sponsored the scrumptious human buffet (and who also graciously invited us to her beautiful home to meet her three babies - see our Pet Parent Pawfiles section for details), Tessa Prieto-Valdes who wonderfully hosted that evening, to the Rockwell Tent for serving as the perfect venue, to Karla Kangleon, Nancy Cu-Unjieng, and the CARA team for planning the event with us, and most specially to all the guests and sponsors who helped us collectively raise over half a million pesos in donations for Compassion and Responsibility for Animals (CARA)!

The fun’s not over yet, of course! This August, join the Bow & Wow Pose for PAWS Calendar Contest and your furry baby might just be part of our fundraising 2013 calendar for PAWS. Plus, we’re cooking up something special for Halloween, so mark your calendars for our next Paw Date!

Happy Pet Parenting!

Pam [email protected]

We digest it for pet parents... The Bow & Wow Times tracks all relevant pet information from key websites, magazines, journals, animal research and studies, and other credible sources. Then we summarize what is essential for you to know in order to raise healthy and happy pets, and become the best pet parents you can be. The Bow & Wow Times is in no way intended to replace the knowledge and/or diagnoses of veterinary professionals. Always consult with your veterinarian whenever a health problem arises which requires expert care.

The Bow & Wow Times is a quarterly publication of the Healthy Options Group of Companies with corporate offices located at #3 Economia Street corner Calle Industria, Barangay Bagumbayan, Libis, Quezon City, 1110 and trunk line of (632)637-8888. For subscription inquiries, visit any of our stores listed above. Bow & Wow is a trademark registered at the Philippine Patent Office. ENTERED AS THIRD CLASS (PM) POSTAGE PAID AT QUEZON CITY CPO Under Permit No. NCR-05-07-201 valid until December 31, 2011. Subject for Postal Inspection.

Smart Pets

editorial staff

Christian Tanpresident

Romy Siapublisher

Pam So-Suarezeditor-in-chief

Yanni Cardeñocirculation manager

Lou Bootaneditorial assistant

Tennie Hungencoder

Ronald Cruzlayout & design

Sky Printingprinter

directoryLevel 5, Shangri-La Plazal Mall, EDSA Mandaluyong City

(632) 638-3372

Lower Ground Floor, Greenbelt 5, Makati City(632) 501-3680

our visionto transform pet owners into pet parents

We believe dogs and cats must have the best nutrition and health care available.

We believe dogs and cats are not toys for our amusement; they have feelings, they are very loyal and they need our tender loving care.

We believe the best way to acquire new pets is through pet adoption from the animal shelters.

We are against selling dogs and cats in pet shops which involves prolonged confinement in small cages.

We are against all forms of animal cruelty including chaining and caging dogs.

We support the good work of organizations like Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Compassion & Responsibilities for Animals (CARA), and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

our values

editor’spage

2 Training for Smart Dogs

Dog obedience training is the means by which you teach your furry baby to communicate with you. Start training your puppy as soon as you can, the earlier the better. Many mistakenly wait for their puppy to grow up before they begin dog training. Puppies that haven’t begun dog training before a certain age are more difficult to train. Grown-up dogs are also less accepting of dog training. Early training will mean fewer problems as the training progresses.

Attention Span and Dog Training

Like small children, puppies have a short attention span. You should learn to recognize the difference between a bored puppy that is no longer interested and one that is just being stubborn. Initially, limit yourself to only one command during a dog training session for young puppies. His attention span and learning abilities shall increase as your puppy matures, allowing you to practice for longer periods of time. Never forget that learning must be a game for your pet. Dog training is a sequential process that requires patience and self-control on your part.

Dog training classes involves you, the dog trainer and your dog. However, the actual trainer of your puppy will not be the dog trainer ; instead the real trainer will be you. The dog trainer will teach you the proper techniques for dog training and you will be the one to teach your puppy.

Basic Sequence of Your Training Program

Step 1: Begin crate training and potty training your puppy.

Step 2: Teach your puppy his name. Be consistent with what you call him and don’t confuse him using other endearing words.

Step 3: “Sit” is the next command, easily done with a treat or the smell of a treat touched to the nose and then raised over his head. A downward push just in front of his tail may be necessary.

Step 4: It’s time to get him used to a leash. Attach one to his collar and let him drag it around the house until he is used to it.

Step 5: “Come” is a very important command in dog training. Pick up the end of a long leash and say “come”. A slight tug may be necessary for him to get the idea.

Step 6: Train your puppy how to stop or redirect unneccessary chewing.

Step 7: Train your puppy to “stay” in one place and wait.

This is only a brief summary on star ting your dog training program. It may start in a formal training class but his dog training in your house will continue throughout his life.

Other Things to Remember

With care, your puppy will become a loyal companion. To keep him healthy, periodic check ups by the vet and vaccinations are necessary. You should also learn about pet health so you can recognize problems before they serious.

You and your dog will learn to talk to each other through dog training. A dog trainer can help you and your dog to better understand each other. Dog training is a valuable investment that will be repaid many times as your new puppy becomes a valued and contributing member of your household.

Positive reinforcement is the best way to train your furry baby. Never get mad, yell, or scream at your dog. Think of your puppy as a child that must be trained to live in a civilized world. You should correct him only when caught in the act.

Source: simplyeasydogtraining.com

Training for Smart DogsBy Michael Kenssington

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Issue No. 12 www.bowandwow.com.ph 3

Understanding the stages of development in cats will go a long way toward raising an intelligent feline. Most people who call a cat shelter are looking for a kitten. The common belief is that the youngest ones will bond more satisfactorily with the new family or owner, and that they will more easily learn the routine at their new home.

However, the next question is always, “Is it litter box trained?” Somehow, people expect what is basically an infant to be well trained with minimum potential for accidents, be well socialized for human contact yet naive enough to fit in with the members of a new family and with no issues to resolve. This is a rather tall order for a baby!

Human infants are expected to wear diapers until they are about 2 years old, and are not expected to know many words until they are 5 or so. Kittens, however, are expected to be “potty trained” before the timeline set by nature. Then they are expected to learn things rapidly so they bond with the new family and their home routines. In effect, they are expected to know things they aren’t yet able to comprehend. Some people think instincts are form intelligence in animals. In a way, that might be a valid concept, but animals are not driven by instinct alone. Their ability to learn is affected by the conditions in which they must live.

When we consider the normal stages of development of the kitten as it becomes a cat, perhaps one can learn to be patient with their “new baby” at home:

From birth to 2 weeks, kittens’ eyes are just opening, around the 10th day. They follow sound, and are completely dependent on their mothers. If separated from her now, they will become slow learners in life and often will be aggressive toward people and other pets.

During the 3rd week, they are able to locate things by sight and smell, especially their mother.

On the 4th week, their senses of smell and hearing are well developed. They can walk pretty well and begin playing with their littermates.

On the 5th week, they are playing vigorously now, which is part of their schedule for learning the various skills they will need as adults, such as pouncing, stalking and running.

Raising an Intelligent Cat

At this point, they are also learning how to use their feet, as cats are masters of balancing and grasping. Their claws are essential equipment now. They also begin grooming themselves during this stage, as well as each other. Shared grooming is a social mechanism that helps them learn to bond with others. Removing the kitten from its mother and siblings now interrupts this process and they may not learn how to form relationships. This may explain why some cats never accept a companion or a new pet in the home later in life.

7 to 14 weeks is the stage where they are most active, where playing is not just for fun, but for learning the valuable skills they will need as adults. This is a critical time in a kitten’s life, and appropriate toys are essential if they are not playing with a littermate. Separation from their mother and siblings at this stage is very common, and the new owners must understand the essential use of playtime, grooming and gentle handling.

From 3 to 6 months of age, kittens are learning about the “totem pole” or their social ranking. They may become aggressive if necessary for survival due to rough handling either by humans and/or by other pets, such as dogs or larger cats who may see them as intruders. At this age, kittens may be regarded as “teenagers,” a time when they experience new feelings, especially those associated with the onset of puberty. If not spayed or neutered at this time, they will begin trying to dominate others in the home, including the humans.

Treating a new kitten with respect, gentleness and love, along with proper nutrition, will result in having a loving, well adjusted and smart cat!

Source: ezinearticles.com

Raising an Intelligent CatBy Dr. R.J. Peters

smart pets

4 Dogs: Positive Reinforcement Training

Dogs care about praise... and food. Positive reinforcement training uses praise and/or treats to reward your dog for doing something you want him to do. To practice the technique effectively, you need to follow some basic guidelines.

Timing is Everything

The reward must occur immediately––within seconds––or your pet may not associate it with the proper action. Using a clicker to mark the correct behavior can improve your timing and also help your dog understand the connection between the correct behavior and the treat.

Keep it Short and Be Consistent

Dogs don’t understand sentences. “Daisy, I want you to be a good girl and sit for me now” will likely earn you a blank stare. Keep commands short and consistent.

Reinforce Good Behaviour

Positive reinforcement is great for teaching your dog commands, and it’s also a good way of reinforcing good behavior. Give him a pat or a “Good dog!” for lying quietly by your feet, or slip a treat into a Kong-type toy when he’s chewing it instead of your shoe. Be careful that you don’t inadvertently use positive reinforcement to reward unwanted behaviors.

Shaping Behavior

It can take time for your dog to learn certain behaviors. You may need to use a technique called “shaping,” or reinforcing something close to the desired response and then gradually requiring more from your dog before he gets the treat.

Types of Rewards

Positive reinforcement can include treats, praise, petting, or a favorite toy or game. Since most dogs are highly food-motivated, food treats work especially well for training.

A treat should be enticing to your pet. Keep a variety of treats handy so your dog won’t become bored getting the same treat every time.

It should be a very small soft piece of food, so that he will immediately gulp it down and look to you for more. Don’t give your dog something he has to chew or that breaks into bits and falls on the floor.

Each time you use a food reward, you should couple it with praise. Say something like, “Yes!” or “Good dog,” in a positive, happy tone of voice. Then give your dog a treat.

When to Give Rewards

When your pet is learning a new behavior, reward him every time he does the behavior. This is called continuous reinforcement. Once your pet has reliably learned the behavior, you may switch to intermittent reinforcement, in which you continue with praise, but gradually reduce the number of times he receives a treat for doing the desired behavior.

At first, reward him with the treat four out of every five times he does the behavior. Over time, lessen the time you reward him, until you’re only rewarding him occasionally. Continue to praise him every time—although once your dog has learned the behavior, your praise can be less effusive, such as a quiet but positive, “Good dog!” Use a variable schedule of reinforcement so that he doesn’t catch on that he only has to respond every other time. Your pet will soon learn that if he keeps responding, eventually he’ll get what he wants—your praise and an occasional treat. Don’t decrease the rewards too quickly. You don’t want your dog to become frustrated.

By understanding positive reinforcement, you’ll see that you’re not forever bound to carry a pocketful of goodies. Your dog will soon be working for your verbal praise, because he wants to please you and knows that, occasionally, he’ll get a treat, too.

Source: humanesociety.com

Positive Reinforcement Training For DogsBy The Humane Society of the United States

smart pets


First and foremost, we always recommend that you regularly have your cat examined by your veterinarian. These regular check-ups ensure there are no hidden health problems that could possibly be aggravated by the activity of training.

Cats, like people, are individuals. Each cat will react differently when the training begins. Your cat may ignore you when you begin to train him, or he may be very curious and eager.

Whatever your cat’s personality, here are some pointers that will make the process easier and more enjoyable for both of you:

Train your cat before he has his regular meal; a food reward won’t be very enticing to your cat if he has just finished dinner. Do not withhold food from your cat to make him eager to learn. An overly hungry cat will be an annoyed cat. And cats, like people on a diet, often lose their appetite when their food is cut back.

Use your cat’s favorite food as a reward. This could be a little bit of his regular cat food, or a special flavor or treat. Always count in the training treats when you’re measuring how much to feed your cat in a day.

In the beginning, train your cat in a quiet environment, free from distractions. Training your cat in the living room with the radio or the television set on will make the process difficult, if not impossible.

Keep the training sessions short. End them before your cat gets bored or tired, and he will be more eager for the next session. We recommend 10 to 15-minute training sessions.

Keep the training sessions the same—same trainer, same behaviors, same commands and signals, and same reward.

Keep your behavior focused and consistent. Your cat will be confused if your behavior or commands change during training.

Stay with it. Training your cat once a month won’t provide results. Once you begin, try to spend 10–15 minutes every day training your cat.

Source: catsplay.com

Before You Begin Training Your CatBy Laurel Lagoni, M.S.

Before You Begin Training Your Cat

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When most people think of dog training, they think of the basic dog training commands––sit, down, come, stay. While those things are important, don’t underestimate the benefits of training a dog to do tricks. Dog tricks are a great way to offer your dog some mental stimulation, and many of them build from the basic commands.

Here are some fun and easy dog tricks to try:

1. Back Up

Back up is a fun dog trick, and it can come in handy in a variety of situations. Once your dog knows how to back up on command, you can use it to keep him from rushing out the door or crowding you at the refrigerator. All you need is some patience and a handful of treats, and you can quickly train a dog to back up a few steps when you give the command.

2. Take a Bow

Taking a bow is a dog trick which involves having your dog put his chest to the ground while keeping his rear end up in the air. It may sound like a difficult dog trick to train a dog to do, but the truth is, bowing is a natural behavior for dogs.

Trainers refer to this behavior as play bow. It is a dog’s way of asking another dog to come play. You can easily use your dog’s natural playfulness to train him to take a bow.

3. Shake Paws

Have your dog greet your friends by shaking hands.This is an easy dog trick that you can usually train a dog to do in a few short training sessions.

Seven Fun and Easy Dog Tricks4. Wave

Training a dog to wave hello or good-bye is a fun and fairly simple dog trick. Start by training your dog to shake paws. You will use the same action your dog uses to shake to train him to lift his paw to wave.

5. Speak

Training a dog to speak is fun and it helps to solve a common behavior problem. Many dog trainers recommend using the speak and quiet commands to put an end to excessive barking. Putting these on command allows your dog to bark in certain situations, and also allows you to have control over when the barking should start and stop.

6. Spin

By holding a treat near your dog’s nose, you can easily lure him into a spin. If you want to add some difficulty to this dog trick, you can teach him to spin in a specific direction.

7. Beg

What could be cuter than seeing your dog sitting on his hind legs with his paws up to beg for a treat? This dog trick can be a little more difficult to train a dog to do than some of the others, but with a little patience, your dog will be sitting up to beg in no time.

Source: dogs.about.com

By Amy Bender

Seven Fun and Easy Dog Tricks

smart pets


Train a cat? You can’t be serious! The idea of training cats is often met with a reaction of disbelief. Cats are prized for their independence and for their determination to do exactly as they please, when they please. Surely cats do not want to be trained—and, if they did, they would insist on setting their own agenda.

Clicker training is perfect for cats, because the training agenda is in large part set by the animal being trained. Clicker training requires that the animal be a willing and equal partner in the training process—and cats wouldn’t have it any other way.

If you can accept a secondary role, clicker training a cat is possible, and can be tremendous fun.

Start with Treats and Toys

For clicker training to work, you need to offer the cat something it is willing to work for. The best treats for clicker training are those that can be broken into small pieces, be eaten quickly, and tossed for the cat to chase. If your cat insists on only the moistest canned cat food, put some in a large-caliber syringe (without the needle) and allow the cat small tastes by depressing the plunger.

Cats love to play and pounce and will often work for the chance to play with a favorite toy. Use the toys your cat likes best for training.

Don’t be disappointed if the cat turns its back and leaves, or engages in a marathon groom-fest when the training seems to be going well. Clicker training is very tiring, and the cat may need to rest its brain after only a few clicks. Early training sessions may last for only four or five clicks.

Click and Laugh: Fun Cat Tricks! Target Training Lays The Groundwork

The best way to begin clicker training a cat is to teach it to touch a target with its nose. This task is easy for the cat and will earn the cat many clicks and treats in a short time period. Hold the target , a small ball on the end of a stick where the cat can see it, and click/treat when the cat looks at the target. Click/treat any movement toward the target, and then click for actually touching the target. Work in short sessions at first. Pet or play with the cat, so that the cat does not feel punished when the session ends. After a few minutes, produce the target again and click/treat the cat for approaching, and eventually for touching the target. Once the cat is interested in the target, start to move the target as the cat approaches, so that the cat has to take one step, then two, and then more in order to touch the target.

Introduce the verbal cue “touch” once you are sure that the cat is deliberately touching the target and seems to be enjoying the game. Give the cue just as the cat’s nose comes in contact with the target. Do this ten times.

Try giving the cue “touch” before the cat starts to approach the target to see if it understands the verbal cue. The sight of the target is also a cue to touch it, so it is a bit difficult at first to know if the cat understands the word. Try giving the “touch” cue when the cat is looking the other way. If the cat doesn’t come to touch the target, then spend some more time giving the verbal cue at the same time as you present the target.

Be sure to click/treat every time the cat touches the target in order to keep this behavior strong. Target training is a great way to teach a cat to come when you call; you’ll appreciate the prompt response each day.

Encourage The Behavior That You Like, Ignore Behavior That You Don’t Like

There is an endless list of tricks that you can teach a cat with clicker training, and many can be taught for pure pleasure. For purely practical purposes, cats can be trained to ring a bell to ask to go out, to sit on a chair or cat perch rather than on the kitchen counter, to pull claws on the scratching post rather than on the furniture, and to go into a carrier on cue. Any behavior that wins a click/treat will be repeated.

Encourage the behavior that you like, ignore the behavior that you don’t like, click patiently—and even the most strong-minded cat can be trained in pleasurable and helpful ways.

Source: perfectpaws.com

By Joan Orr

Click and Laugh: Fun Cat Tricks

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Q: I usually train my dog before his dinner, that’s why I use kibble. Is it alright?

A. If you are working on training a dog before his mealtime, he may be hungry enough to work for his dinner. Keep a handful of his kibble handy, and use it to reward him when you get the behavior you want. The downside to using dog food is that some dogs won’t find it rewarding enough, especially if there are lots of other distractions around. It’s also crunchy so it may take him a few minutes to chew, which can slow down the training process.

Q: What is the perfect training treat for my cat? I would like to train her to sit but I don’t know where to start. I find that she prefers wet food for rewards and she doesn’t care much for dry food.

A. Training your cat may take some work but I assure you, it is rewarding! The first step is to find a treat that your cat goes crazy for. Fresh chicken diced in tiny cubes, bits of tuna, and all-natural cat treats are all good choices. You may also use Tiki Cat that comes in wonderful flavors.

Once you’ve identified treats your cat likes, here are 2 simple steps to teach your cat to sit:

First, make sure you have your cat’s attention. Hold the tasty treat in your fingers right at your cat’s nose. When your cat begins to sniff the treat, slowly move it in an arc from his nose up just over his head between his ears. Many cats will follow this arc motion with their eyes and nose, and as their chin raises up and back, their butt will go down.

Second, the instant your cat’s bottom hits the floor, praise him and offer him the treat. If his rear doesn’t go all the way down on the first try, give him the treat anyway. Over several repetitions of practice, give him a treat each time his rear gets slightly closer, until he’s gets into a complete sit with his rear all the way on the floor.

Hope that can jumpstart your training session with your cat. Enjoy!

Ask the Vet

Q: What are the best packaged training treats for training my dog?

A. There are a lot of brands that makes dog treats which are perfect for dog training, such as Cloud Star Tricky Trainers.

Always remember the things you have to look for in a dog training treat:

Treats must be no larger than a piece of kibble.

Treats must be soft and moist.

Treats must be made of all-natural and high quality ingredients.

Many of the pre-packaged treats come in a variety of flavors, so you are bound to find something your dog likes.

Q: What about using rolls for training?

A. You may use rolls when you train your furry baby. Natural Balance Treats come in a roll, and you can break off small pieces to use as you train. It is soft, all-natural, and most dogs love it! This type of dog treat is ideal because it provides the perfect balance between good nutrition and a taste your dog loves which will motivate him to work

etAsk theBy : Ma. Mylene L. Maranan, DVM

Bow & Wow resident veterinarian

ask the vet


Ask the

12


The key to house training an adult dog is to rely on your dog’s natural instincts and tendencies. Dogs are instinctively clean animals. If they can avoid it, they would rather not soil themselves or their usual eating and sleeping areas. Dogs also naturally develop habits of where they would like to eliminate.

Establish Your Dog’s Living Area

There are two things you can do to set your dog up for successful house training. First, establish your dog’s living area or den in a small confined space. Note that a den is not a crate. Try to spend as much time as possible with your dog in her den. It is important to play with her in this area as well as let her eat and sleep here. Give your dog a special bed; this can be anything from an open crate to a large cardboard box to a beach towel. In the beginning, she may eliminate in here but once she realizes that this is her special den, she will try to avoid soiling it.

Once your dog gets used to sleeping on her very own bed, you can move it around your house from room to room, where ever you go. Confine your dog to her bed when ever you are somewhere other than her den. If her bed is a crate, simply close the door.

Better yet, tie one end of the leash around your waist or belt loop. Now your dog can accompany you around your home and you can monitor her behavior.

Establish the Toilet Area

Second, establish your dog’s toilet area. Every time your dog needs to eliminate be sure she has access to this place. Until she develops a strong habit of eliminating here, it is important that you accompany her every time. If she eliminates some where else, then she’ll be establishing a habit of eliminating there.

House Training an Adult Dog To make things easier on both yourself and your dog, you should put your dog on a regular feeding schedule. What goes in on a regular schedule will come out on a regular schedule. If you know when your dog needs to empty out, then you’ll know when to take her to her toilet area. Healthy adult dogs should be able to control their bladder and bowels for eight hours.

It’s important that you do not confine your dog without access to her toilet area for too long. If she can’t hold it, she will be forced to soil herself, her bed or her den. If this happens, it may become a habit and will take much longer to housetrain her.

House Training: Bringing It All Together

Once your dog consistently eliminates in her toilet area and stops soiling her den, then you can start extending her den to the rest of your house. Begin by giving her access to one room at a time, but only when you know without a doubt that her bladder and bowels are completely empty. Let her eat, sleep and play in this room but only when she can be supervised. When you cannot supervise her, either confine her to her bed in that room, or put her back in her den. Once she accepts this room as an extension of her den, then go on to the next room.

House Training Problems

If your dog continues to soil her den, either you have left her there too long or the den may be too large an area for her. Take her to her toilet area more frequently or establish her den in an even smaller area.

If she soils her bed, then you probably confined her there too long and she couldn’t help herself; or she doesn’t understand yet that this is her bed. Urinary tract problems and medical conditions can also cause your dog to soil her bed while she is sleeping.

Some dogs drink excessive amounts of water out of boredom or habit and therefore have to urinate too frequently. If this is your dog, limit her water intake, take her to her toilet area more frequently and give her activities to do so she isn’t bored.

If the den is not properly introduced, your dog may feel as if it is a prison and show signs of anxiety, barking, chewing, whining, etc. Make sure your dog enjoys being in her den.


House Training an Adult Dog

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The Most Common Reason A Cat Will Not Use Its Litter Box Is...

Because the litter box is dir ty --- from the cat’s viewpoint, not yours. Cats often react to any type of stress by suddenly urinating or defecating outside the litter box. The stress may be caused by a new cat in the neighborhood, children home on vacation, too many cats in the house, your going away on vacation or a new piece of furniture. Urinary tract problems also cause cats to urinate in places other than the litter box. Any sudden change in elimination habits should be discussed with your veterinarian.

How to Prevent Cat House Soiling

Until your cat is reliably house trained, she should not have free run of your home. If your cat continually makes mistakes, the behavior can simply become a habit. Punishing a cat after the act teaches her to be afraid of you. Scolding and then taking the cat to her litter box after she has already eliminated teaches her to associate the litter box with punishment. Basically, punishment doesn’t work with cats --- prevention and praise for getting it right are the keys to training.

When you leave the house for any length of time, your cat should be confined to a single room, preferably one with non-porous floors, such as a kitchen, bathroom, utility room, basement or garage. Provide your cat with a bowl of water and a warm place to sleep at one end of the room and a freshly cleaned litter box at the other end. Until the house soiling has been cured, your cat should have a regular feeding schedule so she will develop a corresponding elimination schedule.

Litter Box Basics

Your cat does not simply need a litter box - she needs a clean litter box with fresh litter. Your cat will be inhibited from using her litter box if it smells of urine. Think about it from the cat’s viewpoint. When she soils your dining room carpet, the area is immediately and thoroughly cleaned. Given the choice between a regularly cleaned place and a litter box that gets changed only once or twice a week, your cat will naturally prefer the carpet. The litter box must be cleaned daily. The old litter must be discarded and replaced with about 1 1/2 inches of fresh litter. Rinse the litter box thoroughly with water. Adding a little vinegar or lemon juice to the water will help neutralize the odor of the cat’s urine. Do not use ammonia; this will make the litter box smell worse.

Cat Litter Box Training Make sure that the litter box is in an appropriate place. Cats do not like to soil the areas close to their sleeping or eating areas, so place the litter box some distance away. However, do not place the litter box in an area that is too inaccessible. For example, if the litter box is placed in the bathroom, make sure the door cannot swing shut preventing the cat from getting to it. If the cat is new to your home, she may go into hiding for a few days so place a litter box close to her hiding place.

If you live in a large house, you may want to put an extra litter box in a different location. If there is more than one cat in the house, have several litter boxes available.

House Training Success

In order to reward your cat for eliminating in her litter box, you must be there at the time she eliminates. You need to have some idea of when your cat urinates and defecates. Most cats, especially kittens, will eliminate shor tly after waking, after eating, and after exercise.

To help you predict when your cat will eliminate, feed her at regular times. If the input is on a regular schedule, the output will follow likewise. Before feeding your cat, spend 10–15 minutes playing with her. Then put down the food, allow her 15 minutes to eat and then clear up any leftovers. After your cat has eaten, it is time for another gentle play session. Call her to her litter box from a variety of places around your house, especially areas where she has soiled. When your cat gets to the box, scratch the litter to get her interested.

Similarly, throughout the day, whenever your cat has been asleep for over two hours, wake her up and call her to the litter box. Encourage your cat to hop into the litter box, praise her when she does so. Even if she does not eliminate, she is learning that the litter box is a great, clean place to be. This is especially important for cats that are now avoiding the litter box because they assume it is always dir ty or because they associate it with being punished. If your cat does eliminate, praise her in a gentle voice. Once she has finished, gently stroke her, give her a treat and take the time to tell her how pleased you are with her behavior.


Cat Litter Box Training

smart pets

Issue No. 12 www.bowandwow.com.ph 15The Golden Retriever

History

One of the best documented and most for tuitous effor ts to produce a breed resulted in the Golden Retriever. The man responsible for the breed was Lord Tweedmouth, who lived just north of the Scottish border along the Tweed River. With an increasing interest in retrieving dogs in the mid-1800s, a dog that could push through heavy vegetation, brave cold water, swim strongly and retrieve gently was in demand. Lord Tweedmouth bred Nous, a yellow wavy-coated retriever (a descendant of the small Newfoundland and the earlier Labrador breeds used by fisherman) to Belle, a Tweed water spaniel (a popular liver-colored retriever with tightly curled coat). They produced four puppies, which showed promise of being outstanding upland bird dogs. Subsequent judicious crosses were made with other black retrievers, Tweed spaniels, setters and even a bloodhound.

The breed was first considered to be a yellow variety of flat-coated retrievers, but was recognized as a separate breed, the Yellow or Golden Retriever, in 1912. A few of these dogs had come to America by way of Lord Tweedmouth’s sons by 1900, but the AKC did not register them as a separate breed until 1927. The breed was valued for the hunting abilities so ably produced by the careful blending of foundation stock. It only later became popular as a pet, show dog and obedience competitor. After it made the transition, however, its rise to the height of popularity was meteoric, and it remains one of the most popular of all breeds in America.

The Golden Retriever

Characteristics The golden retriever is an athletic, strong dog, capable of carrying heavy game over land and water. For this, it needs a broad, powerful head with strong neck and well-developed fore- and hindquarters. It is just slightly longer than tall. The gait is smooth, powerful and ground-covering. The water-repellant coat is dense, with the outer coat straight or wavy.

Everybody’s friend, the Golden Retriever is known for its devoted and obedient nature as a family companion. It is an apt sporting retriever as well and yearns for a day in the field. Ignoring its active nature and powerful physique can lead to behavior problems, and it needs daily physical and mental exercise. It tends to be overly exuberant and boisterous, and its enthusiasm for everything often distracts it during training; however, it is eager to please and enjoys learning. The Golden’s achievements in competitive obedience are remarkable. It especially enjoys games that involve retrieving and loves to carry items in its mouth.

The Golden Retriever needs daily exercise and human interaction. Challenging obedience lessons, active games or retrieving sessions are all good ways to exercise the Golden’s mind and body. Although it is capable of living outdoors, it is such a social dog that it is best when it shares its life with its family. The coat does not tend to mat but needs twice weekly brushing.

Source: animaldiscovery.com

breed spotlight

16

Adult cats are between 1–7 or 8 years of age. They need fewer calories than kittens, although they do need a high-protein, moderate-fat, low-carb diet. Many vets recommend offering canned food rather than dry. “Cats don’t have well-developed thirst centers,” Says McGeorge. That makes all-natural canned food a good way to get more water into your cat’s diet.

Senior cats, 8 years old and up, also a need high-protein, high-fat, low carbohydrate diet

Dogs are Omnivores and They Can Digest a Wide Variety of Foods

After they’re weaned, puppies need specially formulated puppy food for their growth and development requirements. It’s also vital that they get the Omega-3 fatty acid called DHA to ensure “normal neural, retinal, and auditory development,” Burns says. Large-breed puppies don’t need calcium supplementation, but all puppies do need puppy food during their first year in order to meet all their dietary requirements, she adds.

Adult dogs are between 1 and 7 years of age (1-5 years for giant breeds.) Food providing adequate nutrition for an adult dog requires a protein content of about 15% to 30%, and fat levels between 10% to 20%.

Senior dogs are prone to various problems and many vets recommend picking a diet designed for this life stage. A small dog is considered to be a senior at age 10, medium and large dogs are seniors at age 8, and giant breeds become seniors at age 6. Foods made for normal-weight senior dogs contain slightly less protein and fat than the adult-formulated foods they ate when they were younger. The potential for some diseases rises in senior pets. Foods for senior pets should reflect appropriate amounts of certain nutritional factors like calcium, phosphorus, and sodium.

Talk to Your Veterinarian About Your Pet’s Diet

These experts all offer the same key recommendation: for sound nutritional advice for your cat or dog, always talk to your veterinarian. Your vet can offer suggestions geared to your pet’s life stage, help with special diets for allergic, overweight, or ill pets---and maybe even debunk a few pet nutrition myths.

Source: webmd.com

All–Natural Pet Nutrition: Start With High Quality Food

Most experts recommend starting your pet with a high-quality food, one that is formulated to meet the nutritional needs required for their life stage. You can start by looking for pet foods that display a notice of meeting the testing requirements of the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) on the product label.

Cat Nutrition: Cats Aren’t Small Dogs

Cats are meat eaters and need more than twice the protein dogs do. At least 29% of a cat’s calories should come from protein, say the pros, while dogs can get by on about half that amount. Cats also have no dietary need for carbohydrates.

Along with this need for plenty of protein, cats require some particular amino acids like Taurine, Vitamin A and several other nutrients---with each of these nutrients coming “from animal sources rather than plant sources,” says Craig Datz, DVM, from University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. He adds that because of this nutritional requirement, cats can’t be vegetarians.

After weaning, kittens need a high-protein, high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that is specifically formulated for them, says Marla J. McGeorge, DVM, an Oregon veterinarian. Kittens require more calories during their growth stage than do adult cats.

Optimal Pet Nutrition Through the Life StagesBy Wendy Fries

Optimal Pet Nutrition Through the Life Stages

play nutrition


Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) is a disorder strikingly similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. As they age, dogs may forget how to do things and seem disoriented or forgetful. Studies have shown that CDS causes changes in a dog’s brain similar to those of Alzheimer’s disease in humans. Progression of CDS is typically very gradual and early symptoms are attributed to normal aging. To determine if the problems are actually caused by CDS, a veterinarian will perform tests to rule out medical causes.

You can help prevent or slow down the progression of this condition and keep your senior dog’s brain sharp and functioning through “brain teasers” and “brain foods”.

Brain Teasers

Studies show dogs that don’t use their brains lose some of the higher functions such as problem solving ability. Provide mental stimulation for your dog as this will help slow the neurological signs of aging. Taking your dog for regular walks and varying the route, playing with her, teaching her new tricks and giving her interactive puzzle toys will all help her to use her brain and stay sharp.

Research has also shown that using brain teaser toys in puppyhood also helps prevent the onset of CDS. Brain teaser toys are any toys that require the dog to solve a puzzle to get the prize—for example, Kongs, kibble balls, and food puzzle toys. Research has also found that dogs that participated in adult training classes were less likely to develop CDS.

Brain Food

Dogs can undergo changes in their brain such as beta-amyloid accumulation and oxidative damage. The accumulation of beta-amyloids and oxidative damage appear to be connected. Researchers have found that these physiological changes are related to the development of CDS.

Researchers have studied the effects of feeding a diet high in antioxidants to older dogs. What they have found is both promising and exciting. Older dogs that received a diet rich in antioxidants showed improvement in learning and spatial attention within two weeks of starting the enriched diet. When diet was combined with mental stimulation such as walks, housing with another dog, and training, the effects were even greater. In tests used to measure an elderly dog’s spatial memory and its ability to discriminate between objects, recognize objects, and adjust to new situations, dogs on diets high in antioxidants fared better than a control group of dogs fed a normal diet.

Brain Food for Dogs

A typical antioxidant-enriched diet contains Vitamin E, Vitamin C, L-carnitine, DL-lipoic acid, and fruit and vegetable extracts.

Vitamin E: Add supplemental Vitamin E at up to 100 IU per day for a small-breed dog and 400 IU per day for a large dog. If your dog’s diet already contains large amounts of vitamin E, you may not need to add extra.

Vitamin C: Try adding 50-100 mg per day depending on the size of your dog.

Fruits and Vegetables: Choose all-natural food with fruits & vegetables in the ingredients. You may also try fresh fruits and vegetables to make up to 10% of your dog’s diet. Colorful fruits and veggies are likely to have the most benefits. Go slowly and add just a bit at a time.

Preventing CDS

While the research only showed positive effects of high antioxidant diets in dogs that were older at the star t of the studies, you may want to start feeding your dog’s brain when he is younger to help prevent problems from developing. Research has shown that puppies fed a diet high in fish oil (DHA) scored higher on trainability tests. When an expectant bitch is fed a diet rich in DHA during the last three weeks of gestation, her puppies reap the greatest neurological benefits.

A healthy lifestyle that incorporates physical activity, social engagement, and cognitive-enhancing activities, along with adequate intake of dietary antioxidants, helps reduce the risk for developing neurodegenerative disease in dogs and humans alike. So, to help keep you both mentally sharp, consider sharing a healthy meal together.

Source: modernmagazine.com

By Elizabeth Pask and Laura Scott

Brain Food for Dogs

pet nutrition

18

While ligament tears can cause serious setbacks in an athlete’s career, a similar injury can mean surgery and rehabilitation for your frisky kitty or romping Rover.

According to Dr. Sharon Kerwin, professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears or cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries, as they are referred to in animals, occur almost as often as they do in humans.

“Cats and dogs have the same ligaments that we have in our knees,” says Kerwin. “The cruciate ligament stabilizes your femur and your tibia so you don’t get too much motion between those two bones.”

CCL tears in cats often occur the same way ACL tears occur in humans. Often, there is some traumatic injury that occurs as a result of jumping from high places, playing or getting the animal’s leg caught in something.

“It takes a fair bit of force to rupture a cruciate ligament, and it tends to occur more often in overweight cats,” says Kerwin.

Ligament Tears However this injury is often the result of a chronic degeneration of the ligament and occurs much more frequently in dogs, than it does in cats.

“In dogs, we think the injury may be related to weight and body structure, meaning that some large breeds such as Rottweilers, Labradors and Chow Chows, may be predisposed to CCL injuries,” said Kerwin. “In some cases, we think it’s either the shape of their tibia or the shape of their femur that predisposes them to this injury.”

A ruptured ligament is usually characterized by limping or inactivity. In cats, they will not want to play the way they used to, and dogs will often appear lame and sit awkwardly with their leg sticking out, signaling a possible knee problem.

Kerwin says if your pet shows signs of an injured leg, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian who will conduct a lameness exam in order to diagnose the problem.

The injury is often treated in cats with medical management by placing overweight cats on a strict diet with exercise restriction for three to six weeks, followed by a check-up measuring progress. If the injury fails to heal, surgery is often recommended to explore and stabilize the joint.

But when dogs are afflicted with CCL injuries, many times the best option is surgery as quickly as possible.

“Dogs often don’t do well with medical management, the injury will often worsen over time as the arthritis in the knee builds,” explains Kerwin.

Dogs often require 8-12 weeks of recovery including strict rest and rehabilitation

Once your pet has undergone the recommended period of exercise restriction, it is important to encourage it to exercise its leg with slow leash walks or through playtime activities.

“The biggest way to prevent CCL tears is to keep your pet at a proper weight,” Kerwin says.

It is very easy for animals to gain weight, especially if they spend most of their time indoors, because they do not get the same level of exercise. Your veterinarian can advise you on the proper weight for your dog or cat.

Source: bdtonline.com

Ligament Tears

pet health

By College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas


Fractures are typically classified as either “open” or “closed.” An open fracture occurs when the skin over the fracture is open and the bone is exposed; while with closed fractures, the skin over the affected area remains intact. There are also certain situations in which the bone fracture is incomplete and are known as hairline fractures.

What to Watch For

The primary symptoms seen are from pain. Watch for signs of crying, howling, moaning, or growling, especially if touched; not walking, or not using a limb or tail; not eating or grooming; swelling or bruising at the injured area.

Sometimes a broken bone will poke through your cat’s or dog’s skin. This is called a compound fracture. In addition, there may be other injuries associated with the traumatic event that broke the bone, such as cuts, bruises, or disorientation. Any sign of pain or discomfort after an accident or injury could indicate a fracture or dislocation. Limping and whining are two other strong signs that something is wrong. It is important to note that muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries can cause similar symptoms to breaks.

Immediate Care

The first thing to remember is that your pet is in pain, and animals in pain can bite, no matter how gentle they are normally. The second thing to remember is that an event severe enough to fracture a bone could cause shock and other not so obvious problems, some of which may not be detectable for days. Therefore, any home treatment is just to stabilize the injury until your pet can be seen by your veterinarian.

Any areas that are bleeding or where bone is sticking out should be covered with sterile gauze or a clean cloth if possible. The broken bone(s) should be disturbed as little as possible. Wrap your pet in a thick towel or put him on a rigid surface to carry him to your veterinarian.

The primary goals of treatment are to reduce pain, lower the risk of additional accidents, and avoid infection of open wounds. In all cases, there are three primary rules:

1. Do not try to re-set a fracture.

2. Do not use antiseptics or ointments on open fractures.

3. Get your furry baby to a vet immediately.

Broken Bones in Cats and Dogs

For specific breaks and problems, follow the guidelines below.

Broken Back

Muzzle the pet, if necessary, then gently pull it onto a flat board without bending its back. You will need to strap him in place to limit movement, but should avoid putting any pressure on the neck or back. (It is vital to never try and splint a broken back.) Take the dog to a vet immediately.

Broken Ribs

Muzzle the pet if necessary, but only if it has no difficulty breathing. Check the chest for open wounds and cover them with clean gauze, then wrap the whole chest area with clean, torn sheets. The sheets should be wrapped firmly, but not so tight that they interfere with breathing. Also, don’t support the pet by his chest when lifting or carrying him to the veterinarian.

If you notice that the chest is bulging, wrap it tight enough to cover the bulge. If the bulge is firm, it’s probably the end of a broken rib. If it is soft, it could mean the lung is punctured. If the dog emits a sucking sound, the chest cavity has been breached, which requires immediate veterinary assistance.

Veterinary Care

There are many factors that will determine how the fractures are treated. The most important are overall health, age, the bones broken, and the type of fracture that has occurred. A splint or cast may be sufficient for the lower leg, but not always. Often surgery will be needed to realign the bones and to place screws, pins (metal rods), wire, and/or metal plates to hold the pieces together.

Some fractures may be so severe as to require amputation, especially if the tail is involved. Fractures of the spine and pelvis will be treated by severely restricting activity (cage rest), with or without surgery. Pain medication will also be part of the treatment plan, and in some cases, antibiotics.

Source: petmd.com

Broken Bones in Cats and Dogs

pet health

20

be bashed around until empty so probably best used outside or when the dog is alone.

If you are feeling stressed or just a little sad, play with your dog for a few minutes and it will put an entire new slant on the day.

How to Provide Play for Your Cats

Exercise is vital for keeping your cat healthy and sane. Playing with your cat and having your cat romp around with others is a perfect way for your cat to get exercise, both physically and mentally.

Cats especially, being naturally curious, can get depressed and lethargic. Cats need some sort of challenge every day. Anxiety and stress are as harmful to cats as they are to the rest of us. Cats under stress are more apt to develop behavioral problems such as aggression, urine marking, or obsessive-compulsive disorders.

Usually, cats enjoy playing both inside the house and outdoors. There are a variety of ways that you can make playtime, inside or out, more fun for your cat. A cat tree or a cat condo is a perfect place for your cat to perch to lie in wait for another cat --- or even the dog! Anything that towers over the rest of the home’s inhabitants will do. Catnip is in a category by itself. It can entertain the cat and the rest of the household!

Use an enclosure to keep your cat safe when outdoors. He can sniff all there is to sniff, chase insects, and watch feathered friends, and you’ll always know exactly where he is.Every cat is different of course, and what works for one may not work for another --- sometimes even in a multiple cat household! But, by careful observation, any cat owner --- or rather anyone that is owned by a cat --- can provide Nirvana to his favorite feline friend! Source: drsfostersmith.com and dogtrickacademy.com

Playing with your furry babies will build the relationship between you. It will use their mind in order to enable them to settle when you need them to, and an enthusiastic game will certainly be fun for all of you. Playing also provides stimulation for the animals by allowing interaction with each other.

Playtime with Your Dog

Play is a great way to instill general control and training into your dog. Dog training games involving commands such as wait, sit and leave can all be taught when playing with a toy. Your dog is likely to learn well when the lesson is based in play. Happiness and positivity encourage learning. This happy and eager state of mind is what clicker training and other positive reinforcement techniques are based upon.

There are many ways that you can play with your dog. Certain breeds enjoy games that are catered to their instinct. Whether you are throwing a ball, pulling on a toy, teaching him to jump into your arms or simply playing chase you will both thoroughly enjoy yourselves. There is no room to be self-conscious when you play with your dog. Canine games are great for stress relief.

Play ball is great for dogs that sniff around and use their noses a lot. Enhance a normal game of fetch by introducing some techniques often used when training search dogs. Hide the ball somewhere where the dog has to work by sniffing to find it. Then guide him into the area watching him follow his excellent sense of smell until he finds the toy.

Scatter feeding is great for a hungry dog. Throw treats around and he will become very excited wondering where the next treat will land. You can ask things of him when doing this, practice control like sit or down before throwing the treat.

Tug of war is another good game to play, a couple of rope toys and some treats and you can have a grand old time. Practice control by regularly offering either a treat or the other toy as a bartering tool. Your dog should easily let go when you are offering a swap. If he doesn’t just stop playing and this will let him know that he must swap or the game ends. Let him win the toy sometimes too, it will increase his confidence and keep him interested.

Activity toys are great to encourage a dog to play alone when you are busy. A ball or similar that can be stuffed with treats is a wonderful occupier for a food loving dog. An activity ball will

Play with your Pet, It’s Important!By Jean Cote and Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff

Play with your Pet, It’s Important

you & your pet


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Bow&Wow Times July-September2 (Fullcolor)