Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Saving just one dog won’t change the world...but, surely, the world will change for that one dog...
June 2015 the official speaking of dogs monthly newsletter
In this month’s newsletterDogs looking for homes ................................2 Events ...........................................................4 Ask the trainer ..............................................6 Bits & bites ....................................................7 Wags & wiggles ............................................8 Recent adoptions ..........................................9 Father’s Day .................................................10 In memoriam ..............................................11
About Speaking of DogsSpeaking of Dogs is a Toronto-based organization that launched in 2001 and is dedicated to educating and enlightening people about dogs through seminars, workshop forums, outreach and rescue. Our goal is to end cruelty, abandonment, mistreatment and homelessness of man’s best friend.
Speaking of Dogs Rescue is the operating name of Speaking of Dogs Rescue Program, a not-for-profit charitable corporation in the Province of Ontario.
Contact Speaking of Dogs1277 York Mills Road, Box 33508 Toronto, ON Canada M3A 3R5 Phone: 416-444-4190 | Fax: 416-444-7116 Email: [email protected] Web: www.speakingofdogs.com
Newletter TeamEditor: Nancy Foran Design: Cathy Vandergeest at www.gawck.ca Contributors: Nancy Foran, Lorraine Houston, Kim Gladding and Emily Fisher
NewslettersIf you no longer want to receive our newsletter, email [email protected], with “unsubscribe” written in the subject line.
The Summer Auction Is Almost Here!
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter | June 2015 | 1
The summer online auction will be taking place from Friday June 26th to Saturday July 4th. We will have a select number of items, so you can surf the auction site and still enjoy all the summer fun.
Thanks to our many generous supporters, we have some wonderful items going on the block, including collector hockey cards, a beautiful bird feeder, some hand-decorated boxes with dog-related items (including a first-aid box with supplies), a Bluetooth speaker, a food steamer, and decorative boxes and figurines.
Simply visit the auction site http://www.auction.speakingofdogs.com/ between June 26th to July 4th. As usual, we’ll have a “buy now” feature on select items.
Check the auction site daily, place your bids, and know that you’ll be helping us help more dogs in need. All funds raised go directly to veterinary costs and quality care.
Thanks from all the dogs and everyone at Speaking of Dogs Rescue
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter | June 2015 | 2
do
gs lo
ok
ing fo
r ho
mes
Ghost siberian husky
large, adult, male
Sam beagle
medium, senior, male
Without a doubt, a dog is a real friend. Our dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but they have one thing in common – they all need loving forever homes. Open your heart and your home to a rescue dog. You’ll be glad you did.
For complete information about the adoption process, please visit www.speakingofdogs-adoption.blogspot.com/For more information on each dog, simply click on their name.
A frIend In need IS A frIend Indeed
feATured dog:
Rocky golden retriever / collie mix large, senior, male
Lewis labrador retriever large, senior, male
This gentle giant is Rocky, a retriever and collie mix. At 10 years old you’d think he’d be struggling to get around, but not this guy – he’s full of youthful energy and is always ready for action and adventure. Rocky is fun, sweet, gentle, and social!
The reason he is looking for a new home is because his family went their separate ways, and Rocky lost both his loved ones in the process, which is so sad for this loving, steadfast companion. He had been with the same family since he was only eight weeks old. Rocky loves people and makes new friends wherever
he goes, says his foster dad, who is in the Toronto area. Whoever adopts him will be lucky to have him!
His medical check was two thumbs up: all his blood was normal, heartworm negative, and no parasites Rocky is housetrained and lovely natured but could use some leash training, as he does pull and is strong. We bought him a special walking harness that is really helping, although his foster dad said he’s getting better since he first came into the rescue, when he was always in a hurry to get to new places and smells. This dog is a true gem!
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter | June 2015 | 3
do
gs lo
ok
ing fo
r ho
mes
Mr. Jones cocker spaniel
medium, adult, male
Maxx cocker spaniel
medium, adult, male
Mary shepherd / retriever mix
large, baby, female
Sly finnish spitz
medium, senior, male
Robert bouvier / husky mix large, senior, male
Rescue Dog Calendar Photossummer may be just around the corner, but we’ve already started collecting
photos for the 2016 speaking of dogs rescue calendar! We’d love to include a photo of your special canine companion.
ideal photos would not include people but can include a four-legged friend! pictures should be 300 dots per inch (dpi) and at least 5 inches x 7 inches in size,
and they can be colour or black and white.
please email photos to [email protected].
Emily foxhound
mediumn, young, female
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter | June 2015 | 4
even
ts
SprIng SpeAkIng of dogS SemInArThis spring, Speaking of Dogs will be hosting the seminar Getting Into Shape: Solving Behavior Issues Through Operant Conditioning and Shaping Techniques, presented by Nicole Larocco-Skeehan, CPDT-KA.
This one-day seminar will cover the use of shaping techniques in behaviour modification practices. It will include case studies from Nicole’s experiences with shelter dogs, prison training, and private clients.
This workshop will use didactic presentation and will include an array of case studies, videos, and stories from Larocco-Skeehan’s experiences. Schedule of topics will include:
• ShapingBasics:Thesciencebehind shaping and why do we do it?
• Shapingforimpulsecontrolina shelter environment.
• Shapingappropriateinteractions with people in the face of fear, anxiety, and aggression.
• Shapingtoleranceandrelationship- building skills between dogs with anxiety or aggression issues in a multi-dog household.
• Shapingadogtobuildconfidence in times of stress or the shadow of negative experiences.
• It’sallbraingamestothem: Achieving owner buy in to using
operant conditioning techniques with their own dogs.
• Howshapingtrickscanhelpto alleviate anxiety and improve impulse control and body awareness.
Following a varied career in animal training, Nicole Larocco-Skeehan was recruited by Philadelphia’s Pennsylvania SPCA, where she gained extensive experience with the most vulnerable animal populations, including those affected by extreme cruelty and neglect. Along with owning Philly Unleashed, Nicole currently serves at the Director of Training for New Leash on Life-USA, a new-generation prison program that pairs inmates at several Philadelphia area prisons with shelter dogs.
Date: June 14, 2015 Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Location: Toronto Don Valley Hotel
Stay tuned to the newsletter for cost and registration details in the coming months!
Last Chance! Spaces filling fast!
mIcrocHIp monTHJune is National Microchipping Month! Microchips are a great way to help locate a lost pet. Make sure your pets are microchips and that their records are up to date.
WonderIng WHAT HAppened To WoofSTock? The popular event usually takes place in the spring, but this year it will take place in the fall. Stay tuned for details in upcoming issues of the newsletter!
YogA In THe pArk fundrAISerWags and wiggles for Moksha Yoga Maple, who have chosen Speaking of Dogs Rescue as the recipient of their annual community charity event, yoga in the park. The event will be held on Saturday July 25th at 11 a.m. in Vaughan. If you’re interested in joining and would like to represent Speaking of Dogs Rescue, please email Kim at [email protected].
To find out more about Moksha Yoga Maple and their upcoming events, visit http://maple.mokshayoga.ca/home/.
dog LoverS dAYSCome visit the Speaking of Dogs Rescue booth at Dog Lovers Days. The event will feature many dog-related
activities and vendors. Parking is free, and it will be an excellent opportunity to find out more about the rescue and all things related to dogs.
Place: Downsview Parks (near Keele and Sheppard) Date: July 4th and 5th Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter | June 2015 | 5
even
ts
Tracy Munson Photo ShootsHere are some samples of the fun photos professional photographer Tracy Munson has snapped of some lucky fall 2015 auction winners’ dogs. The photos will appear in the 2016 Speaking of Dogs Rescue calendar. Thanks Tracy for donating your time and talent to help raise funds for the rescue! Find out more about Tracy’s work at a www.tracymunsonphotography.com
Can’t Get Enough of This Newsletter Stuff?Trying to remember that great trainer article you read a few months ago? New to the newsletter and want to catch up on past editions?
Newsletters dating back to January 2013 are available to view and download at http://speakingofdogs.com/resources/newsletters/, and trainer articles going back to 2012 are available to view and download at http://speakingofdogs.com/resources/articles/
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter | June 2015 | 6
ask th
e tra
iner
fAST movIng obJecTS Are bAck – HeLp! mY dog IS goIng crAzY!
We had long winter months where most people preferred to stay indoors, the parks were empty, and you could have long walks with your dog in the city and barely see anyone. The warm weather arrived pretty suddenly and has now caught some of us dog owners by surprise. All of a sudden skateboarders are passing us left and right, mountain bikers dive out of the bush right in front of our dogs’ noses, joggers have multiplied by the hundreds, and just as you are about to put that poop bag in the garbage, a cyclist passes you and your dog at the speed of light and at a distance of an inch.
The re-appearance of fast moving objects makes sense to us humans, but not to our dogs who haven’t seen any of these things at such density for so many months. And the canine reaction is often not what we humans appreciate: barking, lunging, and chasing the object.
Why do dogs become reactive toward fast moving objects? There can be various reasons. They can become afraid, and by barking and lunging they are trying to hunt the scary object away. Alternately, canine predatory behaviours can kick in: a lot of breeds are, after all, genetically hardwired to
chase anything that moves, from herding breeds to sight hounds. But whatever the initial reason is, the frustration of the restraint of the leash with constant exposure to rapidly moving objects can easily push a dog to real aggression. If a dog in this state of mind gets loose and chases the moving object down, the result can be dangerous. Is there then a way to train a dog out of it?
As frustrating as it is, management has a huge part to play: the city hunter-type of dog cannot be allowed to indulge in these behaviours off-leash, not only because of the dangers but because every time the dog gets to chase, that behaviour becomes stronger. This happens and generalizes very fast! A leash or longer line or fence has to be there as a safety barrier at all times, even when we are training, to prevent the dog from escalating into the chase in case our training fails.
But what can we do training wise? It is time to start stalking fast moving objects at a safe distance. We need to teach the dog that something heavenly will happen to them every time they see any fast moving object and also train them with control tools. Counter-conditioning is a technique that works for any trigger. Here is Pat Miller’s protocol for dog reactivity. Just substitute the dog with any other trigger that you are working with.
The “Look at That” game from Leslie McDevitt’s excellent book Control Unleashed (controlunleashed.net) is a similar and a fantastic tool. Here you will actually start marking the moment the dog calmly looks at the trigger and then reward them with a treat. Whichever protocol you use, when we play our cards right, the fast moving objects actually become environmental cues for the dog to orient back to us.
In addition to changing the dog’s emotional association toward the triggers, serious recall training is a must (see the Reliable Recall series in Casey Lomonacos’ article library ), so that gradually the dog can start earning some more off-leash time again. Here we must be very careful though and always put everyone’s safety first. Off-leash time can only happen in safe places and where its legally permitted.
But then we have the unexpected situations where the thing on wheels appears out of nowhere and surprises not only the dog but us as well. Common courtesy by people operating the object on wheels is sometimes lacking. Whenever you encounter a courteous cyclist or roller blader, do not hesitate to give them some positive feedback and tell them how much you appreciate their consideration.
Also, if you see a fast moving object approaching you at full speed and you are cornered and don’t have anywhere to go, politely but sternly asking them to slow down or even stop is a good option. Being labelled as a crazy dog person sounds completely acceptable to me if that prevents your dog from reacting!
Mirkka Koivusalo, MSc, PhD, owner of Mindful Behaviors and co-owner of the Toronto Centre For Canine Education
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter | June 2015 | 7
bITS & bITeS
The OSPCA has a new province-wide, toll-free, 24-hour phone number to report suspected animal cruelty.
In Defense of Animals, a U.S.-based animal rights and rescue organization, has started a helpline to
offer counsel and support to burned-out animal rescue workers and volunteers.
The warmer weather brings many wonderful things, but it also brings mosquitos, which can spread
heartworm. Find out how you can protect your dog from this deadly parasite.
This very useful blog post explains the difference between obedience training and behaviour modification –
something a lot of new pet owners don’t necessarily understand.
The City of Hamilton is considering creating an adoption program for the many animals that
enter their animal services each year.
The documentary Dog by Dog explores how the puppy mill industry treats what should be beloved companion animals as cash crops.
Yvette Van Veen explains why bark collars aren’t a good way to deal with problem barking.
The Humane Society in Charlottetown, PEI, is discovering reading to dogs can help keep them calm in stressful environments.
vIdeo bITS And bITeSThe Toronto Humane Society has released a new video to help promote a very important message: Never, ever
leave a dog in a parked car.
This informative video shows that dog behaviour is not solely based on their breed.
Cats don’t always enjoy doggie attention, but they usually get along in the end, as this cute video shows!
bits &
bites
Simply click on a summary to be whisked away to the internet page where you can read the full story.
THIS monTH’S recALLS And ALerTS:
• RuffRootsAll-NaturalDog Chew Toys
• OCRawDogTurkeyand Produce frozen food
National Heartworm Prevention Month
With Heartworm Prevention Month upon us, now is a great time to have your pet tested for heartworm infection, and get them on a preventative medication that will protect them throughout the warmer months.
Heartworm was once only found in warmer climates - the Southern United States being a huge reservoir - but with climate change and the movement of animals across the continent, heartworm has come to Canada and particularly to Southern Ontario. A 2010 Ontario Veterinary College report notes that the number of reported heartworm cases in Ontario has almost doubled since 2002.
What exactly is heartworm? These little buggers are parasites that spend the initial part of their lifecycle within the mosquito. Infected mosquitos that bite your pet can pass along the larval heartworms, which then navigate the circulatory system before maturing in the heart and pulmonary arteries. Infection can lead to congestive heart failure, and liver or kidney failure.
Heartworm infection can cause sudden death, and treatment is both costly and painful. The best way to deal with this threat is to prevent infection from occurring in the first place. A simple blood test will inform you within minutes if your pet has been exposed to heartworm, and if they have not, prevention can begin immediately. There are a number of prevention options out there, so speak with your veterinarian about which medication best suits your pet and lifestyle.
The Toronto Humane Society’s Low-Cost Vaccination Services offer heartworm testing starting April 15th and we are also able to prescribe heartworm preventative medication for both dogs and cats. More information, including pricing, can be found on our website: http://www.torontohumanesociety.com/what-we-do/vaccination-services
If you are interested in accessing our services please call 416-392-2273 and press option 2, or email [email protected]. Remember to call early to book your appointment to avoid disappointment!
cAn You Lend A pAW?Although we have a partnership with a doggy daycare, we do not have a physical shelter; our dogs are in-home fostered by caring, loving volunteers. Because of the way our rescue is structured, the only hands-on volunteer position with our dogs is fostering. Can’t foster but want to help our dogs? Consider donating new or gently used items for them. We are always in need of
• Gasgiftcards• GlobalPetFoodsorPetValu gift cards• Kongorothertreat-disensing toys• Cannedanddryqualitydog foods• Martingalecollars• Kurandabeds
• ThunderShirts
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter | June 2015 | 8
Slobbery WagS and WiggleSA big thank you to Slobberfest volunteers Blanche and Katie, and special thanks to Steve for helping to set up and James for helping to pack up.
wa
gs &
wig
gles
yard Sale ThankSMany thanks to everyone who donated and/or transported items for the yard sale. Many thanks also to all the wonderful volunteers who generously gave up their time over the May long weekend to haul, unpack, and sort the many items for sale. The yard sale was a huge success and will allow the rescue to give more dogs in need a second chance at life and love.
From left-right: Katie, Lorraine and Blanche Katie and Slobberfest organizer and SoD adopter, Lainey!
Katie and Scoobie
rec
ent a
do
ptio
ns
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter | June 2015 | 9
Happy Tails
Daisy
Paul
May 2015 adoptions: A big thank you to our foster parents and our new adoptive guardians for helping give these loving dogs a second chance.
Ronald
BellaDuke
Coco
Chex Pricilla
Samantha
Chico forever in foster program
Champ forever in foster program
Happy Father’s Day to all of
our wonderful foster dads!
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter | June 2015 | 10
father’s d
ay
in mem
or
iam
Magic Madgey Manloved by sue skinner
adopted July 23, 2011 | passed may 16, 2015
Oliveloved by pascale, peter, paul, michèle & marie
adopted sept. 5, 2010 | passed may 23, 2015
Banditloved by the ong family
passed may 1, 2015
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter | June 2015 | 11
