Today I had an interesting grooming case that got me to thinking. I have been grooming these 2 Bichons for a few years now. I have not seen these Bichons for about 5 months; so I’m sure you have a real good idea on how they looked when they came into the shop.The owner said to me, “Do whatever you have to do - I do not care. Please do not be upset with me over their condition. I just can not afford to get them groomed.”

I felt sorry for her as well as the dogs. As I started shaving off the hair, it was coming off like a felt - all in one piece. Actually, the woman was very luck. I found very little skin breakdown under the matting. What is skin breakdown you ask? When the skin can not breathe or get air circulation, moisture starts to build on the skin causing sores. These sores then become infected. Groomers have been known to find maggots under these mats as well. Doesn't sound very pretty does it? It is not. It is not comfortable for the dog either. Once I shaved off all the mats, I started cleaning the ears on the dogs.

As I lifted the first ear flap, the smell was very strong. The ear was very warm and red. After removing some of the hair from the ear canal and cleaning up the ears, we moved on to toe nails that were very long. The toes of the dogs were actually starting to cramp up. Then off to the bath tub where anal glands were very full and uncomfortable.

I was able to fix most of the above problems. I expressed the anal glands; took the toe nails as short and the long quicks would let me, and removed all mats. The owner was very lucky but not completely off the hook. Both dogs still have to make a vet visit for their ears. Odds are good they will have to go on antibiotics for ear infections. That alone will cost more than bringing the dogs in for a groom sooner. Imagine how many more grooms this owner could have had if there had been skin break down from the mats or impacted/infected anal glands or a toe nail embedded into a pad. Sometimes what seems like a good way to save money, actually cost you more money.

Here is a picture of Luke with his new owner, Chris in their back yard. Chris contacted The Dawg Trainer a few weeks ago after seeing Luke on PetFinder. Chris and his family set an appointment to come out and meet Luke. Luke liked the family as much as the family liked Luke. They looked like the perfect match. Luke now has his own family to love and watch over him and I’m sure he will do the same for them.

This Saturday, Oct. 11th, 2008, will be the annual Delta Waterfowl fundraiser at Gateway Outfitters. The Dawg Trainer has always been a big supporter of Delta Waterfowl and is looking forward to supporting them again this year with raffles and speaking on How to Train Your Retriever at 2 PM. Group Pet Class will take place at the same location at 4 PM so we can work with your dogs in a public setting. I will be on site with Kane, Hunter and Force! Come help raise funds and awareness for Delta Waterfowl at Gateway Outfitters!

Most of you already know from my previous post about my new Labrador Retriever puppy named Force. Force turned 10 weeks old on Monday. I have been playing fetch with Force since the day I picked him up from the breeder at 7 weeks. We played every day even when in WI on a dog training seminar. We used toys, sticks or anything we could find to throw. Look at Force now with a regular sized canvas bumper! I’m very proud of him.

While at E-collarpolooza this weekend, JT Cough talked about networking on the web. Twitter and TwitPics were 2 areas in which she talked about. I can post from my iphone a quick comment or a picture and it will show up at www.twitter.com/thedawgtrainer. I know the picture part I will use often. Thanks JT!

Most of you that have been out to The Dawg Trainer recently have meet Denise. Denise has been helping me, especially in the grooming shop. Denise and I attended Barkaritaville last night and really enjoyed ourselves. Good food and good people. Not only were funds raised for Stray Rescue but there were activities like Caricature Artist, Share Faerber. Share did an excellent job and we enjoyed her sense of humor. If you are looking to have a caricature done; contact Share at 314-771-7762

Barkaritaville II - Saturday, August 9, 2008

If you like summertime, swinging to the rhythms of Jimmy Buffet and good food, mark Saturday, August 9 for our coolest summer party yet. Once again, from 7-11pm., Stray Rescue is teaming up with Barkley House at the University of Missouri, Veterinary College. Last year’s event was wildly successful so we’ve moved it to a larger facility to ensure more can have a great time. As usual, well socialized dogs on leash are welcomed. We have a few dog contests planned as well as a really wonderful silent auction. Randy Grim and Quentin will be there to help host the event as well as a celebrity guest of honor.

Ticket price is $65 and includes a catered dinner, dessert and coffee by Russo’s Gourmet Catering; beer, wine, margarita’s, soda and water and live music by Gumbohead to make your evening extra special. Check them out at http://www.gumbohead.com.

Location:
3rd Degree Glass Factory
5200 Delmar
St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 367-4527
7-11p.m.
Valet Parking and Security available

Here are some pictures of Memorial Day Weekend Pet Group Class enjoying their dogs on a holiday weekend. We started out playing on the confidence course and practicing their command. We then moved on to a BBQ so the dogs could practice their good behavior.

Jilly and I were invited to speak at Central Elementary School on July 10th. I had a very hard time thinking up what to talk about to the children of the school until I started doing some research. I found that 50% - 75% of dog bites reported in the United States each year were children. I know from personal experience that most children do not know how to approach a strange dog. I can remember a trip to PetsMart with one of my dogs where a child came running up from behind my dog and I and grabbed him around the back legs and gave him a hug, resting her head on his back. Thank goodness I heard her coming and I had a well trained dog with me or that could have become a scary situation. I have not had an adult do something like this yet, but I have had adults make the wrong decision when it comes to approaching a strange dog. I believe everyone could use a refresher course in safety.

Statistics show that there are common patterns surrounding dog bites. A few of these patterns include: more than one dog, a dog is in the backyard at a neighbor’s, no adult supervision, and the dog is normally kept on a chain or a rope.

There are many ways to keep a child safe around strange dogs. Talk to your children about these safety steps:
1. Always stay calm around dogs. Do not make loud noises or sudden moves. Talk softly.
2. Do not run up to a dog.
3. Do not hug a strange dog.
4. Do not put your face near a dog’s face.
5. Do not touch a dog that is growling, showing his teeth or barking alot.
6. Only approach a dog when a grown up is around and watching.
7. Do not take toys or food away from a dog.
8. Do not bother a dog when it is sleeping.
9. Do not pull a dog’s tail, fur or ears and do not poke at a dog through a fence or with a stick.
10. When a dog approaches you, stand still and quiet. Keep your hands at your side and allow the dog to sniff you.
11. Do not run away from a dog that is chasing you. Stand like a tree. If the dog knocks you down, curl up in a ball with your arms over your face and head.
12. Avoid eye contact with dogs that are barking loudly, showing their teeth or growling. Back off slowly and walk away.
13. Always ask the dog’s owner if you can pet their dog.
14. If the owner says yes, slowly reach towards the dog and make a fist so the dog can sniff your hand and then pet the dog under the chin.

The Humane Society of the United States has a Dos and Don’ts coloring page to help your children spot the proper responses and improper behaviors. The American Veterinary Medical Association has a Yes or No Picture Page to help your children practice their new knowledge of dog safety. Also check places like Dog Bite Law, Kids and Dogs: Safety First, and Kids and Dogs Safety Tip Sheet.