A good friend, along with being a well known dog trainer, Robin MacFarlane of That’s My Dog! Inc. was off teaching other dog trainers how to use the remote collar at Jackson County Humane Society when she was approached by a woman calling herself a representative of PETA. I will let you read Robin’s account of the story here: http://thatsmydog.com/blog/?p=132 After you read Robin’s story and the volunteer at the shelter response, the rest of my post will make more sense.

One of the first things that popped into my mind while reading Robin’s story was how the woman was there at least once a week to look around, yet not once during that time actually volunteered to help at the shelter or bothered to bring in any food or medication for any of the animals. All this individual was doing was looking for problems instead of helping or resolving any problems.

As my past clients know, The Dawg Trainer looks for methods that helps to solve the problems that an individual is having with their dog. In other words, The Dawg Trainer wish to find solutions. If members of organizations like PETA were to work as hard at solving problems instead looking for more problems - just think how many problems they could actually solve.

With that thought in mind, I believe it would be a good thing to help Jackson County Humane Society with their current problem. Most of their problem can be solved with money. With money they could buy kitten food they need for the spring batch of kittens dropped off or medication for the cat that has allergies. I know times are tough for everyone these days. If you can afford to, please write out a check for whatever amount you can afford. In the memo section of that check, write “TMD thanks you” and mail it too:

Jackson County Humane Society
23354 DARK HOLLOW ROAD
MAQUOKETA, IA 52060

If there is a local shelter in the area that would like to learn more about what we do here at The Dawg Trainer, please contact me. The staff at The Dawg Trainer would be more than willing to show you what we do, how we do it, and help you with any dogs you currently are having behavioral problems with.

We have a winner! Isn’t Sparky cute?! Sparky is sitting on a bench at Chesterfield Commons.

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.