Article Content:
by Carrie Boyko

Dr. Pat Bradley, our new “ASK THE VET” Columnist, is here to meet you today. She and I are thrilled to share her 25+ years of veterinary experience with you. I would like to give you a taste of her journey where it started, at LSU. After graduating from LSU as a conventional veterinarian, Dr. Pat practiced in Arkansas for 10 years, gaining valuable insight and experience into the issues of dog owners and their furry friends.
With this experience came a growing understanding of the challenges of conventional veterinary medicine, as well as the natural methods that were available, yet less well-known. Dr. Bradley’s interests peaked in this area and she began studying, feverishly learning and absorbing the techniques of holistic veterinary medicine, homeopathy, and even mental health counseling, a field in which she earned an additional masters’ degree.
You may ask, “Why mental health counseling?”, and this is a very good question. Dr Bradley’s practice has often found her assisting owners with “end of life” concerns for their pets. With her mental health training, she began studying and devising  numerous strategies for helping owners get through this decision-making process, feeling comfortable with their decisions.
This experience led Dr. Bradley to write her book, More Than a Pet, which details the many options available for owners. Her book is particularly useful for those owners that linger over such decisions, second guessing themselves and never feeling quite comfortable with any route.
Dr. Pat’s practice now has turned to telephone consultations, generally focusing on how best to naturally treat a pet’s health issues. By answering your general dog health questions, Dr. Pat hopes to open a door to better understanding of the possibilities with alternative medicine. Realizing that there will always be a need for conventional veterinary medicine, Dr. Pat’s extensive experience in both areas of medicine will give you more options to choose from. 
Dr. Pat helps pet guardians from around the world to sort through treatment options so they can make a decision in line with their values. Readers can contact her directly for  holistic veterinary services. She lives in Arkansas, with her husband and pets Smudge, Lady and Otis. 

We look forward to hearing your questions. Send your letters to LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com, placing “Ask the Vet” in the subject line. We’ll be sure to dig you up an answer as quick as possible. Happy tails!

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by Carrie Boyko
© photo courtesy of Heart Dog StudiosRicochet Nominated for AKC’s ACE AwardThe American Kennel Club has published their nomination list for Awards for Canine Excellence at this link. The name and an image of each dog are included, as well as their nomination category.
©   Julie G. Photography Denver and courtesy K9 CaresCaitee is a Second-Time Nominee for this Top Award

These awards, in several service categories, will be given at a special ceremony in California in late August. All Things Dog Blog is proud of all of these dogs, but none more than two of our featured friends: Caitee (Law Enforcement Therapy with her owner, Carolyn) and Ricochet (Exemplary Companion with her owner, Judy). You can read their stories at the links. So many deserving dogs. Too bad you can’t all win. Good luck!

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Article Content:
by Carrie Boyko

It is time for Tanner and I to return for a CGC review. Having taken the AKC’s ‘Canine Good Citizen’ test at age 11 months, he failed the social portions as a result of his social butterfly personality. I imagine Tanner was thinking, “Aren’t these people and dogs here for me to kiss?”

 What a fascinating and unexpected first impression I received when my Bark Busters instructor, Mike Shamp, explained the basic, underlying concepts used in their dog training. I find that learning new ways of doing things broadens my ability to customize how I handle my dogs. Each new experience brings something different to the mix, allowing me to better manage individual dogs, and the pack as a whole.

While I love the leadership focus of Cesar Millan, it has always been evident to me that this approach will not work for everyone. Most of us would need serious training in the skill of ‘machismo’, me included.

On the opposite end of that same spectrum lies the traditional treat-based, command-driven training that most U.S. trainers use. Most dogs are motivated by the treats, and we owners often find the verbal commands suit our own natural communication methods, but there are other ways. I was surprised to find that Bark Busters’ approach does not put treats front and center, yet all the pups, even the young ones, got the message through body language. Simple, yet effective techniques were successful in teaching ’stand’ and ‘let’s go’ that I had not seen taught before.

Cesar Millan….meet Bark Busters. Somewhere in the middle of Cesar’s dominant leadership method and the most commonly used treats and commands method, there is Bark Busters, founded in Australia in 1989. The company now trains in 10 countries, adding the U.S. to its list some 10 years ago. The U.S. Master Franchise was founded here in 2000.

The training concept used by Bark Busters reveals a different mindset. While leadership is the focus, it is balanced with an equal concentration on mimicing the communication of our canine companions. Learning their body language and ways of communicating, allows us to communicate and lead, using our dogs’ own language. Herein lies the basic idea behind the Bark Busters method. I think Cesar would approve.

One interesting example that I learned during this class was that of a barking pup problem. Mike explained the cure for the dog’s barking so simply. It was merely a matter of relieving the dog of the responsibility for whatever it was he was barking about. 

For instance, if your dog barks when a stranger is in the yard, he merely needs to know that you are in control of the stranger, and he will no longer feel the need to alert you or the stranger. A simple, novel concept that can change the communication between you and your dog–leadership based communication that does not require treats to be taught. Somehow I felt my inner Oprah Winfrey coming out, if only just a bit.

All in all, my experience with the Bark Busters approach was positive. I particularly enjoyed the passion and commitment of Mike Shamp, my instructor, who shared with me some of the many projects he has been involved in over the years. Stay tuned here for more on his latest work with Central Florida hospitals. Curious? Hope to see you soon.

Mike and Judy Shamp can be reached at Bark Busters North via email: NorthOrlando@BarkBusters.com

Be sure to drop in at 5 Minutes for Fido, where Oliver has some comments about Bark Busters and his CGC experience. His perspective is, as expected, candidly canine.

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by Carrie Boyko
(c) Carrie BoykoOliver Travels in High StyleUp Front with MomI never thought I’d be one of them. You know, the people with the toy-sized dogs that dress up their little darlings and put them in car seats. Never say never.

As you can see in this photo, Oliver has a new chariot. He really thinks he’s hot stuff now–got his CGC and a new booster seat all in one week. The booster seat was a gift from an advertiser, Nature by Dawn, who runs Pet Auto Safety, and blogs about car safety for our canine companions.

With 3 dogs in the back of my Prius, it can sometimes get sketchy when I have to slam on the brakes. I wish they would all lay down, so they don’t go flying, even if they are in crates. Oliver now has an alternate ride; his beautiful, color-coordinated booster seat looks awesome in my new Prius. I’m almost as thrilled as Oliver.

On our first day, Oliver looked on curiously while I installed the car seat and adjusted the straps. I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly it was ready to go; just 3 snaps, a couple of adjustments and we’re done.

When I picked Oliver up to put him in for the first time, he squirmed a bit, but perked right up when he felt solid ground under his feet. A quick clip to his harness and we were off for a ride around the neighborhood.

Complete quiet….shocking! He was so thrilled to be able to see out the front window without standing up on his back feet, that he just took it all in silently. 

Day two through ten, still enjoying the view from his fabulous front seat, yet he has not given up the determined attitude of “I don’t want to miss a thing”. He has yet to sleep on a drive, even when on the road a fair while after a long walk. Will Oliver ever give it up and take a nap? Maybe he doesn’t know he can lay down in his new car seat.

I’m smarter than the average dog. I gave him a few treats in the bottom of the seat today. He lay down, enjoyed his snack, quickly finding and devouring each. As soon as he was done, he popped up to continue watching the view. Oh well; I tried. Maybe tomorrow I’ll be sneakier and use a chewy strip that will last a little longer. Think that will work?

Speaking of chewies, there is a zip up pocket on the front of the seat, perfect for concealing treats that we don’t want the pups to nab until we’re ready. On the sides of the seat are mesh panels, perfect for allowing air circulation, and complete with mesh pockets to keep other essentials in. This is a great spot to keep the leash, his mini-fan (we love our battery operated fans) and even a water bottle with a fold-out bowl, if we’re planning to be gone for a while.

The best news is that Oliver seems content to enjoy the view and ride up front with mom, safely clasped into his cushy new chariot with a padded seat. Thanks Dawn; Oliver’s a happy traveler. What could be better?

Tanner has another view of this whole matter. You can get his commentary over at 5 Minutes for Fido, where he’s spouting about being jealous. Poor 70-lb. Tanner. He just won’t fit in a car seat!

Want a booster seat for your pup? Just click the photo above and you’ll be redirected to Pet Auto Safety. Pick out the style and color you like and off you’ll go.

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Article Content:

by Judith Joseph, DOI
(c) C.F. reader copyright on fileBucky Loves to Play FrisbeeDear Judy:
I have enjoyed reading about dog parks a All Things Dog Blog and it sounded like loads of fun, so off Gilly and I went to our closest park. It was very big and very crowded. We walked in, quite nervous and not sure what to expect. Would Gilly have fun? What would I do among all these strangers? I was nervous and probably Gilly was too. Her tail was between her legs and she stuck close to my legs for most of the time.
When she did finally venture out to play a bit, another dog was picking on her. He got too rough so I finally separated Gilly from him and we left. Can you give me some tips for helping Gilly feel better about this next time. Me to. I guess I need a how to manual. Thank you, Carol—————————————————-Dear Carol:
Is Your Dog Ready for the Dog Park?  Are you?   Some dogs take to dog parks right away, making new play-pals and happily interacting with everyone they meet, but this isn’t true of all dogs.   Going to a dog park, unsnapping your dog’s leash and letting her run isn’t always the best idea.  She may be overwhelmed by the unfamiliar dogs and run neurotically throughout the park; getting her back can be quite a challenge.  She may try to jump into your arms, or hide between your legs snarling and snapping at any dog that comes close.  Her actions could trigger a fight with even the friendliest of dogs, putting her at risk of being attacked.   Picking her up and trying to scare away the other dogs won’t help; in most cases, it makes matters worse.
A step-by-step introduction to the dog park is in order.  First, visit the park on days it is least crowded.  Leave her on leash and walk the park’s perimeter staying outside of the enclosure.   You can learn a great deal about how dogs interact by watching them play from a safe distance.  Watch their owners too.  Are they paying little or no attention to their dog or involved in their play?  Take note your dog’s behavior.  Is she curious and quietly observant or anxious and barking excessively?  On your second visit, keep her on leash and walk the inside perimeter of the enclosure.  If other dogs approach for a friendly sniff, don’t pick her up or chase them away.  Remain calm and allow them to sniff.  They usually wander off within a few short seconds.  If she allows them to smell her and appears at ease, praise her and offer a treat.  Lengthen her leash and give her opportunities to meet other dogs.
If she snarls or shows any signs of aggression, correct her with “Eh-Eh, NO,” snap her leash and slowly continue walking the outer edge of the park.  Repeat as needed.  On your next visit, place her on an 8 to 10 foot lead, and walk around the park area allowing her to sniff where other dogs have been.  Stop and talk to friendly owners and allow them to pet her.  She will either relax and engage in play, or continue the aggressive/fearful behaviors. Remember, not all dogs are dog park candidates.  If she exhibits signs of fear or aggression, or is uncomfortable around loud noises, strange people, other dogs, or children, she may not be a dog-park dog.   Many dogs aren’t, and it’s not the end of the world.  Find other safe places for her to run freely and play Frisbee with you.  If she regularly exhibits aggressive behavior in or out of the park, contact a professional dog trainer for assistance.Good luck,
JudyASK THE DOG TRAINER Columnist

Judith Joseph, DOI

Write to me at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.comFor more information on Judith Joseph and her training, you may find her at TCDOA Dog Training. A personal appointment will likely provide more specific information on your dog’s issues and your questions.

Related Reading:
Guidelines for First Time Dog Park VisitorsVisiting the Dog Park, by C. SmithChild Safety at the Dog ParkFrisbee Dog 101: Part I in a Series of V
Thanks to reader, Chris F. for contributing our cover dog photo of Bucky. What a talented ‘disc dog’! I’m betting Bucky would love to play Frisbee at the dog park with my gang. Check out Xena’s comments over at 5 Minutes for Fido. 

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Article Content:
by Carrie Boyko

(c) reader’s photo copyright on file
Juliet Loves her Kiddie PoolIf you’re like many of my readers, you have multiple, toy-breed dogs, or neighbors with pups that like to drop in for some fun. A great way to keep the whole gang happy and busy on a hot summer day is with a kiddie pool. They’re perfect for little dogs, so there’s no worries about drowning, and even big dogs can enjoy splashing and dunking their floating toys.

Here’s a game we played at a dog party once, that you may enjoy trying when you’re hosting a group of pups for some water fun:

Before I sign off, here’s one final idea. If you’re not well-stocked on floating toys, try ice cubes. Most little dogs love to retrieve and eat ice cubes, and this game will have its own reward–no treats required. It’s not the same frenzied fun, but it works the same way. Happy tails!
Looking for more water fun? Here’s some related reading:
Swimming isn’t Just for Lab LoversTeaching Your Dog to Fetch
Safe and Happy July 4th Celebrations for Your Dogs

Finally, Tanner has a few comments over at 5 Minutes for Fido. As usual, my boy is looking out for his little buddy Oliver. They’re rather like the the Captain and Gilligan!

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by Carrie Boyko

(c) Christy Moser, all rights reservedKota is a Rescue, Turned Disc Dog

Does your dog love to run, jump, and catch things that fly? Maybe he’s got a ‘disc dog’ trying to get out. My friend Chris Engel, a national disc dog competitor, has written a series of guest posts for All Things Dog Blog, to help get you started:

Frisbee Dog 101: Part I in a Series of V
Frisbee Dog 101: Dog Selection for Frisbee Dog Enthusiasts
Frisbee Dog 101: Getting Your Dog Ready to be a Disc Dog
Frisbee Dog 101: Frisbee Training Begins
Frisbee Dog 101: Frisbee Choices for Your Dog

(c) Carrie BoykoTanner Enjoys Catchinghis Ring the MostOkay, so you’re not a Frisbee thrower. I can empathize. Tanner says my tosses are not up to speed either, but we try. Another way we make sure that Tanner gets plenty of exercise is by giving him a backpack to carry.
(c) Alan BoykoTanner Walks Like a GentlemanWith his Backpack on

Carrying a backpack is not just about weight, although I do put a few pounds of beans, rice or water bottles inside. What’s really cool about this exercise mode is that Tanner has to concentrate harder on his ‘job.’ The backpack will swing and sway if he doesn’t walk smoothly, or if he swings his hips by walking too fast. The result of walking with a backpack is a dog that walks smoothly and straight ahead beside me, just the way I like.
(c) Carrie BoykoTanner Loves SwimmingAlmost as Much as Playing Fetch

On a hot summer day (or even a cold day, as far as Tanner is concerned), there is nothing better than a good swim. You’re missing the boat if you dog doesn’t know how to swim. Every dog can learn to swim, and should, even just for safety’s sake. Here’s some tips to make it go smoothly. Even a kiddie pool is an enjoyable, cooling game for a pup outdoors in the heat.

Afterwards, Tanner is a tired and relaxed boy that is ready for a nap. Swimming provides him with lots of problem-solving activities. I make games up as we go, like how to get a toy off the steps below him, or retrieving a toy from the ledge while he’s in the water. He also tries hard to use his front and back legs to hoist himself up the side of the pool.

Swimming is definitely in second place to his all-time favorite activity–playing Fetch! Nothing can compare to this activity, and I suppose that is because he is a Retriever. That’s what he was bred for, and he is true to his heritage.
(c) Carrie BoykoGreat Fetching Form
If you’d like some help teaching your dog to play Fetch, here’s a post with some training instructions: Teaching Your Dog to Fetch.

Keeping your dog busy with a variety of activities will help to assure he doesn’t eat your couch or your neighbor’s purse, or even your shoes. A tired dog is a napping dog. Now, go get your pup busy doing something that will use his mind and his body to wear him out. You’ll be glad you did.

Before you sign off, you might enjoy Xena’s point of view. Coming from a senior dog who can’t always run, jump and swim all day, she makes a good point in her post at 5 Minutes for Fido.

Finally, be sure to join me Monday night after 6 p.m. when our new ASK THE VET column, with Dr. Pat, debuts; don’t miss it! 

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(c) Carrie Boyko
Tanner and ToniCelebrate His 4th Birthday
Celebrations always mean good food, right? Tanner and I made ground beef medallions and Chicken Pupsicles today, for a celebratory afternoon snack. Be sure to watch the blog for upcoming recipes and photos of our birthday yummies.
What else did we do to revel in my boy’s big day? Did you really have to ask? You get three guesses:If you’re wishing you could have joined the party, feel free to send food, and Tanner will love you forever. Any kind will do. Tanner is not picky.
Happy Birthday TannerWe love you! 

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Article Content:

by Dr. Pat Bradley, DVM

Dear Dr. Pat:

I am a teacher and have a rambunctious little Jack Russel mix that loves to be outdoors. We plan a lot of hiking and swimming this summer, while I am off from work. Can you give me some guidelines for keeping him safe from the sun’s damage. 

I’m not sure if there is some sort of sunscreen for dogs or if visors are advisable. Should I use a moisturizing treatment on his fur if we are outside in the sun a lot? Hope these questions don’t sound too silly, but I want to take good care of Karma so he lives a long time. Any advice you can give me to care for him when we’re outside a good bit would be very appreciated. 
D.M.———————————————— Dear D.M.:

At first I didn’t think this would be a good question to introduce myself, but as it turns out, it’s perfect! Thanks, D.M.! My answer to this, and most questions, is a resounding and definitive “That depends.”
If you had a fair skinned dog with an autoimmune skin disease triggered by sun exposure. then the answer would be, yes, use sunscreen.  Better yet, only take her outside in the early morning and late evening.
But Dr. Pat, you say, “We’ve been invited to a once in a lifetime, all-day cruise to watch whales, and riding in a boat is her very favorite thing to do in the whole world, and I just found out I only have 1 week to live, and it’s my last chance to do something with her, and four million dollars will be donated to charity. And did I mention all expenses are paid? Then GO for goodness sake.  And use sunscreen.  And give her a bath when you get home.

More details? Let’s jump in:
Is sunscreen effective for dogs?  Yes, it definitely can prevent sunburn. Some are more effective than others. I recommend using sunscreens made for human infants because the manufacturers are held to more stringent safety precautions.  And I also recommend products from a “natural” company, like California Baby, that takes into account the safety of the environment as well as my dog.  I really like that.
Is it necessary?  Before a day of riding, I sure think it’s necessary to use sunscreen on the white-skinned, easily sun-burnable nose and ears of my big horse, Mel (aka “the Melephant”).  It’s very necessary on noses and ears of dogs with sun sensitivity, or all over in dogs with white skin that shows through the hair. Use sunscreen spray on a white-skinned dog only if the skin shows through the coat.   (Haircoats and dark pigment are very effective in protecting the skin.)

Is there a less toxic alternative? I’m not aware of a non-chemical product that prevents sunburn.  The two most toxic sunscreen chemicals are PABA and zinc oxide.  I’d really try to avoid those, or use them sparingly and with extreme care to avoid licking.
Sun visors?  They definitely help protect your dog’s eyes from sun damage.  And your dog looks so darned cute when wearing one that I think you should buy several!

Now let’s stop worrying and go play with our dogs.  That’s clearly a healthy choice for all of us!

Dr. Pat

Write to LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com with your question for Dr. Pat.

For a personal consultation about your pet’s needs, visit Holistic Veterinary Services.

Dr. Pat’s opinion or advice does not replace an actual exam with a veterinarian

Don’t forget to stop in at 5 Minutes for Fido to check out Xena’s comments on Dr. Pat’s thoughts. Xena has Hank the Hunk there helping her today!

Are you thinking of getting a Jack Russell? 
Here’s a locater for your area:

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Article Content:
by Carrie Boyko
(c) Carrie BoykoNatural Lawns Can be Green tooI suppose your first question is why? What possible reason is there that a dog owner would want to concern herself with providing her dog with an Eco-friendly yard? If you have to ask this question, you’re probably not ready to hear the answer, so strap on your seat belt.

Let me begin with a telling tale. A neighbor’s dog once had a seizure and fell quickly into an irreversible coma. The cause? My friend’s dog had succumbed to the pesticides that were sprayed on their yard that day. Toxins in products such as fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, car wash preparations, anti-freeze, and many other products we use outdoors can be harmful, if not fatal to our furry friends who frolic in the air where the toxins blow and roll in the grass where it lands.

Speaking of the landscape, there are many plants that are poisonous to our pets, as well as those that are not sustainable and offer little to help us retain our beautiful yards and gardens without significant overuse of important resources such as water. Tanner and I encourage you to learn more about poisonous plants that might be lurking in your yard, before the unthinkable happens. You can visit our page, Pet Emergency Resources to read about poisonous trees and plants. You’ll find all sorts of info on first aid, poison control numbers and emergency help there.

Speaking of the unthinkable, here’s a few considerations you can look into to assure a safe refuge for Fido:
Perhaps you are giggling at my apparent nuttiness, wondering why I’m not discussing the doggie landmines that Rover leaves around the yard. These too can be handled in a more Eco-friendly way, with the help of products such as Doggie-Dooley, that biodegrade the dog waste inside an in-ground container that then allows the biodegraded material to be absorbed into the earth below. Neat idea, huh?!

I like the way it works–a foot pedal for opening (no hands!)–and a scooper for dropping the contents inside. You get all this and a supply of enzymes to speed the process all for one quite reasonable price.

That’s not all, though. There are also companies who manufacture dog waste bags (yeah…dog poop bags!) that are water soluble, like Flushpuppies. Simply scoop and drop into any toilet. The bag disappears and the waste is then flushed away to be handled by our sewer system, a job it was built and intended for.

The amazing thing about working toward having a greener dog is that you’ll find it is contagious. Pretty soon, you’ll be applying some of the same lessons to yourself, and reaping the health benefits for years to come.

Related Reading:

Be sure to check out the pup’s comments over at 5 Minutes for Fido
No More Ticks for Tanner
Flea Season is Here: What’s a Pup to Do?

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