Dog Fundraising Event Hosted by Isla Vista’s Chino’s Rock and Tacos to Benefit K9 PALS
Mar 27th
Bring your appetite to the Isla Vista location of Chino’s Rock & Tacos‘ Monday April 4th from 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM where you can reward yourself and your tummy while helping out the inquisitive canine’s at K9 PALS!
You get a great meal in a great place while 10% goes to helping out the dogs at the Santa Barbara animal rescue K9 PALS!
To download the PDF just click on this Chino’s Benefit Day’s
flyer link or the image to the left. For additional information about K9 PALS, including dogs that are available and other upcoming dog events, please see the K9 PALS website.
Thank you for your support of rescue animals!
Setting New Years Resolutions for Dogs Can Help Owners Achieve Their Own Goals Too
Jan 4th
From what I’ve heard about New Years Resolutions, it appears humans like to set goals for themselves with the intention of changing their own behavior in one way or another. Well, since we’re venturing into a brand new year I thought it’d be the perfect time for this inquisitive canine to add his two cents, offering up suggestions to those dog guardians who might want to look at ways to include their dog in their own list of pledges and commitments. (For additional tips on ways you can help create goals for yourself and your dog, check out the latest post my certified professional dog trainer mom has created for our Dear Inquisitive dog behavior advice column.)
Why include your dog in your resolutions list? Well, a “normal” behavior of humans that I’m aware of is that you all like to multitask. So by including your dog, or even making it about your dog, you’re likely to make changes in your own behavior too. By taking this approach, you’re able to complete two goals for the energy of one! For instance:
- Loosing weight: So you want to take off a pound or two. What’s a simple solution? Walking! You bipedal animals were born to walk, so why not use your dog as a perfect excuse? Walking your dog more often equals an increase in exercise for yourself! Right? Bam! You loose weight while your dog looses or maintains his or hers weight. Plus, your dog will most likely be tired from walking so he or she will also behave nicely at home which is often another goal of dog owners. (Just ask my dog trainer mom – after a fun time assisting her at various dog training classes in Ventura or Santa Barbara or at my own agility class with the Seaside Scramblers Agility group I’m too exhausted to bark!) Plus, you get to socialize and enjoy life together! Check out the “Try something new” section below for additional activities you and your dog would enjoy.
- Trying something new: Do you say the first of every year that you’re going to take a class or start a new hobby? How about taking your dog to a new or different dog training class, workshop or to new dog friendly places? That new dog park down the street, or dog friendly cafe? Even a basic dog training class like the Canine College course my mom teaches can be beneficial and enjoyable – for you both! It’s not just about learning “obedience” behaviors. You also get to meet new people and your dog gets to make new doggy friends. Plus, you’re likely to learn something new!
- If you’re looking to change it up for a basic class, consider something like Dog Agility (I love going to mine), or Rally Obedience. Being a Canine Good Citizen is another way to spend time with your dog while helping others in your community. Check our Inquisitive Canine Resources website page for additional links on dog friendly activities.
- Eliminate your own “bad” habits: Smoking and watching too much television are some of the more common behaviors many humans want to change. The simplest way to decrease and eliminate an unwanted behavior it to replace it with a positive one. Well, this is another reason to get more involved with your dog. Head to a dog training class, dog training workshop or partake in a different type of dog-related recreation where smoking is forbidden. This is the “interrupt and redirect” approach similar to the dog training techniques my mom uses. If you’re redirected to a more positive behavior outlet, you’re less likely to engage in the “bad” one.
- Help modify your dog’s “bad” habits: I admit, some of my habits can be annoying to my humans. But hey, mom ain’t perfect either! So what’s the best way to modify mine and other dogs unwanted behaviors? Simple: replace it with a wanted behavior. For instance, if you’re dog barks too much: Ask your dog to do something else and reward him or her for that! Pulling on leash? Reward you dog for walking next to you. Chewing up your shoes? Put the shoes in your closet, shut the door, give your dog a bone or chew toy that your dog really likes, then reward him or her for chewing on that.
- A great way to modify your dogs behavior is to turn training into a game! Take the basics and make it fun! This the principle behind our Out of the Box Dog Training Game – mom and I wanted to make training and learning fun and rewarding for both dogs and humans. Different cards and different activities with achievable and desired goals – this is what I call a win-win for all!
In addition to the above common topics found on resolution lists, I thought it’d be a good idea to comment on additional dog-specific subject matters:
- Prevent unwanted behaviors from occurring: Management is key, especially when you’re not around to monitor your dog. Is it time to fix that hole in the fence? Or to hire a pet sitter or dog walker to help out when you’re gone all day? If you’ve been putting it off, set aside some time to figure out how you can help prevent behavioral issues from happening. If training isn’t a viable option, then management is a realistic solution.
- Be prepared:
- Pet first aid kit: The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends that pet owners have these items on-hand. Many of these components would normally be found in our medicine cabinet anyway, but you’ll want to make sure you have them and know where they are.
- Pet First Aid Class: Yes, there are pet first aid classes that teach CPR (mouth to snout) along with basics in bandaging and wound care. Check out the American Red Cross website for information on classes near you.
- Licensing: Is your dog’s license up to date? If it’s a law in your area, please remember to update it annually. The best way to find our more is to check with your local animal regulation facility. Many have made it even more convenient by allowing you to pay online. The fees are quite reasonable and the money goes to help the many animals surrendered to these shelter facilities.
- ID: No pet should be without one!
- Microchip: Although it’s not mandatory, you never know when your dog might wander off. It’s a nice back-up for those times he or she might be without an ID tag.
We think it’s wonderful to start the year off fresh with new and exciting goals! It’s a perfect way to set your dog and yourself up for success. Remember, keep it simple. Asking too much of your dog or of yourself tends to backfire. Start with one goal for each, but remember, if you include one another in each activity then you’re doing double-duty! And that’s what this inquisitive canine calls ideal energy management!
I think my new years resolution will be to increase lap-time with mom and field play-dates with dad. Hmm…I wonder what new years resolutions mom and dad have set for themselves? Hmm..something for this inquisitive canine to ponder….
New Year’s Resolutions That Benefit Dogs and Dog Owners Alike
Jan 3rd
Dear Inquisitive Readers,
Welcome to 2011! The new year is a great time to reflect on the past, as well as begin planning for the coming year. For many, this includes establishing “resolutions”. So my sidekick Poncho and I thought it would be the perfect time to explore a few of the most commonly discussed commitments found on resolution lists and help readers apply them to life with our inquisitive canines. Poncho is working on his own tips from the canine perspective, so please keep an eye out for his upcoming special New Years Resolution Inquisitive Canine blog post.
Whether you plan on giving back and getting organized, or resolving dog behavioral issues and enhancing your daily routine with your canine companion, this list of New Years resolutions is designed to help set you up for success in the new year while enhancing the bond you and your dog share.
- Get Fit: Losing weight is often at the top of resolution lists for many people. What about your dog’s weight? If that’s an issue, the new year is an ideal time to begin an exercise program. As a certified professional dog trainer I often recommend regular walking regimes or enrolling in agility classes to boost both physical as well as mental health. Note: You’ll want to check with your vet first to make sure your dog is medically cleared for an increase in any new exercise routine.
Evaluating your dog’s overall physical health is also important. When was the last time your dog had a “check-up”? Veterinarians recommend an annual physical. (Sometimes more often depending upon age and health history). You’ll want to make sure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and any other age specific assessment and/or treatment that would help improve his or her quality of life. Similar to humans needing different requirements with aging, our pets do too. If budget is a factor, check into your local resources for inexpensive vaccination clinics and medical care.
- Learn Something New: Evaluating your dog’s overall behavioral health can also have great benefits as well. If your dog is already a perfectly behaved dog, then bravo! You’re doing the right thing: rewarding the behaviors you want and preventing or ignoring unwanted behaviors. If, on the other hand, you want to improve your dog’s behavior, consider dog training services that can empower you and your dog with a rewarding education that will help further develop and enhance your everyday relationship.
Similar to adults going back to school for a fun class, dogs enjoy sharpening their skills or learning new ones. Nowadays there are more options for dog training classes and workshops than ever. It doesn’t always have to be “obedience” classes. Why not try something different? Agility, Rally-O, Canine Freestyle, Scent and Detection work, or Canine Good Citizen are just a few you could check out. For additional information on these types of activities, check out our Inquisitive Canine Resources page for helpful links. If you’re in a remote area, or your schedule conflicts with class times, there are many DVD’s and downloadable training programs you can buy online and complete in the comfort of your own home.
- Enjoy Life More: Spending more quality time with your dog can be a great way to break away from a daily routine that’s become too routine. Walking your dog at the same time every day, or not at all? It’s easy for us to get into a rut or to avoid the last item on the checklist. How about changing it up this year? Something as simple as walking in a new place once in awhile, or making arrangements to walk with a friend or neighbor. The novelty of a new neighborhood can be like Disneyland for your dog. Or, instead of going for a walk you can play a dog training game or other interactive activities.
- You may even want to consider turning off all of the electronics and simply hanging out on the couch or floor with your dog for some bonding time. You could read him or her a favorite story, talk about your day (dogs are perfect to vent to), or meditate together. What a great way to clear the mind and spirit!
- Get Organized: Is the toy box spilling over? Stuffed squeakies and old tennis balls under every piece of furniture? No need to wait until Spring – go through everything now. Throw out the non-salvageable ones, donate the unused ones to local shelters or give to friends’ dogs. You can even machine wash some of them too. I’ve found that using a lingerie bag and washing on the gentle cycle can refresh many toys.
- Other items you might want to go through are dog blankets and beds, leashes, collars and crates. Check with your local shelter to see if they would want any of these items. Many rescues have a website with a list of items they would want and need.
- Help Others: Giving back to others in your community can take many forms. Besides donating unused items to local shelters and rescues, you might want to consider doing something more with your dog that allows him or her to “give back”. If your dog enjoys being around people and other dogs, consider having him or her certified as a Canine Good Citizen with the American Kennel Club or join a group such as the Delta Society where you and your dog can apply to become registered Pet Partners. Programs that allow you to visit such places as schools and nursing homes are fulfilling to both humans and non-humans alike.
We believe it’s nice to have choices but we understand that it can sometimes become overwhelming. So please adapt any and all to your own situation, preferences and overall goals. Our objective is to set you all up for a successful new year! Poncho, myself and everyone here at the Inquisitive Canine wish you and your family a very happy, rewarding and dynamic 2011!
K9-PALS Great Ball Drop in Santa Barbara Positively Reinforcing Time for Dogs and Owners Alike
Sep 12th
What a grand day is was for me and mom this past Saturday! We headed north to one of our favorite dog-friendly places: Elings Park in Santa Barbara. K9 PALS was hosting their second annual Great Ball Drop fund-raising event. Although mom is a certified professional dog trainer, there are times when she just likes to be a “dog mom” so she took me on a little mother-son date where we met lots of other dog guardians and their inquisitive canine‘s.
We also saw some of mom’s dog training class students, and met some really wonderful people with awesome dog related businesses. There was the really cool doggy daycare facility called Diogi (I’d totally go there), the pet hospital La Cumbre Animal Hospital (I like Miss. Peggy and the other staff I met but I’d only want to go for a visit, not because I’d have to if ya know what I mean), and my friends of the Santa Barbara Supersonic Flyball Racing Team! I hadn’t seen them in a long time – mom spoke with coach Loren about us starting up again! OMG that’s SO exciting – WE LOVE Flyball!!
Mom also entered me in the tail-wagging contest…ah yes, I recall winning thatat another dog rescue fund raising event years ago…this time a Dachshund name Winston won – mom said he was pretty cute so that’s cool – it was still fun.
After the contest we walked around again, met other people and their dogs – plus mom let me roll in something I found quite appealing…mom’s always great about reinforcing my good behavior with “real life” rewards. For a few photo’s mom took of this grand event, please check out our Inquisitive Canine Facebook group page. There’s also the K9 PALS Facebook page.
Anyway, if you were there, we thank you for participating in the K9 PALS fund raiser – all the dogs of the Santa Barbara County animal shelter thank you as well. If you weren’t able to make it this year, please head on over to the K9 PALS website and bookmark it so you’ll be able to keep up with the latest on upcoming Santa Barbara County Animal Regulation Events.
On a side note, mom and I want to recognize the significance of September 11th. We honor the women and men who died on that infamous day nine years ago – along with all of those who survived, who helped and rescued and those who are still coping. A tragic day indeed, and one that will never be forgotten.
Canine Nutrition Series: Own Life Experiences Leading to Integrative Approach to Veterinary Practice
Aug 30th
Welcome to the fifth installment of our featured experts on the Canine Nutrition blog series. For the final week in our thread, we are joined by So Cal’s local Dr. Patrick Mahaney VMD, CVA, owner and founder of California Pet Animal and Wellness (CPAW), Inc. Dr. Mahaney enjoys spending time treating animals with both complementary and traditional veterinary medicine, helping people and writing. He says, “As there are so many unusual experiences in my profession, I have plenty of material about which to write!”
You can find many of his articles on his blog: Patrick Mahaney Blog as well as the column he writes for the Los Angeles Pet Examiner. Incidentally, like me, Dr. Mahaney has a blogging dog named Cardiff. “Cardiff is my muse, my companion, and the true motivating force for my veterinary practice.” Cardiff’s Blog can also be found on Dr. Mahaney’s website.
Having an appreciation for animals and science since childhood, Dr. Mahaney was drawn to the field of Veterinary medicine. However, it was his own personal experiences of multiple back injuries that prompted him to expand his own knowledge and services for helping his clients. “I discovered that the integrative approach greatly augments the wellness of my animal patients.”
To read more about Dr. Patrick Mahaney and the veterinary consulting services he offers, please check out his personal website as well as his veterinary practice website. We appreciate all the wonderful information he has contributed to our Canine Nutrition blog series, and are pleased to be able to share his expertise with our inquisitive canine audience.
The following is the canine nutrition Q&A session between Dr. Mahaney and myself:
Q. Roughly how many Kcal’s may a dog have per day?
A. There is a calculation for Resting Energy Requirement (RER, in kCal)= [BW^0.75]x70 BW= body weight in KG
Q. What factors into the amount allowed: Age, size, breed, activity level etc…
A. In general, younger and more active dogs need higher calories. Older and less active (including those that are debilitated) dogs need fewer calories.
Q. Is there a formula that dog guardians can use to help figure this out? Or should they speak with their vet?
A. It is really best that owners speak to their veterinarian to establish a guideline for weight maintenance or weight loss.
Q. Should owners follow the guidelines on the bag/container of food, or is that unreliable?
A. Yes, owners should follow the guidelines, but consider that extra calories are frequently consumed through people foods, dog treats, or consuming other pet foods (occasionally unbeknownst to the owner). Therefore, always feed on the lower end of the food bag’s recommendation.
Q. Do you think that “free feeding” is an acceptable way to feed dogs?
A. I prefer feeding specific feedings on a 2-3 times basis. Some dogs are able to control their food consumption and maintain their own weight. Others overeat their food and put on weight unnecessarily, which leads to a myriad of health conditions.
Q. Should dogs be on a specific feeding schedule? If so, all throughout his or her life? Or during certain periods only? (puppy/senior/lactating)
A. It is best for a dog’s digestive health and body condition to be fed in multiple, calorie and food substance appropriate meals per day throughout their lives.
Q. For dogs that do not have food allergies, is it okay for s/he to have a variety of kibble/wet food brands and not just the same one all the time? Is it okay to vary the protein base?
A. Consistency with food that enters a dog’s mouth typically leads to regularity in digestion and bowel movement production. I do not recommend varying a dog’s food on a day to day basis. Every couple of months, gradually changing the protein source may reduce the likelihood of developing dietary sensitivity to a protein source (as compared to long term feeding of a single protein source).
Q. Raw vs traditional vs home-cooked? Is one better? Why?
A. There is not a really “better” formula. Feeding has to be done in a means that is appropriate for a particular patient based on their current state of health.
From a standpoint of food safety and potential for illness secondary to bacterial contamination, cooked foods are safer than raw. Raw food is not exclusive to feeding raw meat, we have to consider raw vegetables and grains too. Appropriately cooked meats, grains, and vegetables tend to be easier to digest than raw foods.
Q. Are “table scraps” acceptable? If not, why? If so, what are the parameters? High quality, healthy such as low fat/lean meats, raw/steamed veggies and whole grains?
A. I am fine with the addition of table foods to commercially available pet foods, as long as they are low in fat and high in fiber, moisture, and beneficial nutrients. For example, vegetables such as carrots are great additions as “table scraps” to almost any feeding regimen.
Q. Dog foods: are some better than others? If so, what should dog guardians look for in finding good quality foods?
A. Look at the pet food label. If the food contains “meals”, “by-products”, sugar, artificial colors, artificial or “natural flavors”, or preservatives (such as sodium nitrite) then it should be avoided. Additionally, whole meats, vegetables, and grains should be at the top of the list of food ingredients.
Q. Supplements: Daily vitamins, minerals? Is this necessary if dog eats a healthy diet? When would they be required?
A. I recommend feeding a whole food diet which is rich in natural vitamins and minerals so that there is less of a need to provide supplements. Activity, illness, surgery, and age related changes can induce nutritional deficiencies that may benefit from supplementation under the guidance of a veterinary professional.
Q. “Joint supplements” are becoming very popular and people are giving them to their dogs without consulting – is this a good choice?
A. It is always best for a pet owner to consult with a veterinarian before administering dietary supplements, such as Glucosamine/Chondroitin joint supplements, which typically require long term administration. Always choose an oral joint supplement that has been manufactured to meet your dog’s needs (as compared to a human joint supplement that may not be absorbed as well from the canine gastrointestinal tract).
Q. Holistic medicine vs traditional? Both good? One better than another? Complementary?
A. Really, all medicine should be holistic. Holistic means that you are focusing on the entire organism, not just an individual part or organ system. Western (conventional) and complementary (Eastern, etc) can work quite well together when done by an experienced veterinary medical practitioner.
Q. Interactive food toys: Good? Bad?
A. Interactive food toys, such as treat filled Kong toys, pressed beef hide, or others can be used with success by a responsible pet owner with a dog that does not have body weight or digestive issues.
Q. Are there some foods/supplements that can help prolong a dogs life?
A. Addition of whole food, nutrient rich, whole foods, such as steamed vegetables, can provide beneficial moisture, fiber, and antioxidants that can prolong a dog’s life.
Omega 3 fatty acids, such as fish or flax seed oil, also safely provide benefits to multiple body systems with low likelihood of side effects.
Q. Allergies: seems that “food allergies” are commonly diagnosed but without actual testing. How is it best to determine a dog really has a food allergy? Actual testing? Or is a subjective diagnosis acceptable?
A. It is best to determine if a protein or carbohydrate is tolerated by a dog by doing a food elimination trial for a minimum of 6-8 weeks. The food elimination trial does not permit feeding of protein or carbohydrate sources that your dog has previously consumed. It is vital to be vigilant and strict in the process to potentially see a positive result.
Q. Treats for training: Are there some that are better than others? Healthy vs “empty calories”?
A. Training treats should be very interesting to your dogs nose and taste buds to motivate performance of your requested command. Additionally, treat size should be as small as possible, as the number given is typically in the double digits. Training treats should be free of sugar, preservatives, and artificial colors and flavors.
Q. How can dog owners provide valuable nutrition without adding extra calories if using foods to train their dogs? (Besides using the dogs kibble)
A. Dog owners can feed small portions of low sodium deli turkey, cheese, dried liver, or other real foods as training treats.
Q. When is it time for a dog owner to seek assistance from their vet?
A. Dog owners should seek assistance from their veterinarian anytime their dog is not following their normal patterns of eating, drinking, sleeping, or playing. Additionally, a dog should have a physical exam performed by a veterinarian at least every 12 months.
If you are just joining us and would like to start from the beginning of this series, please click on this introductory post on Canine Nutrition link to find out the reasons behind why I wanted to delve into the area of nutrition for dogs. You will also be directed to additional links in this series for Q&A with experts in canine nutrition. If you haven’t signed up to receive our dog behavior blog post, you can via RSS feed or direct email on our inquisitive canine blog website.
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