Zookeepers are well aware of the value of husbandry training for their animals. Animals in zoos often need to be weighed, have blood drawn, get their nails clipped, and various other maintenance activities. Gone are the days when animals are anesthetized or pressed into squeeze cages for this work. Now trainers teach the animals to stand quietly while their bodies are handled or medicated. Elephants open their mouths to have their teeth inspected, giraffes stand still on a weigh scale, and dolphins swim up and hold out their fins to have blood taken. How do trainers accomplish this? It’s actually quite simple. The animal is taught to climb on the weigh scale or present its ear for the reward of a treat. The behavior is well established without exposing the animal to any unpleasant experiences. An impressive example is the story of a diabetic baboon living in a California zoo. The baboon needed daily insulin shots but he was so aggressive, he had to be sedated each time. This was taking a toll on his health, because of both the sedative and the chronic stress. The zoo brought in animal trainer Gary Priest to see what could be accomplished. Progressing in very small steps, Gary was able to teach the baboon to extend his arm through the bars of the cage and grasp a bar while a technician applied alcohol to his arm, presented a needle, and applied a quick pinch. Eventually, the baboon was happy to go through the whole routine for his favorite reward. Several times a day, the procedure was repeated and, once a day, the baboon was given his insulin. To ensure the baboon’s continued cooperation, the number of mock injections had to be much greater than the number of real injections.

ThinkstockIf it’s possible to teach baboons and elephants to tolerate annoying and even painful procedures, why does the average dog turn into Kujo when he needs his nails clipped or his ears medicated? Zoo trainers take the time to go through mock procedures over and over, following each repetition with food rewards. Only very rarely do they actually include the painful part. Puppy and dog owners would do well to subscribe to the same type of training. Teach the dog to stand or lie quietly while having his ears, eyes, mouths, and feet handled. Intersperse with frequent treats. Start when the dog is settling down for a nap so he’ll be relatively calm. With sufficient repetitions, the dog will eventually habituate and even come to enjoy the handling.

Two or three times a day, play “air” nail clipping. Have your puppy or dog sit and stay. Lift one paw and pretend to clip all the nails but just clip air! Do the same with all four feet. Once a day, clip ONE nail (only if they need it). Intersperse treats throughout. If you do this religiously, your dog will be well mannered and calm during nail clipping. Now, I don’t continue to do this throughout my dog’s life. Once you’ve established a solid foundation, your dog will only need occasional practice.

If your dog is already averse to nail clipping, you’ll have to break the procedure down to miniscule steps. You may have to start by just holding your dog’s paw and touching each nail, with the nail clippers sitting on a nearby table. Treat frequently. Once the dog is comfortable with this, hold the nail clippers in one hand, while holding the dog’s paw with the other. Next, “air clip” only one nail, give an amazing treat, and quit. Resist progressing until the dog is completely comfortable with the step you’re working on. Again, it’s advisable to do this when the dog is sleepy so you’ll meet with less resistance. Be patient – it can take months to reform an intractable nail “clippee”. If all else fails, trot your dog on pavement every day and your nail clipping activities will be restricted to his dewclaws!

Every dog is likely to need medication at some point in his life.

It’s a good idea to accustom your puppy to having his mouth handled so that you can give pills or liquid medicine. For this, I recommend the “baby bird” routine. You’ve probably seen how a baby bird opens its mouth wide to receive a meal from its parent. The baby trusts that food will end up in its mouth. You can teach your puppy to also expect a prize when you open his mouth. Hold the puppy in your lap and place one hand over the top of the puppy’s muzzle. Pry his jaw wide open. With the other hand, pull his bottom jaw down and place a tasty treat on his tongue. Release his mouth. He’ll immediately discover and eat the treat. Make sure you don’t place the treat so far back that the puppy might choke. Repeat numerous times. Pretty soon your puppy will welcome you handling his mouth and, if you occasionally stick a pill inside the treat, your puppy will be unlikely to notice. You may not ever need this training to successfully administer pills but it sure is handy if you have to give liquid medicine or poke around in there to retrieve a chicken bone.

Is there a better way to give pills? Dogs that love food are pretty easy to give pills – just hide the pill in a piece of cheese or wiener and the chowhound is happy to take his medicine. More discriminating dogs chew their food, detect the unwanted pill, and leave it lying on the kitchen floor. For these pill-savvy dogs, here’s a trick that often works. Teach the dog to catch treats tossed to him. Most dogs don’t bother to chew if you get them expecting to catch treats one after the other. On pill days, toss a series of yummy treats, with the pill hidden amongst them. Your dog will never suspect!

Be proactive with your dog. Teach him to enjoy all the things that will inevitably happen to him. He’ll be handled by groomers, poked and prodded by technicians, given needles by veterinarians. You’ll need to check his teeth, inspect his ears and eyes, clip his nails, and give him medication. None of these experiences are naturally pleasant for the dog so teach him to enjoy them. Your dog will be so much easier to care for if you do the foundation work.

Superficial bacterial folliculitis

Photo courtesy David A. Senter, DVM

Cause: Most commonly, Staphylococcus (“staph”) bacteria, usually secondary to other skin disorders such as allergies, demodicosis (mange), endocrine problems, trauma, foreign bodies, and many others.

Symptoms: Shorthaired dogs often have patchy hair loss, tufts of hair raised above the coat surface and/or reddish or brown “staining” of white hairs. Longhaired dogs may have more subtle symptoms, including scaly skin, dull coat, and excessive shedding. Regardless of coat type, clipping may be necessary to fully reveal the extent of the disorder. The underlying skin lesions include bumps, pimples, crusts, or scales occurring singly, in clusters, or over large areas; reddened circular hairless areas with or without darker pigmentation in the center; scaly or crusty skin may surround the individual lesions in a circular pattern (epidermal collarettes). The degree of itchiness varies from intense to non-existent.

Treatment: Oral antibiotics for three to four weeks or longer, depending on the response; antibacterial shampoos; antibacterial ointments or sprays. Because superficial bacterial folliculitis occurs secondary to other disorders, identification and concurrent treatment of the underlying cause are essential for successful resolution.

Disclaimer: DogChannel.com’s Dog Skin Conditions are intended for educational purposes only. They are not meant to replace the expertise and experience of a professional veterinarian. Do not use the information presented here to make decisions about your dog’s ailment. If you notice changes in your dog’s health or behavior, please take your pet to the nearest veterinarian or an emergency pet clinic as soon as possible.

Deviled eggs are a classic party snack for any occasion, but are always popular for football because of their resemblance to a football shape and of course are always a hit at Easter. With a few small adjustments, deviled eggs can quickly become doggie delights. Filled with protein, they make a healthy and grain-free treat for you and your furry friend. As with any treat, you will want to feed in moderation, especially if it’s your first time feeding a particular snack.

Ingredients:

Eggs – as many as you like!

Plain, Unsweetened Yogurt – 1 Tbsp for every 2 eggs

Directions:

Hard boil your eggs. You can use any method you like, but this one worked for us

Put eggs in a pot and cover them with an inch of water.

Put a cover on the pot and bring the water to a boil.

Once boiling, remove the pot and let sit 15 minutes.

Run eggs under cold water and place in refrigerator to cool.

Once eggs are cooled peel and slice in half the long way.

Remove all of the yolks and place them in a bowl

Add yogurt (approximately 1 Tbsp for every 2 eggs) and mix until you get a creamy consistency.

Scoop mixture into the eggs, or if you want to be fancy, scoop mixture into a plastic bag. Cut the tip off of the bag and squeeze egg mixture back into the egg whites.

For Humans: The eggs are tasty on their own and the yogurt adds a nice tang, but if you want them to be spiced up for human consumption, set aside a set of yolks for the dog and mix according to the recipe above. In the human mixture add salt, pepper, paprika and a touch of red pepper to taste. Just be sure to label clearly which is which to avoid a mix-up! While people will appreciate the added flavor, dogs won’t know the difference and don’t need the sodium and spice.

If you’re interested in welcoming a small canine into your life, you have many exciting options, including toy and non-sporting dog breeds from all over the globe. Though many people appreciate small dogs for their size, the pups also are beloved for their dispositions. Small dogs are diverse not only in cuteness, but also in temperament and behavioral characteristics.

Easygoing Small Dogs

Dogs large and small run the gamut in terms of temperament, although some are more mellow and easy going than others. Small canines who are known for having easygoing dispositions include Japanese chins, Shih Tzus, pugs, Chihuahuas and French bulldogs. If hyper dogs who are constantly on the go aren’t exactly your cup of tea, you might want to look into a pet from one of these breeds.

Lively Small Dogs

While some dogs are mellow and tranquil in nature, others are bundles of vitality and vigor. Small dogs who tend to have exuberant and bouncy natures include miniature pinschers, Cairn terriers and Yorkshire terriers. If spirited play sessions at the park and in your backyard are more your speed than cozy evenings in front of the television, then these small breeds might be most suited for you. In general, terriers are usually pretty tireless canines.

Small Dogs Who Love Other Dogs

Some dogs are eager to share in the company of their fellow canines, while others are more like loners — or they strongly prefer to be around human beings than other dogs. Certain small dog breeds are known to be more social in temperament than others. These breeds include Norfolk terriers, Cavalier King Charles spaniels and Havanese pooches. If you’re interested in a friendly small dog who doesn’t get too territorial or possessive around other animals, you just might find the canine of your dreams in one of these furry guys.

Fast Learning Small Dogs

Although properly and thoroughly training a dog isn’t always the easiest job, it has to be done. Some canines make the process a breeze, though. Small doggie breeds that are known for being training dreams include miniature poodles, papillons and Brussels griffons. Dog training typically involves everything from showing the furry cuties how to fetch to housebreaking them as puppies. Small dogs from these breeds often make those jobs easy, but remember, all dogs are individuals and some might be easier to train than others within these breeds.

Benefits of Little Dogs

When considering what kind of dog to add to your home, become familiar with all the ins and outs of the specific breed. Several advantages exist with dogs from smaller breeds. Tinier dogs tend to lead longer lives. They often can manage in smaller living environments better than larger dogs. Transporting them from one place to another also is often a simpler task, whether your destination is the groomer or the vet.

Adopted dogs and children need to get along or the pet may find itself returned to the shelter.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and studies reported in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 20 percent of dogs in shelters were adopted from shelters. The adopters returned their pets for a variety of reasons, most having to do with behavior problems, conflicts between the new pet and in-home pets or a problem between the owner’s children and the new pet. Have a question? Get an answer from a Vet now!

Behavioral Problems

Almost a third–28 percent–of pet owners who return their pets do so because of a behavior problem. Many shelter dogs end up in the shelter because of behavior issues, only to be adopted out again–and returned again–for the same issues. Problems such as destructive behavior, inappropriate elimination, aggression, excessive barking, escaping, and other unwanted behaviors can lead to the owner’s dissatisfaction, and the dog’s return to the shelter. Some owners are unwilling or unable to correct their new dog’s behavior problems and return the animal. In many cases either the owners were not informed of the dog’s behaviors, or they held different expectations.

Conflicts Between Pets

Of the pet owners returning their dogs to the shelter, 19 percent cited that the dog did not get along with the other pets in the household. Bringing a new dog into a household of other pets often disturbs the hierarchy established by the other pets. The owner will often shower attention on the new addition to the dismay of the current pets, thus causing strife between them. Dogs will often behave differently at a shelter than in a household, so it is difficult to judge if the new dog will fit in.

Conflicts Between Dog and Children

One problem that causes dogs to be returned to the shelter are conflicts with the child or children in the household. These conflicts ranged from the children stressing the dog to the dog being too rambunctious for the children. Around 15 percent of owners returned their pets for this reason, and 4 percent of owners expected their children to care for the pet. In these cases, the shelter failed to match the family to the appropriate pet.

Other Reasons

Other reasons for shelter returns include that the dog got too large, the owner or family member had an allergic reaction, the dog had a health issue or the owner didn’t have enough time to spend with the pet.

Reduction of Dog Returns

Most returns occur from a failed set of expectations. The adopter often has a skewed perception of pet ownership and the role a dog plays in it. To reduce returns, shelters need to educate their potential adopters better as well as screen the people looking to adopt a pet. If the shelter educates the new pet owner on what to expect in the dog’s behavior, health, and cost, the pet owner may be able to make an informed decision regarding the pet they adopt.

Down the street from me lives a young Labrador Retriever whose plight breaks my heart every time I see him. He’s not mistreated, at least not in an obvious way. He’s just always alone. Day after day, he stays outdoors in his fenced yard, with no one for company. From his yard, he barks at all who pass by as though he were asking for someone — anyone — to pay attention to him.

The dog’s owner is a busy guy. He’s got a full-time job, a house to maintain, and all the other tasks to perform that go with life today. I sympathize: 21st century life can be chaotic for anyone. But we can make time for our dogs without exerting very much effort or spending a lot of extra time. Here are some ways to do just that.

Take her along. Whether running errands, picking the kids up from school, or stopping by your office, including your dog can be a hassle-free way to give her attention and stimulation. “For adult dogs whose owners’ lifestyles primarily revolve around being home, at soccer games, and ferrying the kids to school, having the dog participate in these activities can meet much of her social needs,” says Alice Moon-Fanelli, Ph.D., certified applied animal behaviorist at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.

Sleep with her. Experts agree that having your dog sleep in your bedroom, but not necessarily on your bed, can be a great way to spend extended time with your canine companion with no additional effort on your part. You sleep, she sleeps. What could be easier?

Find things you both like to do. Some activities you do for your own enjoyment are even more fun if your four-legged friend does them with you. Moon-Fanelli recommends spending some one-on-one time with your dog “in mutually enjoyable physical activities,” such as swimming and hiking.

Try multi-tasking. Are you busy fixing lunch or preparing dinner while your dog hangs around? Use this opportunity to help her practice sit-stays and down-stays. Are you watching TV? Use that time to brush your best friend, too — or at least give her some cuddle-time.

Do some delegating. If you don’t live alone, other family members can help out with dog care. For example, “when there are children in the household, they can become the designated walkers, exercisers, and players,” notes Terry Curtis, DVM, veterinary behaviorist at the University of Florida in Gainesville. “It just spreads the interactions over more people.”

That said, you do need to at least spend a little extra time with your dog if she’s to become a happy member of your household and stay that way. Every dog needs training, exercise, and some one-on-one time with her people each day. A little creativity on your part can go a long way toward meeting those needs without putting much of a dent in your schedule.

The Muttin’ But Love Fundraiser benefits the non-profit organization’s commitment to rescuing at-risk dogs from Los Angeles area shelters, finding them safe and suitable permanent homes through adoption, advocacy and education.

The star-studded event will include: C. Thomas Howell (The Amazing Spiderman); Music artist, Natalie Imbruglia; Hilary Duff (Cheaper by the Dozen); Celebrity Dog Trainer & Best Selling Author, Tamar Geller; Jennifer Missoni (Gossip Girl).

The evening will feature drinks, entertainment, and live and silent auctions for remarkable items, including trips to Santa Fe and Lake Tahoe; spa services including Dry Bar, Sally Hershberger, B2V Salon, and Bliss Spa, plus Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers tickets.

Come and meet the editors of DOG FANCY, one of the event sponsors, who will share a sneak peek at Rescue Me, a soon to be launched new national publication dedicated to the world of rescue.

Dogs rescued thanks to donations at last year’s fundraiser.