The Dog Blog - Send Rover on Over

Join us for the 1 Mile Fun or 5K Run at Send Rover on Over!

March 17, 2025

Join the Fun: Run for Pets and Pet Lovers! Arrive a few minutes early to enjoy some Lake County breakfast treats and get hydrated. Meet and greet the organization’s founders and other big-hearted individuals who dedicate their time to supporting our community’s dogs, cats, and pet lovers. Please review the information below; it will provide you with the details you need to know.

Click here to download the Entry and Release Form for the 1 Mile Fun Run and 5K Fundraiser.

Please follow this link to @AHomeforRover Venmo account to pay the donation entry fee. A Home for Rover raises money to trap, spay, neuter, and foster unhoused dogs in Lake County.

Please let us know if you want to donate a prize or a business service or if you’re going to become a sponsor. Get a new dog tag, compliments of Greg Stanley with Street Dawgs. Nannette Dutcher with State Farm will also be present, promoting and providing information on their Trupanion insurance product for your pet.

Meet at the following address by 9:00 a.m.:
Lakeport Send Rover on Over
aka Lakeport Pet Resort
2945 Reeves Lane
Lakeport, CA 95453

For more information, please check our Facebook Event Page by clicking here.

Check in, feast, and hydrate with morning delectables available for purchase from Mother Lovin’s Oven. Purchase raffle tickets and mingle with vendors and like-minded concerned citizens. Remember, winners need not be present to win.

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Dog Release of Liability & Event Rules

We are thrilled to have you, and your dog join us for this exciting walk/run event hosted by
A Home for Rover! We aim to create a fun, safe, and enjoyable experience for both you and your furry friends. To ensure everyone’s safety and comfort, please adhere to the following guidelines:

Dog and People-Friendly Dogs Only
We welcome dogs that are friendly toward people and other dogs to join you in the walk/run. Please ensure your dog is well-behaved throughout the event.
Registration and Check-in
Please leave your dog in the car for a moment while you register or check in. This is important for both your dog’s safety and for efficient event check-in. Please ensure your dog is not left in a hot car for extended periods of time.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
While walking or running, always stay aware of your surroundings, especially when other dogs are nearby. Give dogs plenty of space if they appear uncomfortable or nervous around others.
Keep Your Dog Safe and Comfortable
Do not allow your dog to get bunched up with other dogs or people, as this could cause stress or discomfort for your dog or others.
Treats and Positive Reinforcement
Bring treats to reward your dog and make the experience more enjoyable for both of you. Positive reinforcement helps ensure a fun and stress-free time for your dog!
Proper Gear
Please ensure your dog is wearing a well-fitted collar or, preferably, a harness to prevent discomfort or potential injury.
Waste Management
Please bring your own poop bags and ensure that you clean up after your dog promptly. We strive to keep the event area clean and welcoming for all participants.

Property Release of Liability

We would like to remind all participants that the event will take place on private property. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, please follow the property guidelines below:

Stay Within Designated Areas
Please remain within the designated walking and running areas throughout the event. For your safety and the safety of others, do not enter or cut through the walnut tree area, as this is private property.
Clean Up After Your Dog
Be responsible and clean up after your dog. Please do not leave any waste or poop bags behind. Let’s keep the property clean and tidy for everyone to enjoy.
Uneven Ground and Hazards
The event area may have uneven ground, including squirrel holes, which may pose a tripping hazard. We strongly recommend wearing sturdy shoes and being cautious of where you step.

Release and Hold Harmless Agreement

By participating in this event, you agree to the following:

You agree to release and hold harmless the Santos family, any affiliates, and property owners from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from your participation in the walk/run or any injury or damage caused by your dog.
You acknowledge that you are responsible for your dog’s behavior and actions and agree to ensure that your dog always remains under control during the event.
You assume full responsibility for your dog, including any incidents or accidents, and agree to indemnify the Santos family and affiliates for any costs, damages, or liabilities incurred.

We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to seeing you and your dog at the event!

Thesis by Valeri – Dog Owners Reinforce Leash Reactivity, “an interesting read”

August 18, 2018

Here’s an excerpt into what you can expect from the Thesis, click at the link at the end of this post to read more.

The purpose of this project is to provide information that supports the hypothesis that positive punishment method of training dogs reinforces leash reactivity and should not be used. Using positive reinforcement methods of training to teach dogs how to respond to stimulus to reduce and eliminate reactivity is the best approach to behavior modification. This research project will support evidence of how dog owners create and reinforce leash reactivity as well as the best treatment plan to help overcome leash reactivity, keep people walking their dogs safely, and keep dogs in their homes.

What is leash reactivity and why is it a problem and how do we reinforce it?

Leash reactivity is also describes or known as “Leash Aggression,” “Barrier Frustration,” or “Leash Frustration.” For the purpose of this article, we will refer to this behavior as Leash Reactivity. Leash reactivity occurs between a dog owner/dog walker, and the dog. Leash reactivity is described as anything that is an unwanted behavior while on a walk and on a leash. Barking and pulling on the leash towards other dogs are some of descriptions of leash reactivity behaviors. Other behaviors that fall under the category of leash reactivity are, whining, spinning, frequent marking, biting at the leash, or even a redirected bite to the dog owner. It is stated that leash reactivity can be genetic, hormonal, or territorial, but in most cases leash reactivity is a learned behavior. Leash reactivity behavior can be initially derived

Dog Owners Reinforce Leash Reactivity from the barriers to meet and or play with other dogs as well as the aversive tools and techniques we use to attempt to correct this as an undesirable behavior. Leash reactivity is likely reinforced by dog owners failed attempts at applying a positive punishment technique for initial undesirable behaviors. This process becomes a vicious cycle. The dog is reactive, the dog owner applies positive punishment, and the dog becomes more reactive.

Leash reactivity is a problem. Studies have shown dogs with leash reactivity fail to meet basic welfare needs, which include exercise and socializing with con-specifics (Webster, 1994). Leash reactive dogs will not be walked, exercised, and often not socialized. Reactive dogs are often neglected participation in extracurricular activities. Companion dogs that are leash reactive can become banned to the home, relinquished, or the most critical, they can be euthanized. Positive punishment plays the largest role in reinforcing leash reactivity. When positive punishment fails, the leash reactivity continues to be reinforced. Animals have been shown to respond to painful stimuli with aggression. Painful aversive stimuli used incorrectly and with bad timing can lead the dog to misinterpret the situation and through the process of attempting to distance himself, become leash reactive. The tools used for leash reactivity range from a sharp tug on the leash to a choke, prong or shock collar. All of these tools are aversive tools and positive punishers if effective. Discontinuing the use of positive punishment methods and attempting to put the dog on extinction as well as incorporating positive reinforcement methods of behavior modification

Dog Owners Reinforce Leash Reactivity programs have become the best advised choice of correcting behavior problems and leash reactivity. Positive punishment is advised to be avoided. The punisher would be considered a successful tool to manage the behavior if the dog ceased the undesirable behavior after one or two attempts, but often this type of punisher fails with this behavior.

Socialize Your Puppy – It’s Good for Everyone!

February 18, 2018

Socialize your puppy!!!!

This is a great article (see below) on recent studies about the benefits of early puppy socialization programs. New puppy parents are still informed to keep them home until they are 16 weeks of age and fully vaccinated. This is not the best advice if you would like to have a happy healthy confidant social adult dog. Socializing means exposing them to a variety of sites and sounds and people and children and men all well before 12 weeks of age. You do this by strolling them, carrying them, carting them, and driving them.

Do not put them on the grass or dirt or sand at this point. Also, do not expose them to dogs that are. It’s potentially no healthy and you do not know if they like puppies or not.

Extra Early Socialization for Puppies Makes a Big Difference By Zazie Todd, PhD

A new study by Dr. Helen Vaterlaws-Whiteside and Amandine Hartmann (Guide Dogs National Breeding Centre) (2017) tests an improved program for socializing puppies in the nest from 0 – 6 weeks. The program provides additional socialization in a way that is relatively cheap, easy to implement, and designed to fit with what science tells us about the development of puppies.

In comparison to puppies receiving the regular socialization program, the puppies who got extra socialization got better scores in tests at 6 weeks old. By 8 months of age they were less likely to have separation-related behaviours, general anxiety, be distracted, or have body sensitivity.

In other words, the extra socialization brought important benefits for their behavioral welfare as young adult dogs. These results will be of particular interest to those who breed and train service dogs, but they are important for anyone who cares about dogs – especially those looking to get a puppy.

To read the full article on Companion Animal Psychology’s website, please click here.

P is for PUPPY: The A B C’s of Puppy Training: Positive, Proactive, Preventative Puppy Training

July 12, 2015

We are excited to let you know about Valeri’s first book about positive and proactive training for your puppy. As many of you know, Valeri has started many programs geared towards developing your puppy’s behavior helping them to become well mannered and happy dogs. We encourage you to check out the book, just click here to learn how to order it on Amazon.com.

From Valeri … The bottom line is, This book is intended to prevent you from screwing your puppy up! And vice versa. ‘P is for Puppy’ is a positive, proactive, and preventative approach to training your new pup. Positive reinforcement methods are the best way to train your pup and establish a bond using rewarding, fun, and scientifically proven ways of teaching your pup how to learn. Proactive means to take the initiative now to groom the path of your puppy to become your desired temperament of adult dog. Preventative is having the tools to understand what works best during the early learning phase and what may result in your puppy growing up to be a neurotic and behaviorally undesirable adult dog. This book will start you on the journey of how to teach your pup the bare bone basics of becoming a happy, well mannered, social, and lovable adult dog.

P+ Effects of Oxytocin on Dogs (Canines)

March 28, 2015

The Positive Effects of Endogenous Oxytocin When Prompted in New Social Settings On Companion Canines by Valeri Stallings (Research Paper)

In the early 1900’s Oxytocin was discovered as a hormone in which the primary function was to speed up and exacerbate labor and delivery in women. Over the past several decades, Oxytocin has been a research topic of discussion for its function for memory, emotional and social enhancement functions. The functionality of this hormone is not limited to people, but all mammals. Only a handful of studies have been done on other species but the Canine familiaris, (family dog), has been a secondary target for the study of oxytocin. Oxytocin appears to be a social facilitator for dogs as well as people. Oxytocin allows us and dogs to socialize with ease after either an exogenous or endogenous dose of Oxytocin enhancement or administration. As the companionship factor grows amongst people, their drive to socialize them grows as well. Oxytocin seems to play a role in successful social activity events. Understanding how hormones effects our dogs actions, can facilitate a more comfortable and adaptable introduction to sociability scenarios.

Oxytocin is a non a peptide hormone found in mammals best known for its role in lactation and parturation as discovered in 1906. The words Oxytocin in greek mean “quick birth”. The letters OT seem to be used commonly in articles as the abbreviation for Oxytocin. OT will replace the full word Oxytocin in this research document as well.

OT is composed of nine amino acids. It is similar to the hormone vasopressin. OT has one receptor. There is a synthetic version of OT that was synthesized in 1953 and it is called Pitocin. Pitocin is used for induction of labor primarily. OT is synthesized in the hypothalamus and transported to the posterior pituitary where it is released to regulate parturation but some of the OT is dispersed to the Amygdala for release within the brain. The Amydala is a portion of the brain in the cerebral hemisphere responsible for memory and emotions.

The distribution process of OT has been examined using receptor autoradiography. This is a technique that indicates where the receptor is transported after synthesis. Oxytocin is shown to be distributed widely through out the brain. (2009, Lee). Other ways that OT levels can be measured is blood and urine samples.

Over the past several decades, researchers have started to focus on what other functions OT has on the brain besides maternal affects. Besides promoting lactation and assisting in a speedy birth, OT plays a role in non-social functions such as learning, anxiety, feeding and pain as well. But for the purpose of this paper, we will focus on its function as a social facilitator, promoting bonding and trust primarily in dogs. Domestic companion canines, that people acquire as pets, activity partners, family members with fur, assistance animals and therapy dogs. (Canine familaris).

OT half life is very short in the blood stream and is measured at approximately 3 to 9 mins. This is one of the reasons testing for effects of OT levels and their effects from certain stimuli and creating a certain calming social mood is challenging to measure (2014, Churchland). Besides OT being a primary hormone within the body itself, synthetic forms of OT have been manufactured. These synthetic forms are used in hospitals primarily to induce labor and intensify contractions, but most recently it can be purchased on line and with a prescription as a mood altering enhancement drug. If humans inhale synthetic OT we become more trusting, cooperative and generous (2014, Morell). The exogenous use of OT, are synthetic versions that come in the form of intravenous, or injection form, but primarily a nasal spray form are being used and tested to facilitate social enhancement functions. Exogenous OT can also be external stimulating factors such as touch or voice or anything that could create an association. Endogenous forms of OT is the natural form that is formed within the body. Particularly the hypothalamus.

The organization called ‘Autism speaks’ provides an article on line that supports a clinical trial to test the safety and effectiveness of OT nasal spray in children and teens with autism. This study promotes the effects of OT nasal spray playing a critical role in sociability and affiliation. The tests done in this pilot study was conducted amongst 25 children with autism and the test results concluded that the children that received the OT nasal spray showed great improvement in social behaviors (Tarkan, 2015).

There is a similar correlation that has been noted between autistic children and dogs pertaining to the use of ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis). This similarity in teaching children with autism is the use of ABA as a training tool as well as a form of behavior modification and training methods for dogs. If the correlation of the appropriation of this technique between these two, (being humans and canines), is effective, then the genetic brain configuration may be very similar and this would support the P+ effects of OT on dogs as the current studies of OT are proven to be therapeutic for autistic children, especially in the social enhancement arena.

The below diagram presents a simple cycle of life in which certain points OT may affect behaviors and physiology of species.

Oxytocin_cycle

This leads to the question….If it is known how oxytocin effects humans, how does OT affect dogs. Humans and canines are both mammals. Do we both respond to OT in the same manner? There was a recent new brain imaging study that compares human to dog brains, done in 2014 that reveals striking similarities between humans and dogs, primarily with the process of voice and emotion. The study reveals that dog brains are very similar to human brains and they appear to process and possess brain systems that are devoted to making sense of vocal sounds and are sensitive to the emotional content (2014, Kein).

OT is a neuropeptide synthesized in the hypothalamus in mammals. It regulates many complex forms of social behavior on in both human and non human animals. A study conducted by a group of researchers provides behavioral evidence that exogenous OT promotes P+ social behaviors in the domestic dog toward not only con specifics but also human partners. When sprayed with OT, dogs showed higher levels of orientation and affiliation towards their owners and higher affiliation and approach behaviors towards dog partners then when sprayed with a placebo. Additionally the exchange of socio P+ behaviors with dog partners triggered the release of endogenous Oxytocin highlighting the involvement of OT in the development of social relationships in the domestic dog. This data provides information that supports the hypothesis that OT facilitates the maintenance of close social bonds beyond immediate reproductive or genetic ties and identifies OT as one of the neuro chemicals of sociality in mammalian species. Correlation studies have shown that positive interactions with social partners are associated with changes in peripheral OT in dogs (Canis Familiaris). Understanding the mechanism that facilitate the formations of social bonding will help us to understand the evolution of the biological basis of cooperation as well as variables in social skills in many species. Domestic dogs are an excellent choice of a mammal to study because of the strong bonds they form not only with con specifics, but with humans (2014, Romero). Scientists have shown that it’s a key chemical in the formation of bonds between many mammelian species.

In a scientific study in Japan, 16 dogs and their parents participated. 8 of the dogs were given a whiff of OT, the other a placebo. The OT induced dogs showed an increased response of pawing, licking, sniffing and nudging at their people. The dogs were also found to be friendlier to their dog pals. The bottom line for this experiment it is no longer just a reproductive hormone. The roles of OT now include benefits of assisting in forming and maintaining relationships (2014, Morell) .

Another Oxytocin study shows that after receiving a dose of exogenous OT dogs form more P+ expectations about ambivalent stimuli. After being given a dose of OT nasal spray, dogs were more willing to participate and interact with other friendly unknown dogs in unfamiliar environments.

Why it is important for us to know how OT effects dogs.

One of the hypothesis that I would like to see become a theory, is that through P+ reinforcement, and helping to form P+ associations with new environments such as a doggie daycares, dog parks, assisted therapy dog programs, and other so called social environments for dogs, will stimulate an OT response and allow for a transition to sociability. These environments we take our social dogs to that cause a heightened arousability and increased threshold and stress levels, that create risks for potential altercations, could be pre imposed and promote a social climate through calm happy voices and supportive touch to promote and induce a production and release of OT. The use of these tools could better facilitate a calming effect and promote social bonding. This study provides information that the impact of OT on dogs judgment bias and also shows that the social communicative nature of the task situation modulates the effect of OT (2014, Kis).

This information should be important for all pet professionals, veterinarians, dog behaviorists, dogs trainers, pet business owners and dog parent and guardians.

The situations we impose upon our dogs to be social may create extra stress. By using nice voices and soft touch, we can enhance the social exposure to be a pleasant one. The impact of the growth of companion animals play an important role in peoples lives. They can be therapy dogs, seeing eye dogs, seizure detection dogs, and they can help in the recuperation process of healing from surgeries and other health related processes, and or just family companion pets. The more we understand the human animal bond, the more we can use it to improve peoples lives. Pets positively affect physical health, ease anxiety, and decrease stress. There are many benefits to the elderly having pets in their lives. They can even be beneficial as temporary companions.

Another study about humans and their dogs, included dog owners who received a long gaze from their dog that they were bonded with. These test individuals tested with a high urine output level of OT. In other words, a simple look of appreciation from your favorite pet pal can stimulate OT in your brain as well. This study supports p+ effects of pet ownership (2009, Lee).

The more dogs become more and more popular as a canine companion, the more important it is for us to understand about the dog as a whole and meet the needs of the dog at a level to maintain health responsibilities, activity, proper nutrition, exercise, training and a reduction in liability. Some of these rituals and activities we put our dogs through can induce undesirable amounts of stress on a dog without the common layperson or dog parent knowing.

Some signs of stress as provided by the Whole Dog Journal in dogs are listed below: The following is a list of physical characteristics expressed in dogs when they are stressed or under stress. The list is called the Canine Stress dictionary.

Anorexia, a dog won’t eat.

Appeasement signals are as follows:

Slow movements, lip licking, rolling over and lowering posture, turning away and averting eye contact, the muscles around the forehead ridges, they can have difficulty learning, and they can have digestive disturbances.
Vomiting or diarrhea.

Displacement behaviors are seen in a dog trying to resolve internal stress:

Blinking, nose licking, chattering teeth, scratching, shaking off, yawning, and drooling, excessive grooming, hyperactivity.

Other visible signs of stress can be lack of focus, leaning, clinging, mouthing, OCD, panting, stretching, sweaty paws, trembling, whining, yawning (2011, Whole dog journal).

As a professional certified pet dog trainer and a experienced dog daycare founder of 10 years, I would like to hypothesize the process of OT stimulation in my doggie daycare that may keep dog daycares altercations at a bare minimum. Altercation prevention is the number one role for my staff for up to 50 dogs per day. We have possibly 1 or 2 dog fights or bites that require veterinary medical attention per year. These numbers for this environment is incredibly low for a cage-free setting. We are constantly observing dogs for increased levels of stress and or body language that is an indicator of an elevated stress threshold. The staff is trained to recognize stressed behaviors and respond by using a high pitch happy voice to call and redirect the dogs. We also use gentle touch combined with calm voices to redirect dogs that appear in near confrontational circumstances. The effects of these techniques, virtually always results in the dogs body language instantly changing to a more relaxed body position and quite often into a happy tail wagging, confidant ready to socialize dog. (Val Stallings, CPDT. KA, CGC Evaluator, RN, BS Student, Send Rover on Over President).

Humans send signals to dogs too. Staring, scowling, yelling, and approaching a fearful dog head on, are behaviors that can be intimidating. Recognizing dogs under stress and avoiding offensive human etiquette can help keep OT levels up and Cortisol levels down. Using a soft eye and a warm smile and speaking in a warm happy and friendly excited voice will help to prompt OT in an exogenous way (2007, Ohare).

Why it is important to understand how OT works in dogs?

By understanding how dogs think and behave and learn, and being able to read their stress levels, you can help provide techniques that can help to formulate a decrease in the stress levels in dogs and increase their natural OT levels with simple voice tones as well as touch. These simple techniques can promote an optimal level of social enhancement as well as promote a feeling of calm and well-being while reducing the chances of a potential altercation or exchange of canine unpleasantries.

To assess positive emotional response in dogs from P+ stimulus of eating, exercising and stroking, these were all assumed to inspire a positive emotion in dogs. The experimental dogs were fed, walked and petted. Shortly after, a significant urine OT concentration was noted. These finding represent the fact that pleasant and positive stimulus increases the OT levels that can be safely used in a non invasive manner for further types of studies (2011, Mitsui).

We do not know a lot about hormonal mechanisms response to vocal cues, but we do know that tone of voice or vocalizations are important components of social behavior in many vertebrate species, including our own. It is hypothesized that vocalizations may be able to promote the release of OT and in a test conducted with a negative stressor applied to a child, the mother then provided comfort measures using touch or tactile stimulation with vocal cues and reassurance. The cortisol or

stress hormone levels were measured in the saliva. The cortisol levels were elevated which is a normal clinical finding when under stress. The other group of test studies used a soothing voice to comfort the children. The levels of cortisol were reduced and OT levels increased with just voice alone, proving that voice and vocalizations in themselves can increase OT levels and reduce stress(2010, Selzer). The neuro hormone , OT, partly governs biological and social processes and suppresses the stress response after contact with trusted con specifics.

If we compare mammals and especially Human mammals to Canine mammals, there are more similarities in these two mammals then many other species. With that said, the impact of OT on humans in the respect of promoting social enhancement and a bonding effect, even though the studies on Canines is limited, the scientific concept and principle should be comparable.

References and Bibliography

Churchland, P., Winkleman, P., (12/2014) Modulating Social behaviors with oxytocin
www.ncbi.nim.nih.gov

Kis, A., Hernadi, A., Orsolya, K., Gacsi, M., Topal, J. (2014) Oxytocin induces P+ expectaions about ambivalent stimuli in dogs.
www.sciencedirect.com.

Lee, H., McBeth, A., Pagani, J., Young, W., 3rd. ( June 2009) Oxytocin: The great facilitator of life.
www.ncbi.nim.nih.gov

Mitsui, S., Yamamoto, M., Nagasawa, M., Mogi, K., Kikusui, T(2011)
Urinary oxytocin as a non invasive biomarker of P+ emotion in dogs
www.researchgate.net

Morell, V. (2014) Love hormone has same effect on humans and dogs.
www.newssciencemag.org

NA. (2011) A Canine Stress Dictionary
www.TheWholeDogJournal.com

.NA (2015) Reasons for dog fighting
www.dogcare.dailypuppy.com

O’Heare, J., (2007) Aggressive Behavior in dogs. Dog psych Publishing. Ottawa, Canada.

Romero, T., Nagasawa, M., Kazutaga, M., Toshikazu, H., Takefumi, K., (June, 24, 2014). Oxytocin promotes social bonding in dogs.
www.pnas.org

Selzer, L. (May, 2010) Social Vocalizations can release oxytocin in humans.
www.rspb.The Royal Society Publishing.org

Prong Collars Do More Harm

March 3, 2015

Prong Collar-examples Okay guys, I don’t do this often but it is time for me to get on my high horse! PRONG COLLARS!!! 🙁

I recently had a puppy great Dane come in for its’ puppy all star test in a prong collar! I was already a little uptight from my sad week after losing my dog, and seeing this puppy in this prong collar really set me off! I tried to stay calm but I couldn’t help the feeling of over whelming emotions that took place within me as I watch these people walk into my facility with the puppy with the prong collar on!!! I don’t want to alienate anyone, But …

For those of you that know I am totally anti-aversive to these tools. And, I used them 10 years ago because I didn’t know any better.

During my recent years of education and research studies has led me to have a better educated scientific understanding of what these tools to do. You really can’t believe anybody that tells you that this is a tool that will not hurt your dog. That is what it is supposed to do people! It is called a pinch collar or a prong collar. The purpose of this device is to apply an aversive stimuli or something your dog does not like or en- joy, that is unpleasant, that makes them stop doing what you don’t want them to do!

Inexperienced, uneducated trainers and people who think that they mean well will advise you to use these products. I am surprised in this day and age they are even available to access. I have one thing to say at this point in time.

QUESTION AUTHORITY!!! Anybody that wants to put one of these tools on your dog because your dog doesn’t walk nice or jumps or exhibit some other puppy like untrained unmannerly behavior, ask them where they have received their educated scientifically-based information about this tool from? The bottom line is you need to understand this tool is meant to hurt your dog. It doesn’t matter if it’s positioned properly or if it’s supposed to simulate the bite of a mother wolf, all boloney!

The fact is, you will more than likely get a quick response from your dog in the direction you were seeking after applying this tool but in the long run without this tool, your dog has learned nothing and will continue the behaviors they exhibit without this tool. Most of you know I try and keep my comments positive, but it’s now time to get the message out to at least a handful of people again.
Let’s not end without an alternative. P+ training and no pull harnesses. 🙂

Thanks for reading … please share.

How to Find a Good Dog Trainer

February 22, 2015

send-rover-on-over-valeri-stallings This is an advice column that I wrote for the Acorn newspaper in Simi Valley.

Dear Rover,
I recently adopted a fun, happy, high energy, 6 month old lab that does not seem to have any prior training. HELP! We need training! There seem to be lots of Dog Trainers out there. How do I pick one that is right for us?
~ Fred and Charger

Dear Fred and Charger,

You are right. There are tons of dog trainers to choose from as well as different methods of dog training techniques. Positive reinforcement methods of training are the most current and most popular method to train your dog by. These techniques include using positive reinforcement and rewards with food, verbal praise and touch to let your dog know when they have exhibited the right behavior. It is a win win situation. Your dog will be a happy dog due to the instant gratification process, you are happy due to the quick results, and it’s a pleasant, fun way to bond with your dog.

Most positive reinforcement trainers hold a certificate or have some form of training or education under their belt. Locating a trainer can be done by going online and googling local dog trainers in your area. You can also find dog trainers on the APDT (Association Pet Dog Trainer) web site. Your vet may have local references to good trainers, and your friendly neighborhood pet store may have business cards or know of some good trainers they can refer you to as well. After you have narrowed it down to a few, make the call and see who shares similar values for training methods you would like to use. For example, ask them how long they have been a trainer for and where they have acquired their experience. Ask if they are certified, and if they use positive reinforcement or treats to train with. You can even ask them what kind of tools they would recommend that you teach your dog to walk with. No pull harnesses are the nicest tools to train your dog to walk nice, by the way.

These are just a few tips to get you on the right path to a Pawsative Dog Training experience. If you have a Dog Training or behaviorial questions you would like to send over to Rover, please send us an email at SendRover@sbcglobal.net.
Thank you for sending your questions on over,
Val Stallings
President and Founder of Send Rover on Over Inc. est. 2003
CPDT, KA, Behavior Consultant, RN, CGC Evaluator, BS (student), ABA with Companion Canines

Hot Weather Tips for Dogs & Dog Owners

July 20, 2014

dogs-playing-water

We all love spending the long, sunny days of summer outdoors with our furry companions, but being overeager in hot weather can spell danger, ASPCA experts warn.

“Most people love to spend the warmer days enjoying the outdoors with friends and family, but it is important to remember that some activities can be dangerous for our pets,” said Dr. Camille DeClementi, Senior Toxicologist at the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center. “By following a few simple rules, it is easy to keep your pet safe while still having fun in the sun.”

Take these simple precautions, provided by ASPCA experts, to help prevent your pet from overheating. And if you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke, get help from your veterinarian immediately.

Visit the Vet
A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a must. Make sure your pets get tested for heartworm if they aren’t on year-round preventive medication. Do parasites bug your animal companions? Ask your doctor to recommend a safe flea and tick control program.

Made in the Shade
Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful to not over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.

Know the Warning Signs
Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees. Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

No Parking!
Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. “On a hot day, a parked car can become a furnace in no time-even with the windows open-which could lead to fatal heat stroke,” says Dr. Louise Murray, Vice President of the ASPCA Animal Hospital. Also, leaving pets unattended in cars in extreme weather is illegal in several states.

Make a Safe Splash
Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool-not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause stomach upset.

Click here to read the full story …

Source: ASPCA

What’s the Best Way to Greet Your Dog?

July 19, 2014

send-rover-on-over-dog-rose Recent research shows that the way you greet your dog after a short or long separation makes a huge difference to the dog.

Whenever I return home, or come down the stairs after a night’s sleep and encounter one or more of my dogs, I go through a bit of a greeting ritual. This involves talking to the dog (or dogs) in a happy voice using their names, and at the same time I am touching and patting them on the head and flanks. I developed this habit partly because it makes me feel good and the dogs seem to respond positively, but also because back in the 1960s and 1970s, the psychologist Harry Harlow did an extensive series of studies which showed that touching was an important part of establishing warm and affectionate bonds between individuals. He showed that the depth of love that a child has for its mother is partly due to the amount and quality of touching that the child and the mother engage in. A practical extension of his findings is that clinical psychologists who work with married couples or families are trained to observe whether or not the individuals casually touch each other during therapy sessions, since this is a positive sign which indicates that there is still a measure of affection and emotional bonding present.

Some new research which has been accepted for publication in the journal Physiology and Behavior confirms the importance of touching—this time while looking at the emotional responses of dogs when a familiar person greets them after a period of separation.

To read the full article by Stanley Coren, Ph.D., F.R.S.C. visit Canine Corner at psychologytoday.com.

Hiking Safety Tips for You & Your Dog

June 30, 2014

dog-hiking-luna

Looking to escape your hometown haunts for a wilderness hike? Don’t forget your pooch! Dogs love to explore our country’s vast natural resources as much their two-legged counterparts—not to mention, hiking is great exercise for all. But remember, a hiking trail isn’t your average walk around the block. The ASPCA offers some helpful tips for keeping you and your pet safe and sound on your outdoor adventures.

Extending leashes are great for wide open spaces, but if your romp is taking you through wooded areas, it’s best to leave the flexi-leads at home. Otherwise, you’ll probably spend more time untangling your dog’s leash from trees and brush than you will enjoying your walk!
If your pup is the trustworthy sort and you want to give him the opportunity to enjoy some untethered time on your hike, first make sure that dogs are allowed to be off-leash in the area you’re exploring. Second, be sure that he responds reliably to your recall command—even the most obedient dog might bolt after some fascinating new critter.
Hard to believe, but not everyone is as enamored with dogs as we are! Some people get very nervous around unleashed dogs. As a courtesy, have a leash on standby to clip to your dog when encountering other hikers.
Whether you’re using a leash or not, don’t forget IDs, please! Always make sure that your current contact information, including your cell phone number, is attached to your dog’s collar or body harness. If for any reason your pet gets lost, a collar and tags and a microchip will increase the likelihood that he or she will be returned to you.
You never know what you may encounter on a hike—so before setting out into the wilderness, check your pet’s veterinary records and make sure his vaccinations are up-to-date.
Training tip: Teach your dog to come to you for treats whenever you pass by other hikers, especially if they have dogs, too. Your dog will learn to not interfere with passersby, and at the same time, you’re ensuring he associates new people and dogs with good things, like tasty treats from you.
If a poop falls in the woods and no one else sees it, do you get a free pass? NO! There’s no such thing as a victimless poop. Please have respect for your surroundings, native wildlife and fellow hikers by scooping up after your dog and toting the baggie back to civilization if there are no trash cans around.
Both of you need to stay hydrated, so bring enough water for two. Don’t allow your pup to drink from puddles, ponds, lakes or streams—in other words, “nature’s dog bowls”—as they may contain nasty parasites or toxins that could cause her harm.

When your hike is finished, give your pooch a thorough once-over for ticks and other creepy-crawlies. Pay special attention to her belly, ears, and any skin folds and crevices. If you do spot a tick, treat the area with rubbing alcohol and remove the parasite immediately by slowly pulling it off with tweezers. Be careful when removing a tick, as any contact with its blood can potentially transmit infection to your dog or even to you. Wash the bite area and keep an eye on it for the next few days—if irritation persists, contact your vet.