16 Tips For Keeping Your Pets Safe On New Year’s Eve

Just because New Year’s Eve means a fun party for you, your family and friends, the extra company, loud music and laughter, and subsequent neighborhood fireworks can prove stressful and fear-inducing for your pets.

Help your cats and dogs stay safe and relaxed during the holiday parties by following some of our tips listed below.

1. Keep your pets inside! Many animals find that fireworks, crowds of people and the sounds of partying can be overwhelming, leaving them anxious and frightened. If your dog or cat prefers to spend time indoors quietly playing couch potato, allow her to stay at home on New Year’s Eve where she feels safe.

2. If you must take your pet outside, keep her securely leashed or confined in a crate. Some animals are curious and may want to get at the crowds or the source of the noise. Others will run away from strange people and loud booming sounds. If your dog or cat doesn’t have a secure harness and you think she might easily slip out of a collar and leash, it is probably best she be left safe at home.

3. If you’re travelling, partying away from home and your pet must come with you, find a “safe place” for your animal away from strangers, loud music and chaotic festivities.

4. Make sure your pet is unable to partake of any liquor-soaked foods or sip any type of leftover alcoholic beverages. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, alcohol can be toxic to both dogs and cats resulting in symptoms such as drooling, dry heaves or vomiting, distended abdomen, low blood pressure, weakness and collapse, and possible coma and death. See your vet immediately if you suspect your animal has ingested any kind of alcohol.

5. Watch out for fatty foods (ham, beef and chicken fat and bones, for example) that your furry companion can mistake for an especially tasty treat. Fatty foods can create digestive problems for your pet causing her to suffer from vomiting, diarrhea and bloating. Additionally, when torn apart by teeth, cooked bones have been known to result in torn intestinal, stomach and esophageal tissues. Bones can also get stuck around the teeth and jaws, in the esophagus, stomach and intestines and end in blockages that need surgical intervention to save the life of your animal.

6. Beware of New Year’s decorations, including all of those shiny streamers, noisemakers, bright balloons, and crinkly tinsel. Animals use their mouths and tongues to examine strange new objects and it is too easy and too inviting to swallow those items causing the same kinds of digestive issues noted with bones.

7. Keep your pets’ microchips and vaccination tags up-to-date. Parties mean doors getting opened a lot. Even if you’ve thoughtfully hung a sign on your bedroom door saying ‘Do Not Open,’ or if you have your pets safely contained in a crate inside the bedroom, accidents happen. Make sure your pet ID tags and microchip information has your current address and phone numbers.

8. Keep your animal to her usual feeding, sleeping and elimination schedule. The more closely she adheres to a regular timetable, the less likely she is to feel anxious.

9. Use holistic calming therapies for your pets. Lemon balm, chamomile, lavender, and valerian are natural herbs that can be safely added to your pet’s meals to relax the nerves and allow your pet to feel more tranquil. The Thundershirt ® and Dog Appeasing Pheromones (DAP) have been shown to calm anxious dogs. Feliway® diffusers, similar to DAP, contain synthetic cat pheromones that communicate to your cat in her language and reassure your pet that all is well in her world.

10. Talk to your veterinarian about giving your pet anti-anxiety medications during the holiday. There are several different types of drugs available for animals. Benzodiazepines (usually Valium®) are fast-acting and can be used on an as-needed basis, or combined with longer-acting drugs for a quicker response and when a little more help is needed. There are also over-the-counter meds (particularly diphenhydramine, or Benadryl®) that can be effective. Please note: Do NOT attempt to dose your pet with any type of medication without first consulting with your vet.

11. Exercise or play with your dog or cat during the day to release any excess energy and help her remain calm after dark. The extra workout can also help your pet rest easier and fall asleep faster.

12. House your pet in a quiet room away from the partygoers. Parties can cause excess stress, which could induce accidents, and less than positive behavior that can harm your pet and your belongings. If your cat or dog is more comfortable – or feels safer – in her crate, allow her to spend the evening resting with her toys, games or other distractions. Make sure your pet has free choice water and your cat access to a litter box during her stay in the kennel.

13. Protect your pet from the sounds of fireworks and other loud noises that can cause fear and anxiety. Use positive white noise in a quiet room (wave/rain sounds, classical music) to distract and calm your pet during the loud time of the evening. If your cat or dog watches television, turn on her favorite show to keep her occupied.

14. You might want to consider leaving the neighborhood for the evening and traveling to someplace quieter. If you know for sure that none of the tips here will help your pet’s severe anxiety, pack up the travel crate and all of the other things you will need for an overnight away from home and then take off to a calmer part of town. Do you have friends or family who live in a more relaxing place? If nothing else, you can find an out of the way, pet-friendly hotel to crash in for the night, where you and your little furry one can rest comfortably and noise free.

15. Comfort your dog or cat as needed. Pet and hold your companion, brush her if that makes her feel better, and allow her to sleep under the covers if that allays her fears. You can also teach yourself simple massage techniques that will help keep your pet tranquil.

16. If you decide to go out of town for the holidays and want to leave your pet at home, schedule a pet/house sitter. A qualified sitter is trained to care for your cat or dog and knows the best ways to calm fearful animals.

December 29, 2015

By: Cate Burnette
http://vippets.net/16-tips-for-keeping-your-pets-safe-on-new-years-eve/

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a condition commonly seen at veterinary clinics in warm weather. My own dog, Ziggy, scared me on a hot day last summer, when we were at a dog park. He was so excited to play with the other dogs; he overexerted himself and developed heat stroke. Thankfully, I recognized the signs and was able to cool him down without any problems. I hope the following information can help prevent heat stroke in your own pet.

What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke is a term for hyperthermia (elevated body temperature above 103^oF). A dog’s normal body temperature is 100.5-102.5^oF. A dog’s primary method of regulating body temperature is by panting. Heat stroke can happen at any time during hot weather, but most commonly it can occur during excessive or vigorous exercise, when left in cars with too little ventilation, or when left in a yard without access to shade. 

Any dog may be affected by heat stroke. Brachycephalic dogs (flat faced dogs), such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boxers, may be at a greater risk of heat stroke. Overweight dogs are also at a higher risk. Cats can also develop heat stroke. 

What are the signs of heatstroke?

Possible warning signs include:

• Heavy, rapid panting
• Salivating, drooling
• Anxiety, restlessness
• Lethargy, exhaustion
• Confusion
• Stumbling, staggering
• Bright red gums
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Collapse
• Unconsciousness

What can I do when I think my pet has heat stroke?

Heat stroke is a medical emergency, as it can cause organ damage, and can be a life threatening condition. Immediate action can help prevent complications. 

Take the animal to the shade or a cooler location. Pour cool water over the pet, with a focus on the pet’s stomach, armpits, neck and feet. Rubbing alcohol can be placed on the paw pads. Avoid cold water or ice, as this can cool the pet too quickly and cause complications. Small amounts of drinking water may be offered, but do not force water into your pet’s mouth. Air conditioning and fans are also helpful ways of cooling your pet.  

Once initial cooling measures are started, seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Call your veterinarian or emergency clinic to let them know you are on your way. Your veterinarian will assess your pet and their body temperature, and will continue cooling methods.  Intravenous fluids, sedation and oxygen therapy may also be a part of the treatment plan. External cooling will be discontinued once your pet’s body temperature is within a normal range. Your veterinarian may want to monitor your pet for complications, depending on the severity of heat stroke. 

How can I help prevent heat stroke?

• Monitor pets for signs of heat stroke during hot days
• Avoid excessive exercise on hot days, or exercise animals during the cooler parts of the day (early morning or evening)
• Provide frequent breaks during exercise
• Ensure adequate shade and fresh cool drinking water is available 
• Keep pets in the cooler indoors during hot days 
• Avoid leaving your pet in the car in warm weather
• Pets that have experienced heat stroke may be at greater risk of heat stroke in the future

Dr. Denise Lukacs

In Home Lymph Node Exam

In Home Lymph Node Exam:

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Unfortunately, many diseases pets suffer from go undetected until progression is severe enough to produce harmful clinical signs -- and an equally scary hospital bill. In the interest of saving their pets (and their pocket books!), owners often ask me for simple measures they can take to identify early signs of disease. I give them two words: Lymph. Nodes. While there’s no way to completely avoid every health problem out there, frequent lymph node exams can tip owners off to subtle changes in their pets’ health. Not only do these exams offer owners the chance to detect inflammation, infection, and cancer, they also encourage owners to become more familiar with what’s normal for their animals.

So you’re probably wondering what lymph nodes are and how you can examine them. Most people are familiar with blood vessels and nerves, the highways of blood and synapses, respectively, that keep our bodies oxygenated and integrated. Less familiar are our lymphatic vessels, which transport certain types of immune cells. If lymphatic vessels are highways, lymph nodes are the cities they connect. These metropolises are masses of tissue that generate certain immune cells and serve as epicenters of immune cell activity. They are located throughout the body and named for their anatomical locations; peripheral lymph nodes may be felt externally, while internal lymph nodes are deep within the body. Peripheral lymph nodes occur in right/left pairs. Veterinarians assess these lymph nodes as part of their routine physical exams, however, owners can learn to do this at home on a more frequent basis. The lymph nodes that should be routinely felt on both sides of your pet are: the submandibular nodes, the prescapular nodes, the axial nodes, the inguinal nodes, and the popliteal nodes.

How you do it: If you aren’t fond of anatomy jargon, you aren’t alone! You can see a demonstration of each of these sites in the labeled images. To assess a lymph node, roll it between your thumb and index finger. For pets that are overweight you may have a tricky time locating the lymph node, as they are often surrounded by fat. Lymph nodes are kidney shaped and vary in size by species and breed, but generally small breed dogs have chickpea-sized nodes, medium breeds have pecan-sized nodes, and large breeds have brazil nut-sized nodes. Outside of these relative ranges, lymph nodes may be considered enlarged and you should have a veterinarian assess your pet. 

What it means: Lymph nodes become enlarged when they generate more immune cells and increase the flow of lymphatic traffic. This is associated with swelling and heat at the site of the lymph node. It may be happening as a response to infection or, rarely, a cancerous change. Your veterinarian will take a sample from the lymph node using a needle and analyze it under a microscope. A special veterinarian known as a Veterinary Clinical Pathologist is often consulted to interpret the findings. Lymphoma, cancer of the lymph nodes, is the most common cancer found in dogs and often presents with enlarged nodes. Additionally, lymph nodes are often sites of early spread for other types of cancer. Early detection is very important! Providing your pet with diligent exams increases their chance of early disease detection and early treatment!


Dr. Matthew Schexnayder

Anesthesia Free Dentals- know the facts!

Anesthesia Free Dentals- know the facts!

You might have heard about anesthesia free dental cleanings at a local pet store, by word of mouth, or even from some veterinarians. Although this may seem like a great option for your pet, is it important to understand the risk and limitations of the procedure. 

What happens during an anesthesia free dental?

While your pet is awake, the surface of the teeth are scaled (scraping with an instrument) to remove plaque. The sharp metal instrument leaves tiny grooves and a rough surface on your pet’s teeth, providing a perfect environment for adherence of more bacteria. This is usually prevented by polishing after scaling, however, polishing is rarely performed during an anesthesia free dental. 

Without anesthesia, your pet must be physically restrained in order to remove plaque from the teeth. While some pets may tolerate restraint better than others, this can still be an uncomfortable and stressful event for the animal.

Will an anesthesia free dental help to prevent periodontal disease?

No. Anesthesia free dentals have no way of removing bacteria below the gumline where periodontal disease occurs.  There is also no way to look below the gumline to identify problems before they become painful or expensive to treat. It is not possible to perform a thorough oral exam or dental radiographs during an anesthesia free dental. Whiter teeth after the procedure can create a false sense of security that your pet’s mouth is clean and healthy, leaving periodontal disease undetected and untreated. In order to truly prevent and detect periodontal disease, dental cleanings must be performed under anesthesia.

For more information about periodontal disease and the American Veterinary Dental College’s stance on anesthesia free dentals visit http://avdc.org/AFD/category/facts/

Dr. Lauren Vezzosi

Keeping your pet healthy starts with a great smile!! Pet Dental Specials

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital is offering 20% off a dental cleaning & discounted dental products! Schedule your pet's dental evaluation before March 31st

Here are some reasons why dental care is so important for your pet: 

1. A pet with healthy teeth equals a pet with better breath!

2. Dental disease can actually lead to problems with your pet’s organs, such as the heart.

3. Retained baby teeth can cause problems in pets too! Did you know that full grown dogs have 42 teeth and full grown cats have 30 teeth? Before their adult teeth grow in, though, their baby teeth have to fall out. Sometimes, not all of the baby teeth want to come out. This can lead to problems like gum irritation and tartar buildup.

4. Caring for your pet’s teeth can prevent other health problems, saving you tons of money over the long term!

5. You need regular dental care and you brush your teeth everyday – why wouldn’t your pets? Your veterinarian and these handy videos can help you learn to brush your dog's teeth and your cat's teeth.

6. Did you know that 4 out of 5 dogs over the age of 3 years have some sort of periodontal disease? It can be caused by the buildup of plaque, so it’s important to go in for regular dental checkups and cleanings. 

7. Pets that don’t get dental care can painfully lose their teeth – this can be terribly painful and cause serious health problems.

8. Your dog and cat are very good at hiding pain – you might never know that your pet has a serious dental problem until it’s very advanced. This is yet another reason it’s important to take your pet in for regular dental checkups.

9. Teeth wear out! Your pets are tough on their teeth. 

10. Periodontal disease affects up to 80% of all adult pets. It is 2.4 times more expensive to treat dental disease than to prevent it. 

Call us at 954-920-3556 and ask us how you can SAVE on incredible dental care and products. 

SOURCE: http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-checkups-preventive-care/10-reasons-why-you-should-

Message of Thanks!

Just a message to say thank you to everyone at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital. Dorie's diagnosis took a lot of work and diagnostics to be found. I thank everyone that worked around the clock to determine the cause of her illness. The treatment provided kept Dorie comfortable in an illnesses that otherwise would have caused pain. Unfortunately, as great as modern medicine is (human and veterinary), some illnesses just don't have a cure. On November 17, 2016, Dorie passed away. Everyone in the hospital responded as if it was their own pet...they made one of my hardest days a little easier. I thank everyone on staff for their support and compassion. I feel such a sense of pride that I am fortunate to work with such wonderful people.

 Sincerely, Candice

New Broward County Animal Care and Adoption Center Opening!!!!!!!!

It won't be long now! 

The new 40,000-square-foot Broward County Animal Care and Adoption Center currently being constructed in Broward County is located at 2400 SW 42nd Street in Fort Lauderdale, 33312, directly across from the long-term economy airport parking lot. The new shelter will replace the current aged and outdated Adoption Center. The new shelter will feature the latest in sheltering technology as well as air-conditioning throughout the kennels. Projected completion date is Novemebr  2016.

The official opening day will be Tuesday, November 15th, at 11AM.

To help ease the transition of pets from the old shelter to the new location, the public is invited to adopt a dog or cat now, so that fewer pets will to be relocated as part of the move.

During the Moving Sale, the adoption fee for all pets is waived, including the $20 deposit to hold a stray/lost pet. The waived fees include all of the cuddly felines available for adoption at Pet Supermarket stores located in Broward County.

All adoptions include spaying/neutering, all necessary vaccinations, a Broward County Rabies Registration tag and a microchip!

Visit their website frequently for the latest updates. 

 

Free Pet Photo with Santa!!!

FREE PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA!!!!!!!!

Now in its fifth year, St. Nick's pre-holiday route has VCA HAH as a permanent stop. Maybe it is all of the cuddly faces!!

Please join us on Saturday, December 17th with your darling dog and your cherished cat for a FREE photo with Santa!

A photographer will be on hand to take the photos and print them out while you wait.

WHO/WHAT: Pose your furry baby with the big bearded one!

WHEN: Saturday, December 17, 2016
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

WHERE: VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital
Annex Building
2864 Hollywood Boulevard, one block east of I-95
Hollywood, Florida 33020
954.920.3556

HOW: This is a FREE event. People and pets can just stop by!!
Visit our Facebook page to see the fun we have had with this event over the years and the hilarity that ensues when you get Santa suited up with a LOT of animals.

This is also the final day of our Broward Meals on Wheels Food Drive for Pets! Check out our blog for more details about this month long drive and how you can help!!

https://hollywoodanimalhospital.blogspot.com/2016/08/broward-meals-on-wheels-pet-food-drive.html

Drop off site for VCA Broward Meals on Wheels for Pets Food Drive !!!!!!!

 BROWARD MEALS ON WHEELS FOR PETS FOOD DRIVE

  VCA Animal Hospitals 

 November 12th through December 17th

WHEN:

November 11th- December 17th, 2016

HOW

Just stop by with a donation of canned, dry or dehydrated food for cats or dogs.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

VCA  Animal Hospital have a solid reputation for offering the very best in veterinary medicine as well as the latest technological advances and therapies. We believe that giving back to the people that supports us is paramount. 

Broward Meals on Wheels for Companion Animals started when volunteers began to notice clients sharing their meals with their pets. Senior on a restricted budget can have a difficult time meeting their own needs and often the needs of their companion animals can be neglected. With only the support of volunteers and donation this organization provides delivery of food for these loyal pets once a month to clients of BMOW. For more information visit www.bmow.org.

This year, donations for food can be made at VCA Hollywood as well as 

WHERE: 

Pet Supplies Plus

Sheridan Plaza

4923 Sheridan St

Hollywood, FL 33021
954. 985.3400

M-Sat 9a-9p

Sunday 10a-7a

VCA Stirling Square Animal Hospital

3000 Stirling Rd # 132, 
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

(954) 639-4173

Mon 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Tue-Thu 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Fri 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Sat 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

VCA Aventura Animal Hospital
19101 Biscayne Blvd
Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 933-3647

Mon-Fri 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM

Sat 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sun 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital
2864 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, Fl 33020
(954)920-3556
   

                             

Thank you to our local partners for providing additional collection site for our BMOW Pet Food Drive!!! 

Click here to see the results of last year's food drive!! 

Help us give a big "Paws Up" to our VCA vendor support of this year's Pet Food Drive!!

Help us give a big "Paws Up" to our VCA vendor support of this year's Broward Meals on Wheels (BMOW) Pet Food Drive!!

Since it's inception, our food drive has brought our community together to collect food for pet's of homebound seniors in our county.

Seniors on a restricted budget can have a difficult time meeting their own needs and often the needs of their companion animals can be neglected. 

With the support of this food drive  BMOW for Companion Animals continues to provide delivery of food for these loyal pets once a month to clients of BMOW. 

Through the generous support of our VCA Partners, we are once again able to host this food drive and match a portion of the food donated. Each year we are affirmed by the success of previous years’ food drive and proud to be able to be a part of such an impactive community effort. 

Thank you to these partners for their support. Without whom this drive would not serve so many of our pet community.

Congratulations, Jon Dee, MS, DVM, DACVS!!!!!

The 2016 ACVS FOUNDATION LEGENDS AWARD was presented to Jon F. Dee, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS, Diplomate ACVSMR, this year for his dedication and contributions to the field of veterinary surgery. This award recognizes ACVS Diplomates who have developed a surgical or diagnostic procedure of significant value, proven by becoming the treatment or test of choice for a given condition. The procedure or test has “withstood the test of time” and, although possibly modified over time, remains the treatment or diagnostic method of choice or the scientific basis for the current treatment of choice. The procedure or test is novel
and involves advancements in veterinary surgical science and not reapplication of general
medical science.


Dr. Dee was recognized because of his role as one of the primary surgeons responsible for defining fracture types and treatments in the carpus and tarsus in the racing dog. He developed numerous
guidelines and techniques for dealing with these challenging injuries.

Dr. Dee has numerous awards, including the AVMA Practitioner Research Award, the
AAHA Practitioner of the Year Award-Southeast, the Wilford S. Bailey Distinguished
Alumnus of Auburn, and honorary ESVOT membership.

Dr. Dee has written many journal articles and textbook chapters and is a co-editor of Canine Sports Medicine and Surgery. He has been on the editorial review boards for Veterinary Surgery, Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, and the Journal of Small Animal Practice.
Dr. Dee is a partner and Chief of Surgery at Hollywood Animal Hospital in Hollywood,
FL. He is also a Courtesy Clinical Professor in the Department of Small Animal Clinical
Sciences at the University of Florida and Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department
of Veterinary Clinical Science at The Ohio State University. He continues to lecture
both nationally and internationally.

Double Check your Pet's Supply Checklist!!!!!

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS 

ANIMAL SUPPLIES CHECKLIST: 

FOOD

• Two Week Supply
• Manual Can Opener

WATER

• Two Week Supply

BOWLS 

• For food and water that attach to cage

PORTABLE CARRIER/CRATE 

• Large enough for pet(s) to stand and turn around in. 
• Each pet in separate crate. 

IDENTIFICATION

• Collar, Tag, and Leash 
• Microchips (Registered with national database) 
• Current photo of every pet WITH OWNER 

PET FIRST AID KIT 

• First Aid Guide Book 
• Roller Bandages 
• Scissors 
• Gauze 
• Antibiotic Ointment
• Medications 
• Medical Records (stored in waterproof container or plastic zip bag) 

CAT LITTER AND LITTER BOX 

• Litter Scooper

CLEANING SUPPLIES 

• Paper Towels 
• Disinfectant 
• Plastic Trash Bags
• Hand Sanitizer 
• "Quick Bath" wipes 
• Plastic poop bags 

BEFORE A Hurricane Approaches: 

Disaster kits and emergency supplies should be ready prior to hurricane season. Once a hurricane warning is declared, preparations should focus on securing your home and property.

• Protect the areas where wind can enter. Secure windows and doors, preferably with permanent, County-approved storm shutters. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8" plywood. You’ll need to cut the boards to fit to have it ready for installation. Tape does NOT prevent windows from breaking.
• Bring in lawn furniture, garbage and recycling carts and other items that are not tied down and could become airborne.
• If you own a boat, use double lines at a marina or consider dry-dock storage.
• Protect your electronics with surge protectors and waterproof coverings.
• Fill prescriptions of emergency medications (consult pharmacist as needed).
• Monitor the storm’s progress.
• Visit www.miamidade.gov or call 3-1-1 for updates on County services. Depending on conditions, bus, rail, garbage collection and recycling service, as well as airport and seaport operations, could be affected.
• Preparedness is not expensive. Many disaster kit items such as flashlights & batteries, garbage bags, etc., may be found around your home.

During a Hurricane: 

If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should: 

• Monitor your radio or television for weather updates and instructions from public safety officials. 

• Stay indoors, preferably in a room with few or no windows. 

• Take your emergency kit and disaster supplies with you if you move from room to room. 

• If flooding threatens your home, turn off electricity at the main breaker. 

• Use flashlights, not candles or kerosene lamps, as your light source. 

• If you lose power, turn off all major appliances. 

• Avoid using the phone and do not take a bath or shower during the storm. 

• Fight the temptation to go outside during the “eye of the storm.” There’s only a brief period of calm before hurricane force winds return. 

• Keep children informed about what’s happening and watch for signs of stress. 

• Keep animals in their carriers.

Sources:
http://www.miamidade.gov/hurricane/library/hurricane-guide.pdf
www.miamidade.gov/fire/ consumer-survival-kit.asp
http://www.miamidade.gov/animals/library/disaster_tip_sheet_eng.pdf
http://www.miamidade.gov/animals/disaster-preparedness.asp

Basic Types of Training

Common Types of Training

This blog will tell you about the basic types of dog training and some of the tools commonly used.

Dominance Based Training

Dominance based training sets its foundation in punishment.  Many of these techniques require your dog to submit to you and cause you to challenge bad behavior verbally or physically. Tools that are commonly used in dominance based training are prong, choke, or shock collars.  These tools work by inflicting pain on your dog so that they will not want to continue to do a certain behavior.  Below are different types and versions of prong collars.  Although one is made of metal and the other is plastic both collars work the same way, by causing pain and negative experience. 

Positive Reinforcement Based Training

This training sets its foundation in rewarding good behavior while ignoring bad behavior.  Common tools used in this training technique are treats, verbal praise, and clicker training.  Clicker training helps reinforce positive behavior quickly while giving your dog an auditory clue that they are doing the desired behavior.  Below is an examples of a clickers used in dog training

 

 “Balanced” Based Training

Many trainers are now calling themselves balanced trainers, which means they ae using a combination of positive and negative techniques.  Balance type trainers use a combination of tools used in other types of training. 

What to Look for in a Trainer

Look for a trainer that uses force free based training.  This will help your develop a positive relationship with your dog and will help prevent your dog from becoming fearful, anxious, or withdrawn.  Although balanced trainers may seem “balanced” they still have a foundation that is based in fear and can have negative effects on your dog.   Some people feel that Positive reinforcement based training lacks discipline yet by ignoring bad behaviors you are in fact telling your dog that those behaviors are not acceptable and will not gain your physical or verbal attention. 

Look at your potential new trainer’s education or credentials.  If you are not sure about an organization do some research on the organization do see what type of training they teach.

Choose a trainer that involves you and your family in training.  Board and train programs can sound appealing but separate you from the training and bonding with your pet.

Where to look for recommendations?

Your veterinarian – Many veterinarians are aware of local trainers and behaviorist that they researched and approve of.  

 Do your own online research – Look at your prospective new trainer’s website, youtube, or google profiles.  See if they are demonstrating the techniques, tools, and methods that will have a positive impact on your pet’s training and well-being. 

What your TV may be Teaching You

In the past 10 years dog training shows on TV have gained popularity.  Although they may have an entertainment value some of these shows demonstrate harmful techniques that could put you, your family, your friends, and your pet at risk.  Remember training your pet and reinforcing your positive behavior can take time, work, and consistency.

 Kristi Medearis

Need additional resources?

Check out the following websites and their approved trainers.

American College of Veterinary Behaviorist

http://www.dacvb.org/

American Society of Veterinary Behavior

 http://avsabonline.org/