WDJ 0806

The Whole Dog Journal
TM
Volume 11
Number 6
A monthly guide to natural dog care and training

June 2008 $5.95
features Chilled out . . .

page 3
3 Cold Standard
Commercially produced raw frozen diets
have proliferated on the market, but
range widely in formulation and quality.
0 Bouncing Off the Walls?

1
Help your dog calm down, ground
himself, and focus with acupressure.
2 Dogs Just Wanna Have Fun

1
Engaging in activities you and your dog
both enjoy will strengthen your bond –
and improve your training.
5 Don’t Worry, Be Happy

1
An interview with Kathy Sdao, a trainer
and behaviorist who explains why dog
training should be fun, for best results.
8 A Puzzling Activity
1
These interactive toys are a blast, and
a great mental workout for your dog.
Brain
boosting . . .
page 18
Big city fun . . .
page 12
also in this issue

2 Editor’s Note
22 Letters
24 Product and Expert Resources
to subscribe: www.whole-dog-journal.com Copyright © 2008, Belvoir Media Group, LLC THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL |
editor’s note

TM
Spending Time Together Editor-IN-CHIEF – Nancy Kerns

training Editor – Pat Miller
PUBLISHER – Timothy H. Cole
circulation directoR – Greg King
Building bonds, day by day. editorial office

E-mail: WholeDogJ@aol.com
mail: PO Box 1349
Oroville, CA 95965
By nancy kerns packages: 1655 Robinson Street
W
Oroville, CA 95965
hen I was a kid growing up in else), but, knowing next to nothing about
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a farming region in Northern training, and lacking leashes and collars, all Phone: (800) 829-9165
California, there were very few my “dog training” was based on the dogs’ ut- internet: whole-dog-journal.com/cs
kids my age to play with – just ter complicity. If they didn’t want to do what I u.s. mail: PO Box 420235
Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235
two within a few miles. My more wanted them to do, they left. If I wanted their canada: Box 7820 STN Main
reliable and ever-present playmates were my company – and I did! – I had to hold their London, Ontario N5Y 5W1
family’s dogs – and what a lot of dogs we had! interest. I did that with play and exploring. back issues, website inquiries
We had five females deliver at least one litter I was forever making up games to play with Phone: (800) 424-7887
E-mail: customer_service@belvoir.com
of puppies (and a couple of them had more the dogs, wandering with them through our internet: whole-dog-journal.com
than one litter) when I was between the ages neighbor’s orchards or up and down the bed of u.s. mail: PO Box 5656
of five and 14. It’s embarrassing to admit the creek that flowed by our house, swimming Norwalk, CT 06856-5656
now, but in those days it was highly uncom- with them in the creek, crawling under the reprints
mon to own a spayed or neutered canine. And blackberry bushes with them to try to collect For price quote, contact Mona Kornfeld at
(203) 857-3143
my parents, bless them, eggs from our free-range Minimum order 1,000
knew practically noth- (read, escaped) chickens,
newsstand
ing about responsible and so on. Laura McMann, (203) 857-3100
pet ownership other My family regarded
than keeping animals me as the designated whole dog journal
well fed. animal trainer. But the does not accept
commercial advertising
For a dog-loving fact is, I totally took it
child, though, it was for granted that my pack
heaven. It was only oc- of friends would always The Whole dog Journal
casionally sad – when Almost every (ISSN #1097-5322) is published

come when I called them, monthly by Belvoir Media Group,
childhood
we found homes for photo of Nancy and mostly behaved as I LLC, 800 Connecticut Avenue, Nor-
walk, CT 06854-1631. Robert Eng-
my favorites; we were Kerns has a dog told them to. Looking lander, Chairman and CEO; Timothy
always on the lookout or puppy in it. back, I see now that it’s H. Cole, Executive Vice President,
Editorial Director; Philip L. Penny,
for friends or relatives not that I had a special Chief Operating Officer; Greg King, Executive Vice
who wanted a puppy, and somehow always gift for training; it was the bonding that we did President, Marketing Director; Marvin Cweibel,
Senior Vice President, Marketing Operations; Ron
managed to find homes for all the “accidental” while hanging out for hours and hours each Goldberg, Chief Financial Officer; Tom Canfield, Vice
mixed-breed pups. But even with the puppies day that made our dogs enjoy my company President, Circulation; Michael N. Pollet, Senior Vice
President, General Counsel. Periodicals postage
coming and going, I always had a built-in and offer me their genial compliance. paid at Norwalk, CT and at additional mailing of-
pack of friends, confidants, co-conspirators, We have three articles in this issue that fices. Copyright ©2008, Belvoir Media Group, LLC.
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in
and followers. The pack would greet me when discuss how spending more fun time with part is strictly prohibited. Printed in U.S.A. Revenue
I got off the school bus, and I spent just about your dog can improve both his training and Canada GST Account #128044658. Canada Publish-
ing Agreement Number #40016479.
every minute with the dogs until I went to the bond between you. It’s something I know
The Whole Dog Journal makes every effort to
bed each night. to be true from the bottom of my heart. provide information on dog health, care, and treat-
As the youngest child, I loved bossing the ment that is authoritative, reliable, and practical.
It is not intended, however, to replace diagnosis
dogs around (since I couldn’t boss anyone or treatment from a veterinarian or other qualified
dog professional. The Whole Dog Journal does
not assume any legal responsibility. Readers should
always consult qualified healthcare providers for
Mission Statement: WDJ’s mission is to provide dog guardians with in-depth information on specific diagnosis and treatment.
effective holistic healthcare methods and successful nonviolent training. The methods we discuss Subscriptions: $39 annually (12 issues). Bulk
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The Whole Dog Journal, PO Box 39, Norwich,
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|June 2008 Copyright © 2008, Belvoir Media Group, LLC to subscribe, call (800) 829-9165
n utr ition
Cold Standard
Commercial frozen diets have proliferated but range in quality.
By nancy kerns
W
e have long maintained that
an intelligently formulated
diet, made in a dog owner’s
home out of fresh, wholesome
ingredients, is the ideal diet
for optimum canine health. The tens of
thousands of dog owners who make their
dogs’ food at home agree. Their dogs enjoy
their food; look, smell, and feel terrific; and
enjoy vibrant good health.
However, some people who would
really like to feed their dogs this way
don’t feel capable of routinely shopping
for and preparing their dogs’ food. Others
worry that their dogs might suffer from a
nutritional deficiency or imbalance if they
don’t formulate the diet just so. These
folks are the target market for the products
featured in this article: diets made of fresh
ingredients (mostly meat) and frozen for Commercial raw diets are fairly new. As in any emerging market, the products
convenience. reflect divergent formulation philosophies and manufacturing methodologies. You
may have to try several products to find what works best for your dog.
What you can do . . . There is a lot of variation within this time.” Companies that sell supplemental
■ Look for products that meet your product category, however. Some of the products generally offer a wide array of
dog’s needs and that reflect your companies offering frozen, meat-based frozen, raw ingredients – as well as guid-
preferences: Organic? Complete diets for dogs include raw ground bone as a ance on how to mix and match these to
and balanced or supplementary? natural, healthy source of dietary calcium; provide a complete diet.
Grains or grain-free? others incorporate eggshell or another
calcium source. Some include grain in Quality varies
■ Ideally, look for manufacturers these diets; most do not. Most (but not all) Just as with every other type of pet foods,
with local retail outlets, or whose
contain at least a small amount of organ including kibble and canned, the ingre-
meat, fruit, and vegetable matter. dients used in these diets vary in quality.
shipping schedule, range, and
Some of these products contain a Some use only human-grade ingredients,
prices work well for you.
pre-mixed vitamin/mineral supplement, meats that come from free-range, grass-fed
to ensure that the diet is nutritionally animals, and local and/or organic fruits
■ Discuss your dog’s health status
“complete and balanced” as per the nutrient and veggies. Others use less-expensive
with the food company rep. He or levels recommended by the Association of ingredients. The difference here, though,
she should be able to help guide American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). is that almost all of the ingredients in these
your purchases based on your Others meet these nutrient levels (and products are higher in quality (and price!)
dog’s needs. thus earn the right to make the complete than those used in most kibbled or canned
and balanced claim) through their food foods. Fresh, wholesome, and natural
■ Use safe ingredients alone – without the addition are the watchwords for this category; it’s
meat-handling of a vitamin/mineral “premix.” expected that resulting food will look and
and sanitation Still other products are meant for “sup- smell fresh and appealing when thawed.
practices at all plemental” feeding only, with the idea that Presentation and packaging varies
times. the owner will continually vary the diet in within a small range in this category. Some
order to provide nutritional “balance over companies grind their food ingredients
into a very fine “mush” that, when thawed, these products are still frozen when they uncooked animal proteins offer the most
resembles canned dog food. Others use are delivered to your door. complete array of amino acids required
a coarse grind, enabling the pet owner Most of the companies sell the bulk of by canines, providing the most important
to identify various ingredients by sight. their products through pet supply stores building blocks of the natural, evolutionary
Products may be formed into cube-like that are equipped with freezers. This is canine diet.
“nuggets” or hamburger-style patties, most advantageous for owners who live This concept was championed in recent
packed into plastic tubs (like cottage in close proximity to one of these stores decades by Australian veterinarian Ian
cheese), or pressure-packed into plastic (or veterinary offices), since they don’t Billinghurst, who sought to bring back the
tubes generally referred to as “chubs.” have to pay for shipping and can take the vibrant health he remembered seeing in
As to availability and shipping: Most of products directly home and put them in the dogs of his youth, before commercial
the companies that sell frozen diets offer their own freezers. foods were widely used in Australia. But
direct shipping, via overnight service, right Dr. Billinghurst sought to replicate the
to your home. This practice is incredibly Commonalities evolutionary diet of the dog, where any
convenient – but also increasingly expen- So what do all these diets have in com- raw meat the dog ate would come wrapped
sive and quite unkind to the environment; it mon? They all contain fresh, raw meat: around bones and organs of the dog’s prey;
takes a lot of Styrofoam, and sometimes a muscle meat, fat, and connective tissues. he called this sort of diet “BARF,” which
lot of dry ice and cardboard, too, to ensure They are all based on the concept that alternately stood for “bones and raw food”
Are Bacterial Threats Really Something to Worry About?

The most frequently cited objection that veterinarians have to pan or wok is beyond me; a smart person washes each utensil
raw diets is the threat of bacterial infection – for both the dog afterward.
and his human family. If people employ scrupulous meat-handling and sanita-
It’s true that today’s meat and poultry supply is commonly tion practices, and leave the consumption of raw meat to their
infected with Salmonella. The reported rate of infection var- healthy dogs, they should be able to keep their families safe.
ies by source. Tests conducted by the Consumers Union, Faithfully practice the following food safety guidelines:
publisher of Consumer Reports, indicated that an astounding
83 percent of the supermarket broiler chickens were infected ■ People with immune system disorders should avoid han-
with Salmonella or Campylobacter. Those numbers are not dling raw meat.
supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture – yet the
USDA’s figures are alarming, too! The USDA estimates that ■ Keep food frozen until you are ready to feed it. Then, thaw
nearly 40 percent of the American poultry supply, 12 percent small amounts (only what your dog will eat within a day or
of the pork, and 5 percent of the beef are contaminated with two) in the refrigerator. Never, ever allow food to sit for long
Salmonella. E. coli. and Listeria have also been found to at room temperature.
present chronic threats. If you need to thaw food in a hurry, seal it in a Ziploc bag
To counter fears of bacterial infection, let’s discuss each and place it in warm water for not more than a few minutes.
potential victim separately. First, your dog:
Advocates of raw diets argue that dogs are exquisitely ■ Wash your hands with hot water and soap immediately
well-suited to safely consume masses of potentially harmful after handling the dog’s food.
bacteria without ever becoming ill. Credit for this ability has
been given to the dog’s stomach acids (said to be much stronger ■ Promptly wash everything that comes in contact with the
than ours) and short digestive tract (which supposedly denies food with hot, soapy water: bowls, knives, grinders, counter-
the bacteria enough time to multiply to dangerous levels). tops, and cutting boards. Periodically, use a disinfectant, such
Wherever the credit lies, the fact remains that dogs have suc- as a mild bleach solution.
cessfully survived eons of eating rotting carrion, feces from
all species of animals, and all sorts of other bacteria-laden ■ Discard any food your dog leaves in his bowl after eating.
things. Few become ill from bacterial infections. Don’t allow him to “leave it for later.” Don’t even save it for
However, a case can be made that an immune-compromised later in the refrigerator!
dog might be unable to fight off the bacterial challenge
presented by a raw diet. If you have an immune-compromised ■ Immediately pick up your dog’s bowl after he eats, and
dog and are concerned about bacteria, feed your dog a diet wash it in hot, soapy water (or disinfect in a dishwasher). Never
that utilizes cooked meats. allow small children to handle the dog’s raw food or the bowl
The so-called “public health risk” of raw diets, in our he ate from.
opinion, is overblown. Millions of people bring home raw
meat and poultry every day. Despite the presence of bacteria ■ Don’t forget to wash the dog’s water bowl in hot, soapy
in a certain amount of that meat, most are able to cook it and water daily, too. Many dogs drink right after eating, and could
eat it without infection. Why there should be a greater risk in conceivably contaminate their water with bacteria in their
dropping that raw meat into a dog’s bowl than into a frying mouths.
or “biologically appropriate raw food.”
Dr. Billinghurst saw the consumption
of raw bone and organ meat as an integral
Raw Pet Food Association
part of this type of diet, but others who The North American Raw Petfood Association (NARPA) was founded in 2005
followed in his footsteps found that the by Melinda Miller, then co-owner of Bravo Raw Diet; Sandy Goodman, CEO of
raw meat was the key to the diet’s success. Nature’s Variety; Matt Koss, co-owner of Primal Pet Foods; and Steve Brown,
They use other calcium sources rather than author of See Spot Live Longer, and founder of Steve’s Real Food (Brown is no
raw bone in their formulas and feel that the longer affiliated with Steve’s Real Food).
diet is just as beneficial. The group has sought input and participation from raw food manufacturers and
Be forewarned: The arguments be- suppliers, as well as people who produce ancillary products, such as supplements
tween the people who feel that raw, meaty and mixtures that are added to raw meat to “complete and balance” canine diets.
bones must form the basis of these diets Growth of the association has been slow, however, as most of the members have
and those who think the raw meat itself is been too busy growing their businesses to participate in community-building.
the key absolutely resemble the arguments NARPA now has a website, and as enrollment in the association grows, hopes to
between believers of related but divergent stock the site with industry news, informative articles, and a member directory.
religious sects. Each is certain that only The ultimate goal is to fund research or surveys that will confirm what anecdotal
they know the light and the way. evidence from thousands of raw feeders already suggests: that complete and
Our opinions are ecumenical. If a diet balanced raw diets can produce and maintain super-healthy, well-adjusted dogs.
is mostly comprised of fresh, whole, raw For more information, contact NARPA through its website: rawpetfood.org.
meats; contains all the nutrients known to
be required by dogs; and your dog thrives
on it, it’s okay by us. We suggest that new-
comers to this style of feeding start out by demonstrate the benefits, not the pitfalls, of they refer you to a nutritionist or vet with
feeding a variety of complete and balanced this method of feeding healthy dogs. advanced study in nutrition?
products, keeping a record of the results in The more questions you ask, the more
each dog they feed, and ultimately going opportunities you’ll have to ascertain what ■ Information about the nutrient con-
with the diet style that works best for their their level of commitment is to providing tent of the products (more information
dogs’ individual needs and tolerances. clear, credible guidance for feeding your is better than a minimal report). Does the
dog in an optimal way. We also suggest company offer only the “guaranteed analy-
A few good foods that you ask about the following: sis” (which is required to detail only the
On the following pages, we’ve listed a protein, fat, moisture, and fiber content of
number of makers of commercial raw ■ Information about their formula- the food) or a complete analysis that lists
diets. To assist those who are new to this tion. Is it complete and balanced? Does it all of the values for the product’s vitamins,
style of feeding, we’ve separated the “com- require other supplementation? Who was minerals, and fatty acids?
plete and balanced” diets into the chart on involved in the product formulation? What
pages 6-7, and the “supplemental feeding” are that person’s credentials in animal ■ Information about ingredient sources.
products offered for more experienced raw nutrition? If you have a very technical Where does the company get their meats
feeders into another chart on page 8 (some question about the product’s nutrients, can and other ingredients? Can they provide
companies will appear on both charts). documentation to confirm the provenance
As with any type of commercial diet, of the ingredients?
we suggest contacting the manu-
facturers for more information ■ Information about the company’s
about their products. Ask them food safety program. What sort of
how their products can help tests and/or food safety steps does the
you meet your dog’s needs; company take in order to ensure that
they have a wealth of the product is as free of potentially
experience and a vested harmful bacteria as possible?
interest in helping to
■ Information about shipping.
Most of the companies that direct-
ship products do so only early in
the week so there is no risk of
frozen product getting stranded
on a weekend and thawing before
delivery. Nevertheless, before you
order any frozen product, question the
maker as to the company policy on ship-
ping mishaps. Who will pay for meat that
arrives at room temperature? Because you
don’t want your dog to eat it!
complete and balanced raw, frozen diets
Company info Description of products Ingredient claims Availability/shipping Support/ info
Animal Food Services Several complete and balanced All beef-based diets First-time customers We found the info on
Green Bay, WI products, either chicken-based or use “human grade” order through corporate the company’s website
(800) 743-0322 beef-based. Some contain a higher meats. office; then orders about to be confusing
animalfood.com percentage of organ meat. Some are made through and and not as credible as
include some fruit and vegetables. All shipped from distributor on some other sites.
contain a vitamin/mineral supplement. closest to customer.
Aunt Jeni’s Six complete and balanced diets Poultry is from Bell Products available in Website offers a vast
Home Made 4 Life are available. Each contains ground and Evans; beef is pet supply stores in 26 amount of information
Temple Hills, MD meat, organs, and ground bone free-range, grass- states; maker will direct- on home-prepared
(301) 702-0123 from a single species (chicken, lamb, fed, and imported ship frozen product only diets.
auntjeni.com beef, rabbit, goat, turkey) as well as from New Zealand, if no local retailers are
fruit, vegetables, whole eggs, and Argentina, and available.
supplemental foods such as garlic, Australia. Other
honey, flaxseed, and more. No vits/ meats are similarly
mins added. sourced.
BARFWorld Four basic complete and balanced Products available in Lots of information
Danville, CA diets are offered: chicken, beef, lamb, pet supply stores and available on website to
(866) 282-2273 and a combination diet that includes other local distributors. support raw feeders.
barfworld.com beef, lamb, chicken, and pork. Each Also available via direct
of these also fresh ground bone, shipping from company
fruits, vegetables, and other food headquarters.
supplements. A few vits/mins added.
Bravo Raw Diet A new complete and balanced diet, USDA meats and See supplemental feeding See supplemental
Vernon, CT “Bravo Balance,” is being offered by grass-fed beef. chart. feeding chart.
(866) 922-9222 Bravo, to be available on June 1. (We
bravorawdiet.com have seen the formula for the product,
but not the product itself.) Some vits/
mins added.
Companion Five single-protein, complete and “Human-grade” Currently available in five Complete nutrient
Natural Pet Food balanced diets are available: beef, meats, fruits, and states via local distributors analyses are available
Milwaukee, WI turkey, fish, duck, chicken. Diets include vegetables and some (four states to be added on website. Complete
(866) 617-7735 raw ground bone and organ meat. organic supplements soon). Also available information packet
Companion- are used. via direct shipping from sent with products;
naturalpetfood.com company HQ. website offers lots of
support, too.
FarMore Complete and balanced diets are Currently in retail stores in Online information and
Sanger, TX offered in three varieties: beef, chicken, 26 states. Also available support is skimpy.
(866) 507-8255 and buffalo. Beef diet includes oatmeal through third-party online
farmoredogfood.com and buffalo diet includes barley, but retailer.
maker says these are present by no
more than 3% by weight. All diets
include fruits and veggies.
Nature’s Menu Complete and balanced diets come in Company uses only Sold in retail outlets Online information is
Lake Geneva, WI four varieties: beef, lamb, turkey, and grass-fed lamb and only in Wisconsin, not impressive.
(866) 333-3729 chicken. Each contains 80% muscle organic chicken. Oregon and in New
naturesmenu.com meat and 20% organ meat. Products York City and Denver,
do not include bone, but contain a Colorado. Also available
custom-formulated vitamin/mineral via direct shipping from
supplement. manufacturer.
Nature’s Variety No vitamine/mineral supplements were This is one of the Does not direct-ship; A complete nutrient
Lincoln, NE needed to make these diets complete few products in products available in pet profile is available
(888) 519-7387 and balanced. Available in six varieties: this category that supply stores and online for each variety.
naturesvariety.com organic chicken, chicken, beef, lamb, meets the AAFCO retailers. Information on the
venison, and rabbit. Beef in beef variety “complete and website is very
is pasture-fed. Each type includes balanced” complete about the
same-species ground raw bone and standard via product; not much
organ meats; the sole exception is the feeding trials. information is present
rabbit variety, which uses rabbit meat specifically for the
and bone, but also pork fat, liver and support of raw feeders.
heart. Whole duck, pheasant, and quail
eggs are also included. N
Northwest Naturals Five complete and balanced varieties Available in retail locations Online support
Portland, OR are offered: beef, bison, chicken, in 24 states and via two regarding raw feeding
(866) 637-1872 chicken with salmon, and turkey. online retailers. is adequate.
nw-naturals.com Each contains raw ground bone,
fruit, vegetables, and other food
supplements, and a vit/min mix.
Paw Naturaw Four complete and USDA-certified Available in retail outlets in Lots of support and
Lake Mills, WI balanced varieties are organic frozen raw 20 states and via several information on raw
(866) 729-4738 available (beef, bison, diets; only organic online retailers. feeding and the
pawnaturaw.com chicken, and turkey). Beef meats and veggies benefits of cruelty-free,
and bison varieties do are used. Complete organic, sustainable
not contain bone; poultry nutrient profiles for ingredient sources.
varieties do include raw each product are on
ground bone. A few website.
vitamins and minerals are
included in formula.
Pepperdogz Three complete and balanced varieties Bison is grass-fed; Available in retail outlets Online support
Bellevue, WA are available. Bison variety uses ground poultry is cage-free. in Washington and Oregon regarding raw feeding
(866) 866-3649 eggshell for calcium source; turkey and via direct ship from is adequate.
pepperdogz.com and chicken varieties use ground raw the maker.
bone. Each type is about 65% muscle
and organ meat and 35% whole fruits,
vegetables, and food supplements. No
vit/min supplement was needed.
Primal Pet Foods Six complete and balanced “raw frozen All fruits and Available in many retail Lots of info about raw
San Mateo, CA formulas” are offered. Each contains vegetables are locations and through feeding and Primal’s
(866) 566-4652 raw ground bone, organ meat, and organic; all meats are many online retailers. products (including
primalpetfoods.com organic fruits and vegetables. (Six “raw “human-grade.” complete nutrient
frozen grinds,” which are not complete, values for each diet)
are also offered). are on website.
Raw Advantage “Dinnner” products are complete and Beef, turkey, and Available in retail outlets in Ample support for raw
Kettle Falls, WA balanced, and contain about 40% meat chicken are all seven states, and through feeding is present on
(866) 331-5185 and ground bone, 46% organic cooked organic. an online retailer. website.
rawadvantage- grains, 9% organic vegetables; the
petfood.com balance is food supplements. Company
also offers supplemental products.
Stella and Chewy’s Three complete and balanced diets USDA beef, organic Available in many retail Complete nutrient
Muskego, WI are available: beef, chicken, and lamb. produce. Documents outlets and through analysis for each
(888) 477-8977 Each contains 96% raw ground bone food safety and several online retailers. product is present on
stellaandchewys.com and organ meats, with the balance testing program, website. Tons of info
comprised of fruit, veggies, food including on-line test about the products is
supplements, and a vit/min premix. results for each batch offered; less about raw
of food – wow! feeding in general.
Steve’s Real Food Offers four complete and balanced All food ingredients Does not direct-ship; A complete nutrient
for Pets diets: chicken, turkey, “turducken,” are human grade. products available in pet profile is available
Eugene, OR and beef. Meats are ground with supply stores and online for each variety.
(888) 526-1900 bone included; same-species organ retailer. Website offers lots of
stevesrealfood.com meats are also included. Each contains information for raw
vegetables, fruit, gluten-free rice bran, feeders.
flaxseed, and sardine/anchovy oil.
supplemental products for raw, frozen diets
A Place for Paws Raw A vast variety of products for home- Manufactured Orders are shipped in Lots of information
Columbiana, OH prepared raw diets: raw meaty bones, weekly in limited within a two day UPS on website for people
(800) 354-4216 ground muscle meats (with or without batches to ensure ground delivery area from who are new to this
aplaceforpaws.com ground bone), organs, vegetables, the freshest product Ohio. style of feeding.
and supplements. Products include possible. Frozen
beef, lamb, pork, buffalo, emu, rabbit, to -0° temperature
chicken, turkey, and quail. Mostly immediately after
packed in one- or two-pound plastic processing.
tubs.
BARFWorld Main products are complete and Products available in Lots of information
Danville, CA balanced. Frozen tripe, minced fruit and pet supply stores and available on website to
(866) 282-2273 vegetable cubes, and minced meats other local distributors. support raw feeders.
barfworld.com are also available for those who want to Also available via direct
put together their own diets. shipping from company
headquarters.
Bravo Raw Diet Bravo has long provided a wide Beef, lamb, and Does not direct-ship; Lots of supportive
Vernon, CT range of high-quality products that venison used is available in select pet information available
(866) 922-9222 experienced raw feeders could use grass-fed. supply stores and via on website.
bravorawdiet.com to “build” a complete diet for their online retailers.
dogs. Products include single protein
ground meat; meat mixed with ground
bone; and meat mixed with ground
bone, organs, and vegetables. A
new complete and balanced product
is planned for release in June (see
“complete and balanced” chart).
Celestial Pets Offers a wide variety of frozen raw Available via direct ship Little information
Westlake Village, CA ground meats, organs, bones, through website or phone is on website, but
(818) 707-6331 orders. owner is available for
celestialpets.com consultations.
Grandad’s Pet Foods Six ground chicken or beef blends are Chicken is Rocky Available through Little information is on
Lodi, CA available for formulating your own diets. (free-range, USDA) distributors in nine states website.
(209) 368-3025 Offered with ground bone and organ chicken and via direct shipping
grandadspetfoods.com meat and with veggies. from maker.
Halshan Dozens of ground meats, with or All USDA ingredients. Available in retail outlets Little information is on
Harbor City, CA without bone, organ meat, and veggies, in California and Florida website.
(888) 766-9725 are available. and by direct shipping
halshan.com from maker.
Oma’s Pride Offers four different “Oma’s Pride A wide variety of Available in retail outlets Information about
Avon, CT Mixes.” Turkey, chicken, and beef other supplemental in 39 states and via direct products is complete;
(800) 678-6627 varieties contain 70% meat and ground frozen foods are shipping from maker. supportive information
omaspride.com bone, 10% organ meats, and 20% offered, including for raw feeders is not.
veggies; lamb variety is 80% meat and ground vegetables,
bone and 20% veggies. individual organ
meats, various
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com plem entary car e
Bouncing Off the Walls?

Acupressure to calm the high-spirited, high-energy dog.
By amy snow and nancy zidonis
T
hese are too-common refrains of medical condition. Hyperactivity, also training assistance. It is a safe, noninva-
guardians of dogs who are bounc- called “hyperkinesis,” actually can be sive, deceptively gentle, and extremely
ing off the walls: “She has way too the result of a medical condition that is powerful resource for the high spirited,
much energy!” “This dog is out of characterized by frantic behavior, inces- overly excited dog whether the behavior
control!” “I’ve had enough of this sant movement resulting in exhaustion, a is a physical disorder or a training issue.
crazy dog, he’s a maniac!” consistent elevated heart rate, panting, loss Acupressure offers the added value of en-
You can love your dog to pieces, but if of weight, vomiting, and increased appetite hancing the emotional bond between you
his behavior is unruly, it can be very hard or loss of appetite. Canine compulsive and your dog.
to live with on a steady basis. One of the disorders such as tail-chasing, self-mutila- Like acupuncture, acupressure is
most common reasons dogs are released to tion, and other nonproductive, repetitive based on Traditional Chinese Medicine.
shelters is because they are out of control. behaviors are usually considered forms of Acupuncture uses fine needles to stimulate
Hyperactive dogs are frequently difficult hyperactivity. specific pools of energy called “acupoints,”
for their owners to enjoy. Surviving this There are many reasons that may con- which are located along pathways running
situation may stressful for you, your fam- tribute to a dog’s overactivity. Some young throughout the dog’s body. To use acupres-
ily, guests – and the dogs themselves. dogs have a lot of energy by nature; others sure, we use the soft tip of our thumb or
The first step is to have the dog evalu- may lack proper training or may be fre- index finger to administer light pressure on
ated by your trusted holistic veterinarian, quently exposed to too much stimulation. the acupoints, and to achieve a similar ef-
to determine if there is any underlying Some holistic practitioners speculate that fect. The intent, when applying pressure on
artificial preservatives and/or acupoints, is to allow the body to balance
coloring in commercial foods the flow of energy along the pathways (also
can contribute to overactivity; called “channels” or “meridians”) so that
others point fingers at grain- the animal’s energy flows harmoniously.
based diets, and still others When energy is flowing harmoniously,
at diets containing excessive the dog’s physical and mental state is in
amounts of protein. dynamic balance and he experiences good
Insufficient exercise, a lack health and a sense of well-being.
of personalized attention, and Since acupressure is noninvasive, dog
chronic stress are frequently guardians are able to perform a session
to blame. Any combination of with their own dog. Complete novices can
these factors may worsen the work with their animals with good results.
hyperactivity. It may be difficult Trained acupressure practitioners are able
to figure out exactly why your to select the most effective acupoints to
dog is excessively active since resolve a specific issue.
it is often a combination of
factors, but there are many Acupressure adjunct
resources available to help A general canine acupressure session can
you deal with the problem. help with getting the dog’s attention, en-
Once you have consulted your hance the focus needed for training, and
holistic veterinarian and are provide calming and grounding. Dogs hav-
following a regime he or she ing a propensity for being high energy will
has recommended, you can turn benefit from working with the acupoints
to other sources for support in described below.
managing your dog’s behavior.
■ Yin Tang Point – This acupoint can be
Canine acupressure used to help a dog with focus, especially
If your dog seems to levitate more than she Acupressure can be an ally and when his attention seems to be scattered.
walks, try the acupressure techniques described an adjunct to medical interven- It is good to work this point just prior to
here to gently bring her back to earth. tion and positive, professional a training session so that you can get his
10|June 2008 Copyright © 2008, Belvoir Media Group, LLC to subscribe, call (800) 829-9165
attention more easily. The Yin Tang point
is located between and slightly above the
eyes in the “third-eye” position. Yang
Points for Calming Your Dog
Tang
■ Yang Tang Point – This point is best Yin Bai Hui

Tang
utilized when the dog is too intensely
focused on something other than you, and
you are not able to get his attention. The
Yang Tang point is known to disperse men-
tal energy so that you can direct the dog’s
attention to you during training. This point
can be used when a dog has experienced
(or you anticipate that he may experience)
a strong fear reaction. (Note: Do not at-
tempt an acupressure session in the midst St 36
of a stressful event! Remove the dog to a HT 7
calm, quiet area, and proceed only when
you feel it’s safe to do so.)
There are two indents on the side Lateral (Outside) medial (inside)
Lateral (outside)
of the dog’s eyes just beyond the bony
prominence of the outer canthus of the
Start an acupressure session by finding a calm, comfortable location. Take a few
eye. Press these indents very lightly with
slow, even breaths, and formulate the intent of your treatment. Now, rest one hand
your index fingers and make little counter-
near your dog’s shoulder, and using the heel of your other hand, gently stroke down
clockwise circles to dispel the dog’s
his head, neck, and down to his hindquarters, staying to the side of the midline.
intense focus. You can work both Yang
To finish, stroke a few times down the outside of his legs to his paws. Repeat the
Tang points on each side of the dog’s head
stroking a few times on each side of the dog.
simultaneously.
Now you are ready for working on the acupoints. Rest one hand comfortably on
your dog, and perform the acupressure with the other hand. Use either the thumb
■ Stomach 36 (St 36), Leg Three-Mile
or two-finger technique, depending on which is most comfortable for you.
– In Chinese medicine, Stomach 36 is
Thumb technique: Place the soft portion of the tip of your thumb on the acu-
considered the most powerful grounding
point at a 90-degree angle to the dog’s body and apply about one to two pounds
acupoint. High spirited, high energy dogs
of pressure, depending on the size and comfort level of your dog. Count to 30
need to be more securely earth-bound and
slowly.
stimulating this point can help the dog feel
Two-finger technique: Put your middle finger on top of your index finger.
as if he belongs on this earth. Stomach 36
Place the tip of your index finger on the acupoint at about a 60-degree angle to
is known to bring the flow of energy down.
the dog’s body and apply a pound or two of pressure, while counting to 30 slowly
This point is located on the outside of both
before moving on to the next point.
the hind legs, just below the dog’s stifle
Watch your dog’s reaction to the point work. Indications of healthy energy
(knee) toward the front of the leg.
releases include yawning, deep breathing, muscle twitches, release of air, and
softening of the eye. If your dog is overly reactive to a particular point or exhibits
■ Bai Hui, Heaven’s Gate or Point of
a pain reaction, work the acupoint in front of the reactive point or behind it. Try
100 Meetings – The Bai Hui Point is a clas-
that point again at a later session.
sic animal acupoint that has many benefits.
It can be used to help clear the animal’s
mind and provide an overall feeling of located on the outside (lateral side) on both Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis are authors of
well-being. It is often used to enhance the front legs, in the deep indent created by the The Well-Connected Dog: A Guide to Canine
dog’s ability to “tune in” to himself. Many tendon just above the dog’s wrist (carpals) Acupressure; Acu-Cat: A Guide to Feline
dogs with excessive energy issues do not toward the back of the leg. Acupressure; and Equine Acupressure:
know where their body ends and the rest A Working Manual. They own Tallgrass
of the world begins; the Bai Hui point can Offer your dog an acupressure session Publishers, which offers instructional
draw the dog’s awareness back to his own every third or fourth day, using the acu- meridian charts and acupressure DVDs
body. This point is located on the sacrum points above. Over time, you will most for dogs, cats, and horses. They are also
right on his midline. likely see a shift from being wild and crazy founders of Tallgrass Animal Acupressure
to being happy and possessing more self- Institute, offering hands-on and online
■ Heart 7 (HT 7), Spirit’s Gate or Shen control, especially when the acupressure training courses worldwide, including a
Men – This point is known to calm the is combined with good training practices practitioner certification program. For
spirit, reduce heat, dispel anxiety, and and holistic veterinary support. Life will more information or to find a certified
clear the mind. Heart 7 is a key acupoint be better for all concerned. Remember to canine acupressure practitioner in your
for calming overly active dogs and can tell your dog what a good boy he is when area, see animalacupressure.com or call
be used in every acupressure session. It is he is a pleasant companion. (888) 841-7211.
to subscribe: www.whole-dog-journal.com Copyright © 2008, Belvoir Media Group, LLC THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL | 11
R ec r eation
Dogs Just Wanna Have Fun

Engaging in activities you both enjoy will improve your bond.
By Pat miller
S
ometimes we can get so focused on
behavior and training that we forget
to have fun with our dogs. I realized
some time ago that I had become a
behavior addict. I took the premise
to heart that “any time you are with your
dog one of you is training the other,” and
became so caught up in reinforcing desired
behaviors and preventing reinforcement
for undesirable ones that I forgot how
to just be with my dogs. While positive
trainers have become quite adept at incor-
porating fun into their training programs,
there is value in letting go of the behavior
stuff occasionally and just having fun for
its own sake.
Fun comes naturally to dogs and
humans. Just watch a litter of puppies at
play – or class of children romping in a
kindergarten schoolyard – and you’ll be
quickly convinced that fun is a primary
(innate) reinforcer for dogs (and kids). The
wise dog owner/trainer takes advantage of
this, using play (not just food!) to reward On vacation? Take your dog with you! Just be sure to consider his needs for water,
snacks, rest breaks – and consideration for coping with local conditions. Chicago’s
fast walkers have no problem crossing six lanes in time, but tourist dogs crossing
What you can do . . . this wide intersection on Michigan Avenue at Millenium Park may need an assist!
■ Play with your dog more! desirable behaviors in training sessions some ideas to help you remember how to
and in real life, and giving canine-human play with your dog.
■ Buy some new toys and invite interactions a positive classical association
your dog to play new games with to help create a strong relationship between Out-and-about fun
them; don’t just hand them to the
dog and owner. If your dog has sufficient social skills so
The dog-human social contract is all that you can safely take him out into the
dog and go back to work.
about our relationship with our dogs. Play world, make it a point to do so! If most of
builds relationships – hence the importance your time with your dog is spent at home,
■ Make sure that you take breaks of play. As children, the friends with whom you may discover an entirely new and
from training and enjoy relaxed
we form lifelong relationships are likely to enjoyable side of him off his home turf.
but engaged time with your dog. be the ones with whom we have the most After all, there will be completely new
fun sharing mutually rewarding and enjoy- sights, interesting sounds, and best of all
■ Look for dog-safe community able activities. Play. Play for its own sake, from a dog’s point of view, novel smells
activities you can enjoy with just because it’s fun, and helps us remem- for him to experience.
your dog, such ber what we love about our dogs.
as quiet street As we mature, we tend to get serious ■ Take a hike. If you’re fortunate enough
fairs, rather than about life – perhaps too serious. Hence the to live near a place where dogs are allowed
loud parades new-age sometimes-appropriate advice to off-leash, and your dog has a reliable
or firework find your “inner child.” Your dog is the recall, go for a long hike. I mean a long
displays. perfect companion to accompany you on hike. When we lived in California I used
your journey to find more fun. Here are to take Keli, my Kelpie, for an occasional
all-day adventure in the Mt. Burdell Society jointly host the Potterfield
Open Space Preserve near the Marin Pool Pooch Plunge.
Humane Society where I worked. For one afternoon, dog owners
With a daypack full of provisions, a can bring their dogs to the pool and
tatami (lightweight woven mat that play with them in – or out of – the
rolled up for easy carrying), and a water. Hugely popular, this event
couple of books, we’d hike a while, is in its fifth year here, with nary a
climb on or jump over fallen trees, serious unpleasant incident despite
relax a while, play in the pond, watch more than 100 dogs in attendance.
redtail hawks soar, stop for lunch, Event planners have a veterinarian
fetch tennis balls a while, pretend to present to monitor dogs so no one
herd a few cows, hike a while, and gets too tired or waterlogged. They
finally head back to the car, tired, also arrange a few lighthearted
relaxed, and happy. contests for the party-goers, award-
For a variation on the theme, ing prizes for the best trick, the best
sometimes several friends and co- tennis-ball catcher, the longest tail,
workers would join us for a dog-pack the best bark, and more.
hike. Occasionally we loaded up the If your community doesn’t al-
cars and headed out to Pt. Reyes ready offer this delightful doggie
National Seashore for a change of diversion, put a flea in someone’s
scenery. The dogs didn’t care where A birthday party for your dog may seem silly, ear at your humane society or parks
we went, as long as we had fun. but it can be both fun and a great socialization and recreation department and see
If off-leash isn’t allowed in your opportunity for your dog and the guest dogs. if you can get the ball rolling. Your
local parks, or you’re still working on dog-friends will lick your hand in
that recall, you can do the same thing with challenging canine questions, or make up gratitude if you’re successful.
a long-line to keep Rover in sight. Maybe your own. Unleash your creative side, and
not quite as much fun, but almost. see how many great party ideas you and ■ Support a good cause. Animal shelters
your friends can come up with. across the country sponsor a variety of
■ Have a dog pal party. It’s a special events as fundraisers for their animal care
occasion – your dog’s birthday, or the ■ Go to the dog park. If you’re fortunate and protection causes. You might find – or
anniversary of her adoption, or the recent enough to have a good dog park in your organize! – any of these events or others
arrival of a new canine family member. community, take advantage of it. Check it in your community:
Throw a dog pal party! Invite all your dogs out first, to be sure it’s clean, well-run, and
• Dog Walk-A-Thon
friends from training class, offer the canine securely fenced, that canine bullies aren’t
• Bark in the Park
guests some FrostBite, Chilly Dawg, or allowed, and small dogs have a separate
• Polar Bear Plunge
Frosty Paws (ice cream treats created for area where they can’t get run over by
• Flea Market
dogs), and pupcakes (healthy homemade bigger play pals. Make sure you’re com-
• Pooch Parade
goodies in muffin papers), and organize fortable with the rules, which may include
• Canine Games
games like Bobbing for Hotdogs. (Use a requirement that dogs be spayed or neu-
sliced “pennies” of hotdog in just a few tered and currently vaccinated for rabies; Many of the events welcome dogs, and
inches of water for small dogs, a bit more a prohibition against food, to reduce the often include games, vendors, and food for
for larger dogs. And make sure dogs play potential for resource-guarding fights; and dogs and humans. You can meet other dog
just one at a time.) a request to keep small children outside the folks, play, eat, and buy dog stuff. What
Holidays offer theme-based party fenced area. better way to have fun and support a good
opportunities. Talk to your friends about Playtime at the dog park doesn’t have cause all at the same time?
a party rotation plan, where one person to be limited to dog-play. At Remington
hosts a spring-themed party (how about Park in Sausalito, California, regular users ■ Explore your town. Once a week (or
an Easter egg hunt, substituting dog treats used to hold an informal Friday evening more!) hop in your car with your dog, and
for the eggs?), another does Independence wine-and-cheese party at the park for the drive to a different part of your community
Day (no fireworks please!), and someone humans while their for each outing.
else takes Halloween. Costumes. Oh, dogs romped. Park and walk
costumes! If you’re ethically opposed to around. Look
making dogs wear costumes, have the ■ Attend a pool par- for dog-friendly
humans wear costumes that complement ty. Every year at the shops, outdoor
their dogs. The Border Collie owner could end of August, when cafes where you
dress as a shepherdess; the Lab owner the community pool Photo by Paul Miller can dine with
could come as a duck . . . closes here in Hager- your dog, little-
While the dogs play dog games with stown, Maryland, the Dogs and owners love Hagerstown, known parks,
each other, you can play human games, city and the Washing- Maryland’s annual “Pooch Plunge,” and serene hik-
like Dog Trivia. Google “dog trivia” to find ton County Humane which raises funds for area shelters. ing paths.
Stay-at-home fun • Find the human: Your dog waits while so you can stuff them back in again, so he
You don’t have to go somewhere to play; you hide, or you can just duck behind a tree can pull them out again.
there are plenty of activities you and your when he’s not looking. Give him a “Find And there’s the new genre of wooden
dog can enjoy in the comfort of your own me!” cue to let him know the game is on. puzzles – the Nina Ottosson toys (reviewed
home, indoors or out. Or, your dog stays with you while someone on page 18), guaranteed to make you and
else hides. You tell him, “Find (insert name your dog think. These puzzles are a great
■ Find it! You can play this game inside, here).” The person hiding can make noises activity to include in your dog parties!
outside, or both, and create your own if necessary to encourage your dog to find
variations. Start with your dog in front them. Give your dog treats and praise when Finding my inner child
of you. Say “Find it!” in an excited tone he finds the missing person. When I realized that the fun part of my
of voice and toss a treat to one side. As relationship with my dogs was suffering as
soon as he gobbles down that one, toss ■ Fun with toys. Of course, there’s the a result of my addiction to the principles of
one the other direction and say “Find it!” ever-popular “fetch the ball” and “catch behavior and learning, I started making a
again. After a half-dozen tosses, have him the Frisbee” kind of fun with toys. While concerted effort to turn off that part of my
sit-and-wait while you place a treat 10 to there’s absolutely nothing wrong with mind at least some of the time when I’m
15 feet away in plain view. Return to his those, today’s generation of dog toy play with my dogs.
side and tell him to “Find it!” After a few possibilities goes way beyond a simple Now, when we hike around the farm, I
of those, start “hiding” the treat while he game of fetch. There’s a wide range of sometimes take a book along, and we hang
watches you – behind a chair leg, under a various interactive toys now available, out a while at the picnic table by the creek,
pillow, around a corner. Then return and just waiting for you to get silly with your in the shade of the trees. I worry less when
send him to find it. Make the hiding places dog. one of them takes an excursion out of my
harder and harder, so he actually has to start These are not toys you just hand to your sight into the woods. They never go far,
looking (with his nose) to find the treats. dog and go back to work while your dog and they always come back quickly, with-
Most dogs (and their humans) adore this plays – these are toys that you and your out getting into trouble; our 80-acre buffer
game; those canine noses are so talented, dog do things with together. There are a is good insurance that they won’t wander
it doesn’t take a Bloodhound to sniff out host of different tug toys: Wubbas, Udder over to the neighbor’s house. It’s second
yummy treats. Tugs, bumpers, and fleece tugs – and tug nature to me by now to have treats in my
You can also play “find it!” using a toys with a zing, like the “Chase-N-Pull,” pockets, so they still get some reinforce-
favorite toy. Variations of the game in- that has a square of fleece attached to the ment for desirable behaviors, even when
clude: end of a rope on a pole, that you swing I try to have my training brain turned off.
around for the dog to chase, grab, and pull. But I no longer let it take center stage all
• Find and destroy: Treats are hidden in There are interactive stuffed toys, such the time when we’re just in “relax and hang
an empty cardboard container taped closed; as the “Hide-A-Toys” and “Egg Babies,” out” mode. Sometimes it’s good to just be
your dog must shred container to get treats where smaller stuffed toys are hidden in- with your dogs.
(don’t let him eat the cardboard!). side larger ones for your dog to pull out,
Note: Dog Play
Parts of this article are adapted from my
Sources for Interactive Toys new book, Dog Play: How and Why to
Play With Your Dog, due for release from
There are lots of sources for good interactive toys. You can find them in your Dogwise Publishing in June. The book is
local pet supply store and on the Internet by googling “dog toy,” “interactive dog packed with information about dog play,
toy,” or “dog tug toy.” Here are just a few of our Internet favorites: including more games and activities you
and your dog can have fun with and tons of
HelpingUdders.com: Great, sturdy tug toys, made of cow milking machine tips on how to play with your dog. There’s
parts (rubber). also a chapter on the “play-deprived” dog
– so if you have a dog who’s forgotten
SitStay.com: Wide variety of tug toys including bumpers, Wubbas, fleece tugs; how to have fun, you can re-introduce her
puzzle toys, including I-Cube, Intellibone, Bag-O-Balls, Hide-a-Squirrel, to the joy of play.
Hide-a-Bird, Hide-a-Bee, and Egg Babies. You’ll be able to order the book at
dogwise.com starting in June, or get signed
CleanRun.com: Huge selection of tug toys (and others), including the copies from me at peaceablepaws.com.
exciting Chase-N-Pull, fleece tugs, Egg Babies, and Pentapull.
Pat Miller, CPDT, is WDJ’s Training Edi-
AlphaDogToys.com: Pull-Apart Toys (Mailman, Vet, Clown, tor. Miller lives in Hagerstown, Maryland,
Convict); six-foot-long tennis ball tug toy; and I-Cage. site of her Peaceable Paws training center.
Pat is also author of The Power of Positive
PawLickers.com: Nina Ottoson’s interactive toys Dog Training; Positive Perspectives: Love
(wooden puzzle games); Funagle and Do You Your Dog, Train Your Dog; and Positive
Mind (training games); tug toys and Wubbas. Perspectives II: Know Your Dog, Train
Your Dog. See “Resources,” page 24.
Trai n i ng
Don’t Worry, Be Happy

Keep your training style loose and positive for best results.
By nancy kerns
T
raining the family dog can be dif- whales, walruses, porpoises, sea lions, po-
ficult and trying at times, but it’s lar bears, and otters. Years later, Sdao and
important to stay positive, have fun, another zookeeper left their jobs to create
and keep practicing, says Tacoma, Tacoma’s first dog daycare facility, Puget
Washington-based trainer Kathy Hound Daycare. This is where Sdao began
Sdao, an associate Certified Applied Ani- teaching group classes for pet owners.
mal Behaviorist (CAAB) who has worked Since leaving Puget Hound in 1999,
as a full-time animal trainer for the past Sdao has been lecturing throughout the
23 years. U.S. and Europe on operant condition-
As a graduate student at the University ing, sharing her passion for the science of
of Hawaii in the 1980s, Sdao (pronounced training and the awesome power of clicker
suh- DAY -oh) was part of a team that training. Sdao lives in Tacoma with two
trained dolphins to solve complex cogni- rescue dogs.
tive puzzles. After receiving a master’s I first met Sdao a decade ago at one
degree in experimental psychology, she of the Association of Pet Dog Trainer’s
worked for the U.S. Navy to train dolphins annual conferences, where she was pre-
for defense-related open-ocean tasks. Next, senting a talk about the use of positive
Sdao worked as a marine mammal trainer training and enrichment for rehabilitat-
at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in ing aggressive animals. She talked about
Tacoma, Washington. There she expanded dogs, but also gave a detailed case history
her training skills by working with beluga of her work with an aggressive juvenile
walrus named “E.T.” at the Point Defiance
Zoo and Aquarium. Her video footage of Is it possible to positively train dogs in
What you can do . . . E.T.’s transformation from a ton of very “real world,” distracting environments?
Kathy Sdao, who has trained dolphins
■ Keep your training positive! If reactive, dangerous muscle and teeth to a for the U.S. Navy in the open ocean, says
you feel yourself starting to get well-behaved, affectionate walrus was as- it really can be done, and “positive” is
frustrated or angry with your tounding. Positive techniques, Sdao says, the best way to do it! Photo by Jon Smith,
dog, stop the training session (as are incredibly powerful. jonsmithphotos.com.
cheerfully as you can). Think over I asked Sdao if she could contribute to
what you could do differently in our special section this month on training do from time to time – can affect training,
the next session. fun and games. Here is our conversation even if they are fairly mild.
about making training more enjoyable for These aversive things can also decrease
■ Build a set of “secondary dogs and people. the value of your reinforcers, which has
reinforcers” – things that your more serious consequences to your training
dog enjoys – to use as alternate
What can people do to make training program. You can inadvertently turn your
more fun for their dogs? reinforcers into punishers if you’re not
rewards to food.
For one, they can stay positive, and careful. We generally think of food, toys,
avoid doing anything that is punishing and praise as being immutably reinforcing
■ Train your dog like no one is for the dog – that is, painful or even just for dogs – but you can actually wreck that
watching you. Have fun! Keep
annoying enough to cause behavior sup- by associating those things with punish-
your body language loose pression and anxiety. Even a small amount ment. Once you have a dog who no longer
and inviting, of aversive things mixed into an otherwise trusts food or praise, you’ll find that your
your voice very positive training program can poison training really slows down . . . and it’s
cheerful, and a dog’s willingness and interest in training. easy to blame the dog for this, instead of
your attention Training can be negatively affected by the fact that your “reinforcers” are not so
focused on even very infrequent leash pops or verbal reinforcing any more.
your dog. reprimands. A simple unhappy sigh or How can this happen? A good example
scowl – which even positive trainers will is when food is followed quickly by some-
thing the dog finds scary: e.g., peanut most worthwhile for them, and if you are are looser, their shoulders are down, they
butter is used to lure a dog into getting his not more fun than chasing a squirrel or breathe evenly, the leash is loose . . . but
nails trimmed; liver treats are thrown into a investigating something smelly, you just as soon as they realize that another human
crate to lure a dog in (where he will spend might lose that canine “employee.” is watching– whether it’s an instructor, co-
the next eight hours); cookies are used to trainer, family member, friend – they really
coax the dog onto a teeter in agility. These What are some things people can do to tense up, which makes it difficult to stay
experiences of “reinforcer (food) followed make themselves more enjoyable for “in the moment” with the dog and observe
almost immediately by a punisher” will their dogs? and respond to him.
cause the food to be suspect. It’s as if the One thing that marine mammal trainers Worrying about who is watching us is a
food starts to have strings attached. (Then do a lot, to great effect, is to intentionally natural primate thing, but it’s counterpro-
students will tell me they have a dog who build up the list of things that can serve as ductive in dog training. Allow yourself to
isn’t motivated by food . . . Sigh.) secondary reinforcers. Food is a primary relax and remember that it’s really about
reinforcer; animals don’t have to be taught teaching the dog, not performing for
How can a person tell when they are to like food. But if you have only food as whomever is watching you. I reinforce
presenting something that is aversive a reinforcer – if food is the only thing that students in my classes for laughing when
for the dog? motivates an animal – you have nothing they are having fun. Most of my students
Aversives are easy to identify in the to work with if the animal is not hungry have to be encouraged to be more animated
behavior laboratory: the rat runs out of or is sick. and relaxed.
the Skinner box (its real name is “operant Marine mammal trainers intentionally That said, you don’t have to dance
conditioning chamber”) when shocked by develop a number of other things that the around and cheer to be a good trainer.
an electrified floor grid; the chimp looks animals enjoy: certain toys, certain types There are very good trainers who are quite
for ways to leave the cage if threatened. of touching or scratching, having a stream still and quiet. And there are some trainers
In training, when our dogs are who are very animated and would seem to
on leash with us and they can’t be very exciting for their dogs, but who
physically leave, they often have such bad timing or are so distracting
mentally check out. to their dogs that they actually make it
I see lots of dogs who look harder for the dog to learn. It’s a fine line.
confused, or show low-level The most important thing is to really watch
signs of stress, by turning away your dog and reinforce as quickly and ap-
from their handlers, licking propriately as you can.
their lips, sniffing the ground.
Detaching from their trainers What are some other things people can
tells us that the training is re- do to keep their training sessions enjoy-
ally not that much fun for them able for the dog?
– or it might even be quite icky I try to teach people to keep their
for them. It doesn’t indicate expectations reasonable. You shouldn’t
that they are stupid or that they expect to be able to get your dog to make
are just not “paying attention.” Engagement with you should be highly reinforced. giant changes in his behavior in any one
Frustrated handlers will often Dogs who are inattentive may be stressed – or training session.
say “My dog is not paying at- simply find you to be not very reinforcing. It’s sort of like going to the gym and do-
tention!” The dog may not be Photo by Jon Smith, jonsmithphotos.com. ing a set of curls. How much do you expect
paying attention because he your biceps to change in each session? Do
would prefer to be somewhere else. of water sprayed on their tongues. These you really expect them to look different
Sometimes, though, this is less about things may not start out as inherently en- when you come out from when you went
the handler being aversive and more joyable or reinforcing in and of themselves, in? Not much. But you do understand that
about the rest of the dog’s environment but if you consistently, in a careful way, after lots of short sessions of doing curls at
being so much more appealing than the associate them with other reinforcers, you the gym you’ll have nice biceps.
handler. When people say, “My dog is so can transform them into reinforcers. Then Understand, too, that your dog may
easily distracted,” it’s really not about a you have even more things to use to moti- improve only negligibly in any given train-
distractible dog; it’s actually a symptom vate your dog to learn and to behave how ing session. I’ll test my students on this by
of something bigger. It’s about the handler you want him to. asking, “What’s your goal for this training
not being very reinforcing. session?” If they answer some big chunk
Norwegian clicker trainers Morten What about a handler’s body language, of behavior change – “I’d like to teach him
Egtvedt and Cecile Koeste, owners of posture and facial expressions? I see to come and sit straight in front of me!” I
Canis Clickertraining Academy and very many people who frown or get stern tell them that their expectations may be
successful obedience competitors, recently when they work with their dogs . . . too high; it may not be real fun. Let’s do
put it this way: If you are not paying well I heard someone else say this, and something more reasonable, or it’s going
enough, your dog just might take a job with I like to repeat it: “Train like no one is to be a real grind for the dog.
another firm that is offering a better rate watching you.” I find that when people are I use the gym analogy to illustrate the
of pay. Dogs are going to do whatever is alone, they are much more relaxed, they importance of short sessions, too. You
wouldn’t do curls continuously until your us – are things that they would be fairly
biceps grew visibly! No, you do a set un- unlikely to do on their own, if there were Whole Dog Journal
til your muscles are just beginning to be no leashes and no fences. reader service:
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product r evi ew
A Puzzling Activity
These interactive toys are a blast, and a mental workout for your dog.
By pat miller
O
nly rarely does a totally new genre
of dog toy appear on the market,
and it almost never happens that
a new genre of toys is introduced
with more than just one or two
representative products.
This rare event was recently engineered
by Sweden’s Nina Ottosson, with the in-
troduction of her Zoo Active Games, a line
of 10 novel interactive dog toys (and a few
cat toys!). As a huge fan of interactive toys
for dogs, I was eager to get my paws on as
many of the toys as I could, and see if they
were as fun for dogs as they looked!
The Zoo Active toys are available in
the United States from only a select few
distributors, including Paw Lickers Bak-
ery and Boutique, owned and operated
by Marianne Gage and her son David in
Greenfield Center, New York. Fortunately
for me, when WDJ editor Nancy Kerns
What you can do . . .

The human participants in our Paw Lickers Puzzle test and party had a blast
■ Order one or more of the Zoo watching (and helping) the dogs solve the puzzles and comparing how the
Active toys from Paw Lickers different dogs approached each task. The dogs wanted more chances to play!
Bakery and Boutique: (888) 868-
7297 or pawlickers.com. contacted David to inquire whether we taking notes on the dogs’ interactions with
could test the toys, he generously offered the toys. We allowed each team 10 minutes
■ Try different treats in the to send me seven of the products to try per puzzle, then passed each toy to the
puzzles. Use treats that your dog out. I’ve been introducing the toys to my next dog in line. If a dog emptied the toy
especially covets in the toys that own dogs for a few months, so I knew quickly, it was reloaded so the dog could
are more difficult for him.
they had great “fun potential,” and looked continue to play.
forward to an opportunity to try them out
■ If your dog gets “stuck” and can’t
on a bunch of other dogs, too. Pieces of the puzzle
So it was with great anticipation that With one exception, the Zoo Active
seem to progress with a toy, help
I planned a Paw Lickers Puzzle Party, puzzles are made of wood and particle
him out a time or two!
inviting friends to bring their dogs to board and didn’t look like they’d stand up
test and review the intriguing interactive to heavy abuse. It is clear they are intended
■ Never leave these or any other puzzle toys. to be interactive – not to be left for dogs
toys that can be chewed with The night of the party finally arrived. to play with them unattended. I was curi-
your unattended We had seven toys to test, and seven ca- ous to see how they’d hold up to normal,
dog. Vigilant nine players came, so we set the dogs up supervised abuse.
supervision is around the room. We also set up dividers By the end of our puzzle party, there
required at all between them to reduce distractions and was unanimous agreement that a good time
times for your the potential for resource-guarding. Each was had by all. Five of the seven puzzles
dog’s safety. of the dogs was accompanied by an owner/ won several canine and human fans; one
handler, and we had four trainer/observers (the “Dog Trigger”) had some logistical
problems but was workable, and only one
dog tornado dog smart
(the “Dog Box”) was judged by all present
to be a “dud.”
I had invited friends with a variety of The Dog Tornado The Dog Smart ($42) is a disc with eight
breeds, of different ages and sizes, to give ($46) consists round slots around the perimeter and one
the toys a thorough test. All the owner/han- of four layered in the center, looking somewhat like the
dlers and observers were Peaceable Paws discs, three face of a clock. A hollow round peg sets in
Academy graduates and/or trainers that I of which have each slot, with a treat hidden underneath.
knew well. They were instructed to help round slots for The dog must pick up the pegs with his
their dogs as much as they felt the dogs treat placement mouth or dislodge them with nose or paws
needed to be successful with the toys. The (the fourth is the to gain access to the treats.
partygoers were: “lid”). The human places treats in all the This one was also a favorite of most of
slots, rotates the layers to hide the treats
■ Gretel, a young adult spayed female and lets the dog begin; you can show the
German Shepherd-mix, and her owner/ dog a treat in the slot to get him started if
handler James Latonick of Martinsburg, necessary. The dog moves the layers with
West Virginia. his or her paws and nose to reveal – and
eat – the treats.
■ Merlin, a senior neutered male Jack All the dogs figured this one out and
Russell Terrier, and his owner/handler emptied the Dog Tornado of treats within
Karin Fellers of Harpers Ferry, West Vir- five to six minutes. Jamie required a little
ginia. help at first; this was her first toy, so she
wasn’t sure what was going on, plus, in
■ Molly, a senior spayed female Cocker general, she seemed to offer less behavior
Spaniel, and her owner/handler Katie Ervin with the toys (thus needing more help) than Merlin used his paws on the Dog Smart,
of Hagerstown, Maryland. the other dogs. but most dogs had more success
The other dogs varied in technique. removing the pegs with their mouths.
■ Willow, an adult spayed female Truman used lots of enthusiastic foot ac-
Collie/Shepherd-mix, and her owner/ tion. Allie loved it, and moved it across the the dogs and humans. It was a little harder
handler Penelope Brown of than the Tornado, and some of the dogs
Washington, D.C. eventually lost interest. After five minutes
of effort yielded only two treats, Allie
■ Truman, an adolescent began offering other behaviors to Susan
neutered male Golden in hopes of earning rewards. In contrast,
Retriever, and his owner/ Gretel found all nine treats in two minutes,
handler Beth Adamec of and when James placed the pegs back
Windsor Mill, Maryland. without treats, Gretel continued to remove
them. Willow also enjoyed the toy even
■ Allie, a senior spayed after the treats were gone; she continued
female Golden Retriever, to play with the pegs, and even replaced
and her owner/handler Susan some of them in the slots herself!
McCullough of Vienna, James Latonick’s comment: “Gretel’s
Virginia. favorite toy of the evening was the Dog
Smart. She loved taking the pegs in her
■ Jamie, a senior spayed mouth, and caught on to this game fast.”
female Border Collie-mix, and
her owner/handler Roz Ferber
of Alexandria, Virginia. dog pyramid
Willow used as much of her anatomy as was

Our observers were: Shirley needed to empty treats from the Dog Tornado. She The Dog Pyramid ($22) is the only one
Greenlief of Martinsburg, also figured out the “pattern” to the puzzle. of the seven toys we tested that
West Virginia; Jeanne Klink wasn’t made of wood, but
of Meyersdale, Pennsylvania; Hedda room with her energetic efforts. Merlin bit rather of sturdy, bright
Garland of Washington, D.C.; and Tim it and flipped it upside down. red plastic. Shaped like a
Sandusky of Silver Spring, Maryland. An owner comment from Penelope beehive with a weighted
Brown: “The Dog Tornado was fantastic. bottom and one hole on
Our results Willow used everything – paws, nose, and the side near the top,
Here are the toys themselves, and the re- chin. She even figured out that when one the toy is intended to be
sults of our testing party, in order of highest hole on a layer was open, the opposite one loaded with treats and
(four paws) rated to lowest (zero paws): was also.” pushed around by the dog
to make the treats fall out. It’s similar to
dog brick dog trigger
other treat-stuffed toys such as the Buster
Cube and Molecuball, but the weighted
bottom makes it unique; every time the dog The Dog Brick ($47) is a flat rectangle with The Dog Trigger ($46) is a flat, arrow-
pushes it over, it rights itself again. four oblong cutouts, each of which has two shaped puzzle with semi-circles cut from
This one was very popular with our round slots into each side and the bottom. There are
party crowd as well. It was Allie’s favorite, which treats are nine holes for treats, with a round peg
and Truman had so much fun with it he placed (one on in each hole that protrudes from the
batted it across the room. Gretel, on the each end) and front of the Trigger. The dog must
other hand, only got one treat out in three two square push each peg with his nose or paw
minutes and lost interest due to the low sliding pieces to make the treats fall out of the
payoff, and Jamie got bored with the toy that cover the back of the trigger, and collect them
after getting a few treats out and deciding treats. The dog from the floor through the
they were too low-value to be worth her must move the squares to find the treats. bottom semi-circle. The
attention. (As a treat dispensing toy, the This toy works best with paw or nose ac- side cut-outs are for
Pyramid was loaded with dry kibble, as tion; dogs whose behavior choice is biting the human to hold
moist treats would stick to the inside.) Wil- were at a disadvantage. the trigger between
low, creative as always, not only pushed her legs.
it around vigorously, but also picked it This toy has
up in her mouth and shook it to make the some design flaws.
goodies fall out. While the concept
Susan McCullough’s comment: “Allie is interesting – and
stayed with the Dog Pyramid for the full significantly differ-
ten minutes. The rolling motion of the toy ent from most of the
seemed to fascinate her as much as the other puzzles – the execution is somewhat
treats she was able to ferret out. This toy lacking. None of the dogs really figured
definitely seemed to be her favorite.” this one out in the allotted 10 minutes;
most of them failed to make the connection
between pushing in the peg and finding the
dog spinny Again, Merlin did well with this toy by treat on the floor. Owners found it awkward
using his paws. Dogs who mostly use to hold the Trigger between their legs, and
The Dog Spinny ($37) is a simpler version their mouths grew quickly frustrated. dogs kept trying to go behind the toy and
of the Tornado – a flat disc with only one just eat the treats from the holes instead of
layer for treat placement (plus the lid). The Brick had fewer devotees. It was pushing them out with the pegs.
The dog must spin the lid to the favorite puzzle of only one dog: The Trigger has some potential, but
find the eight treats un- Merlin, probably because the be- would require more training for the dogs
derneath. All the dogs havior options were more limited. to understand the concept of “push the peg,
emptied the Spinny Merlin was the most adept at find the treat on the floor.”
easily – but none of manipulating the squares; he Roz Ferber’s comment: “The Trigger
the humans enjoyed retrieved all eight treats withinwas somewhat awkward; it must be held,
it much. The Tor- four minutes. and Jamie didn’t notice the fallen treats.”
nado was just as Gretel also did well,
much fun but more finding all the treats in
of a challenge for the six minutes with a little
dogs with its additional help from James. Molly lost
two layers. interest and walked away after
Jamie found three of the treats within four minutes, but Katie encouraged
10 seconds, and didn’t want to stop even her to come back and try again, and
when the Spinny was empty. Truman got she eventually found seven of the
very excited and worked extremely hard treats. Willow got five treats in three
to get the treats – scratching, pushing, dig- minutes – and became much more
ging, and spinning the lid at a high rate of motivated to look for the remaining
speed. Almost all the dogs emptied the toy ones when Penelope switched to a
within five minutes, and got a reload. higher-value treat.
Penelope Brown’s comment: “The Karin Fellers’ comment: “Merlin
Spinny was fun for Willow. She figured is a food hound and is relentless with
it all out; she spun the disc with her chin the trash can at home, so this was re-
and paw, even experimented with picking ally fun for him. He especially liked Willow fixates on her handler, looking for a
it up and dropping it (on my broken finger the Brick, where he could paw the clue about this hard-to-understand puzzle.
– ouch!).” sliding square to get the treats out.” She doesn’t even notice a treat has dropped.
where he was waiting for the next toy with
dog box
anticipation. I think he liked them all.” More Zoo Active
The Dog Box ($44) • James Latonick: “This was a fun exer- Toys Available
is a cube with a re- cise for us; we got to play with some cool
movable top, no toys! I think the particle board construction The following puzzles were not
bottom, and a isn’t ideal for all the toys where exposure available when we obtained the
square insert to moisture (dog spit) is certain to have a seven toys we reviewed, but are
that slides in destructive effect over time.” now also featured on the Paw Lick-
and rests at ers website (and available through
an angle, with Puzzling conclusions phone orders at 888-868-7297).
two narrow The Nina Ottosson puzzles are truly a new
strips of foam generation of interactive dog toy – unlike Dog Fighter ($48) – A clover-
attached to the any I have seen before, and well-designed shaped flat puzzle with seven
surface. One wall of the cube has a five- for today’s new generation of positively grooves; dog must slide the peg
sided opening cut from the bottom. trained “thinking dog.” Most of the toys along the groove
There are three options for the top piece provided challenging and fun entertain- and then
– one with a large hole, one with a smaller ment for our test dogs and their owners, lift it to
hole, and one with an oblong-shaped hole some of whom left after the party with full reveal
just slightly larger then the accompanying intention of acquiring one or two of their treats
round peg. To get a treat, the dog is sup- favorites for their dogs to play with. u n d e r-
posed to push the peg, and eventually pick We did not explore any of the varia- neath.
it up and drop it through the top opening. tions described in the instructions that
Treats balanced on the foam strip them fall are intended to make the toys even more
out the bottom cut-out for the dog to eat. challenging, such as placing the round pegs
Neither the dogs nor their handlers in various slots, thus requiring the dog to Dog Twister ($48) – A circular flat
liked this toy. It fell apart easily, and didn’t remove the peg before sliding other parts puzzle with seven segments that
set the dogs up for success. Our testers and exposing the treats. This would add cover treats hidden in round slots;
tried to poke their noses through the top another dimension of interest when the dog dog must
opening or the bottom cut-out for direct became so adept at the original puzzle that slide the
access to the treats; none of them were the challenge faded. segments
able to figure out the concept of pushing The toys are costly, to be sure, partly around
the peg into the hole to make treats fall as a result of shipping from the European the circle
out the bottom. Merlin had the most fun source. The particle board construction to expose
with it, as he enjoyed knocking the box is somewhat of a concern, although after the treats.
around and sticking his head through the 90 minutes of concentrated dog-attention,
openings, but he didn’t have any more of none showed significant wear. Some of
a clue than any of the other dogs as to the the pegs bore minor tooth marks from en- Dog Turbo ($48) – A circular flat
intended goal for the toy. thusiastic players, but nothing that would puzzle with curved grooves; dog
Susan McCullough’s comment: “The interfere with their function for the next must slide pegs
Dog Box was a dud. Allie only wanted round of play. along the
to stick her head in the hole to get the It’s important to remember that, with grooves
treat. When she couldn’t do that, she lost the exception of the Pyramid, the puzzles to
interest.” are only intended for use with the owner push
present and supervision; they are not treats
General comments “leave with your dog to play with while out the
• Beth Adamec: “I noticed that as we you’re away at work” toys. We also suggest end. This
went from toy to toy Truman became in- making sure they are thoroughly air-dried one looks
creasingly excited to try the next thing.” after each use to minimize deterioration of challenging
the particle board from moisture. – and fun!)
• Katie Ervin: “Molly and I had a lot of That said, we enjoyed the toys im-
fun playing with the toys at the party. She mensely, and look forward to more hours
especially liked the Dog Smart and the of fun playing with them with our own Pat Miller, CPDT, is WDJ’s Training Edi-
Tornado.” dogs, perhaps to scheduling future Paw- tor. Miller lives in Hagerstown, Maryland,
licker Puzzle Parties. We’d like to pass site of her Peaceable Paws training center.
• Roz Ferber: “Overall I like the toys, and along a last comment from Gretel’s hu- Pat is also author of The Power of Positive
think they will provide great stimulation man, James Latonick, and direct it to Nina Dog Training; Positive Perspectives: Love
for smart, bored dogs.” Ottosson and the people at Paw Lickers Your Dog, Train Your Dog; and Positive
Boutique and Bakery, “Thank you for a Perspectives II: Know Your Dog, Train
• Karin Fellers: “Merlin got to the point great time!” Your Dog. See “Resources,” page 24.
letters
Evade These Dangers

Feedback regarding vinyl and vestibular disease.
H
aving recently read “Why Vinyl The Agency for Toxic Substances and Of course, I immediately took her to the
Stinks” (WDJ April 2008), I won- Disease Registry (atsdr.cdc.gov) states emergency vet who at first glance said “She
der whether polyethylene rubber “The US Department of Health and Hu- has old dog disease” – vestibular disease!
toys (i.e., Jolly Balls) are safe man Services has determined that vinyl She has had one more, but fortunately
products for dogs. The manufac- chloride is a known carcinogen. Studies in milder, attack since the first attack a month
turers say they are completely safe, but I workers who have breathed vinyl chloride ago. My vet prescribed antibiotics for in-
would expect that to be over many years showed ner ear infection the second time, which
their position regard- an increased risk of liver seemed to help tremendously. She is also
less. I hope you can cancer, brain cancer, and on an herb prescribed by my holistic vet.
clarify this for me. My lung cancer. Some cancers Thanks for the excellent article, which
puppy Rufous thanks of the blood have also been helped clear up all my confusion about
you in advance. observed in workers.” There this mysterious, very frightening disease.
Jeanette Robertson have been well-documented I shall not panic should my little gal have
Via e-mail cases of bone reabsorption another attack.
in workers who continu- Betty Whiteaker
Author Susan Wein- ally touch this chemical and Fredericksburg, VA
stein responds: cases of chemically induced
I
Environmentally concerned scientists scleroderma. am a licensed physical therapist who is
believe that both polyethylene (recycling I highly recommend two documenta- also certified in canine rehabilitation.
codes HDPE #2 or LDPE #4) and polypro- ries that cover this topic and associated It was with interest that I read
pylene (PP #5) are among the least toxic problems. “Blue Vinyl” covers the PVC the article in this most recent issue
plastics available at this time. (Both are industry in this county and Italy, and the on vestibular disease. I know that
plastics, not rubber.) They offer tough- PBS Bill Moyer’s documentary “Trade in the veterinary training there is the
ness, durability, and flexibility, and don’t Secrets” focuses on a chemical industry belief that peripheral vestibular disease is
need additives the way vinyl does to attain cover up of the hazards of PVC. idiopathic. In human medicine there is an
these qualities. My Bouviers, who are great Your article also mentions “outgassing” identical condition that is termed benign
chewers with powerful jaws, love to play (or offgassing) of PVC. This can occur paroxysmal positional vertigo. The signs
with their Jolly Ball and I feel it’s one of with many types of products and different and symptoms are the same as what we see
their best and safest plastic toys. chemicals when those chemicals evaporate in the canine patient.
from the product. Indoor air quality has It is recognized that this condition
T
hank you for the excellent article become a major concern for both people is precipitated by the movement of the
“Why Vinyl Stinks,” which alerts and pets today. For anyone interested I crystals in the semicircular canals in the
consumers to the hazards of vinyl would recommend aerias.org as an excel- ears. There is a treatment protocol that is
toys and products for dogs. lent resource about indoor air quality and used very successfully in humans. Several
As a professor of interior the hazards of chemicals in our world. physical therapists and veterinarians that
design, I am very aware of the problems Nancy Chwiecko are certified in canine rehab are now using
associated with PVC and many of the Associate Professor, Interior Design a similar technique to alleviate the symp-
products that are made from this plastic. Rochester Institute of Technology toms in our canine patients. In addition to
PVC is a prevalent material in our world Rochester, NY the positioning techniques to address the
and it is used for a multitude of things that movement of the crystals, we also em-
T
we use every day, many of these things we he article on vestibular disease ploy specific manual therapy techniques
may have direct contact with. As the author (“Tales of the Lost Balance,” to address the residual head tilt. I wrote
points out, most PVC is fairly stable and WDJ May 2008) could not have an article about this topic, with several
may or may not present a hazard to the been more timely. My 14-year-old references, that was recently published in
user. Primary hazards for end-users are very healthy Miniature Schnauzer a Canadian physiotherapy journal.
the softening agents that are added to it or recently woke me at 1 am vomiting and Margaret Kraeling PT, CCRT
if it is burned. staggering. Both eyes were rapidly moving Physical Therapist, Certified in
A main concern that I have is for the back and forth! It was a horrible, frighten- Canine Rehabilitation Therapy
factory users who work with PVC directly. ing first-time experience for me. Alberta, Canada
Shouldn’t you have the answers before the questions arise?
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what’s ahead
When Tripe
Makes Sense
Many dog owners
swear by the benefits
of feeding raw cow
stomach to their
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and how to feed it to
your dog.

TM
The Right Gear

at the Right
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Resources Please note:
How to select the
most suitable collar,
Unauthorized copying or harness, or leash for
books
each dog.
WDJ Training Editor Pat Miller is author of three distribution of WDJ is not
books: The Power of Positive Dog Training; permitted
Positive Perspectives: Love Your Dog, Train Your
Dog, and Positive Perspectives: Know Your Dog, High-Tech Teeth
This publication is supported by What veterinary
Train Your Dog. All of these books are available
sales of subscriptions and back
from DogWise, (800) 776-2665 or dogwise.com dentists can do for
issues.
your dog’s smile
Holistic veterinarians
The fact that we are NOT supported
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American Holistic Veterinary Medical Associa-
by advertising sales gives us the important, his ability
tion (AHVMA), 2214 Old Emmorton Road, Bel Air,
MD 21015. (410) 569-0795. Send a self-addressed, editorial independence necessary to chew properly).
stamped envelope for a list of holistic veterinarians to present a
in your area, or search ahvma.org subjective and
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TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION Separation
If you would
Pat Miller, CPDT, Peaceable Paws Dog and Puppy
like to
Anxiety
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dog-friendly positive methods. Group and private share
material dog from wrecking
training, Rally, behavior modification, workshops,
intern and apprentice programs. (301) 582-9420; from your house (or
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because he can’t
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The Whole Dog Journal

A monthly guide to natural dog care and training

features Chilled out . . .

0 Bouncing Off the Walls?

2 Dogs Just Wanna Have Fun

5 Don’t Worry, Be Happy

also in this issue

The Whole Dog Journal

Spending Time Together Editor-IN-CHIEF – Nancy Kerns

Building bonds, day by day. editorial office

casionally sad – when Almost every (ISSN #1097-5322) is published

Are Bacterial Threats Really Something to Worry About?

1) Mail this order form,

 8/07 Home-Prepared Diets, Pt 5: Owners Share Raw Diet Recipes

 7/07 Home-Prepared Diets, Pt 4: Owners Share Cooked Diet Recipes

Bouncing Off the Walls?

■ Yang Tang Point – This point is best Yin Bai Hui

Dogs Just Wanna Have Fun

Don’t Worry, Be Happy

What you can do . . .

Willow used as much of her anatomy as was

Evade These Dangers

Positive solutions to your most stubborn training challenges.

You want the best for your dog!

Good Eats: Finding the Best Foods, Treats and Supplements

The Whole Dog Journal

The Right Gear

Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists

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