Now that the harsh winter has finally ended and we find ourselves spending more time outside (once it stops raining, of course), it is important to be aware of the hazards the season can bring to our furry companions and what we can do as responsible pet owners to help keep them safe and happy during the warm weather months.

First and foremost, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for a routine check-up being sure to bring a fresh fecal sample in with you to test for intestinal parasites. If you notice that your dog has been persistently licking, scratching and biting at himself, discuss this with your vet as your dog may be suffering from seasonal allergies.  Have your pooch tested for Heartworm and discuss preventatives for Heartworm, Fleas, and Ticks.  Dr Kruesi of Cold River Veterinary Center, a holistic practice in North Clarendon, VT recommends the following guidelines for Heartworm prevention in northern Vermont:

“1. Start a monthly heartworm preventive in the spring when the weather is warm enough to mow the lawn. Heartworm larvae are only transmitted to dogs through a mosquito bite. Administering a heartworm preventive in winter prior to the emergence of mosquitoes is a burden to the dog’s liver. These medications are not benign. Save them for the seasons when mosquitoes are actually present.

2. Continue a monthly heartworm preventive until late fall or when it gets too cold for mosquitoes to be active. With our rapidly changing weather systems it is appropriate to be in synch with local mosquito activity, rather than a calendar date. In addition, dogs living in the mountains may experience a short mosquito season compared to dogs living in low lying areas of the Champlain Valley.

3. There are always individual cases where dogs have a longer heartworm season than average: say a family pet that travels to Florida in the winter or a livestock guarding dog who is outdoors year round. Some small dogs with an entirely indoor lifestyle may have such a negligible risk of infection that no heartworm medication is indicated though good environmental management such as maintaining window screens is still important. Remember that bats consume large numbers of insect pests and we hope that the White Nose syndrome that is decimating the bat population will not lead to more mosquitoes.

4. As drug patents expire pharmaceutical companies come up with new formulations where 2 or more old drugs or pesticides are bundled into a single “new” veterinary product. I have a conservative view on this trend because there is a limit to the liver’s capacity to detoxify multiple synthetic drugs and pesticides at the same time. If we exceed a dog’s tolerance for pesticides or drugs there is more risk for liver and biliary tract pathology. If a dog needs a heartworm preventive, then limit the product to a single ingredient, rather than a combination product such as “Heartguard Plus” that combines a worming medication (pyrantel) with heartworm larvicide (ivermectin). Frankly not all dogs need a treatment for intestinal worms every month.

At Cold River Veterinary Center we have many clients who are cancer survivors, have friends or close relatives with cancer, or experienced the loss of a companion animal to cancer. Since the early 1980s when the ivermectin class of worming medications came into widespread use in livestock and small animals there has been a concurrent increase in fatty tumors (lipomas), cancers, and new diseases such as biliary mucocele. I do not have all the answers but do encourage clients to be careful administering persistent drugs and pesticides. For clients that do not want to use monthly heartworm medications we work out alternative plans using insect repellents and realistic risk assessment. For example, some clients may only need to use a heartworm preventive once, when camping with their dog. For my clients, an individual approach is the best medicine we can provide.”

Dr John Eustis of Orchard Veterinary Hospital in South Burlington, VT offers the following recommendation for choosing products for flea and tick prevention:

“It’s only April but Fleas and Ticks are already out.  Fleas, they’re a nuisance that get into your home, bite your pet and you, cause annoying allergies, but they don’t generally transmit diseases.  Ticks are MORE than a nuisance. They can transmit Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and other nasty diseases.  How do you get rid of them? It is much easier to prevent them than get rid of them using spot-on topicals, pills, collars, shampoos, sprays; the list goes on and on.  They all advertise that they are the best.   But are they safe for your pet?  Are they safe for you? Are they safe for your kids?

These are the questions that should and do go through your head when confronted by the myriad of flea and tick products that are now available.  It seems like every few months some new type of flea and tick product comes out.  Even veterinarians have trouble deciding which is best and we are constantly being bombarded with information about all the new offerings.  Basically, you can boil it all down to three questions about the product: Is it effective?  Is it safe? Is it easy to use?  Answer “yes” to all these questions and you’ve found your product.

Collars, shampoos and sprays:  Do they work?  Yes, for a short time.  Are they easy to use?  No.  Are they safe?  NO!  These products are commonly made with something called organophosphates (OP’s) such as chlorpyrifos, dichlorvos, phosmet, naled, tetrachlorvinphos, diazinon and malathion.  In overdoses, OPs can kill people and pets. Even with normal use of flea-control products containing OPs, pets and children may be in danger.

Pills:  Do they work?  Yes, but only against fleas and only against fleas after they have bitten your pet.  Are they safe? Yes.  Are they easy to use?   Yes, but some of them have to be given daily which might make them not so easy to use.

Spot-on topicals:  Do they work?  Yes, if you buy a good quality product and follow the directions.  Remember, for any animal that goes outside a product must work on both fleas and ticks so be sure it does before you buy it.  Are they easy to use?  Yes.  Are they safe?  Yes, if you buy a good quality product.  Unfortunately there are products in the supermarket, pet shop and on the internet that are advertised as being “just like the products your veterinarian sells”.  Most are NOT!!  Many of these products are made with OP’s and can be very, very toxic to both your pets and you.  I strongly urge you NOT to use these products.  This is one of those instances where you absolutely get what you pay for.

If you have any questions about which product is right for you, please consult your veterinarian prior to purchasing any type.  You, your family and your pet will be safer.”

Spring is shedding season for most dogs.  Now is the time to start grooming your dog more often. Regular brushing can help prevent matted fur and helps to remove dirt and debris that can get stuck in your dog’s coat.  Schedule a trip to Shelly our professional groomer at The Crate Escape, Too or start your own routine to keep your dog looking and smelling great.  Give them a bath, clean their ears, trim their nails to prevent overgrown and torn nails, and clean their teeth. Our staff at both locations would also be happy to help you out with any grooming needs so give us a call today. Wipe your pet’s feet off when bringing them in from outside to remove dirt, pollen, and chemicals that can be ingested by them.

With the onset of spring comes the dreaded spring cleaning.  Be mindful that the use of these chemicals and cleaners can be harmful to your dog.  Be sure to keep them out of recently cleaned rooms until these cleaners have dried and always remember to store them out of your pet’s reach.

While doing spring cleaning for your home why not consider sprucing up your dog’s gear as well.  This can include things like: washing all your dog’s bedding, toys, and bowls, sorting through your dog’s toys discarding or repairing those in need, checking collars and leashes, and securing fencing in your yard.  Remember to check for tears in your screen doors and windows and repair them to prevent pets from escaping. Now is also a good time to go through your dog’s supply of treats and check for expiration dates.

Be sure that your dog is registered with your town and make sure that they are microchipped and always wear a flat buckle collar (no chokers) that has tags for identification in the event that they should wander off. 

Be aware that spring’s flowers and plants such as Easter lilies, rhododendron and azaleas can be hazardous to your dogs. Go to http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants to find out whether or not the plants in your garden and home are toxic to you pets. If you suspect that your dog may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, you can call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

Pay attention to where you let your dog run to avoid contact with lawn chemicals such as fertilizers and weed killers and pest poisons such as rat, mice, and ant killers. 

Everyone has heard the warning “Do not ever leave your dog in a parked car in warm weather” yet every year people do and pets die because of it.  Leave your dog at home or bring him to The Crate Escape or The Crate Escape, Too for a day of fun with his friends if you are going somewhere that pets are not welcome.  If you are heading to an outdoor concert or fair, please do not bring your dog.  These events can be extremely stressful to pets and you should avoid the temptation to bring your dog with you when you’ll be at outdoor events for long periods of time.

Even though many dogs love to stick their heads out the car window, please be aware that flying debris and insects can cause injuries to their eyes, inner ears, and that sudden stops and turns can also cause major injuries.  No matter how cute they look or happy they seem, do not allow them to do this.  Dogs in cars are safest when crated or secured by a specially designed seatbelt harness.  Never allow your dog to ride in the bed of a pick-up truck as this is extremely dangerous!!

Know the symptoms of heatstroke: heavy panting followed by huffing and puffing, staring, warm dry skin, rapid heartbeat, profuse salivation, vomiting or collapse.  These symptoms if left untreated will result in unconsciousness and death. In the event that you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, immediately move him to a cool place, give him water, and immerse him in cool (NOT COLD) water while gently pouring more cool water over him.  Get your dog to the Vet immediately after cooling him.  Dogs with short noses such as bulldogs, boxers, and pugs can’t pant as efficiently as other dogs and are therefore more susceptible to heatstroke.  Young puppies, senior dogs, and those with respiratory and cardiovascular problems are also extremely susceptible to heat related stress.  Take extra precautions with these animals and do not allow them to overexert themselves.  Provide all outdoors dogs with plenty of shade and constant access to fresh cool water.

• Consider getting a kiddie pool for your yard so that your dog can cool-off in the summer.  If you bring your dog along while boating and enjoying other water sports consider purchasing a life jacket for them.  Check out our retail sections at both our locations for items specifically geared toward caring for your pet during the summer months.
• Fair skinned dogs are likely to get sunburned when outside for any length of time on sunny days.  Ask your veterinarian about sunscreen products that are safe to apply on your dog.

Why not refresh your training skills with your dog as the weather warms up.  It’s never too late to brush up on proper leash walking, and commands such as “come” and “leave it” are imperative in keeping your dog safe outdoors.  The Crate Escape and The Crate Escape, Too offer some great training classes with Bill Grant of Ultimate Companions Dog Training.  Give us a call today to find out more.

Here’s to a great summer for you and lots of woofs and wags to your dogs!

At our South Burlington location we are lucky to have two dogs that share the same name who are very special to us.

Rosie Carpenter

Rosie Carpenter is a sweet and lovable Golden Retriever who first started coming to The Crate Escape, Too in June of 2007 at about 3 months of age.  Rosie’s family got her from Crangold Kennels in Charlotte and she was named after her mom Judy’s grandmother who was so pleased to be “honored” in this way.

She was one of the very first puppies at the South Burlington location and we were able to watch her grow into the wonderful dog that she is today.  We did sometimes have our work cut out for us as Rosie C. loved to grab and eat everything in sight including rocks, towels, and other unmentionables.  She and her buddy Kira were a pair that worked together as a team to take off and play tug of war and ultimately destroy other dog’s collars including her own.

 Rosie loves playing in the pools in the summer and gets so excited when the hose comes out that she has to be removed from the yard as we fill the pools otherwise they would have no water in them.  At daycare she is fond of sunbathing and is not afraid to be very vocal with other dogs who dare to interrupt her while enjoying this pastime.  She also adores laying right in front of the fan on hot summer days inside. She is a true Vermonter who loves her snow-yes, she thinks it is hers.  She also takes pleasure in her spa days and totally enjoys the attention she gets when being bathed, brushed and dried.  Unlike other stars, Rosie loves the paparazzi.  Whenever the camera comes out she finds her way toward it.  She mastered her holiday photos and was a joy to work with.

Rosie has since grown out of grabbing everything in sight but still insists on being the first dog who gets to meet all new people, all new dogs, and to be the first dog to go in or out. She is a master at sitting and waiting at the door to get into daycare and she has since taken new dogs under her wing to show them the ropes at daycare.  Olli C. another Golden can attest to this and whenever the two are together, they are inseparable.

It has been truly our pleasure to have Rosie as one of our regulars.

Rosie Breiner

Rosie joined the Breiner family in 2002 when she was two years old. Her mom Zoe and her sister were taking care of their elderly mother who had just lost her old sweet dog.  Knowing that their mother would not be happy without a dog but realizing that she would definitely not be able to deal with a puppy, Zoe decided to glance through the ads in the paper and saw a listing for a 2 year old spayed female Boston Terrier.  Zoe was astounded as for all her life she had listened to her mother talk about the Boston Terriers that lived next door to her when she was a child and how much she loved them.  Although they always had dogs growing up, they never had a purebred.  Zoe called the number listed and it turns out that the person who had Rosie was a breeder who had taken in Rosie because her owner had died.  She asked about her characteristics and told the breeder that she needed a dog that was in “move-in” condition as a companion for an older person and be ok with children as well.  The breeder said that she had not observed any bad habits and that the dog she had taken in was very playful and seemed to have an adaptable personality.

So Zoe and her sister decided to buy her for their mother and from day one, Rosie formerly Susie, understood her job and devoted herself to Zoe’s mom.  Since Zoe spent a lot of time helping out her mother, Rosie soon became her responsibility.  When her mother had to move to assisted living in 2005, Rosie went home with Zoe.  She again adapted easily into her new life and has been a wonderful pet ever since.  Rosie loves to fetch a ball, go for walks, tear apart stuffed toys, and follows Zoe wherever she goes.

Rosie B. started coming to The Crate Escape, Too in October of 2009 and we all fell in love with her.  When she’s here at daycare, she is the ultimate Queen B.  She is not afraid of anything or anyone. While she is often half asleep in the morning when she arrives, she is full of smiles and is happy to take a nap behind the counter before getting her energy up for the day.   She’s a feisty gal who loves to play with her friends especially the boys: Moby, Ike, and Ruger and she takes great pride in her ability to “yell” at the big dogs.  Like Rosie C. she loves a good soak in the pool and a little sunbathing afterwards.  Rosie B. absolutely loves playing ball with the staff and after retrieving it, she will throw it at the staff and yell at them until they acquiesce and throw it again.

Sadly, in 2010, Rosie had a mast cell tumor develop on her left ear. Blood work, x-rays and ultrasound showed that it had not spread. Part of her ear was surgically removed and they had clean margins around it.  After the surgery Rosie was back to her normal self enjoying all that life had to offer.

Recently Rosie hurt herself and started limping. Zoe went to get it checked and during the exam, they discovered a mass in a lymph node. Cells were aspirated and confirmed to be cancerous. She has completed a run of prednisone and is doing fine. Surgery is not an option because of the amount of tissue that would have to be removed. Zoe has decided not to pursue chemo or radiation because the side effects

are unbearable and the treatment is not all that effective. They will enjoy their time together as best that they can.  Our hearts go out to Zoe and Rosie. We know that Rosie is a tough little girl and that she will give this the fight of her life.  We love you Rosie B.!

I was experiencing some difficulties with Zane, my 2 year old Doberman that I adopted in September from Doberman Rescue.  He has been great in the house since day one, very well behaved, calm and willing to please, however, whenever we brought him outside to play in our fenced yard, he got quickly over-aroused and after running around would come back and run full speed ahead at us and inevitably jump up and try to grab us, often succeeding and quite frankly scaring the heck out of us.  He did this with me, my boyfriend, as well as occasionally with the staff at both The Crate Escape and The Crate Escape, Too.  While we could put a coat on him at home for walks and play in the yard, at daycare he always managed to get it off, moments after getting there and tried to engage in tug with it with other dogs and would jump up and grab staff when they attempted to retrieve it from him.  We gave up bringing him with a coat to daycare to avoid future incidents with staff until we could determine why he was doing this and how to stop this behavior.

Zane and I had been going to training classes with Bill Grant, our trainer, and he was excelling at everything in the class setting.  I met with Bill one Saturday morning after class, we discussed what was going on with him and Bill suggested a few things to work on with Zane before we went outside in the yard for Bill to experience first hand what he was doing. Bill said that Zane was a very confident dog and suspected that his antics resulted from a lack of respect on his part. The three biggest things he wanted me to implement right away with Zane were starting him on the Nothing in Life is for Free Training method for 1 week, teaching him how to “trade”, and playing tug of war with Zane frequently with the end result being that he always wins. Sure enough once we got outside, in no time at all, Zane demonstrated his wild behavior directed at me and also with Bill. Bill showed me how to use food and stop him about 10 feet away on his way back before he could use me as a tug toy.  This worked great and nothing has been more amazing and surprisingly fun as the Nothing in Life is Free method.  I can now go outside with Zane anytime, and play Frisbee with him and know that we will both have a great time.

Here’s how it works:  All the food Zane got fed each day was no longer put in a bowl and given to him.  Every kibble was given to him by hand and he was expected to do something for it such as sit, down, stay, etc.  Well, Zane is a big boy and gets 5 cups of food per day, usually split up into a morning and an evening meal.  That’s a lot of kibble to be hand-feeding and in my mind was going to be very time consuming.  However, I was determined to do what it took to get him to respect me and started the program the next day.  I enjoyed the constant training sessions with him and had to use small treats when the kibble ran out since he was always seeking me out and offering behaviors for a hand-out.  I took advantage of his attention to show him new things.  We had so much fun with it that I continued the program for 2 weeks and we have achieved amazing results.  He now knows how to catch a ball and return it to me, catch a Frisbee and return it to me, roll over, bounce on command, give each paw, and high fives on each side and best of all DOES NOT even try to use me as a tug toy in the yard!

If any of you are experiencing any issues with your dog, I recommend that you enroll in a training class such as those offered by Bill Grant of Ultimate Companions Dog Training and give the NILIF method a try.  The Nothing in Life is Free method is incredible because it can work to resolve a large number of problems. It can show an over-confident and demanding dog that the top position is not an option and that life is more fun without having to be on top. It can work to help a shy dog feel more relaxed and comfortable in knowing that his or her owner is in charge of everything. It also works with dogs that fall anywhere in between the two extremes with no major behavioral problems who just need a little bit of fine tuning. All your dog needs to start is knowledge of a few basic training commands.

Loka Green has been coming to The Crate Escape in Richmond for daycare and boarding since she was 1 year of age.  She is now 12 years old and has a boarding room at The Crate named after her, Loka’s Loft.  Loka was one of the very first female dogs that attended daycare on a regular basis and was a welcome addition to our pack that consisted largely of male dogs.  Loka is a mixed breed –most likely having some German Shepherd and Husky in her DNA.

Her family got her at 5 months old from The Humane Society of Chittenden County here in Burlington.  Her previous owner got her from a shelter in Watertown, NY and only had her for 3 months before giving her up due to a family breakup.  Loka seems to have lived a rough first half year of her life then she was very lucky to have been found by the Greens.

Loka was discovered to be all puppy, playful and energetic, very inquisitive, and “like a small bull in a smaller china shop.”  Loka never bit but she barked and chewed and broke things.  I remember that she was famous at daycare for eating things that she wasn’t supposed to, such as guitar picks, etc. that we would see her deposit regularly in the daycare yard.  Her new family decided that she was full of mischief and changed her name from Kiara to Loka, a more feminine version of the Norse god of mischief, Loki.

Loka got along great with The Crate Escape daycare pack and had her favorite buddies in Ice, Boris, and Joseph.  There were some female dogs that Loka clearly did not like, but all in all, most other dogs enjoyed and still enjoy her company.  The staff always falls in love with her instantly as she is such a cool dog.Loka has slowed down a bit, but she still turns into that energetic puppy whenever her owners Doug and Donna take out her leash to take her to The Crate Escape.  When she comes in she still counter surfs the shelves in Cleo’s Cubby on her way out just to make sure she hasn’t missed anything important.  She loves to hang out with the active pack and still plays and loves to roll in the snow.  When she’s tired, she picks a nice spot in the yard or in the play rooms and snoozes or watches the activity of the younger dogs.  All the newbie’s instantly respect her.

After a rough start in life, Loka has come a long way living a stable, loving, and happy life with her family.  Her owners report that she sleeps a lot now at home, but when she dreams she makes happy doggie sounds, so they expect that somewhere in dreamland she is still a pup and the rabbits need to WATCH OUT!

Now that winter is upon us, I’d like to offer some cold weather tips to ensure the safety and comfort of your furry family members and reminders of some of the hazards to be aware of.

• Frostbite- A dog’s ears, tail, and feet are especially susceptible to frostbite.  Don’t leave your dog outside for long periods of time on bitter cold days.  When your dog comes in from being outside, take the time to towel him or her off and remove ice and snow from your dog’s coat and feet.
• Trim the fur around your long haired dog’s pads and toes to avoid the formation of ice balls.
• Salt used for melting snow and ice is often irritating to your dog’s pads and can be toxic if ingested.  Store these types of chemicals in closed containers out of the reach of your dog.  Always wash off your dog’s feet after walking on surfaces treated with salt.
• Antifreeze is poisonous to your dog even when a small amount is ingested.  Thoroughly clean up all spills and avoid walking your dog near suspicious puddles or soiled ground.
• Be careful when walking your dog near frozen streams, rivers, or lakes.  Hypothermia is a real concern if your dog should fall in the water.
• Exercise caution when walking your dog on snow and ice covered streets.  Be especially mindful of these conditions when walking with senior dogs who are more susceptible to injury from a sudden slip or fall.
• Be careful of the snowplow when walking your dog on the road side.  The snow from the plow can bury your dog and cause extreme injury or death.
• White dogs are hard to see in wintery conditions.  Put a bright colored bandana around your white or light colored dog’s collar so that he is visible to others.
• Woodstoves and fireplaces can cause serious burns to pets.  Be sure that barriers are put around them to avoid injuries.
• Never leave your dog alone in a vehicle for any length of time.   If the engine is off, he is susceptible to hypothermia and if the engine is running there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Always provide adequate shelter and water if your dog will be spending extended lengths of time outside.
• Consider purchasing cold weather gear for your dog such as a warm coat and booties.
• Holidays can be upsetting to your dog’s routine.  Try to maintain a normal schedule for feeding and exercising your dog to avoid undue stress.  Make sure that visitors respect your dog’s boundaries and never leave children unattended with your dogs.  Also be sure that visitors do not unwittingly let the dog out.
• Holiday visitors to your home bring with them a number of things that can be harmful to your dog.  Please be sure that your dog is unable to get into the belongings brought by visitors.
• Do not feed your dog large amounts of table scraps from the holidays as this can lead to acute pancreatitis and an immediate trip to your vet.  A single high fat meal can cause pancreatitis in a dog whose normal diet is moderate or low in fat.
• Holiday decorations, goodies, and plants all can cause harm to your pets.  Never leave your dog unattended when around these items.
• Please, please do not get a new dog during the holiday season!  Holidays do not allow the time needed to safely acclimate a new dog into a new environment.  Also remember that puppies and kittens are not toys and deserve a lifetime commitment!

Happy and safe holidays to you all and be sure to have fun in the snow with your dogs!

In my last blog, I said that this month I would offer you some tips on training your dog. Dogstardaily.com is an excellent website that contains loads of training tips, videos, and items to purchase.  What I’d really like to talk about this time is the value of attending training classes with your dog.

Zane and I are currently enrolled in the Zones program offered at The Crate Escape and The Crate Escape, Too.  Although I have attended training classes in the past with my previous dogs and know quite a bit about training, I feel that it is important to attend classes with Zane, my 2 year old Doberman, who I recently adopted.  Training classes help the dog bond with his or her owners in the presence of an experienced trainer who can assist with individual issues such as timing of rewards when the dog responds appropriately and the best way to handle an inappropriate or non-response to a particular command.  A good training class will provide an environment in which distractions can be added according to your dog’s level to raise the bar of achievement.  Practically everyone has encountered a dog in his or her lifetime that he might regard as being obnoxious.  These are the dogs that jump all over you and have no manners whatsoever.  Unfortunately these dogs all too often end up leading a very lonely existence, often being relegated to the back yard or even surrendered to a shelter. The people who own these dogs did not understand the value of training.  Training helps the owners teach the dog how to achieve good manners which is essential if you want a dog that is a joy to be around and welcome everywhere.

The Zones training program at The Crate Escape and The Crate Escape, Too  is very different from the traditional 6 week classes offered at most other places.  Once per month, at each location, Bill Grant, our trainer, offers a FREE orientation session for people to get an understanding of the program.  Once you attend the free orientation, you are able to purchase a number of classes –either 6, 12, or a 6 month pass.  You then attend the class at either location whenever it is convenient to you.  Classes are held on Friday nights at the South Burlington location and on Saturday mornings at the Richmond location.  If you prefer to go to our South Burlington location on Fridays but have plans on a particular Friday, you have the option of attending Saturday morning at our Richmond location instead.  If you are going on vacation for 2 weeks you don’t need to worry about falling behind because you missed 2 weeks.  Everyone progresses at their own level and at their own pace.  Once Bill feels that you and your dog are able to reliably perform all the requirements in your “Zone”, you can advance to the next Zone.

What’s unique about this program is that the distractions change for you weekly as your dog progresses and new people and dogs come and go.  Last week at the Richmond location, Zane and I worked on extended sit-stays and down-stays as the newer students starting from scratch were learning to sit on command and walk on a loose lead around us, providing us with plenty of distractions that we were ready for.  Those that were not quite at the level that Zane and I had achieved were practicing sit-stays and down- stays on the outskirts of the room, away from the distractions.

The “Leave-it” command is one that we are currently working on and has proven very valuable for Zane who is easily aroused by one of my more demonstrative cats.  When we first got Zane 2 months ago, he could not even be in the same room with Ripple without wanting to chase, jump at and try to play with him. Ripple did not appreciate this and not surprisingly, whacked him, drawing blood the very first day the two met.  Zane did not care that he was bleeding and continued to harass Ripple. (Incidentally, Zane was fine from the beginning inside the house with my mellow cat, Reeso.)  When outside in our fenced yard with either of our cats, Zane quickly showed us his high prey drive, making it unsafe for the cats to be out in the yard simultaneously with Zane.   I asked Bill how I should approach Zane’s obsession with my highly reactive cat; he suggested that I work on the “Leave it” command with Zane.   We try to practice this daily with treats and toys and it is now possible for Ripple to come into the house when Zane is in the area. The cats get their kitty treats each night with Zane in a down-stay on his bed in the kitchen and the cats retrieve the treats from Zane’s bed.  Well, at least Reeso does.  Ripple is not ready for that close of a proximity yet, so his treats are given off Zane’s bed, each day getting closer and closer to it. As far as the yard goes, we still have a lot of work to do in order to have both the cats and the dogs out together.  The thing is, with a little hard work and practice, you and your dog can achieve a lot.  Training classes with the right instructor are fun and rewarding whether your dog is young or old.  Why not give it a try.  You’d be surprised at the results.  As for Zane and I, Canine Good Citizen here we come! And maybe that will eventually lead to an overnight trip to Memere’s, because after all who can resist a well behaved dog!

Hari and Cassie

Meet Hari and Cassie Cramer, who I’ve had the pleasure of visiting weekly on my mid-day dog walks, a pet sitting service we offer at The Crate Escape. I have been providing this service for The Cramer’s dogs since the first few years of opening The Crate Escape in 1995.

Hari is a 12 year old lab/golden mix who loves playing ball, going on hikes, and doing just about anything that involves the outdoors.  She’s a great swimmer and has the most hilarious way of drying herself off after a romp in the pool by rubbing back and forth on the bushes in her back yard.  She was one of my dog Joseph’s very best girl friends.  He loved going to visit with the girls.  Hari was a seeing eye dog puppy from New Jersey who did not pass the program, as she was then very nervous in the car.  Well, you’d certainly never know that now, as Hari has a very adventurous Mom, who brings her and Cassie all over the place.

Cassie is a 3 year old Lab who joined the Cramer household in 2008.  She was purchased from a couple in Whiting, VT and has come a long way since then.  She attended obedience classes at our South Burlington facility and has overcome a variety of fears and insecurities.  Cassie loves hanging out with her sister Hari, and participating on as many adventures as she can with her family.  Unfortunately, she has Osteochondritis dissecans, a joint disorder common in Labs, which makes her limit her activity so she is much more sedate than your average young Lab but she still has a lot of fun.  She absolutely loves people attention, especially belly rubs and massages and likes to go on walks.  She hikes and swims with Hari, but she will NOT go near the pool!   She is very obedient and aims to please.

The girls and I, often accompanied by my new dog, Zane, have a lot of fun on our visits. After our ball-playing and leashed walks or off-leash hiking in the woods, we have a special game that we play everyday that they both really enjoy.  I have been playing Find-it with Hari for years.  Find it involves hiding treats or toys in various places indoors and out while the girls are in a sit-stay.  Then upon my release, they go find them.  Let me tell you, Cassie has caught on quick to this game and really loves this part of my visit.  I think it has really helped to build her self-confidence!

Next month will feature useful tips on training and the benefits of our training classes.

Tammy

Hello everyone.  I am the owner of The Crate Escape and The Crate Escape, Too, dog daycare and overnight boarding facilities in Vermont.  I’m going to be honest. This whole blogging thing is new to me and a bit scary but I feel that with having fifteen years in the field of dog care and behavior that I may have something worth while to say.

Wow, we certainly have lots of things to be excited about at The Crate Escape and The Crate Escape, Too:

• the launch of our brand new up-to-date user friendly website
• a new location for The Crate Escape, Too
• The American Cancer Society’s very first Bark For Life on Friday August 6th
• Shelburne Museum Goes to The Dogs on Sunday September 12th
• Meet and Greet sessions with Bill Grant our trainer to be announced soon
• Open House for The Crate Escape, Too coming up in October.

Please see us on Facebook (Richmond & South Burlington) for more information about these events.

Through this blog, I am hoping to provide you all with some interesting content.  Plan on seeing new posts the second Wednesday of each month to start.

I will offer you:

• Useful tips on canine health, general care, and training
• A doggy spotlight where I will spotlight a dog in our care at either of our two locations
• My personal quest in finding the next dog for me, and I will update you on any upcoming events

Your feedback is important to me.  If you have a question regarding one of the posts or an idea for what you’d like to learn about next month, simply click on the comment button at the end of any post.  In addition, please feel free to send me an email at tschey@gmavt.net.

Next month you can look forward to our very first pet spotlight.

Tammy