The Whole Dog Journal NUMBER 12 a Monthly Guide to Natural Dog Care and Training

VOLUME 9 The Whole Dog Journal NUMBER 12 A monthly guide to natural dog care and training

December 2006 $5.95

FEATURES

3 Positively Australia Trainer Pat Miller travels Down Under to spread the message of positive training. . . and finds Aussie dog owners to be way ahead of us in many respects.

6 Diet and the Older Dog New research is changing the way senior dogs are fed (and the way progressive pet food companies now formulate their senior diets).

11 Leaping to Attention Dingos, How to use basic agility skills and raw diets, and flat collars . . . training to rehabilitate a reactive dog. page 3 14 Eeek! Don’t Eat That! How to deal with a dog with pica or coprophagia . . . Is he really missing something in his diet? Protein, fat, and math. . . page 6 18 Practice Management Veterinary visits are far more productive when you intentionally nurture and manage the vet/owner relationship.

Putting a stop to poop-eating . . . page 14

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE 2 Editor’s Note 22 Letters 23 2006 Editorial Index 24 Product and Expert Resources

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF – Nancy Kerns TRAINING EDITOR – Pat Miller Don’t Whisper PUBLISHER – Timothy H. Cole CIRCULATION DIRECTOR – Lisa Evans

EDITORIAL OFFICE We favor behavioral science over showmanship. E-MAIL: [email protected] MAIL: PO Box 1349 Oroville, CA 95965 BY NANCY KERNS PACKAGES: 1655 Robinson Street Oroville, CA 95965 etting out on a long drive the other day, that solving a dog’s behavior problems is fast SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES I turned on my radio just in time to hear and simple if only you have the right energy. PHONE: (800) 829-9165 the host of a show introduce his guest: This makes Millan look like a magician, and INTERNET: whole-dog-journal.com/cs Cesar Millan, the controversial dog makes people think all they have to do to fix U.S. MAIL: PO Box 420235 Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235 trainer and star of the National Geo- their dogs’ behavior problems is to walk and CANADA: Box 7820 STN Main graphicS Channel’s television show, “Dog act like him. I fear that in trying to emulate London, Ontario N5Y 5W1 Whisperer.” Grrr. I’m not a fan. But as much Millan’s assertive brio, especially with scared BACK ISSUES, WEBSITE INQUIRIES as I hated it, I had to listen to the interview – or defensive dogs, without a foundation of ex- PHONE: (800) 424-7887 E-MAIL: [email protected] and then I had to call in, also! perience and in-person guidance, many people INTERNET: whole-dog-journal.com I’ve avoided commenting on Millan’s are going to get hurt. And when people get U.S. MAIL: PO Box 5656 show in WDJ, because I honestly thought that hurt, dogs tend to wind up dead. Norwalk, CT 06856-5656 giving it any attention would just reinforce it. Millan’s ideal is a dog who exhibits “calm REPRINTS I hoped that if I ignored it, the show might submission” to its owner. In contrast, most pet For price quote, contact Mona Kornfeld at (203) 857-3143 just go away! But the show is in its third sea- dog owners I know, myself included, want an Minimum order 1,000 son, and Millan’s book, Cesar’s Way, has been affectionate, trusting, respectful coexistence SINGLE COPY SALES a best seller for many weeks. with our dogs, not wary subservience. We want Lisa Evans, (203) 857-3100 I do think Millan is a skilled handler; he’s them to want to do what we want them to do! able to quickly alter the behavior of many dif- The most effective way to accomplish this, WHOLE DOG JOURNAL DOES NOT ACCEPT ficult dogs. He also handles people well; he’s with the least fallout or dangerous side effects, COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING supportive of their efforts to improve their is with the dog-friendly behavior modifica- lives with their dogs. So what’s my problem? tion techniques we regularly detail in WDJ. I don’t like Millan’s techniques. Many are As I listened to caller after caller on the THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL (ISSN #1097-5322) is published antiquated and dangerous, for dogs and own- radio describe problems they were having with monthly by Belvoir Media Group, ers, in my view and that of many dog behavior their dogs, I was reminded how people are LLC, 800 Connecticut Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854-1631. Robert experts I respect (such as Drs. Ian Dunbar, hungry for expert advice. But as appealing as Englander, Chairman and CEO; Patricia McConnell, and Nicholas Dodman, it might appear, there is no magic when it Timothy H. Cole, Executive Vice President, Editorial Director; Philip as well as our own training expert, Pat Miller). comes to dog training; quick fixes rarely L. Penny, Chief Operating Officer; Greg King, provide a long-term solution. Real experts will Executive Vice President, Marketing Director; Also, the theory he uses to guide most of his Marvin Cweibel, Senior Vice President, Marketing precepts is an oversimplified reading of be- confirm that improving Operations; Ron Goldberg, Chief Financial Officer; Tom Canfield, Vice President, Circulation; Michael havioral studies conducted on captive wolves your dog’s behavior N. Pollet, Senior Vice President, General Counsel. decades ago. Modern behavioral scientists un- takes time and practice, Periodicals postage paid at Norwalk, CT and at additional mailing offices. Copyright ©2006, Belvoir derstand that there is lots more to canine and that preserving Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction interactions than constant displays of domi- your trust in and in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. Printed in U.S.A. Revenue Canada GST Account #128044658. nance and submission, and that humans are affection for each other Canada Publishing Agreement Number #40016479. probably at their least effective as trainers will be paramount for THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL makes every effort to when they try to “act like a dominant dog.” your – and your dog’s provide information on dog health, care, and – success. treatment that is authoritative, reliable, and practical. Another thing that bothers me about the It is not intended, however, to replace diagnosis or show is the reductionist premise it suggests, 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 specific diagnosis and treatment. on effective holistic healthcare methods and successful nonviolent training. The methods we Subscriptions: $39 annually (12 issues). Bulk discuss will endeavor to do no harm to dogs; we do not advocate perpetrating even minor trans- rate subscriptions for organizations and educational institutions available upon request. gressions in the name of “greater good.” We intend our articles to enable readers to immediately apply training and healthcare techniques to their own dogs with visible and enjoyable success. Postmaster: Please send address changes to THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL, PO Box 420234, Palm All topics should contribute to improving the dog’s health and vitality, and deepening the ca- Coast, FL 32142 nine/human bond. Above all, we wish to contribute information that will enable consumers to THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL, PO Box 39, Norwich, make kind, healthy, and informed decisions about caring for their own dogs. ON, N0J 1PO

2|DECEMBER 2006 Copyright © 2006, Belvoir Media Group, LLC TO SUBSCRIBE, CALL (800) 829-9165 PERSPECTIVE Positively Australia A trainer travels Down Under to proselytize about positive training . . . and is happy to find the natives already converted! BY PAT MILLER ust a few days ago, my husband, Paul, tion dog – a Beagle – happily worked the Hotel in King’s Crossing, only to face a and I were strolling Darling Harbour baggage claim area at the end of his new concern. in Sydney, Australia, hand in hand. I handler’s leash, on a flat collar. Nice! I had somewhat blindly selected the had been offered a once-in-a-lifetime A short time later, as we were convert- hotel over the Internet, trusting that 3.5 opportunity to be the main speaker at ing U.S. dollars to Australian ($.76 U.S. = stars would be more than adequate, and Jthe annual conference of the Australia $1.00 AU), an equally happy yellow La- seizing on a “hot deal” with reduced prices. APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers), brador Retriever detection dog wandered Since the APDT was paying my conference- expenses paid! Of course, we couldn’t pass past. I was a bit concerned they’d be at- related expenses, but of course not any of up the chance to make it a family vacation tracted to our luggage given the multitude Paul’s nor our add-on vacation, we were and explore some of the exquisite country. of doggie smells our bags must carry, but, looking for opportunities to economize. I’m a strong proponent of positive train- as they say in Oz, “No worries!” The dogs When we drove up the street past our ing; Paul is executive director for the clearly knew what they were looking for, chosen accommodation, we realized that Humane Society of Washington County, in and it wasn’t “Essence of Canine.” King’s Crossing was located in a somewhat Hagerstown, Maryland. As eager as we The 20-minute trip to our hotel pre- “Bohemian” part of town, as tour guides were to explore Australia, we were just as cluded any dog-scouting, as Paul was busy politely described it. The street walkers out interested in finding out more about the learning how to drive on the left side of on the sidewalk at 8 am were a giveaway, state of the dog care and training profes- the road on motorways markedly narrower as were the numerous “girlie shows” with sions in a country whose animal ethic than ours, while I was having multiple coro- hawkers already inviting passers-by to includes a ban on shock collars. We weren’t naries at his near misses as he hugged the come have a look. We checked into the disappointed. left side of the road. My gentle, “You’re a hotel, and then quickly hopped back into little close on this side,” quickly deterio- our rental car to get our bearings. Flat collars everywhere! rated to a shouted, “Watch that truck Sydney is enormous, with an astound- Our first glimpse of Australian canines mirror!” as my adrenaline and cortisol lev- ing four million inhabitants. We ran for the came immediately upon our arrival at els rocketed up from the stress. We suburbs, tripped over our first national park Sydney International Airport, as a detec- miraculously arrived unscathed at the Crest (Georges River NP) where we gawked at

How Pat and Paul Miller spent their autumn vacation: Checking out the sights and Kangaroos are considered something of signs – but mostly dogs, dog owners, dog-related businesses, and animal shelters in a pest species in parts of Australia, and Australia. An observation at the gorgeous Royal National Park? “No dogs on the beach?!” are a common ingredient in pet food.

TO SUBSCRIBE: www.whole-dog-journal.com Copyright © 2006, Belvoir Media Group, LLC THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL | 3 Pat falls for a Kelpie “parked” outside a bank. His sitters said Fresh, raw dog and cat foods are featured in many pet supply he was a retired show champion. stores. Kangaroo and mutton varieties are most common. sulphur crested cockatoos and snapped nu- about what a superb dog he was and how who accompanied their owners into shops. merous photos – only to later discover much they enjoyed caring for him. No one seemed to give them a second look. they’re as common as pigeons here and As it turned out, our hotel selection was We found a wide selection of dog maga- considered a nuisance, as they rip off roof- a blessing in disguise. The classier hotels zines in the news shops. Not one of the dog ing and pull rubber insulating strips out of where APDT had arranged for us to stay magazines contained a single advertise- car doors. for the last several days of our trip (three ment for check chains, prong, or shock We also found our first Australian com- nights in Sydney’s Olympic Park and the collars, nor was there a single photo of a panion dogs. Lots of poodles, tons of last at Darling Harbour) were fantastic – dog wearing one, not even in the National Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (the breed and not a dog in sight. By contrast, at King’s Dog, which appears to be the show dog we saw most frequently in the cities), a Crossing we encountered a wide variety of enthusiast magazine. Photos of dogs dis- Golden Retriever, a couple of small dogs. played with the light chain often used in Poodle-Terrier mixes, numerous Pits and We saw dogs on and off leash. I’d the conformation ring showed the collar Pit mixes (excuse me, American Stafford- estimate that 99 percent of them were with always conspicuously loose on the dog’s shire Terriers – Pits are restricted in New their owners and under excellent control; neck, often with the handler’s hand slipped South Wales), Boxers (with beautiful long we saw very few strays. All of the dogs we through the loop to emphasize the loose- ears and tails, by the way, as cropping and saw wore flat collars or harnesses; there ness. Lots of dogs posed for their show docking are also now banned there) . . . was not a choke chain (or check chain, as photos wearing no collar at all. and our first Australian Kelpie. We have a they call them), prong collar, or shock The final article in the October issue of Kelpie ourselves, Katie, so were particu- device in sight. I didn’t even see a yank on this magazine, written by Honey Gross- larly interested in finding them in their a flat collar or angry word to a dog our Richardson, is titled, “Compulsion: For “native habitat.” entire visit, although I’m sure that happens, and Against,” and contains this paragraph, I caught a glimpse of the dog out of the especially more in the rougher, rural areas with the first sentence in bold type: corner of my eye and my brain leapt to of the vast country. “German Shepherd mix.” It was a black- “Positive punishment has no and-tan (we have a red) and longer-legged Pet touring place in our training. In modern than ours – as were several of the Kelpies Australia is vast. Imagine a country the size training we teach our handlers, every we saw there. But on second look I yelled of the U.S., with seven states instead of 50 step of the way, how to use POSITIVE “Kelpie!” We pulled over and asked the (including the island of Tasmania) and a REINFORCEMENT and NEGATIVE gentleman on the other end of the leash if total population of only 20 million, com- PUNISHMENT to shape their dogs’ it was, indeed, a Kelpie. He beamed and pared to our 300 million. If Paul’s and my behaviour.” said, “Yup – best dog I’ve ever owned!” experience there is any gauge, Australians Several days later we made our best love their companion dogs and treat them A writer/trainer after our own WDJ Kelpie find – a handsome dark red fellow well. hearts! tethered outside a bank. Smitten, I Culturally, as far as dogs go, Austra- Pet supply stores are very common, and schmoozed him up until the couple who lians seem more on a par with parts of most offer an array of fresh raw meat (in- had tied him there returned. They were just Europe. While we didn’t see any dogs including Kangaroo) and bones for dogs and pet-sitting for him, a retired champion show side of restaurants, we saw many who cats; these foods are displayed in their own dog, until his owners came home from va- joined their owners for meals at the out- refrigerated meat cases, right at the front cation, but they enthusiastically went on door cafes in King’s Crossing, and several of the store.

4|DECEMBER 2006 Copyright © 2006, Belvoir Media Group, LLC TO SUBSCRIBE, CALL (800) 829-9165 One of the few stray dogs the Millers saw, this well-mannered The shelters toured by the Millers were clean, comfortable for Cattle Dog waited patiently for a handout at an outdoor cafe. the dogs, and well-attended by staff and volunteers.

Again, there was a refreshing paucity Many of the shelters also have positive positive training in the U.S. of prong, choke, and shock collars, and a trainers (lots of them APDT members) who As we chatted on breaks, lunches, and wide selection of dog toys and accessories. conduct training classes at the facilities. at the conference dinner, I realized that We found only one store with live pup- APDT AU members seem far more philo- pies for sale – sadly typical, overcrowded Positive bear training sophically aligned than APDT US members. puppy mill puppies – a good day’s drive After 11 days of holiday, it was time to Perhaps it is because shock collars are inland from Sydney, near Bathurst. This settle in for the conference. We said good- banned and “check” chains and prong col- same store had scruffy-looking Galahs – bye to the Crest Hotel, having survived the lars not as widely used; perhaps because beautiful pink, grey, and white parrots that neighborhood in relative peace. APDT AU has done more to promote the are native to Australia – also in over- Our room at the Novotel in Olympic “dog-friendly” part of its mission. There crowded, dirty cages. But that was the only Park was like a different universe. We seemed to be wide, if not universal accep- sour note on our otherwise purely positive looked down from the King Suite on the tance among them that positive is, simply, canine experience. 15th floor onto the acres and acres of park, the way to train. and could see Sydney in the far distance. But maybe part of it is cultural. As Paul Shelter visits But no dogs! and I made our way through the rigors of We visited the RSPCA shelter in Yagoona, We moved in on Wednesday, and the customs and security at the Sydney airport, just outside Sydney – one of many RSPCA following day APDT member Peta Clarke we both commented on how nice the people facilities in the country – and were given a took us on another behind-the-scenes tour, of Australia were. Few horns blew, even in gracious behind-the-scenes tour. While the this time at Taronga Park Zoo, a short ferry rush hour traffic. People seemed more laid- shelter recently gave up a government con- ride from Circular Quay in downtown back, relaxed; we heard very few rude or tract to house strays, it’s still a full-service Sydney. angry comments during our stay. Airport shelter, accepting any animal brought in, There we got to see positive training in officials were not only kind, they were and rarely euthanizing dogs for space. action, as the bear keepers proudly dem- efficient; there was no line at security, With more than 300 kennels (and some onstrated how they’d desensitized and despite a process that was actually more new ones nearing completion), there were shaped the Kodiak bears to offer their sub- thorough than U.S. airport security. lots of dogs there. We saw, among others, stantial claws for trimming. (They used No wonder that a culture producing a a long-tailed Rottweiler, a Saluki lounging bear treats, and the word “Good!” for a re- less-aggressive population of humans regally on her bed in the back of her ken- ward marker instead of a clicker, so they appears to be more accepting of non- nel, an overweight yellow Labrador could keep their hands free!) aggressive training methods. No worries, Retriever, a very perky Papillon, and a They also showed us how they’d taught mate! sweet Pomeranian who was sucking his one of the Sun bears to offer her teeth for blanket to relieve stress . . . would that I brushing, also with shaping and reward- Pat Miller, CPDT, is WDJ’s Training Editor. could have tucked him into my carry-on marking. Miller lives in Hagerstown, Maryland, site bag to take home with me! of her Peaceable Paws training center. She The RSPCA has a behavior department, Getting to work is also the author of The Power of Positive whose staff conducts behavior assessments The APDT conference started Friday, and Dog Training and Positive Perspectives: on all dogs prior to adoption, and who fol- was a delight. My hosts – all 250-plus of Love Your Dog, Train Your Dog. For book low through with training and behavior them – were unfailingly gracious, friendly, purchasing or contact information, see work with the dogs while they are there. attentive, and hungry for information about “Resources,” page 24.

TO SUBSCRIBE: www.whole-dog-journal.com Copyright © 2006, Belvoir Media Group, LLC THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL | 5 NUTRITION Diet and the Older Dog New research is changing the way the senior dog should be fed.

BY MARY STRAUS e all want our dogs to enjoy Protein for senior dogs the highest quality of life for Here’s a quiz: which of the following are What you can do . . . the longest possible time. the most important reasons for feeding a ■ Feed your senior dog a high Proper diet, adequate exercise, lower protein diet to senior dogs? protein diet, but reduce her daily weight control, appropriate quantity of food (and perhaps the Wsupplements, and good veterinary care can A: Senior dogs need less protein than all help our dogs remain active and vibrant younger adult dogs. amount of fat, if needed) to help well into their senior years. her stay lean. Nutrition can make a significant differ- B: Lower protein diets help to protect the ■ ence in how long our dogs live, and how kidneys, especially in older dogs. Select foods that contain high- healthy they remain as they age, but there quality animal protein; a meat are a lot of misconceptions about what type C: Replacing protein with carbohydrates source should be first on the list of diet is best for older dogs. helps to prevent older dogs, who may be of ingredients. Fundamental principles widely less active, from gaining weight. accepted in the past have been discredited ■ If you notice changes in your by research done in the past 15 years. This D: Carbohydrates help dogs being fed a senior dog’s sleeping or eating research has revolutionized what we know lower calorie diet feel full, so they won’t habits, or if your about canine nutrition and profoundly be hungry and crave more food. dog is slowing changed our ideas about what older dogs down, schedule need, not just to survive, but also to thrive Answer: None of the above. a vet exam. He and be as healthy as possible. It takes time, may be ill, not though, for this new knowledge to filter The truth is that there is no reason to “just old.” down into the veterinary, pet food, and pet feed a lower protein diet to senior dogs. owner communities. While lower protein diets have tradi- tionally been recommended for senior dogs based on assumptions such as those above, we now know that a protein-rich diet is especially important for older dogs, due to the fact that their systems are less efficient at metabolizing protein. Recent studies show that healthy older dogs may need as much as 50 percent more protein than their younger adult counterparts. Protein is valuable for many reasons: it supports the immune system and the cen- tral nervous system, contributes to wound healing, helps build lean muscle, and is required for skin and coat health. When dogs are not fed enough protein, their bodies will break down their own muscle tissue to get what they need, lead- ing to muscle wasting and other serious problems. Even mild protein deficiency can significantly impair immune function. Dogs who get too little protein are also more sus- ceptible to stress, including stress from Shown here at 14 years old, wet from swimming in a creek, author Mary Straus’ dog, injury or infection. Piglet, continues to thrive due to her high-protein diet and beneficial supplements. But what about the kidneys? Doesn’t a

6|DECEMBER 2006 Copyright © 2006, Belvoir Media Group, LLC TO SUBSCRIBE, CALL (800) 829-9165 low protein diet lessen the workload on the books admit. Diets high in carbohydrates makes us eat less. kidneys and help protect older dogs from contribute to inflammation, which in- While the pet food companies have kidney disease? creases arthritis pain, and can cause medi- added indigestible fiber to “bulk up” their Again, the answer is no. Research done cal problems, including obesity and foods so the dogs would supposedly feel on dogs has now proved that protein does maldigestion. fuller on a lower calorie diet, this turned not damage kidneys, and feeding a lower It is far better to feed protein, which out not to be true. A study done on dogs by protein diet does not protect them. In fact, dogs efficiently convert into energy as well the Waltham® Centre for Pet Nutrition con- senior dogs fed high protein diets live as muscle, than to feed carbohydrates, cluded that the addition of soluble or longer and are healthier than those that are which are more likely to be converted to insoluble fiber had no beneficial effects on fed low protein diets, even when one kid- fat. In one study, 26 English Pointers rang- satiety (feeling full), nor did they increase ney has been removed. Studies conducted ing in age from 7 to 9 years were fed either weight loss. at the University of Georgia in the 1990s 15 percent or 45 percent protein over sev- In Canine and Feline Nutrition, authors demonstrated that feeding protein levels of eral years. The dogs fed the high protein Case, Carey, and Hirakawa state, “Diets 34 percent (on a dry matter basis; see diet maintained a higher percentage of lean that contain increased levels of indigestible sidebar, below) to older dogs with chronic body mass and a lower percentage of body fiber and reduced levels of protein are not kidney failure and dogs with only one kid- fat. recommended for weight loss or for long- ney caused no ill effects. It is also likely that protein helps to sat- term weight maintenance of sedentary dogs These same studies did raise the issue isfy the appetite more than carbohydrates and cats. If a diet is simultaneously high in of whether low-protein diets may cause do. Several studies done on people have indigestible fiber and low in fat and/or other harm. The mortality rate was greater for shown that high protein diets reduce appe- nutrients, it is possible that long-term the dogs fed 18 percent protein than for tite, and a recent study found that meat, feeding may result in nutrient deficiencies the ones fed 34 percent protein. Another eggs, and cheese trigger a protein that in some animals.” study done on dogs with only one kidney showed that protein levels up to 45 percent of the diet had no harmful effect on Know the Difference: the remaining kidney. My own dog Nattie, who was diagnosed “As Fed” vs. “Dry Matter” Percentages with early kidney disease at age 14, actu- Every commercial pet food is required by federal and state laws to exhibit a “guar- ally improved over the next two years on a anteed analysis” (GA) on its label, listing the minimum amounts of protein and fat diet that was more than 36 percent protein and maximum amounts of fiber and moisture in the food. These are listed as a on a dry matter basis, before I lost her to percentage. These numbers are referred to as the “as fed” percentages, meaning problems unrelated to kidney failure. the food as it is presented in its current form contains at least that percentage of protein and fat, and at most that percentage of fiber and moisture. More myths busted Sometimes, however, nutritionists or other pet food experts will refer to a The same is true of liver disease. Although product’s protein or fat levels on a “dry matter” basis, that is, with the (nutrient- low protein diets were recommended in the empty) water removed. Converting the amounts of nutrients in foods to a dry past for dogs with liver disease, recent re- matter basis allows us to compare the levels of nutrients in dry foods to the amounts search has found that protein is required in canned or raw foods. for a healthy liver and a low protein diet To compute dry matter percentages, start by subtracting the amount of mois- can be harmful to dogs with liver disease. ture from the total, leaving the amount of “dry matter.” Then divide the amount of The only time that protein needs to be re- protein or fat (for example) by the amount of dry matter. stricted is when hepatic encephalopathy For example, if a canned or raw diet is 78 percent moisture, subtracting that (neurological problems caused by excess from 100 leaves 22 percent dry matter. You can then compute the protein or fat ammonia) is present. content by dividing it by 22. If the label says it contains 9 percent protein, it So, if a lower protein diet is not neces- contains 41 percent protein on a dry matter basis (9 divided by 22). If the food sary or desirable for health reasons, what label says it contains 6 percent fat, it is 27 percent about weight loss? Won’t lowering protein fat on a dry matter basis (6 divided by 22). and increasing carbohydrates help prevent Dry foods have much less moisture, so the an older dog from becoming overweight? “as fed” percentages are closer to the dry matter Doesn’t a diet high in carbs, such as grains percentages. For example, if the label of a dry and vegetables, help a dog on a low calo- dog food says the product contains 10 rie diet feel fuller? percent moisture, it is comprised of 90 Once again, the answer is no. percent dry matter. If the label says the Protein and carbohydrates supply ex- food is 18 percent protein, it contains actly the same number of calories: four 20 percent protein on a dry matter calories per gram. Replacing protein with basis (18 divided by 90). And its stated carbohydrates does nothing to reduce calo- 14 percent “as fed” fat is 15.6 percent ries, but it does reduce nutrition. fat on a dry matter basis (14 divided by Dogs have no nutritional need for car- 90). bohydrates, as even the veterinary text-

TO SUBSCRIBE: www.whole-dog-journal.com Copyright © 2006, Belvoir Media Group, LLC THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL | 7 A family of Chows whole bones, extras such as eggs and dairy, My dog, Piglet, will be 15 years old this Southern California resident Mindy plus organic vegetables that consist of no month. She has severe arthritis in both el- Fenton, owner of the SeniorRawFeeding more than about 10 percent of the overall bows, which has slowed her considerably list on Yahoo, has raised several Chows, a diet. Needless to say, her dogs eat a very from her younger years, though she still breed that normally lives to between 10 and high protein diet, which is consistent takes one- to two-hour walks every day. 12 years of age. Of Mindy’s last three dogs throughout their lives. Piglet is fed a raw, home-prepared diet (none of whom were related to each other), similar to what is described above. I con- two passed away while still extremely Weight control tinue to feed the same foods that I did when healthy at age 14 (one due to pet sitter neg- All in all, there is nothing to be gained and she was younger, but I have reduced the ligence and the other to a fat embolism much to lose by feeding a reduced protein quantity that she gets, and I now remove following surgery for a broken leg). The diet to older dogs. Other dietary changes, visible fat from the meats and chicken third dog, Maggie, lived to age 16 before however, may be beneficial. As dogs age, backs and necks I feed her. I also remove passing away naturally on her own. they usually become less active, and may some of the skin, which is where most of These were not dogs who were simply put on weight if fed as many calories as the fat in poultry is found. “existing” in their very advanced years; they received when they were young. I feed low-fat yogurt and cottage cheese they had clear eyes, perfect hearing, and It is important to keep older dogs lean rather than the whole milk varieties that I far more energy than many dogs half used to give her when she was their age. younger. Her diet is not low fat, but Even in their last years, these it’s considerably lower than it was dogs had tremendous vitality, still when she was more active and racing around the house, jumping burned off calories more easily. on furniture, and pulling to go faster In Piglet’s case, I use a scale to during their walks. At the beach, help me control her portion sizes. Mindy and her husband could Due to her arthritis, it is critical that hardly keep up with the dogs, who I keep her lean so that her bad joints would still run with the don’t have to support any more wind. People who met Mindy’s se- weight than they must. I found that nior dogs could never guess their when I eyeballed her portions, she age. We should all be so lucky in tended to gain weight. I our advanced years! purchased an inexpensive Mindy attributes her dogs’ on- postal scale from an office going vitality to feeding a supply store and now I high-protein raw diet. While we weigh all of her food. The sometimes see dramatic changes in Two of Mindy Fenton’s extremely scale also makes it easy for younger dogs who are switched to healthy senior Chows: Above, Bekki at me to adjust her diet if she a raw diet, she believes the real pay- age 11. Right, Maggie at age 13. begins to put on weight. off comes during a dog’s senior It is important when re- years after having been fed a raw food diet and not let them get fat; overweight con- ducing the amount of food that you feed to for many years. Common sense tells us that tributes to joint problems that may slow do so gradually, in increments of about 10 when a dog has eaten a lifetime of species- them down even more. This can create a percent or so every one to two weeks, until appropriate food, inherently his body is vicious cycle, and make it difficult to re- you begin to see slow, gradual weight loss. going to function better during those latter turn them to a normal weight. Once you reach that point, continue to feed years. To control weight, you can feed your the same amount as long as the weight loss Even dogs who are switched to a raw dog less of his regular diet, or look for ways continues, decreasing further only if your diet at an older age will benefit. Maggie, to reduce the fat if you are feeding a high- dog stops losing weight but still has some the Chow who lived to 16 years old, was fat diet. Fat supplies 9 calories per gram, extra pounds to lose. nine years old when Mindy originally be- compared to 4 calories per gram supplied If you try to reduce the amount fed too gan feeding a raw diet. My oldest dog was by protein and carbohydrates. quickly, the body will go into “starvation 13 when I made the switch in 1998. While Limit the dietary fat to moderate levels mode,” which changes the metabolism and he lived only one more year, he became for inactive dogs, but don’t feed a low-fat makes weight loss more difficult. Slow and completely allergy-free during that year, diet, which will make your dog feel hun- gradual weight loss is healthier. after suffering from environmental allergies gry and crave more food. Fats are needed If you feed a dry or canned diet, look most of his life. to maintain healthy skin and coat, support for varieties that are moderately lower in Mindy fed her senior dogs exactly the the immune system, and transport fat- fat and calories for your overweight or less same diet as her young adult dogs. Spe- soluble vitamins, so it is important not to active senior, while maintaining protein cifically, her dogs eat a wide variety of reduce fat to levels that are too low. levels of at least 25 percent on a dry mat- proteins including chicken, turkey, beef, Senior dogs who are underweight may ter basis (see sidebar, page 7). lamb, venison, buffalo, tripe, ostrich, quail, benefit from a higher-fat diet, particularly Unfortunately, the majority of senior and duck. She use a mixture of ground raw because fat makes food more palatable, and weight loss diets on the market are high food (meat, bones, and/or organ meat) and which may encourage them to eat more. in carbohydrates, sometimes using indi-

8|DECEMBER 2006 Copyright © 2006, Belvoir Media Group, LLC TO SUBSCRIBE, CALL (800) 829-9165 gestible fiber such as peanut hulls to “bulk dry foods and 4 to 7 percent (as fed) for These foods can also be used to increase up” the food without adding calories. This wet foods; less than that is excessively low protein levels in a diet that might other- does nothing to satisfy your dog’s appe- in fat. wise be too low. tite, despite the manufacturers’ claims to For more tips on selecting high quality the contrary, and provides no nutrition; foods, see “Moist and (Probably) Deli- Supplements for senior dogs avoid those foods. cious,” January 2006 and “The Right Some commercial senior diets, particularly Exercise is also important for keeping Stuff,” February 2006. those designed for large breeds, have added your older dog fit and at the proper weight. In addition to Innova Large Breed glucosamine for dogs with arthritis. This Exercise should be increased gradually, as Senior and Senior Plus mentioned above, is fine, but if you have a dog with arthritis, your dog becomes accustomed to it. Don’t other senior diets that have higher it is best not to rely on diet to provide the push your dog past his comfort level, to percentages of animal proteins include glucosamine and related ingredients that the point where he is more tired or sore the Eagle Pack’s Holistic Select Senior Care can help to rebuild cartilage and restore next day. Two or three short walks may be Formula, Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s synovial (joint) fluid. easier than one long one. It’s a good idea Soul Senior Dog Formula (canned and dry), Instead, give a glucosamine-type prod- to have your vet do a routine exam before and Champion Petfoods’ ACANA Senior uct separately. Start with high doses so that beginning a diet or exercise regime. Light and Orijen Senior (made in Canada). you will be able to tell whether or not your Remember that weight gain can be re- Innova EVO now offers a high-protein, dog responds. If you see improvement, related to physical problems such as reduced fat version. duce the dosage to see if the improvement hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease (par- This is by no means a complete list of can be maintained on a lower dose. ticularly if appetite has also increased), high-quality, commercial senior foods, and If you don’t see any change within three arthritis, and more. Your vet can help iden- the number should increase as the knowl- to four weeks, try another supplement. Dif- tify any conditions that may require edge that senior dogs benefit from high ferent dogs respond differently to the treatment or restricted exercise. protein levels becomes more widespread. various supplements. Remember that there is no need to feed a Some brands that have worked for dogs Commercial senior diets senior diet; it is fine to continue to feed I know include Arthroplex from Thorne Happily, there are some newer senior diets foods approved for adult dogs or for all Research, Syn-Flex Glucosamine Com- on the market that do not feature decreased life stages. plex, DVM Pharmaceuticals’ Synovi-G3, protein levels. This seems to be particu- B-Naturals’ Flexile-Plus, and Liquid Health larly true of large breed senior foods, K-9 Glucosamine. You can also use prod- probably because these formulas were de- ucts made for people that contain veloped more recently. ingredients such as glucosamine, chon- For example, Innova has two new se- droitin sulfate, green-lipped mussel (perna nior dry foods: Large Breed Senior, which canaliculus), and hyaluronic acid. The use is 26 percent protein (as fed), and Senior of manganese in the supplement may help Plus with 24 percent protein (as fed). with absorption. Innova’s older product, Innova Senior, is Commercial senior diets also often con- 18 percent protein (as fed), which is much tain antioxidants, which help to fight lower than I would recommend. damage caused by free radicals and may I see no reason why the higher-protein reduce cancer risk. Antioxidants are pro- large breed formulas cannot be used for all vided by some vitamins and minerals, dogs, as the main difference between them including vitamins C, E, and A, carotenoids appears to be the addition of glucosamine Most overweight older dogs would such as beta-carotene, and selenium, found for joint problems, which can benefit small benefit from a diet with higher levels of mainly in fruits and vegetables. Other an- dogs as well. protein and moderate levels of fat. tioxidants include CoQ10, alpha-lipoic As with all commercial foods, there is acid, lutein (which may help to prevent a big difference between the high quality Rather than trying to find a single, cataracts), and pycnogenol. senior diets and the lower quality brands, “best” food, choose at least two or three While adding antioxidants to commer- which may have higher protein levels but different brands, using different protein cial foods is a good idea, it is questionable are using poor quality plant proteins to sources, and rotate between them every few how much value these additions to the achieve them. Avoid foods that contain corn weeks or every few months. Variety is al- foods offer. Dry foods in particular can gluten meal, a waste product from the hu- ways better than feeding any single food, have a very long shelf life, and lose some man food industry that provides incomplete as it helps to guarantee that all your dogs’ vitamins to degradation over time. proteins for dogs. Its appearance, espe- nutritional needs are met and is more in- It may be more productive to add an cially high on the ingredients list, is a teresting for your dogs. antioxidant supplement, whether or not you hallmark of lower quality food. It’s also a good idea to add some fresh feed a diet containing them. Suggested High-quality foods have high percent- foods to the diet, no matter what you feed, brands include Cell Advance 440 and 880 ages of protein from animal sources. If such as eggs and meat (raw or cooked), from Vetri-Science, and Small Animal An- overweight is a concern, look for products canned fish with bones (jack mackerel, tioxidant from Thorne Research. that contain moderately reduced levels of pink salmon, sardines), dairy (yogurt, kefir, Herbs can also be helpful for senior fat – around 10 to 14 percent (as fed) for cottage cheese), and healthy leftovers. dogs. Both of my seniors responded well

TO SUBSCRIBE: www.whole-dog-journal.com Copyright © 2006, Belvoir Media Group, LLC THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL | 9 to Animals’ Apawthecary’s Senior Blend, breeds would still be in their prime of life. made a significant difference. For example, for example. Tasha’s Herbs also makes a So, when is a dog a senior? Is it when her lameness increased at age 11, but she Senior Support supplement. Invigor from they start slowing down, becoming less improved when I added dl-phenylalanine The Honest Kitchen, Organic Green Alter- active, sleeping more? While these things (DLPA), an amino acid used to treat chronic native from Animal Essentials, and Genesis may come with age, they are often symp- pain. I use Thorne Veterinary’s Arthroplex, Resources Canine Antioxidant Formula are toms of conditions that can be treated and which includes DLPA, because it makes it whole food herbal supplements that pro- sometimes cured. Never assume that your easy to give the proper dosage for a me- vide antioxidants and other benefits. dog is slowing down or sleeping more just dium-sized dog; you can use human DLPA because he’s getting older. supplements for larger dogs. When is a dog a senior? Arthritis may be decreasing his activ- Piglet’s activity level also increased and There is a chart in my vet’s office that com- ity, but arthritis can be treated, both by she began taking much longer walks after pares dog ages to human ages. It shows the natural methods that include weight loss she had a broken tooth removed. Teeth be- first year of a dog’s life being equivalent and supplements, and by anti-inflammatory come more brittle with age, so even if your to 15 years in human terms, the second year drugs when needed, so that your dog can dog has never had problems with broken equivalent to 24 years, and then they add 4 continue to be active and enjoy his life as teeth before, you may find yourself deal- dog years to each human year after that. long as possible. ing with them when your dog gets older. This timeline is fairly accurate for a Sleeping more is often a symptom of We can’t stop our dogs from aging or medium-sized dog, though larger breeds pain and should never be dismissed as sim- make them live forever, but we can do a age faster and smaller dogs more slowly, ply a sign of aging. Have regular vet checks lot to ensure that they live the longest and once adulthood has been reached. The part done on older dogs, and discuss any healthiest lives possible. We can help our that makes me chuckle is their division of changes you’ve noticed with your vet. If older dogs to enjoy their senior years with the chart, showing middle age starting at 4 you see any sudden changes in activity protein, exercise, weight control, supple- years (equivalent to a 32 year old person), level, sleeping habits, weight or appetite, ments, and good veterinary care. and senior classification beginning at age etc., see your vet right away. 7 (equivalent to a 44 year old person). Can I’ve been surprised at how many signs Mary Straus does research on canine you imagine how you would feel if you of “aging” actually improve with proper health and nutrition topics as an avoca- were told you were a senior at age 44? A care. Piglet’s arthritis has slowed her down, tion. She is the owner of the DogAware.com giant breed dog, such as a Great Dane, may but I’ve continued to try different supple- website. She lives in the San Francisco Bay be a senior at age 7, but many smaller ments and medications, and several have Area with her 14-year-old dog, Piglet.

Resources Mentioned in This Article

Arthroplex and Small Animal Antioxidant Tasha’s Herbs Senior Support Supplement Made by Thorne Research, Inc. Information available at thorne.com. Made by Coyote Springs Company, (800) 315-0142. Thorne sells its products through veterinarians; ask your vet to order. Available from many retailers. We found the best prices from Equilite, Also available from wellvet.com, (303) 702-1986. Inc. (equilite.com, 800-942-5483) and Botanical Dog, LLC (botanicaldog.com, 843-864-9368). Berte’s Naturals Flexile-Plus Made and sold by B-Naturals, b-naturals.com, (866) 368-2728. The Honest Kitchen Invigor Made and sold by The Honest Kitchen, thehonestkitchen.com, Syn-Flex Glucosamine Complex (858) 483-5995. Made by Syn-Flex America, Inc. Information available at activexamerica.com. Product available from many retailers; the best Genesis Resources Canine Antioxidant Formula price we’ve found is from k9rawdiet.com (818-888-6983). Made by Genesis Ltd., genesispets.com. Available from Only Natural Pet Store (onlynaturalpet.com, 888-937- DVM Pharmaceuticals Synovi-G3 tablets, granules and chews 6677) and other retailers. Made by DVM Pharmaceuticals. Information available at dvmpharmaceuticals.com. Available from KV Vet (kvvet.com or 800- Eagle Pack Holistic Select Senior Care Formula 423-8211) and other retailers. eaglepack.com, (800) 255-5959.

Vetri-Science Cell Advance 440 and 880 Antioxidant Formulas Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul Made by Vetri-Science Laboratories of Vermont. Information avail- Senior Dog Formulas able at vetriscience.com. Available from VetAmerica chickensoupforthepetloverssoul.com, (vetamerica.com or 888-838-2637) and other retailers. (800) 658-0624.

Liquid Health K-9 Glucosamine and K-9 Glucosamine & HA Champion Petfoods’ ACANA Senior Light and Made and sold by Liquid Health, liquidhealthinc.com, Orijen Senior, championpetfoods.com, (800) 995-6607. (780) 939-6888.

Animals’ Apawthecary Senior Blend Innova Large Breed Senior, Animal Essentials Organic Green Alternative Herbal Blend Innova Senior Plus, and Made and sold by Animal Essentials, animalessentials.com, Innova EVO Reduced Fat Dry (888) 463-7748. Also available in some pet supply stores. naturapet.com, (800) 532-7261.

BY ANGELICA STEINKER wning an aggressive, fearful, or your dog will acquire and benefits he will other type of “special needs” dog reap along the way: is stressful. When your dog over- reacts to other dogs – or just the ■ Increased attention is one of the many stimulus of being out in the world benefits resulting from agility training. If a O– by barking, lunging, and exhibiting over- dog is looking at you, she can’t be looking excited, out-of-control behavior, it can at another dog or a person at the same time. become so unpleasant that you start leav- This makes attention a behavior that is ing him at home more and more. Of course, beautifully incompatible with most aggres- this coping mechanism will only contrib- sive behaviors. ute to your dog’s behavior issues becoming worse. ■ The process of learning agility can be Agility may just be the thing for you! therapeutic for a difficult dog by building Agility is a fun dog sport that involves the his confidence if he’s shy or fearful; many dog running over planks, through tunnels, dogs who exhibit aggression are actually and leaping over a variety of jumps, while fearful and lacking in self-confidence. the nearby handler walks quickly or runs along directing his activity. In competitions, ■ Self-control is taught and reinforced in the dog being judged is the only dog in the every phase of agility training. The happy expression on the face of Turbo, a Miniature Pinscher, is common ring, so with some self-control training and in agility dogs. (Note: Front-clip control ■ good management you may even be able Finally, because it’s fun for dogs and harnesses can inhibit a dog from being to compete with your difficult dog. If that their people, it can help repair damage able to jump freely.) PHOTO BY TONY RIDER sounds like a huge leap, consider the skills done to their relationship, and deepen the bonds between them. Every part of agility requires a certain What you can do . . . amount of self-control – some parts require How to get there from here a lot! – which is always a benefit for an ■ Teach your dog basic skills, such In many cases, people with difficult dogs aggressive dog. Once a dog has learned that as a very quick recall and a “go” spend most of their time trying to get their agility is a fun game, she will be eager to cue. That’s a bare minimum for dogs not to do something – don’t jump, start performing the obstacles. Before she “agility” training, even if it’s only don’t bark, don’t pull, don’t lunge. Agility is allowed to play, however, she has to wait played in your living room. gives those dogs something easy and en- at the start line until her handler releases joyable to do, and do with enthusiasm! her. This is just the kind of self-control Agility is a game that you play with your ■ Keep all your practice sessions game that is beneficial to a dog with ag- dog. Play is emotionally incompatible with gression issues. light and fun and always positive. the emotions linked to aggression. If your Dogs also have to exhibit extraordinary Agility competitors have a saying, dog is playful she is less likely to bark or self-control at an obstacle called the table. “Agility dogs don’t make lunge at a person or other dog. At this obstacle, the dog is asked to leap mistakes; only their handlers do!” Just as “rope courses” build confidence onto the table top and sit or down, holding in people, agility course training builds that position for five seconds. Most dogs ■ Reinforce your dog’s attention and confidence in dogs. At first you are certain consider it more fun to be moving. Learn- self-control as frequently and you can’t possibly scale the wall; once you ing to hold still earns her the reward generously as have done it you feel empowered and more (positive reinforcement) of getting to con- possible, confident. As dogs learn to leap over tinue with more running and jumping. especially hurdles, run through tunnels, and balance Agility can even help canines who don’t when he’s first over planks, their confidence increases. enjoy the company of other dogs learn to learning these Since most aggression is based on fear, this ignore them. They may even learn that dogs important skills. increase in confidence is helpful. A more near agility equipment signal impending confident dog is usually a less fearful dog. fun – a little classical conditioning.

TO SUBSCRIBE: www.whole-dog-journal.com Copyright © 2006, Belvoir Media Group, LLC THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL | 11 Stress and Agility Stress is like gasoline to the fire of aggression. The movement (and should be, of course!). The instructor should make it very and exercise provided in agility play are superb ways to help clear to the entire class that the reactive dog should not be most dogs to de-stress. approached by other dogs and/or people. All participants in a That said, some dogs are so stressed that playing agility, class that includes a reactive dog should be briefed on how to especially around other dogs, is overly arousing for them. For respond if there is an aggressive encounter between dogs. Also, these dogs a different game, individual (not group) classes, or the training area should be equipped with a “safe place” for maybe even a game that is played at home is more appropri- the reactive dog and his handler to retreat to, where he can ate. But don’t give up on them! Find a good agility instructor relax without having to see or deal with other dogs. to help you; cleanrun.com features At no time should a dog who a wealth of information on agility exhibits aggression be “corrected” training schools. with leash “pops” or hitting; this An excellent trainer will help only confirms his bad feelings you determine what works best for about the activity and presence of your dog, adjusting what she others. Instead, care should be teaches as you all work together. taken to move him to a greater dis- Good agility trainers do not use tance from the rest of the class, and choke chains, prong collars, squirt more time spent working on self- guns, shock collars, or excessive control games and behaviors that crating for any reason. are incompatible with barking and Aggressive dogs can be care- Reactive dogs should have a “safe” place so they lunging. This takes time but is well fully managed in an agility class can retreat from the rest of the class periodically. worth the effort.

Therapeutic games that are ■ Eye contact game face earns her clicks and treats, raise the useful in agility This is a fun way to teach your dog to criteria slowly by requiring a slightly longer Even without having agility equipment, you pay attention to you. With your dog on a period of eye contact before she gets the can play the following games to help your leash, and with you standing on the end of click and treat. dog learn some therapeutic skills. Be sure the leash, take a piece of food in an obvi- As soon as it’s clear that she gets the to play these games with a happy attitude. ous way, so she sees that you have game, you can increase the difficulty of the Dogs are truth detectors; if you fake hav- something delicious, and hold it out at exercise. Move the food closer to your ing fun, they will know. Play with your dog arm’s length from your head at eye level. head, and, as she consistently succeeds, only when you truly are feeling playful and If she looks at your face, mark the be- wiggle the food around, making it progres- want to have fun! havior (with a click! of a clicker or verbal sively more challenging for her to ignore While you are playing, observe your marker, such as the word, “Yes!”) and feed the food and make eye contact with you. dog and use her behavior as a method of her the piece of food. Watch her carefully. This is a very fun game that teaches self- feedback. If she’s playing the game slowly Most dogs will look at the food for a few control, eye contact, and how to ignore and methodically, bump up your own en- seconds, and then look at your face for enticing distractions, all at the same time. ergy level to encourage her. clues as to why you are doing something These are especially valuable skills for a so odd! dog who has “issues” with people and/or The second she looks dogs; you now have a behavior (eye con- If Pain, No Gain at you, click! and treat. If tact with you) that is incompatible with Physical issues can be a significant barrier to agility she only stares at the barking and lunging. Instead of scanning training being useful as a training or rehabilitation food, hypnotized, hide it the area looking for things or other beings tool. Loose knee caps, dysplastic joints, back pain, behind your back for a to bark at, your dog can look at you and or injuries can inter- second, and then earn clicks and treats instead! fere with your dog’s hold the food an enjoyment. Most arm’s length away ■ Restrained recall game agility trainers rec- from you again. To play this game you need two people. ommend a detailed Most dogs will One person holds the dog, gently restrain- veterinary physical look at you at ing her from getting to the trainer. The exam of every single some point when trainer runs away from the dog calling her joint of your dog’s they realize that name. When the dog strains against the body prior to starting staring at the food person holding her back, this person re- an agility training yields nothing. leases the dog to dash to the trainer. The program. Once the dog trainer can then click as the dog is running has the idea that to her and feed her a delicious treat or, if looking at your she is more motivated by play, play with a

12|DECEMBER 2006 Copyright © 2006, Belvoir Media Group, LLC TO SUBSCRIBE, CALL (800) 829-9165 toy when the dog reaches her. This game can help train your dog to come when called at light speed – very helpful if you find yourself in an emergency situation with your dog off leash.

■ Running side by side game In this game, your dog learns to run alongside you, in a loose heeling position. The goal is for him to keep his eye on you for direction, so he doesn’t run in front and trip you! In the “go game,” your dog learns to run and jump over an obstacle on cue. At first, It’s easiest to start by running in a small he’s actually chasing a toy or bag of treats that the handler throws over the jump. circle, with your dog on the outside. Carry one of your dog’s favorite toys or some ting your dog to chase after it, jumping the will help your dog generalize the behav- scrumptious treats, and click! and treat fre- obstacle in the process. She gets to play ior, making it more likely that your dog will quently at first, to engage and hold her with the toy or enjoy a few treats before play the game even if the jump looks dif- attention. Practice in clockwise and coun- you repeat the game. ferent or is in different locations. terclockwise circles. After a number of successful repeti- tions, as she anticipates your throw and runs ■ Endless games ■ Go game ahead to the jump, you can start adding a It’s not immediately apparent to the The object of this game is to get your cue, such as “Go!” or “Go jump!” casual observer, but there are literally hun- dog to run and jump a small obstacle on As she continues to succeed and seems dreds of games that you can play with your cue. This doesn’t have to be fancy; you can to enjoy this game, slowly and progres- dog in the process of teaching him to run use a broomstick and two piles of books to sively add a little more distance until you an entire agility course. That’s a good thing make a little jump! To start, position your can send your dog to the jump from 30 or for a dog who enjoys playing games! Each dog by your side, with both of you facing a more feet away. Be sure to teach your dog skill he learns can be applied in many agil- small jump. You should be equipped with to play this game from both sides of your ity activities. a toy the dog really likes, or a “bait bag” body. full of treats. Also, move the jump around and make Find a positive trainer The idea is to throw the bag over the it look different; drape a sheet over the Agility is about bonding and connecting jump, with the intention, initially, of get- broom, or put pillows underneath it. This with your dog. It is a fun learning process for both humans and dogs. If you are in an agility class and are concerned your dog Learning to Relax (Both of You!) isn’t having fun, discuss this with your in- The benefits of agility do not end with the training session. One extremely helpful structor immediately. technique for modifying aggressive behavior is teaching a dog to relax. Some of Any forceful training (the use of choke the more active dogs (herding, terrier, and sporting types) can benefit tremen- chains, prong collars, shock collars, water dously by the relaxing aftereffect of exercise. After a good agility workout most squirt guns, or excessive crating) is not part active dogs curl up for a nap. of playing the agility game. Screen instruc- Make it a habit to sit quietly for at least 10 to 15 minutes with your dog in a tors and schools carefully, finding a good comfortable place after your agility practice match for yourself and your dog. session. Sit on a blanket or pad, or, if you are Agility is not a substitute for a behav- not at home (and if your dog is reacting to other ior modification program, or medication if dogs or activity nearby), sit in the back seat of it is needed, but it can be a wonderful ad- the car together. junct that will likely speed the progress of When she is sitting or lying quietly with you, your dog’s path to better mental health. If reward her with treats and calm petting or mas- you have a dog with issues, consider find- sage strokes – that is, if she enjoys petting. (If ing an agility clicker trainer familiar with she ducks your touch or becomes more ener- fear, aggression, and learning theory. It will getic when you stroke her, don’t pet her during make you both feel better! this quiet time.) Ignore her if she is active or restless. Reinforce only the desired behavior: tuning into you and calming down. Angelica Steinker owns and operates Keep yourself calm and quiet, too! Don’t Courteous Canine, Inc., a clicker training “tune out” with the cell phone or socializing. and agility school in Lutz, Florida. She is Prior to the strenuous Take some deep breaths (in and out!), relax all physical activity of agility, the author of Agility Success (2000) and your muscles, and just “be” with your dog for a Ferris, a Rat Terrier, was too Click and Play Agility (2006). See few minutes. “wired” to unwind like this. “Resources,” page 24, for book purchase and contact information.

BY CJ PUOTINEN norexia, bulimia, and weird pregnancy cravings are common in humans, but did you know dogs have eating disorders, too? Dogs with pica (pronounced APIE-kuh) consume indigestible nonfood items like rocks, concrete, wrought iron, glass, ice, coins, screws, upholstery stuff- ing, batteries, soda cans, gravel, dirt, clay, and other objects. Young puppies often chew on inappropriate items in an effort to ease the discomfort of teething; this is different. Adolescent and adult dogs who exhibit pica compulsively chew and consume inappropriate items, sometimes resulting in their deaths. Chewing hard or sharp objects can damage teeth, gums, or digestive organs. Objects that become stuck or cause block- age can require surgery. And items containing zinc or other toxic minerals can poison the dog. Nothing is quite as disgusting to dog owners as catching their dogs eating poop. However, pica – the consumption of nonfood items such as dirt or rocks – is actually What you can do . . . more dangerous. These eating disorders may resolve with supplementation.

■ Upgrade your dog’s diet by Dog owners more frequently complain encourage dogs to consume appropriate replacing his grain-based kibble about another disturbing habit of canine food items and leave other things alone, a with a high-protein, low- consumption: coprophagia (pronounced few simple adjustments to the dog’s daily carbohydrate food. cop-ra-FAY-jee-a) or “dung eating.” fare may solve the problem. Though dogs with coprophagia may eat ■ Consider giving your dog a raw only deer droppings, cat box contents, A closer look at pica diet that includes whole or ground horse manure and the like, people are most When pica is caused by a nutritional defi- raw bone. horrified (and frustrated) with dogs who ciency or imbalance, other symptoms eat their own or other dogs’ stools. Bleh! accompany the condition. In the May 1996 What causes these eating disorders, and Journal of the American Holistic Veteri- ■ Supplement your dog’s food with what can be done about them? nary Medical Association, Martin enzymes, probiotics, minerals, Most veterinarians consider pica and Schulman, VMD, reported that mineral and other products that improve coprophagia behavioral problems having deficiencies often contribute to the devel- digestion and assimilation. nothing to do with nutrition because their opment of seizures. patients are fed a 100-percent nutritionally In a review of the medical histories of ■ Pick up after your dog and other complete canned or packaged dog food. patients diagnosed with epilepsy in his dogs in your area. Use But while it’s true that you are what you clinic, Dr. Schulman discovered that an a covered cat box eat, it’s even more true that you are what “astonishingly high percentage” showed or keep your you absorb, and not every dog has a per- significant manifestations of pica. In one cat’s box where fect digestive tract. In many cases, case, a female German Shepherd Dog had your dog can’t improving a dog’s diet and/or digestion has a history of licking wrought iron and eat- reach it. resulted in significant behavior changes. In ing Christmas tree lights and glass. Treating addition to using positive reinforcement to the patient with an improved diet supple-

14|DECEMBER 2006 Copyright © 2006, Belvoir Media Group, LLC TO SUBSCRIBE, CALL (800) 829-9165 mented with plant-derived colloidal min- DJ was the portrait of a dog going into Stool eating erals, digestive enzymes, and probiotic bloat as he stood panting with his head In the wild, dung eating is common. As L. foods cured the pica within 21 days, and down and his left side brick-hard and David Mech, Ph.D., explained in “What a the dog had no additional seizures. slightly protruding. Volhard treated him Wolf Eats” (WDJ March 2005), wolves are Other conditions that can coincide with homeopathically and did acupressure on his opportunistic omnivores. “They will eat lit- pica include hair loss, dry or flaky skin or stomach meridian while someone drove erally anything that is remotely edible,” he coat, pigment problems, infertility, eclamp- them to the nearest veterinarian. The ex- says. The same is true of all canines. sia or other problems with pregnancy or amination and x-rays showed that DJ had In his popular book Give Your Dog a whelping, birth defects, bone and growth suffered no damage, but he went on to ex- Bone, Australian veterinarian Ian problems, anemia, fatigue, muscle spasms, perience several more episodes, including Billinghurst reminds readers that all dogs irregular heartbeat, respiratory illnesses, one in which he ate large quantities of au- are scavengers. allergies, digestive disorders, immune sys- tumn leaves. “They receive valuable nutrients from tem problems, slow wound healing, “We went back and forth to the vet material we humans find totally repug- glandular disorders, and chronic ill health. many times,” says Volhard, “and each time nant,” Billinghurst says, “things like vomit, Advocates of home-prepared diets of- he was okay. Taking care of it is one thing, feces, and decaying flesh . . . Feces are a ten claim that a well-balanced raw diet but I wanted to stop it entirely. I discov- highly valuable food consisting of the dead eliminates or prevents pica, but occasion- ered that dogs with this condition seem to and living bodies of millions upon millions ally the condition occurs even in well-fed respond very well to the addition of hy- of bacteria. To replace feces requires a team dogs. drochloric acid and pepsin at every meal. of ingredients like yogurt, brewer’s yeast, In Riverside, California, Jacki Panzik “This made me think that they don’t eggs, oils, an enzyme product, and crushed has been breeding Standard Poodles for 15 have the capacity to make enough stom- raw vegetables as a source of fiber.” years, feeding a raw diet and using mini- ach acid to break down their food. In my Mother wolves, like mother dogs, in- mal vaccinations. She recently dealt with experience, adding this simple supplement gest the fecal matter produced by their two litters born within a month of each has been very successful in stopping pica. young puppies. Some researchers say this other that were sired by the same stud dog, is an attempt to hide the litter from preda- in which the puppies at age 12 to 16 weeks tors, while others say it provides the mother showed symptoms of pica, including the with nutrients. consumption of dirt. Both theories are probably correct. The “Pica is often demonstrated in autistic manure of herbivores such as deer, elk, children,” she says. “I am in the field of cattle, sheep, geese, and other grass-eating alternative medicine, and I see a lot of simi- animals contains B-complex vitamins, vi- larities between the physical condition of tamin K, minerals, beneficial bacteria, some dogs today and autistic children.” essential fatty acids, enzymes, antioxidants, Panzik and her husband do energy bal- and fiber. ancing, so they worked with the pups and Although most dogs who indulge re- their sire energetically to correct the main healthy, veterinarians warn that fecal problem’s underlying causes. In addition, matter may contain parasites such as giar- they suggested adding bone meal to the diet dia, coccidia, roundworms, or whipworms. fed to the pups. Within a week, the pup- Some dogs become interested in their pies from both litters stopped eating dirt. own stools only after they eat raw carrots Wendy Volhard, author of the bestsell- or other foods that they cannot completely ing Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog, has digest. Withholding hard-to-digest foods observed symptoms of pica in dogs who from your dog’s diet is a simple solution. have a tendency to bloat. “When they are Because grain-based foods are difficult outside and a bloating episode is about to for dogs to digest, a high-carbohydrate dog start,” she says, “you sometimes find them food can cause a dog to produce large PHOTO BY eating grass, leaves, and dirt without stop- JACKI PANZIK amounts of feces containing only partially ping. If confined indoors, they may eat the digested ingredients. Feeding a grain-free fringes of carpets, curtains, and whatever When two litters of puppies began eating food or home-prepared food that is high in dirt, Poodle breeder Jacki Panzik else they can reach. This is true aberrant recommended giving the pups a bone protein and low in carbohydrates can re- eating behavior, and in every case I have meal supplement and used energy sult in more complete digestion and observed, the result has been bloat.” balancing – and the pica stopped. smaller, less appetizing stools. Years ago, Volhard’s Briard, DJ, was Those who feed raw bones report that with her at a training camp, and when she In DJ’s case, a hydrochloric acid and pep- the end result of a meal that includes raw returned to her room after teaching a class, sin capsule twice a day in his meals, plus a bone is small, hard, dry, and less interest- she was horrified to find DJ pulling cur- spleen glandular supplement during the ing than fecal matter that does not contain tains through the top of his wire crate. He change of seasons, did the trick. It took bone. had swallowed more than half of one be- some trial and error but he never again had In her Complete Herbal Handbook for fore she could get him out and untangle a problem with bloat or showed any symp- the Dog and Cat, Juliette de Bairacli Levy the mess. toms of pica.” (see “Grandmother Nature,” July 2006)

TO SUBSCRIBE: www.whole-dog-journal.com Copyright © 2006, Belvoir Media Group, LLC THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL | 15 production is low. Human digestive supplements that contain hydrochloric acid (HCl) and pepsin or other digestive enzymes can be adapted for canine use. Assume that the human dose is appropriate for someone weighing 120 to 150 pounds and divide this amount by your dog’s weight to adjust the recommended dosage. Add one capsule or tablet (or an appropriate fraction of a capsule or tablet), buried in food, at the end of the meal. If feeding a dry dog food, wrap the tablet or capsule in a piece of cheese, a piece of meat, or something the dog will swallow whole. Digestive supplements that contain warming herbs or spices such as ginger or cinnamon can also help improve digestion and assimilation. As above, adjust the dose for your dog’s size, or simply sprinkle 1 If your dog exhibits pica eating, he must be either vigilantly supervised, or in a /8 to ¼ teaspoon powdered cinnamon or carefully managed environment with limited access to anything potentially harmful. ginger on your dog’s food. Give smaller amounts to small dogs and larger amounts writes, “Dogs should never have their natu- serving Nattie. She’s now as bad as Nattie to giant breeds. ral instincts thwarted in the matter of diet. ever was.” Seacure is a fermented deep sea white They should not be prevented from eating While debate continues as to whether fish product sold as pet supplement pow- the droppings of grass-fed cattle and horses, coprophagia is a behavioral problem, der, chewable wafers, and capsules. from which they can get many vital ele- there’s no doubt that dogs who are bored, Because it is predigested, its amino acids ments derived from the herbage on which receive little aerobic exercise or interest- and peptides are immediately assimilated, the animals have grazed and in a form eas- ing play, and have unlimited access to their facilitating tissue repair throughout the ily assimilated by the dog . . . Only eating own or other animals’ droppings will be body. Dogs with digestive disorders that its own or other dogs’ feces is a depraved difficult to discourage. Increasing the dog’s contribute to pica often improve quickly, habit and should be checked at once.” active exercise, giving him a larger assort- and those with coprophagia may become Commercial products with names like ment of interesting toys to play with, less interested in their fecal output. For-Bid, Deter, and SEP (Stop Eating Poop) keeping the dog’s exercise area clean and Dee Eckert, at Seacure’s manufacturer, are designed to make stools unappetizing. free from excrement, keeping cat litter Proper Nutrition, Inc., says they have heard For-Bid contains wheat gluten and mono- boxes out of reach, and giving the dog sev- from breeders, trainers, and pet guardians sodium glutamate, which are said to work eral small meals per day rather than only who say that Seacure helped eliminate with the digestive tract to give stools a bad one large meal can all help reduce his in- symptoms in dogs with pica and coproph- taste. Deter tablets contain a “natural veg- terest in coprophagia or at least reduce his agia. “We have been told that dogs who etable extract.” SEP (Stop Eating Poop) opportunity to indulge. exhibit these behaviors suffer from leaky powder contains dicalcium phosphate, rice gut syndrome and malabsorption. If this is flour, glutamic acid, peppermint, Yucca Improve your dog’s digestion true, it makes sense that Seacure would help schidigera extract, beef liver, oil of pars- In addition to improving your dog’s diet, because it is best known for treating diges- ley, and natural flavoring. start using supplements that can improve tive and malabsorption issues.” (For more Do-it-yourself treatments include sprin- her digestion. information, see “Securing Seacure,” April kling monosodium glutamate (MSG, or For example, try an enzyme product 2003.) Accent flavor enhancer) on the dog’s food, like Prozyme. The heat of processing de- Beneficial bacteria play an important adding a drop of anise essential oil, or add- stroys enzymes in food, making the food role in not only the digestion process but ing garlic, pumpkin, meat tenderizer, more difficult to digest. Enzyme powders the entire immune system. In fact, benefi- pineapple, zucchini, or Fig Newtons to the sprinkled on food supply these important cial bacteria are the body’s first line of food. By all accounts, these methods work catalysts, resulting in more efficient diges- defense against harmful bacteria, viruses, for some dogs but not for all. tion. Many vets and dog owners have parasites, and other pathogens. (See “Prob- “I’ve never had much success breaking reported excellent results from adding ing Probiotics,” August 2006, for more a dog of this habit,” says canine health re- Prozyme or similar enzyme powders to the information.) searcher Mary Straus, who lives in the San food of dogs with pica or coprophagia. Lactobacillus acidophilus and other Francisco Bay area. “Interestingly, it’s a Digestive support products that con- species of beneficial bacteria help prevent habit that can be learned as an adult, not tain hydrochloric acid, pepsin, and other diarrhea, leaky gut syndrome, lactose in- just as a puppy. My Nattie was a stool-eater, digestive enzymes may help prevent pica tolerance, and other symptoms of but Piglet never was until she started ob- and bloat in dogs whose hydrochloric acid indigestion. They assist in the production

16|DECEMBER 2006 Copyright © 2006, Belvoir Media Group, LLC TO SUBSCRIBE, CALL (800) 829-9165 of vitamins and enzymes, decrease toxins is available from veterinarians and some problem by holding key acupuncture and mutagenic reactions, improve the as- online retailers, have helped many dogs points. She also recommends 2 to 3 similation and utilization of carbohydrates recover from pica. dropperfuls each of dandelion (Taraxacum and protein, and strengthen the body’s abil- Adding vegetable oil to the dog’s food officinale), burdock (Arctium lappa), and ity to fight infection. has helped in some cases of pica and co- wood betony (Betonica officinalis) tinc- But many American dogs have insuffi- prophagia. Coconut oil may be the best tures for medium and large dogs, twice cient quantities of beneficial bacteria. One vegetable oil for dogs because of its sta- daily, plus 2 to 3 teaspoons of strongly reason is their frequent treatment with an- bility and its ability to destroy harmful brewed chamomile (Matricaria tibiotics, which kill good as well as bad bacteria, viruses, parasites, yeasts, and chamomilla) tea twice daily with food. bacteria. Another is processed pet foods fungi. Coconut oil helps repair digestion Small dogs receive 1 dropperful of each that disrupt the body’s ecology and help and improves the assimilation of nutrients. tincture and 1 teaspoon chamomile tea. harmful strains of bacteria take over. Add coconut oil to any dog’s food at the Some people have successfully trained Adding beneficial bacteria in the form rate of 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body their dogs to stop eating fecal matter, rocks, of live-culture yogurt or probiotic supple- weight, starting with smaller amounts and and other objects using various methods – ments helps restore the body’s army of building up gradually. (For more informa- at least, as long as they were present and friendly microbes. Probiotics are recom- tion, see “Crazy about Coconut Oil,” vigilant. In general, though, most owners mended for all dogs with pica, coproph- October 2005.) have learned that managing the dog’s habit agia, or digestive disorders. by simply keeping him away from the for- Mineral supplements are another rec- Other methods bidden treats will be more fruitful, and less ommendation for dogs with eating Homeopathy has helped some dogs with frustrating, than positive or negative train- disorders. Humans with iron-deficiency pica or coprophagia. In classical homeopa- ing methods. And the various health-based anemia often crave ice or paper, while those thy, remedies are prescribed individually strategies described above provide more with other mineral deficiencies may crave according to each patient’s history and reliable results. items like laundry starch, chalk, clay, dirt, symptoms. For best results, consult a vet- There may be no simple cure for pica or charcoal from a wood stove. Mineral de- erinary homeopath. or coprophagia, but the potential for relief ficiencies may trigger similar cravings in Acupressure, acupuncture, and herbs from these disturbing habits makes trying dogs, and numerous holistic veterinarians have also helped. In her book Four Paws, a few of these treatments definitely worth report resolution of their patients’ pica eat- Five Directions: A Guide to Chinese Medi- the effort. ing with mineral supplementation. cine for Cats and Dogs, Cheryl Schwartz, Several brands of colloidal minerals are DVM, describes excessive appetite and the A long-time contributor to WDJ and author sold in health food stores, most of which eating of strange things as symptoms of of The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care, contain more than 60 minerals and trace “excessive stomach fire” associated with Natural Remedies for Dogs and Cats, and elements. Mineral supplements like the the liver and gall bladder. other books, CJ Puotinen lives in New York Standard Process product Min-Tran, which Dr. Schwartz explains how to treat the with her husband, a Lab, and a tabby cat.

Resources to Stop Pica and Coprophagia

BOOKS PRODUCTS The following books are all available from from DogWise (dogwise.com Canine Medicine Chest. Products for eating disorders include Pro- or 800-776-2665) and other booksellers. Bac probiotics, Systemajuv herbal remedy, Concentrated Trace Minerals, and Canine Vita Pak or Super Vita Puppy. Information at The Complete Herbal Handbook for the Dog and Cat, by Juliette de petmedicinechest.com. Free phone consultation (712) 644-3535 from Baracli Levy. Faber & Faber, 1992. 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM CST.

Four Paws, Five Directions: A Guide to Chinese Medicine for Cats Deter Coprophagia Treatment, Eight in One, eightinonepet.com. Sold and Dogs, by Cheryl Schwartz, DVM. Celestial Arts, 1996. by veterinarians and pet supply companies.

Give Your Dog a Bone: The Practical Commonsense Way to Feed Dogs For-Bid, Alpar Labs. Sold by Biovets.com (800-447-1366, biovets.com) for a Long Healthy Life, by Dr. Ian Billinghurst. Published by the au- and other pet supply companies. thor, 1993. Prozyme. Free sample available from Prozyme Products, (800) 522- INFORMATION RESOURCES 5537, prozymeproducts.com Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy, (866) 652-1590, theavh.org Seacure. Proper Nutrition, Inc. (800) 555-8868, propernutrition.com. American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, ahvma.org, holisticvetlist.com SEP (Stop Eating Poop), Solid Gold Pet Products. Available from solidgoldhealth.com and pet supply stores. Jacki Panzik, Poodle Dog, poodledog.com Standard Process Min-Tran Minerals, Canine Whole Body Support Wendy Volhard, Volhard Top Dog Training and Nutrition, volhard.com powder, and Zypan hydrochloric acid-enzyme tablets. Information at standardprocess.com. Product available from licensed healthcare practitioners; ask your veterinarian.

TO SUBSCRIBE: www.whole-dog-journal.com Copyright © 2006, Belvoir Media Group, LLC THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL | 17 CONSUMER ALERT Practice Management Veterinary visits can be far more productive if you do your part.

BY DENISE FLAIM andy Boucher of Philadelphia took few keystrokes away, and it was: In re- narian Myrna M. Milani of Charlestown, his new Rhodesian Ridgeback sponse to my e-mailed plea, several fellow New Hampshire, author of The Art of Vet- puppy on her first veterinary visit breeders on a Ridgeback Internet forum erinary Practice: A Guide to Client Com- armed with a binder full of diet and recommended a homeopathic vet in nearby munication, (University of Pennsylvania vaccine recommendations from his Delaware whose attitudes about nutrition Press, 1995). Thankfully, as with human Rholistically oriented breeder. and vaccination exactly mirror the way medicine, veterinary care is evolving, and But instead of a conversation about raw Mosa was reared. Though the new vet isn’t “there has been a shift to a new, patient- feeding and minimal vaccination, he got a as conveniently located as the first, the half- centered form, and in that realm the owner rant. hour drive to Wilmington is a small price becomes the animal’s advocate.” “The vet told me my breeder was a to pay for a kindred spirit. It’s getting there that can be difficult. crackpot, and that he totally disagreed with Vet visits shouldn’t be traumatic, for the what she wanted me to do,” Boucher re- dog or the owner. And while Mosa’s story It’s more emotional members. “And he said Mosa was has a happy ending – and most vet visits Chances are your interactions with your underweight and that I should put kibble aren’t as harrowing as her inaugural one – auto mechanic or accountant are straight- in her bowl and let her eat as much as she many owners who want to pursue a more forward and uncomplicated – unless, of wanted for 15 minutes” – advice that for holistic approach find themselves in a course, your car keeps stalling or the IRS ever-ravenous Ridgies is a one-way ticket quandary over how to deal with the second- comes calling, in which case you move on. to obesity. most important human relationship in their But your relationship with your vet is Angry and upset, Boucher picked up his dog’s life: the one with their vet. likely more complex, for a couple of rea- brown-nosed girl and headed out the door. “That old paternalistic – and sons: The art of medicine is not as linear Later that day, he called his “crackpot” maternalistic – view of medicine is still as adding up a column of numbers; negoti- breeder – who, in the interest of full dis- there, particularly in older practitioners. ating your options is very subjective, and closure, happens to be me! There is this idea of ‘Do this because I say sometimes touchy, especially if your vet I promised that a remedy was only a so, and don’t ask questions,’” says veteri- isn’t supportive of holistic modalities you

What you can do . . .

■ Find your dream veterinarian – or build a team of vets who collectively offer what you need – before you are in urgent need. The odds of being able to find perfectly appropriate care for your dog under duress are low.

■ Be honest and forthright with your chosen practitioner. Failing to disclose details about your dog’s diet, supplements, conventional medications, or vaccination history can cause him to make life-threaten- ing mistakes in his diagnosis or treatment of your For your dog’s sake, you have to be able to communicate well with your veterinarian. If you don’t understand and respect each other, it is your responsibility to do whatever dog. you can to get things back on track, or find another veterinarian.

18|DECEMBER 2006 Copyright © 2006, Belvoir Media Group, LLC TO SUBSCRIBE, CALL (800) 829-9165 might be inclined to try. And while you may of her vet’s professional ability and train- love your VW Bug beyond measure, trian- ing, and he of her position as final arbiter. gulating yourself between a vet’s “I view all my relationships this way, professional opinion, the fate of your furry whether it’s with my attorney or my doctor mop-top, and your own ideas about the or even my husband,” she says. “If they right approach can bring with it a range of are knowledgeable about the subject, I lis- turbocharged emotions more appropriate ten, but in the end I’m the one that has to for a therapist’s couch than a stainless-steel make the decision that’s right for me. And exam table. for the most part, if I can eliminate emo- Randye DeLorto, a Rottweiler breeder tion, it works better.” from Hemet, California, says the handiest Love, guilt, fear, sadness, resentment – metaphor she can think of is marriage. all those feelings can cloud your dealings “Like any marriage, you have to work with your vet and affect the treatment pro- at it, and vets can be high maintenance,” cess. “We increasingly live in a society in she says. “My vet knows I’m a breeder, and which our relationships with our compan- he knows I’m holistic, and we spar. I re- ion animals are driven by emotion rather spect him for his thoughts, and I ask his than knowledge,” Milani says. And while opinion on other things. And I think he re- that’s understandable, it’s not helpful, “be- spects my knowledge and effort, and the cause when you’re driven by emotion, fact that I don’t think the same way he does. that’s all you’ve got.” That’s a good way to have any good work- As simple as it is to do, it may be diffi- ing relationship – or marriage.” cult for some owners to set aside the various No relationship – conjugal, veterinary, It can be particularly difficult to monitor emotions that dealing with an authority fig- or otherwise – is perfect. There will always what is going on with your dog and ure dredges up – whether fear or guilt or be areas of tension and disagreement. In communicate with his doctors when he hostility – and just deal honestly and is receiving care at a large hospital, such some cases, monogamy may not be the best as those found at veterinary colleges. Be straightforwardly with their veterinarians. option: Some owners might have to expand persistent! The busy vets generally “Do you know that your vet is going to their circle of veterinary care to include appreciate your efforts and concern. be offended” if you respectfully but firmly specialty and holistic practitioners who disagree with her opinion? Milani asks. “Or have expertise where their primary vet to you, and see if you can forgive the rest. are you just afraid the vet is going to be doesn’t. All of this takes time, thought, and Penny Mallen of Napa, California, is a offended?” Don’t make decisions based on – most important – the willingness to be case in point. Her equine vet is supportive “what ifs.” honest and open about what you are doing of her decision to vaccinate her horses and why. minimally, and to use homeopathic nosodes Consider the culture If you’re struggling with your relation- whenever possible. Her dogs’ vet is a dif- No matter what the species, medicine can ship with your vet, or are considering ferent story. be a rigid, hierarchical discipline where finding a new one, here are some things to “We lock horns on a regular basis re- creative thinking and compassion – the consider. garding vaccination,” she says. “I send him very things that draw idealists to the field all the articles that I see, and then he puts – are sometimes backburnered in the face Do a cost-benefit analysis them in my file and we don’t talk about it.” of pragmatic considerations such as pro- Every vet-client relationship will have its Despite the fact that her vet can get ductivity and profitability. rough patches; that’s just reality. The ques- “feisty” and “argumentative,” they’ve Veterinarian John Robb of Fairfield, tion to ask yourself, Milani suggests, is: agreed to disagree – a process made easier, Connecticut, founder of Protect the Pets, a “What am I getting from this person ver- Mallen admits, by the influence of her vet’s nationwide network of veterinary prac- sus what I have to give up?” If your wife, who also happens to be the aforemen- titioners who have pledged to put the veterinarian is a brilliant diagnostician and tioned equine vet. welfare of animals above the drive for prof- surgeon, has top-notch equipment, keeps “In all honesty, I haven’t found anyone its, says veterinary culture is by its very up on her continuing education, but is luke- any better,” she says. “He’s a wonderful nature resistant to change. warm about the fact that you feed a raw technician. I can call them at home. He’s “There’s a lot of concern with protect- diet, consider whether that is enough to be fairly open-minded, and he likes his cli- ing our image rather than embracing change a deal breaker. ents to be knowledgeable; he respects that. in a much-changing world,” he says, not- What people value in a veterinarian can He’s willing to read and listen, and I think ing that he felt pressured, even persecuted, also vary wildly. “For some people, the that’s the most important thing, even in the when he decided to switch to a minimal most important thing is a vet they can com- end if he doesn’t agree.” vaccination protocol a decade before it was municate easily with,” Milani says. “For Bottom line: His pros outweigh his in vogue. This occurred again when he be- others, it’s state-of-the-art technology.” If cons. gan to question the inordinate influence you’re someone who places a premium on pharmaceutical and vaccine companies a relaxed, engaging bedside manner, no Respect in, emotion out have on how veterinarians do business. “In gee-whiz diagnostic machinery is going to Part of the reason for Mallen’s success with that context, we do have a lot of vets who make up for that. Figure out what matters her vet is that both are respectful: Mallen think they know more than they do, and

TO SUBSCRIBE: www.whole-dog-journal.com Copyright © 2006, Belvoir Media Group, LLC THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL | 19 egos get inflated,” he says. assuring him you won’t blame him if things yourself, and either try to fix it or move While no one advocates kowtowing to don’t turn out as you envision. on. “Where I see people get into trouble is a Dr. Doolittle with a Napoleon complex, “Ultimately, it’s the public that needs that they know when they go to their vet clients can get more with honey – or at least to spur on change by articulating what they that it’s not working for them, but they go a little sweet talking. Veterinarians who are want,” Robb reminds. By doing your part into denial,” Milani says. “Every time they unaccustomed to having their authority with your own veterinarian, you nudge the go, there is no communication, which can’t challenged, or who interpret a client’s de- process a tiny bit further, one dog at a time. be good for the dog. Then when crisis sire to follow a different protocol as strikes, they just react.” criticism of their competency, can respond Be honest The more difficult the conversation, the magically to a basic reaffirmation of their This should be obvious, but for many it’s more important it is to have it before things ability. Telling the veterinarian, “I know not. As with our own personal relation- get to a breaking point. Milani says end- you’re a crackerjack allopathic vet and I’d ships, we are sometimes tempted play of-life concerns are a common area where like you to help me pursue holistic treat- games in order to avoid confrontation or communication snafus can be devastating. ment for my dog,” tells her that you respect unpleasantness. “There is nothing worse for the owner her knowledge base, and turns a potential “Where people get into trouble is they of a terminally sick or injured animal than conflict into a team effort. don’t tell the veterinarian who’s working to discover that their vet will not euthanize “It’s like when you have kids,” Milani the case up that they’re going to leave with that animal,” she says. “To have been with reminds. “There are times when for their the antibiotics and then throw them out a practice for years, and now, when you sake you buck up and do something be- because that’s not what they wanted in the really want this person there, to find out cause it’s so important – even if you have first place,” Milani says. Not only does this they have a personal moral view that they to fake it.” undermine your relationship with your vet, didn’t share” – that’s a surprise no one but it could put your dog’s health in jeop- wants. Understand your vet’s ardy. The same applies if you are unspoken concerns freelancing herbs on the side and are un- Do your homework The veterinary profession has already aware of their contraindications. Like it or not, the burden is on you to evolve changed dramatically, Robb says, consid- Furtively obtaining holistic treatment your relationship with your vet, and give it ering that until the 1950s veterinary without telling your veterinarian also un- the fuel to grow. medicine was mostly agriculture-oriented, dermines the validity of what you’re doing, “What really needs to happen is the vet and small-animal hospitals were unheard she adds. “To me, what you’re saying is has to embrace the client,” says Robb. To of. Today, awareness of the human-animal you believe those holistic treatments have encourage your veterinarian to make that bond has taken root, but as an institution no power, that they’re not going to have leap, “clients need to do research on their veterinary medicine is still often out of any effect.” own, and present the vet with reliable re- synch with it. Besides, just how long can you keep search from a reliable source.” As an example, Milani points to the up the ruse? “The benchmark of the whole Owners who are newly embarked on a practice of not allowing an owner to hold natural holistic movement is that none of holistic path often don’t have the confi- an animal during an exam. “That’s an edict these modalities are a quick fix,” Milani dence to stand up for the approach they that comes down from the American Vet- explains. “They all require commitment want. “The key isn’t so much credentials,” erinary Medical Association,” she notes. and involvement” – something that’s im- says Milani, it’s informing yourself about Vets who choose to disregard this rule may possible if you’re tiptoeing around. what you want. “If my client has obviously be honoring their client’s relationship with done her homework, I will feel more con- their dog, but at a potential cost. Don’t rationalize fident about letting her try different options Like it or not, such liability concerns Milani notes that previous surveys by the than if she seems to know nothing.” pay a large role in determining how a vet- American Veterinary Medical Association The more lead time you can get on erinarian will deal with requests that are have consistently found that location is a decision-making, the better. For example, outside his or her comfort level. You can prime criterion for choosing a vet. “People when you call to make the appointment for help make that a moot issue by offering to go to the one that’s closest – until they have your puppy’s first series of inoculations, sign a liability waiver. Or, reassure your a bad experience. Then they’re willing to ask the receptionist or a technician to de- vet by acknowledging his concerns, but re- travel farther.” scribe the practice’s standard vaccine minding him that you take responsibility Instead, be proactive. If your relation- protocol. for the direction you are choosing, and re- ship with your vet is shaky, admit that to If, after more research, you decide you’d prefer a different approach, call back and inquire whether you have options on A Word to Our Readers: Whole Dog Journal’s Mailing List Policy what vaccines to give. Doing more research Like many other publishers, we make portions of our customer list available to carefully screened companies that offer products and services we believe you may enjoy. Indeed, in all likelihood, we – such as finding out if your breed or par- were able to first reach you only because another company graciously permitted us access to its ticular line of dogs has a history of vaccine customer list. reactions – will also bolster your case. If, when we make our list available, you do not wish to receive these offers and/or information, If you are very nervous about talking please let us know by contacting us at: Whole Dog Journal Opt-Out Program, 800 Connecticut Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06856-1631 to your vet, jot down some talking points, Please include your current mailing label. practice them with a friend, or bring along another person for support.

20|DECEMBER 2006 Copyright © 2006, Belvoir Media Group, LLC TO SUBSCRIBE, CALL (800) 829-9165 If all this sounds like a lot of work, it is. “You have the same problem with your own health care,” Worth reminds. “You have to be proactive.” Rely on word of mouth As Boucher’s story illustrates, turning to dog-savvy people you trust – including pooch-loving colleagues at work, acquain- tances at the local dog run, or knowledgeable owners, breeders, and fan- ciers in an online community – can be a lifesaver. Talk to people about who’s “good” and why: Make sure you have the same priori- ties as the person who is doing the recommending. In the case of Randy Boucher, the man who bought one of my puppies, I asked my circle of Ridgebackers, which includes licensed veterinary technicians – for a vet who was supportive of minimal vaccination and a raw diet. And that’s exactly what I found! Read between the lines Some owners keep their dogs’ home-prepared diets or herbal supplements a secret “I can tell what’s going on at a hospital by from their vets, worried about the doctors’ disapproval. Don’t! The vet must have as what the receptionist says on the phone,” much information as possible to diagnose and appropriately treat your dog. Robb says. “At a hospital where the vet techs and staff are living their passion, Bring in outside expertise doesn’t want to give his dog Rimadyl [for there’s a peace and joy in a person’s voice. DeLorto, who’s fond of her marriage meta- arthritis pain], or wants to try something When you go there, they meet your eyes phor, went to her conventional vet six years else instead of chemotherapy for cancer, and say hello because they’re affirmed.” ago “already having other suitors,” she says we have a very good homeopathic vet near Then there’s the opposite scenario, with a wink. The consultant she selects de- us,” she says. “I think a vet has to be un- where the staff’s “basically imprisoned and pends on her needs. derstanding of what that client wants.” are unhappy. There’s this sense of gloom For example, she sends all her If you don’t have a holistic vet nearby, and doom, because the vet is miserable and bloodwork to veterinary immunologist Jean geography need not limit you: Many will taking it out on the staff and pets. You walk Dodds in Santa Monica, California. She has do phone consults, as long as they can con- in with a doctor like that and say, ‘I want a holistic vet who she turns to for chiro- sult and work in conjunction with your to have a raw diet …’ ” Odds are the ensu- practic and kinesiology. And there’s local vet. ing conversation won’t be a particularly another conventional vet who is open to Robb notes that there is plenty of room fruitful one. holistic modalities, but whose policy of not for improvement, especially among gen- taking appointments makes her less con- eral practitioners “who need to be more Take the ultimate venient. open-minded about holistic medicine.” He responsibility Even if your vet labels herself “holis- suggests that owners remind conventional On this final point, Milani does not mince tic,” that won’t necessarily save you from vets who are skeptical – or who have had a words. “If people put up with vets they having to take a more buffet approach to bad experience with what they term don’t like and they can’t communicate with, your dog’s care: “Holistic” covers a yawn- “quackery” – that there are varying degrees or who make them feel inferior, or if they ing spectrum, from the mostly conventional of competency in every area. And ulti- find they’re doing things they don’t want vet who is certified in chiropractic but only mately, “the proof will be in the pudding” to do,” there’s only one person to blame, turns to it for textbook cases, to the naturo- if the holistic approach is successful. she concludes. Find a mirror. path who uses kinesiology to diagnose Milani notes that the more confident problems over the phone. and capable a vet is, the more tolerant she’ll Denise Flaim is a freelance writer, mother Referrals are another option, says vet- be of new ideas and approaches. “Vets who of triplets, and has two raw-fed Rhodesian erinarian Anna Worth, owner and medical are comfortable with what they are doing Ridgebacks. The New York-based writer is director of West Mountain Animal Hospi- are very open. They’ll say, ‘If I don’t know, also the author of The Holistic Dog Book: tal in Shaftsbury, Vermont, and vice I’ll find out’ or ‘If you feel strongly about Canine Care for the 21st Century (Howell, president of the American Animal Hospi- this, I’ll find someone to help you.’ They’re $17). See “Resources,” page 24, for pur- tal Association. “If we have someone who not threatened.” chasing information.

TO SUBSCRIBE: www.whole-dog-journal.com Copyright © 2006, Belvoir Media Group, LLC THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL | 21 LETTERS Butt Wait, There’s More! Who knew the nether end of dogs was causing so much angst? You did!

he anatomically correct name for fat and healthy stools. Before adding flax just finished October’s issue and am the organs discussed in the article, seeds I was taking Panda to our vet every delighted to have found you! Four “Butt Scoot Boogie” (WDJ Octo- two to three months for expression of the years ago I would have never dreamed ber 2006), is anal sacs. This term glands. I hope this helps others who are also of having a dog, let alone two. My was used in one paragraph but the feeding raw but are still having anal gland story is typical. I’m over 40, and found Trest of the article referenced anal glands. problems. Iout late in life the eggs I had been saving This is a common mistake people make Barbara were not going to develop. A life-long cat when discussing these vestigial organs, so Bodega Bay, CA person who used to wonder why dog people I thought I would bring it to your atten- were so over the moon about their dogs. I tion. I enjoyed the article every much and mean, dogs are cute, but why did my friends thought it was helpful with the exception his is concerning the photos in all seem such slaves to them? of the nomenclature of the anal sacs. “Dog Gone Dung,” WDJ Septem- So I had this maternal thing I needed to Forrest H. Davis, DVM ber 2006. Why did you use food to work out. I had the good husband, we had Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital illustrate dog poop consistency? a house, and some extra income. He had Granby, CT Isn’t there another way of portray- been a dog person . . . so I began to study. Ting it? You had a photo of Twix bars to I read dog books for a year before decid- Our six-year-old Chihuahua has suffered show what healthy feces looks like. I like ing to go for it. with overfull anal sacs since she was a Twix bars. Now I’ll never think of them in I researched breeds, I picked my dog: puppy. She frequently “scoots” on the floor the same way again. I like WDJ because it the cat-like Basenji. Never having had a and seems to be in considerable discom- is informative and resourceful, but that was dog before, I figured I wouldn’t be disap- fort; her sacs have to be expressed almost a case of too much information. pointed by a “hard to train” dog. I met a weekly. We read “Butt Scoot Boogie” and Angeline Roselani breeder and we waited. In the meantime its suggestion of giving small amounts of Honolulu, HI we helped her at dog shows, so we could dried apricots or prunes. We chose to start pick her brain about our chosen breed. with ¼ dried apricot with her breakfast (she Sorry! I couldn’t think of anything else, and Blah, blah, blah . . . I now have two eats it like candy). I was not going to take or publish photos dogs, we feed raw, I have six crates (car, We have not had to have her anal sacs of actual poop. My husband likes Twix, too, home, and basement for tornados and to expressed once since starting this program and had a similar response. More for me! take into hotel rooms). Opus and Milo on a daily basis, and EmmaRose has not Bloom will be three years old this winter. been scooting over the floor. I spoke to her iding in Cars With Dogs” (October) Smitten hardly describes the joy these guys vet about it and he concurred if it works, was good but I’d like to add a tip. I bring us. that was wonderful, but mentioned he had have a neon pink envelope taped to I just got back from my first Associa- not heard of this particular solution. Some- the outside of my glove box with tion of Pet Dog Trainers conference and I times something like this becomes a big IN CASE OF EMERGENCY on it. am not even a trainer . . . yet! I hope to do deal in households that are dealing with it ThisR has contact numbers (home, work, some shelter work now that I have some everyday. We and especially EmmaRose cell) for three of my friends, and emergency dog experience under my belt. I found a thank you very much. authorization for my dog’s treatment if she mentor and am ready to dive in. The Prestwoods and EmmaRose is injured. If I am in an accident and am I’m so glad I found WDJ. It’s helped Via e-mail unconscious or can’t speak, one of these reassure and inform me with every issue. I people will come get my dog and care for knew I wasn’t the only one who studied I read “Butt Scoot Boogie” in great antici- her. I also have emergency information on poop! Thanks for a wonderful publication. pation of seeing my own solution to canine myself, who to contact, my blood type, etc. Mari Dawson anal gland problems. But(t) nowhere did I My Doberman always rides in a crate, (and her backseat buckaroos) read what has worked miracles for our since she is protective of me and “her” Via e-mail Bearded Collie, Panda, who has been fed Suburban; also I don’t want her to get lost a completely raw diet for more than six in case of an accident, or to be hurt or shot Welcome! And kudos for doing everything years. I add two heaping tablespoons of so the paramedics can work on me. right (reading, planning, taking your time raw flax seeds to her morning and evening Lisa Johnson getting the right dogs for you, etc.). Our meals. The flax seeds expand and produce Boring, OR guess? You’ll be a great trainer!

Article Title, Topic Issue Page # Article Title, Topic Issue Page #

BEHAVIOR More on Arthritis Reliever ...... August ...... 23 Making Your New Dog’s Adoption Work ...... January ...... 14 Good Job, Good Year ...... August ...... 22 How Your Dog Says, “You’re the Top Dog!” ...... April ...... 8 Living in Fear: Shy Dogs ...... April ...... 16 Bully for You! Stopping a Bully Dog ...... May ...... 8 NUTRITION Stress Signals ...... June ...... 3 Moist and (Probably) Delicious: Wet Dog Food ...... January ...... 3 A Bark in the Park: Managing Dog Park Play ...... September ...... 8 The Right Stuff: Dry Dog Food Review ...... February ...... 3 Lead Your Pack: Managing a Multi-Dog Household ...... November ..... 12 Completely Convenient: Frozen Raw Diets ...... April ...... 3 Diet and the Older Dog ...... December ...... 6 CONSUMER ALERT Shock or Awe? Electronic Training Collars ...... February ...... 18 TOUR OF THE DOG Safe Pain Relief ...... May ...... 3 Aged to Perfection: Older Dogs ...... January ...... 18 Chill Pills: Behavior-Altering Drugs ...... July ...... 3 Brains of the Operation ...... March ...... 20 Shots Fired: Limiting Vaccines ...... November ...... 6 Basic Immunology ...... May ...... 18 Paean to the Pancreas ...... June ...... 16 Yo Adrenals! ...... July ...... 20 EDITOR’S NOTE Too Much Love? Overweight Dogs ...... August ...... 19 Keep Talking ...... January ...... 2 A World of Hurt: Pain and Pain Management ...... September ..... 18 Putting Knowledge to Work ...... February ...... 2 Up With Pups! ...... October ...... 20 Praising Conventional Medicine ...... March ...... 2 Pro Antioxidants ...... November ..... 18 End of Life Issues ...... April ...... 2 All Right, Already ...... May ...... 2 Seek and You May Find (Signs of Stress) ...... June ...... 2 TRAINING On Moving ...... July ...... 2 (Body) Language Barrier ...... January ...... 9 Newsbriefs ...... August ...... 2 Right On Target ...... February ...... 9 Problem Solving ...... September ...... 2 Shock or Awe? Electronic Training Collars ...... February ...... 18 Bottoms Up ...... October ...... 2 Way to Stay ...... March ...... 8 Strange Excitement ...... November ...... 2 The Shape of Things to Come (Shaping) ...... March ...... 16 Don’t Whisper ...... December ...... 2 Control Yourself! Teaching Your Dog Self-Control ...... May ...... 15 A New Look: Teach Your Dog to Look at You ...... June ...... 10 Biscuits, Not Rolls: No Alpha Rolls ...... July ...... 10 HEALTH Differences Between Men and Women Trainers ...... August ...... 7 Holistic Care and Home Support for Canine Cancer Patients January ...... 10 Riding in Cars With Dogs ...... October ...... 3 Nonconventional Care for Canine Cancer ...... February ...... 12 Teach Your Dog to Read ...... October ...... 10 Is Cancer Prevention Possible? ...... March ...... 3 Fix the Fetch ...... November ...... 3 Heartworm: Don’t Take It Lightly ...... March ...... 12 Positively Australia ...... December ...... 3 Get the Worms Out: Heartworm Treatment ...... April ...... 12 Leaping to Attention ...... December ...... 11 Hospice How-To ...... April ...... 19 Safe Pain Relief ...... May ...... 3 A Water-Lover’s Worry: Giardia ...... May ...... 11 Whole Dog Journal Back Issues Available Building Credibility: Interview With Dr. Susan Wynn ...... June ...... 6 Order now by calling (800) 424-7887 Arnica: Don’t Leave Home Without It ...... June ...... 9 Willard Water ...... June ...... 13 Or circle the back issues you want to order and send page Chill Pills: Behavior-Altering Drugs ...... July ...... 3 plus check or money order to: Grandmother Nature: Juliette de Bairacli Levy ...... July ...... 14 Whole Dog Journal Back Issues Gotta Detox: Herbal Detoxifiers ...... July ...... 18 800 Connecticut Avenue, Norwalk CT 06854-5656 Probing Probiotics ...... August ...... 3 Accelerated Wound Healing ...... August ...... 13 Post-Op Acupressure ...... August ...... 17 NAME ______Drips Dried: Curing Urinary Incontinence ...... September ...... 3 Healing Hot Spots and Lick Granulomas ...... September ..... 12 ADDRESS ______Acupressure for Health Maintenance ...... September ..... 16 Butt Scoot Boogie ...... October ...... 6 ______Dog Gone Dung ...... October ...... 14 CITY ______Shots Fired: Limiting Vaccines ...... November ...... 6 Don’t Eat That! ...... December ...... 14 STATE ______ZIP ______Managing Your Relationship With Your Vet ...... December ...... 18 # ______BACK ISSUES @ $7.50 EA. $ ______LETTERS POSTAGE & HANDLING $ 2.00 Letters About Cropping and Docking ...... February ...... 22 Regarding Arthritis Relievers ...... June ...... 22 TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED $ ______

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND CIRCULATION (Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685). 1. Title of Total No. of Copies Printed (79250/75000) b. Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 1. Paid/Requested Outside-County Publication: The Whole Dog Journal. 2. Publication No.:0016-8560. 3. Filing Date: 9/30/06. 4. Issue Frequency: Mail Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541 (76690/73390). 2. Paid In-County Subscriptions (0/0). 3. Sales Through Monthly. 5. No. of Issues Published Annually: 12. 6. Annual Subscription Price: $39. 7. Known Office of Publication: Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Non-USPS Paid Distribution (889/776). 4. Other 800 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk, CT 06854-1631. Contact person: Greg King, 203/857-3119. 8. Headquarters or General Classes Mailed Through the USPS (0/0). c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation (77579/74166). d. Free Distribution Business Office of the Publisher: Same as above. 9. Publisher: Same as above. Editor: Nancy Kerns. Managing Editor: by Mail: 1. Outside-County as Stated on Form 3541 (37/61). 2. In-County as Stated on Form 3541 (0/0). 3. Other N/A, Belvoir Publications, Inc. 800 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk, CT 06854-1631. 10. Owner: Belvoir Media Group, Classes Mailed Through the USPS (0/0). e. Free Distribution Outside the Mail (582/447). f. Total Free Distribution LLC 800 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk, CT 06854-1631. 11. Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders (619/508). g. Total Distribution (78197/74674). h. Copies Not Distributed (1124/326). i. Total (79322/75000). j. owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amounts of bonds, mortgages or other securities: None. 13. Title: The Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (99/99). 17. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true Whole Dog Journal. 14. Issue date for circulation data below: August 06. 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation (Average and complete. Gregory M. King, Sr. VP Circulation, 9/19/06. No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months/ No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date): a.

TO SUBSCRIBE: www.whole-dog-journal.com Copyright © 2006, Belvoir Media Group, LLC THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL | 23 WHAT’S AHEAD Preparing to Feed a Home- Prepared Diet How to develop a complete, balanced diet for your dog, and prepare it yourself.

Gear of the Year The best and most The Whole Dog JournalTM innovative dog training and dog care products we’ve seen.

RESOURCES New Uses for AGILITY TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION an Old Stick Angelica Steinker, M.Ed., owns and operates Cour- Pat Miller, CPDT, Peaceable Paws Dog and Puppy Use this technique to teous Canine, Inc., in Lutz, Florida. She is author Training, Hagerstown, MD. Train with modern, dog- teach your dog to of Agility Success (Clean Run Productions, 2000) friendly positive methods. Group and private and Click and Play Agility (Courteous Canine Inc., training, Rally, behavior modification, workshops, heel off leash, or to 2006). (813) 949-1465 or courteouscanine.com intern and apprentice programs. Call her at (301) close the door on cue, 582-9420 or see peaceablepaws.com or . . . ? BOOKS WDJ Training Editor Pat Miller is author of two The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) has books: The Power of Positive Dog Training and references to member trainers in your area. Call Arthritis Positive Perspectives: Love Your Dog, Train Your (800) 738-3647 or see apdt.com. Dogs with this Dog. Both books are available from DogWise, (800) Please note: APDT is dedicated to building bet- common ailment are 776-2665 or dogwise.com ter trainers through education, promoting perfect candidates for dog-friendly methods, and encouraging their use. holistic treatment. Dr. Kidd’s Guide to Herbal Dog Care and Dr. Kidd’s APDT’s membership is composed of trainers from A reminder: “Holistic” Guide to Herbal Cat Care are published by Storey across the spectrum of training philosophies. Mem- Books, (800) 441-5700 or storeybooks.com bership does not necessarily ensure all members means using every- employ similar training methods, nor does APDT thing that works. The Holistic Dog Book: Canine Care for the 21st set standards of skill or competence. APDT encour- Century, by Denise Flaim, is available from ages (but does not require) its members to use DogWise, (800) 776-2665 or dogwise.com. training methods that use reinforcement and rewards, You Know not punishment, to achieve desired behavior. You Should . . . RABIES CHALLENGE FUND . . . brush your dog’s Vaccine research scientist, W. Jean Dodds, HOLISTIC VETERINARIANS teeth. Here’s how, DVM, and pet vaccine disclosure advocate, American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association and some tools that Kris L. Christine of Maine, have established (AHVMA), 2214 Old Emmorton Road, Bel Air, MD make it easier. The Rabies Challenge Fund to raise money to 21015. (410) 569-0795. Send a self-addressed, fund a rabies vaccine challenge study in the stamped envelope for a list of holistic veterinarians U.S. In addition to the challenge study, the fund in your area, or search ahvma.org Keeping it in will finance a study of the adjuvants used in veterinary rabies vaccines and establish a ra- Perspective bies vaccine adverse reaction reporting system. PLEASE NOTE: Unauthorized copying Sometimes, when Researchers believe the rabies vaccine or distribution of WDJ is not permitted rehabilitating a causes the most and worst adverse reactions in This publication is supported by sales of difficult dog, you can animals. The Rabies Challenge Fund has been subscriptions and back issues. The fact that we are lose track of how far founded to improve the safety of rabies vac- NOT supported by advertising sales gives us the cines and to determine, by challenge, if they editorial independence necessary to present a he has already come. confer immunity for five, six, or seven years. subjective and critical view. Donate to the Rabies Challenge Fund care Making multiple copies of WDJ articles for of Hemopet, 11330 Markon Dr., Garden Grove, distribution, in print or on a website, without the A Real Treat permission of the publisher, is unethical and illegal. CA 92841. See dogsadversereactions.com/ If you would like to share material from WDJ with a How to identify and rabieschallenge.html for more information. group, please contact our Reprint Manager, Mona select healthy and Kornfeld, at (203) 857-3143. irresistible treats.