#pawpointer

By now, most people understand that the primary reason to visit a breeder is to check on the day to day conditions of the dogs and feel comfortable that they are not buying from a cruel and irresponsible breeder or puppy mill. However, there are a few other reasons that make this step the MOST important one in your dog search process.

First, a reputable breeder will never sell a dog to someone they have not met or vetted themselves 

A great breeder considers himself or herself responsible for the life of the dog no matter what. They want to be sure they are placing their dogs with families that will love and care for the dog as much as they would because the last thing they would want is for one of their dogs to end up abandoned, in a shelter, or worse as part of a puppy mill breeding program! Without fully vetting their new owners in person, they will have a much harder time getting to know you and feeling comfortable that you will be a good home for one of their dogs.  More to the point, if someone actually discourages you from visiting for whatever reason (i.e. they are very far away, or they can save you the hassle and ship the dog directly to you) they are almost always discouraging you from visiting because they don't want you to see the premises and are actually hiding something very ugly.

Second, this will be your best opportunity to play with the adult version of your breed

Even though you’ve done the breed research and had a long conversation with your breeder about how your new Golden Retriever, Westie, German Shepherd or Chihuahua will fit right in with your family, there is nothing like spending quality time with your breeders’ pack to get a real sense of what your new dog will grow up to be.  An 8-week-old, ten pound, adorably fluffed Golden Retriever puppy may be one of the cutest things on this planet, but just ten months later that puppy will be nearly 70 pounds, full of sporting dog energy and likely leaving a trail of his adorable fur all over the house. If the idea of spending an afternoon with one is already feeling a little overwhelming, it may be a sign to expand your search to a few lower energy or lower shedding options.

Third, visiting your breeder and their dogs will be the best way to understand how your puppy will grow and mature

It may surprise some to hear this, but even within the breed standards, breeders can still choose to develop some traits over others making quite a bit of difference from breeder to breeder. For example, a German Shepherd breeder interested in raising therapy or service animals will likely be favoring a different temperament than someone raising dogs for law enforcement K9 units. Alternatively, you could find a breeder who says her poodles are a little more or less high energy than her friend’s line.  In any case, if what you had in mind is not lining up with what you are experiencing, you may want to spend a little extra time discussing these observations with your breeder. Don’t be too discouraged if it is starting to feel like the wrong fit. Your breeder will appreciate the honesty and could very likely have a friend in the breed or know of another breeder who will have the perfect puppy for you.

Lastly, uninterrupted in-person time with your breeder means you can get all your questions answered—and then some!

The Better Way to Give the Gift of a Dog for Christmas

Its mid-December with the holidays are fast approaching. For many families, this marks the time of year when the “should we get a dog” conversation starts to pick up steam especially as those timeless images of the Christmas puppy with a big red bow around his neck starts to pop up in every TV commercial and on all of our Facebook news feeds.

Unlike a new dollhouse or remote controlled car, giving the gift of a puppy also means giving the gift of a serious time commitment and financial responsibility. Adding to that, during the Christmas rush, many people may find themselves racing through the critical steps of finding the right breed and a reputable breeder making it easy to miss the red flags that would indicate whether or not a breeder is reputable. That’s why this holiday season, we are recommending to give the gift of a dog without the actual dog. You can wrap all the important things you’ll need for your future best friend (crate, collar, leash, toys, training books, etc.) and put those under the tree so that you can include the whole family in the process of finding your new dog in January!

Don’t Cheat the Puppy Search Process

Anyone who has gone through the process of getting a puppy from a reputable breeder will tell you that one of the most important parts of the search was taking the trip to visit mom and her new litter.  When you go on a breeder visit, it is your time to get to know him or her and feel comfortable that they are taking all the steps necessary to raise a healthy litter. These steps should include providing a clean living space, socializing the litter, and testing and monitoring the health of all their animals (both the breeding dogs and their puppies). You and your kids will also have quality time to interact with the adult versions the breed you have chosen. Puppies may grab the spotlight, but observing the adults and taking note of their activity level, personalities and size will give you and your kids a first-hand opportunity to see how the breed will fit in with your family once it is all grown up—it is a great snapshot into your puppy’s future self! This step also gives breeders their very own opportunity to ask questions of and vet you—the family that has applied for one of their puppies.  Those in the position of placing any dog (either a puppy or a rescue) with a new family will always want to meet everyone who will be at home caring for their dog on a daily basis so they can determine if it is going to be a good fit for that specific animal.

At the point you have decided to get a puppy, you will have had time to consider what the next 10-15 years with a dog means for your family, but without including your kids during this waiting period, you may be cheating them out of the same quality time to understand their new commitment. The holidays are an exciting time and adding a puppy to the mix can make the idea of added work and responsibility seem like no big deal, but as you head into January and February your Christmas puppy can start to feel like a lot of work.  This especially rings true if you live somewhere that house-training involves many hours in the snow and ice—and that could be reason enough to wait for the spring to get a dog! Slow down the process to give everyone else time away from the glow of the Christmas lights to understand the full weight of the responsibility of caring for a dog.

A Puppy is a Responsibility That Will Last Long After the Holidays

While you were deciding to get a dog, you may have been thinking that because of your busy, year-round work schedule the holidays may provide the only window of time-off that you can use to pick out and bring home a new dog. While this seems reasonable, it diminishes the fact that a new puppy will be even more of a time commitment after it comes home. At the bare minimum, most puppies will need to go out every 3-4 hours when they start housetraining and many require three meals a day (including lunch) to feed their growing bodies. On top of that, they’ll need time for supervised play, socialization, grooming and basic manners and obedience training.  

For many people, the family budget can be tight most of the year until the holidays when some will receive a little year-end bonus or others may have money stashed away for a few Christmas presents.  Though it is tempting to use these limited funds to buy a dog, unfortunately, the on-going financial requirements (i.e. vet bills, food, grooming, dog-walkers, toys, accessories, etc.) of owning a dog far outweigh that initial cost. Having a tight family budget should not preclude you from the joy of owning a dog, but it is important to make a plan for all of the expenses involved—not just the initial purchase.

Consider Rescuing in January Instead

Lastly, if you rush the process to make sure there is a live puppy under the tree on Christmas morning, you can risk ending up with a dog that, for lack of a better term, just isn’t the right fit for your family. Anything from choosing a breed that has overwhelming activity or training requirements to not understanding the financial impact of a new dog could quickly put you on a path to reconsidering your decision. Over the last 3 years in NYC, 40% of dogs that entered the system were not strays, but rather owner-relinquished animals. In many of these cases, people simply realized they were not ready for a dog, ended up with a breed that was too much work or rushed through the process by working with a non-reputable source that did not care to have a return procedure. It is worth noting here that all reputable breeders will demand (and even put in writing) that if you cannot keep a dog for any reason, it must come back to them. Without any other option, these owners decide to drop their dog off at a local shelter hoping their animal will find a better life with someone else. While this cycle is heartbreaking, two things can help ease the burden. First, do not rush to get a dog by a certain date (i.e. Christmas, Birthday, etc.), and second, remember there are great, healthy, ready-to-love you animals of all ages and breeds at your local shelter!  You can even take the process a step further—after you give your kids the gift of all the dog things, sit down and have a conversation with them about rescuing a dog versus getting a puppy and empower them by including them in the decision of where you will find your next pet.

Have you noticed a real increase in service dogs lately? While it may seem like there are “dogs in vests” everywhere—on flights, at shopping centers, and at the dog park—it may not be quite as it seems.  According to Google, while the search term “service dogs” has trended up only slightly in the past year, interest in Emotional Support Dogs (and related terms) has nearly doubled!

Recognizing that part of this uptick may be driven by those trying to differentiate between the two, we are dedicating this post to giving you a quick-and-dirty on Service Dogs vs. Emotional Support Animals. Namely, what are they? How are the rules different? And, what do you need to know if you think you could benefit from having a service or support animal.

What is the difference between a Service Dog and an Emotional Support Animal?

Both are medically prescribed animals that can help someone with one or more disabilities, so the difference lies in what kind of help the dog is providing.

Service dogs generally aid those who are blind, deaf, restricted to a wheelchair or suffering from seizure disorders, and they are specially trained to recognize and/or assist during medical events as well as perform everyday tasks.

On the other hand, emotional support animals (or ESAs) do not require special training and are prescribed by a licensed therapist, psychiatrist or psychologist as part of a larger treatment plan for an emotional or psychological disability. Their role is to help mitigate symptoms and comfort individuals that suffer from a range of disorders including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Stress Disorder, Depressive Disorder, Panic/Anxiety Disorders, Personality Disorders, Phobias, etc.

Are the rules the same for each?

No. The rules for service dogs appear in the Americans with Disabilities Act and are relatively straightforward—medical service dogs can accompany owners with disabilities in all places where members of the public are allowed to go.  

The distinction of an Emotional Support Animal came into being with the broader definition of a “service animal” as defined by the Air Carrier Access Act and the Fair Housing Act.  The Air Carrier Access Act allows ESAs to accompany their owners on airplanes free of charge and exempts them from certain in-cabin pet policies (i.e. size limitations or the requirement that an animal must remain under the seat for the duration of the flight).  The Fair Housing Act protects those with ESAs from being denied housing or from having to pay additional fees for their medically prescribed support animal. These two laws make up the only formal legal protection for ESAs, so you will still need to heed the “no pet policies” in your favorite stores, restaurants or travel destinations and be mindful of public areas with “no pet” signage.

What do you need to know if you think you can benefit from a service or support animal?

The question we have heard quite a bit recently is “how do I make my dog an official emotional support animal?” While there are new resources popping up to help clarify the process (and provide a way to obtain a diagnosis and doctor letter through a paid online service), our recommendation is to start the conversation with your doctor first. Ideally, this would be a licensed therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist, but even your general family doctor will have the resources to point you in the right direction.  

Once your doctor has deemed an animal a necessary part of your treatment plan, you will need to obtain a letter from your doctor stating as such to submit to air carriers or housing authorities when applying for ESA protections--it’s as easy as that! 

In our last two posts, we covered preparing for your trip and making your pup comfortable on a long plane ride, so now we’re hitting the road just in time for the 4th of July weekend! Below are our five favorite tips for an easy and safe car ride with your pup.

1. Crate your dog in a crash-test certified carrier and secure the carrier to the seat

Last week we spoke all about choosing a comfortable pet carrier that fits easily under the seat in front of you, but those may not be the best choice in the car. Your best bet for the open road is a sturdy crate that has been crash test certified and can be easily secured to the seat or interior of the car.

2. Plan your route and pit stops ahead of time so you can find places that allow dogs so they won’t be left unattended in the car

Planning your pit stops ahead of time will cut down on the stress that sets in several hours into your drive when you realize your pup may need to relieve himself soon.  Using Google Map’s street view tool, we like to look for spots that have a patch of grass or soft ground out of the way of cars where we can safely walk our pups on the leash for a few minutes before jumping back in the car.  

3. Turn on child safety locks for windows and doors

If you’re on shorter trips so you’ve chosen to forgo the crate (which we still don’t recommend, but alas we know it will still happen), make sure to engage child safety locks on the windows and doors. This is particularly important for traveling with larger breeds as their heavier paws can accidentally trigger windows to roll down and quickly create an unsafe situation.

4. Bring a bowl and a water bottle or pack ice cubes.

We’ve covered the ice-cube tip before in previous posts, but it’s one of our favorites, so we’ve decided to bring it back. Staying hydrated is always important and can easily be accomplished with a bowl and water bottle, but if you are worried about accidents or have a busier breed that likes to have something to work on—pack a cup of ice cubes (or pick one up) for your dog to lick. It will keep him hydrated without overdoing his water intake (potentially leading to an in-flight accident) while also keeping him entertained for a few minutes!

5. Check the road laws where you’ll be traveling

You may be surprised to find out there are pet-specific violations that can land you with a fine (like in NJ where you could end up with a fine of $1000 for transporting a pet in any way that a police officer deems to be incorrect). The national DMV website has an excellent resource for traveling safely with a pet.

In many ways, air travel with your dog has become much easier.  Airlines have streamlined their pet policies, most major airports have created pet-relief stations, and last January, New York City’s JFK airport even announced the installation of “ARK”, a dedicated animal terminal catering to all critters big and small. However, anyone who has packed up their pup for his or her first big airplane ride will tell you getting from A to B can still be a hassle, so with that in mind, we are bringing you our 5 favorite tips for a smooth flight:

1. Check the airline’s pet policy and ask for the specific under-the-seat dimensions on your aircraft

Unless your dog is a doctor prescribed emotional support animal or service dog, he or she will most likely be required to remain in its carrier under the seat in front of you for the entire flight. Those who fly regularly know that the space under the seat cannot fit much more than a tote or small bag and that space can vary based on your specific aircraft. A good rule of thumb is that the bag should be no more than 10 inches high and less than 20 inches long (this usually accommodates dogs that are about 15 pounds or less), but if your carrier's dimensions are on the line, call the airlines for your aircraft’s specific under-the-seat dimensions to avoid any onboard surprises.

2. Use a carrier that is familiar to your dog

To reduce travel anxiety for your dog, always use a familiar and comfortable carrier.  Dogs are den animals, so unlike most humans, they tend to feel safe in confined spaces—especially ones that that smell like home or ones that they’ve used for travel since they were a small pup.

3. Line your travel carrier with special moisture wicking blankets and bring wee pads

Travel can be stressful which may increase the likelihood your dog will have an accident (even if your dog is firmly house-broken), or you may find yourself unexpectedly delayed and unable to get to a pet relief area.  Even if it’s not ideal for your dog to relieve himself anywhere other than a nice patch of grass, it’s better than leaving him in a desperate situation. Lining your carrier with special moisture wicking pads like these are great because they keep your pet clean and dry and are easily removed for clean-up.

4. Ask for a cup of ice on board

Request a cup of ice from the flight attendant for your dog to lick.  It will keep him hydrated without overdoing his water intake (potentially leading to an in-flight accident) while also keeping him entertained for a few minutes.

5. Bring a blanket or jacket especially if your dog is sensitive to the cold

The summer season is upon us which means many of us are looking forward to sneaking in a few long weekends to visit friends and family or get a little extra R&R, but what would a vacation be without your best friend in tow? 

Traveling with a dog can be tricky at times, so we’re rounding up some of the best tips we’ve heard to help make the ‘getting there’ a little easier. In our first post, we’ll be helping you get prepped and packed.  Scroll down for our tips on what to do before you leave:

1. Make a packing list (or use this one for a good starting place!)

You probably have your own suitcase routine down to a science, but there are a few extra things your dog will need that you may not realize until it is too late.  Having a thorough packing list will help keep you organized and cut down on the stress of having to find pet supplies in a remote or unfamiliar area

2. If you are using a new carrier, leave it out for 2-3 weeks for your dog to get used to it ahead of time

Leave the travel crate or Sherpa bag out for him to sniff, explore and maybe even rest in ahead of time. This should help reduce fear and anxiety for your dog on travel day because the crate will smell familiar and feel safe to him.

3. Make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations and get a copy of your dog’s records (vaccination records or health certificate) from your vet

Let your vet know where you are planning to travel, because they may recommend extra medication you don’t regularly give to your pup. Tick protection may not be vitally important on the streets of NYC, but they will be a big problem if you are planning a trip to the shore on Long Island

4. Feed your pet a light meal several hours ahead of your departure

Pets can get motion sickness just like humans, so help the chances your dog will be more comfortable by feeding your pet a lighter than normal meal 2-4 hours before you leave.  He’ll be more comfortable if he’s had a chance to digest, and doesn’t have to travel on an empty stomach.  It can also be a good idea to pack ice cubes for the trip because they keep your pet hydrated while limiting their water intake.  It’s also a great way to keep them entertained or take their mind off of loud noises or disruptions if need be.

5. Long walk on the day of your trip

Make sure your dog gets a nice long walk the morning you leave. Not only will this give him ample time to relieve himself, but more importantly, the exercise will calm him down by helping him get out excess energy.  If you’re lucky, your dog may even sleep through most of his time in transit!

The versatile Brittany is a spirited, happy, eager to please, intelligent and agile dog. Their disposition combined with a natural athletic ability makes this breed a great hunting companion as well as a loving and loyal family pet. Not only are they extremely competitive in field trials, but they are also prized for their handsome look. By 2006, the Brittany earned the distinction of having more American dual championships, meaning titles in both field competition and conformation, than any other breed as noted by the American Brittany Club. To date, over 600 Brittanys have achieved this honor!

The Brittany is thought to have been first bred in the mid-1800s with origins in the Brittany region of France. Up until the 1980s, the breed was known as the Brittany Spaniel because of its breed origin—they were a descendent of French spaniels that were then crossed with English setters. However, the “spaniel” portion of their name was dropped when it was observed that the dog’s behavior was much more akin to Pointers and other traditional “gun dog” breeds.

According to the breed’s standard, the Brittany is a medium sized, compact and leggy dog with a temperament that is happy and alert, and neither mean nor shy. They have a soft, feathery coat that can be either orange & white or liver & white; in general, the coat can be either a clear or roan pattern. On the grooming front, they are relatively low maintenance as their coats naturally repel dirt and water. Only weekly brushing is required to keep the coat in top condition. When full-grown, they are about 30-40 pounds and stand between 18-20” at the shoulders. This sporting breed loves to be outside and is generally adaptable to both warm and cool climates. Brittanys are incredibly loyal and enjoy socializing with their family. Their sweet, friendly nature and medium size make the Brittany a good choice for active families with young children.  

The Brittany was bred to spend all day in the field, and thrive when given at least an hour of vigorous exercise each day. Furthermore, most Brittanys are able to jump well over four feet, so it is strongly recommended that their homes have large yards with high fencing for daily play. In the field, they can be trained to hunt, point, flush and retrieve game. They enjoy accompanying their owners on full-day adventures and are confident partners on land and in the water. Brittanys like to work and their intelligence and eagerness to please make them generally easy to train. As with any other active breed, when bored or under-exercised, the Brittany will become restless and find other ways to expend their energy (like excessively barking and/or chewing).

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a unique breed that is so named for a strip of hair growing in the opposite direction along the top of his back from the tail forward to his head which forms the appearance of a ridge atop his spine. Sometimes referred to as the “Lion Hound” for their large game hunting roots in Southern Africa, they are said to be bred out of many large breeds, hounds and terriers (including but not limited to Great Danes, Bloodhounds, Greyhounds, and mastiffs as well as the “half-wild Hottentot”) which created superior hunting dogs—athletic and agile with keen senses, a protective nature, and a loyal devotion to their owners. The breed is a relative newcomer to the scene as the first standard wasn’t drafted until the 20th century, in 1922, and later became officially recognized in the United States by the AKC in 1955.

Because the Rhodesian Ridgeback is instilled with a protective nature, it does not need to be further trained as a guard dog, but rather, most recommend lots of early socialization and obedience training to reinforce good behavior in a young pup. With early, positive training, this dog makes a great family pet, and can even make an excellent therapy dog! It’s been reported that many people find petting Ridgebacks along the spine in the unique direction (back to front) to be very calming and relaxing.

They come in nine colors which appear on a spectrum from light wheaten to red wheaten with various nose and coat color combinations. However, it’s worth noting that to the average person all the colors generally appear as shades of light to dark warm, reddish brown. Any puppy advertised as black and tan, blue, or any other color outside of the standard, should be a red flag to buyers that the puppy was not properly bred and could likely present other unforeseen health and temperament issues.

A full grown Ridgeback will stand 24-27” high and can weigh around 70-85 pounds when kept in shape.  With such a large mass, this large breed can be overpowering when engaged in rowdier play. Take care to closely supervise young children during playtime, or consider waiting till children are a little older before adding one to the family.

Homes that can provide lots of exercise and playtime tend to be the most successful for this breed. They require at least an hour of vigorous exercise a day as well as the mental stimulation that games and training provide. Ridgebacks are described as independent, intelligent and willfully disobedient, but have a strong desire to please and utter devotion to their family and owners. Harnessing their eagerness to make you happy combined with their incredible athleticism also makes them highly competitive in agility and lure coursing arenas! As such it should come as no surprise that these dogs have become favorites of the professional athlete community with Carl Lewis, Blake Griffin and Tim Tebow all choosing the agile hound to be their canine companion.

The following pros and cons of life with a Ridgeback were originally compiled by the Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue organization, and provide a great, concise summation of the benefits and drawbacks of owning a Ridgeback. For further reading, you can see the full article here: http://www.ridgebackrescue.org/breedinfo/RRCUS_right_dog_for_your_family.html.

What are the good points of owning a Ridgeback?

Ridgebacks have a short coat, don't shed much and are practically odor free -- great for hot climates.

They are quite discriminating in who or what they bark at...you should ALWAYS go check it out.

They are not fussy eaters and have virtually "cast-iron" digestive systems.

They love living with people and are generally quiet in the house.

Ridgebacks are intelligent and want to please their owner.

Ridgebacks are easily house-trained.

And, of course, they are the most handsome of dogs!

What are the drawbacks?

As puppies they have surgical -- knife sharp teeth and the jaw power of a Doberman Pinscher...they should never be allowed to play roughly with humans of any age. They can do major damage to coffee tables, shoes and anything else they can find to chomp on. Crate training is a must to protect home furnishings while you are not at home. As     juveniles, if left unattended, they can cause your house to self-destruct...at least, it may appear that way! If left in the yard, they will find things to chew on that you may not even know you own until it ceases working. A bored Ridgeback is a major disaster waiting to happen.

They are capable of digging ranch-sized holes, biting the limbs off shrubs and ripping up small trees People who love to garden must contend with the fact that their backyards will belong to the dog!

They are not fussy eaters and have cast-iron stomachs - and you thought this was a good thing -- NOT! It also means they will attempt to eat anything that doesn't eat them first. They are master counter-surfers...nothing is spared and they are fast. Ridgeback owners have a tendency to overfeed their dogs, causing gas - not the most pleasant aspect of dog ownership. Remember, a Ridgeback always thinks it’s     hungry! You have to feed on schedule and stick to your plan.

Ridgebacks are "people" dogs, which means they should be treated as family and not made to live solely alone in the yard, otherwise, you wind up with a big, powerful, pushy creature of your making! An adult RIDGEBACK can clear a five foot fence if they want to. A bored dog is going to look for something to do, even if that means outside your yard. No one wants to live next door to someone who lets their dog out to eliminate on the neighbors’ yard, whose dog gets out and kills cats or scares the walkers, joggers and bike riders.

Ridgebacks grow to be big dogs and must attended obedience classes with you so he won't become a "bad apple" and make an ugly impression of the breed on anyone. Learning to walk on a loose lead at an early age is essential – nobody should be drug around by a big

Ridgebacks are intelligent…this too, has been said -- what is means is they are fully capable of training you before you can train them. They are quite clever and can be willfully disobedient. The earlier the obedience classes the better. We can’t say this enough - A bored Ridgeback can be quite destructive and may develop bad habits of     chewing, escaping crate and fencing, barking out of boredom and generally making a pest of themselves. It is essential that you have the time to put in with them, which can be as simple as having them in the house with you when you are home or spending time making sure they get a good amount of exercise…whether outside hiking, training, running or walking with them in safe areas.

Ridgebacks must be introduced to cats and even so, may be aggressive towards strange felines.

In addition to the information quoted above, the rescue organization has compiled several other useful articles about responsible Ridgeback ownership which can be found on this main page:

http://www.ridgebackrescue.org/things_to_know_about_ridgebacks.html.