Last year when I was a vendor at a pet expo and pet blessing, Su attended and told me about this new exciting path she was taking in Animal Communication.  She was just about to attend more classes to deepen her understanding and I could see that this was her true passion and wanted to help owners experience a deeper connection with their pets.

Su talks about the many applications that can be helpful for you and your pets such as finding lost animals, introducing new animals into the household and many others.  So, let’s let Su tell her journey in her own words!

I feel like I have a hard time to write down how much I feel this is the right path for me. I love to talk to the animals and be with them. Without sounding sappy, I feel their love, it radiates to me and I want to help all of them anyway I can. I think animals are here to interact with us on that deep level, to show us love and to experience life in a much deeper way. We just have to pay more attention and stop our busy-ness to get what they are trying to tell us.

Su and her dog Angus

Tell me how you got into animal communication. (introduce yourself a little – some personal stuff)

Ever since I can remember, I have loved animals. As a child I was attracted to them and hung out with them whenever I could. I drew pictures of them and always felt I had some sort of connection with them. But to me, it was a normal connection. I understood them. But it wasn’t until I was much, much older did I realize I was actually hearing them. Because I thought I was making it up.

A few years ago, after my beloved dog, Zoey passed away, a friend invited me to an animal communication class. I was so distraught, since it was only a week later, but I thought I’d go anyway and maybe I’d learn something. Well, it was an amazing class and I realized what I had previously thought I made up… was real!

In class we partnered up and communicated with each others animal. My partner was a gal I had just met and she asked me to talk to her dog. Long story short, I received validation that I was talking to the dog. Almost everything I told her, she told me, was true. I could hardly believe it. Couldn’t I just be making it up and have some lucky guesses? “Sure, that’s it”, I thought, until I told the gal that during the conversation with her dog, my head tilted to the left. I didn’t know why, of course, but our instructor told us to note anything and everything. Turns out the dog is hard of hearing in the left ear and tilts his head to the left so he can hear out of his right ear. Wow!! That blew me away. Maybe I can talk to animals after all.

Admittedly, after class I played around with the whole communication thing a little, but not seriously. It was a couple of years later that I found a book, Learning Their Language: Intuitive Communication with Animals and Nature by Marta Williams. I love Marta’s step-by-step explanation and exercises that teach us we can talk to the animals. As I was reading the book, I checked out Marta’s website and discovered she was teaching a class in my area. I was so excited and thrilled to get the chance to learn from her. Since that first class, I have taken all of Marta’s classes and we have become friends.

How can animal communication help me and my animal?

Animal Communication can be helpful for many common problems with domestic animals of all kinds and is guaranteed to improve and deepen your relationships with animals. Here are some applications:

• Deepen your relationship with your animal
• Solve behavior problems – fear, aggression, separation anxiety, unwanted behaviors
• Enhance training
• Make your animal happier
• Address quality of life issues – find out what your animal wants and needs
• Find lost animals
• Get assistance during illness and death
• Get help introducing animals to each other
• Adopting animals – find out about a rescued animal’s past

It’s been wonderful to connect with the animals and their people. Many lives have been changed for the better. And I’ve been told that after a session, the owners notice a deeper connection with their pet. It’s truly amazing. Helping animals and their people gives me great joy.

Since animals can’t talk, how are the messages transmitted to you?

I receive messages by hearing, seeing and feeling. I hear phrases or words, which is sometimes difficult because I hear them in my own voice, so, in the beginning, I had the tendency to think I was making it up. Often the animals show me pictures, like scenes in a movie, mostly from their point of view. I have also been shown pictures from what would be my point of view if I had actually been there. I often pick up how the animal is feeling about a situation; happy, playful, scared, or anxious, are just a few feelings I sometimes get. At first I thought these were feelings I was feeling and it was about me, but I have learned that if they come up quickly and for no reason, they are most likely the animal’s. And of course, when I receive validation from the animal’s people, I know I have truly connected.

Did you have special training?

I have taken many courses, am certified through Marta Williams Professional Series and have practiced a lot. And I do think I have a special gift for listening and communicating with the animals, but I believe we all have the ability to do this. I compare it to playing a musical instrument. We all can learn, as long as we stick with it and practice, and yes, some people have a natural talent, but we can all learn.

Can you communicate with pets that have passed on?

Yes, I have spoken to a number of animals that have passed on. I have been told by their people that they have received fantastic messages from their pets who have passed. Once, when I was connecting to a dog that had passed quite recently, a friend’s dog who had passed over a year ago, appeared and started to talk about his owner. He wanted me to give her his messages right away… he was very impatient. I told him I would soon, but not that day. He insisted I call her and made me promise not to wait too long. I hesitated because I knew my friend would be upset, she missed him so much, but I felt I needed to connect with her to pass on the message. My friend was willing to listen, and yes, she cried, but her tears were out of happiness that her dog wanted to talk to her. She told me later that his messages were very meaningful and came at just the right time in her life.

Animal communication is also a great help to the animal and their people when the animal is dying. We want the best for our pets and sometimes it’s very hard to let go. Talking to the animal gives us insight as to what they really want. When my dog Zoey contracted cancer and was ready to pass, I could not let her go and wanted to provide hospice for her. I spent hours of one-on-one time with her and decided it was best to let her go, it’s what she wanted. As we drove back to the vet, she gave me a feeling of calm and peace and I knew I was doing the right thing for her. Then out of the blue, I heard a very loud “THANK YOU!!” in my right ear. I knew that was her reassuring me that everything was OK and this is what she wanted.

What can someone expect if they use your services?

I offer consultations by telephone, in person, and by email for all animals. Usually I ask for a picture of the animal, their name, age and gender. I introduce myself to the animal, letting them know their person said it was OK for me to talk with them. I ask general questions about what they like and dislike. These questions establish if I’ve connected with the animal or not. Most animals are wiling and happy to talk, although I’ve had my share of personalities that can be tough nuts to crack. But once they start talking and realize I am genuinely there to help, they open up. When I communicate with your animal, I receive information directly from the animal and also get my own intuitive impressions. I relay all of this information to you during the consultation. I will also refer you to any services or experts you may need to help you with your and your animal.

Is there anything else you would like to let us know?

Yes, I also provide other services for animals and their people, including:

• Animal communication classes where you can learn to communicate with your animal for a deeper relationship.
• Equine Touch – a noninvasive, energy and connective soft tissue discipline, inducing deep relaxation, releasing traumatized muscles and reducing pain. Although I have learned this on the horse, it can also be used on other species as well as humans.
• Reiki – a Japanese healing art form that involves channeling energy for the purposes of stress reduction and healing.

Please tell us where we can get in contact with you for your services. (website, phone number, social
media, etc.)

I can be reached via phone at 530.676.4744; by email at DogListen@gmail.com and internet at www.DogListen.wordpress.com.

Stephanie of Ascension Kennels

I’m always eager to help and get to know other pet sitters, so we set a date for me to come up and see her property.  Pilot Hill is almost an hour from Folsom in the hills, nestled in the Oak trees with panoramic views.

I was a little nervous about driving up there, but was comforted by my trusty travel companions, Dutch and Kaylee, and we all set out for a day in the country.

As I started down Salmon Falls Road, I couldn’t believe how beautiful it was.  It was a perfect spring day, the hills were a bright green with sprawling ranches scattered throughout the countryside, and I was groovin’ to the tunes in my car.  (Do people still say groovin’?).  I was going into that state of gratitude for being able to enjoy this wonderful adventure.

Everything was going great, but of course, being (which I now can’t deny) “direction challenged” took a wrong turn and knew that I was not going in the direction that I needed to.  The road was getting narrower and narrower and paving was hit and miss.

Me chilling on a hammock. Do I have to leave??!!

I remembered that I just got one of those new Android phones with GPS  and thought I’d give it a try.  You guessed it, there wasn’t any reception.  So I started down the road to start all over from the main highway.  I finally got reception and called Stephanie.

Two of the Doxies

She eventually had to come find me and bring me to her house as I was getting low on gas!  I’m glad she did because the dirt road to her house would have been too much for my bucket of bolts car.  BTW, Stephanie provides transportation to her house if you don’t want to brave the dirt road.

Just so you know, MapQuest was off by 4 miles which was why I couldn’t find her road.  Just thought I’d mention that.

Once we got there, we were greeted by her adorable 13 week old dachshund puppies that are for sale.  They had never seen another dog before, so Dutch and Kaylee caused quite of stir.  They soon settled down and we were able to look over the place.

My trusted travel companions - Kayee and Dutch

Stephanie, who is a licensed Vet Tech and groomer, envisions her boarding facility to be more of a rustic, back to nature environment for the dogs.  They have tons of room to run and play with plenty of shade from the big Oak trees.  She plans weekend events such as scavenger hunts, Easter egg hunts and pie eating contests!  She also provides nature walks through her wooded property.  Stephanie would like this it to be a fun, safe place for your dogs.

Where the dogs can play

Eventually, she would like to be able to board 20 dogs at a time where they will sleep in climate controlled housing and expand the amount of acreage the dogs can play in.  Since she is a Vet Tech, she can care for any medical need or physical therapy your pet may need.  She’ll even cook for your pets!!  How great is that.  In addition, she can come to your home to care for your pets provided you live in Pilot Hill, Cool, Georgetown, Auburn and the surrounding areas.   I could see that Stephanie is a loving, caring person that genuinely cares for all animals.

This is the view from Stephanie's front yard!

If you have friends in her area, please give her a call at (530)906-4334 and help her build her vision of her “dog haven in the hills”.

So, it was time to bring me to my car which was on the side of the road to start my journey back home.  She told me I could get gas in Cool which was in the opposite way back home.  I got my gas and stopped at Subway to eat and was on my way.

With my tank full , my belly full and Dutch and Kaylee chillin’ in the back seat, I was reflecting on all the emails I will need to answer when I got home and all the work that wasn’t done today.  But the way I see it, making a new friend and being able to experience a new place and beautiful scenery is good for the soul and gave me a short break to fuel my spirit.  The work will always be there!

To view all the photos, please go to my facebook page. Friend me!!

BARK was started in September 2007 with three dogs and one elementary school.  They have grown to 68 teams in 35 schools and libraries in LA and Orange Counties and one in Lincoln, CA.   They also do one-time visits at various locations such as pet expos, book festivals and street fairs.  The children can even read to them while they’re waiting for their dogs to be spayed/neutered at the free mobile spay/neuter clinic in Compton, CA.

Take a look at BARK’s video to learn more:

Reading out loud is crucial to learning because the children have to speak every word and not skip over those they don’t know.  However, it is very intimidating for many children to read out loud in the classroom.   It’s the equivalent of us giving a speech to a roomful of adults!

The students feel that the dogs are non-judgmental and so friendly that they want to read out loud to them.  They’re told that they are helping the dogs practice their settling skills so they feel honored to work with them.

Very often, the children live in neighborhoods where they only see large fence-fighting dogs. They start off with the handler sitting in between the child and the dog.  Once the student realizes the dog is not going to jump on or hurt them, they relax. By the second or third visit, they’re old friends and they realize that some dogs can be nice.

A recent study with UC Davis showed that students in reading dogs programs increased their reading skills by 12% to 20% over kids who were not in reading dog programs.  BARK’s teachers/counselor indicated that over 80% of kids in the their program increased in reading skills, self-confidence, and class participation.

Abby the reading dog and her friend

This past year, they started working with deaf children who sign their words to the dogs.  These children are shy about using their speaking voice, but learn the dogs will follow commands if they use a strong voice.  They think they’re having fun when they’re actually practicing speaking.

BARK also puts on fun photo presentations about service/therapy dogs and humane education.

Hopefully, these kids will grow up to be responsible pet owners.

Here’s what some of the participants have to say:

Hugo, a Jack Russell terrier, had been going to a school for only three weeks when his handler was stopped by a teacher.  She said she had already noticed that one of her students, who read to Hugo, had a better attitude in class.  Every time he had a test, he took out Hugo’s card and set it on the corner of his desk because it kept him calm and made him smile.

Vinita, a golden retriever, worked with a fourth-grader who tended to get in trouble and did not participate in class.  After a few weeks, he asked if he could bring Vinita to his classroom for everyone to meet.  At the end of the eight week session with Vinita, the boy was given a brand new book and a stuffed dog.  He ran into his classroom and asked if he could read the book to the entire class.  His teacher said he never would have done that before.

BARK is looking to further expand their classrooms in Northern CA.  If you think your dog might be a good candidate, please contact Josie at barkreadingdogs@aol.com.  Just think of the difference your dog can make in a child’s life!

Meet Raider, an 8 year old Lab/Border Collie Mix with Stage 4 Lymphoma . He was only expected to live for 6-8 weeks when diagnosed and it’s been 2 1/2 months.  The owners consider this a miracle and are showering him with love until he passes.

Raider

Due to his Lymph nodes being swollen, his eyes and back side are very red and bulgy and he’s lost 50 pounds in the last 2 months.  He lives on 5 acres and is used to controlling the wildlife on his property.  He can still do all that, but at a much slower pace.

Barring his appearance, you’d never know that he has a terminal illness.  He has a big appetite, still wags his tail all the time and follows me around the house.  He was even trying to get “frisky” with Libby when she came to stay with us.

Raider getting "frisky" with Libby

What really impresses me are the owners two young children and how they accept his illness with grace and love him unconditionally.

Fortunately for Raider, he doesn’t know that the end is near.  Some people may debate that dogs know when their time is coming and I do believe that, but at this stage, I don’t think he’s there yet.

Humans are a very different story.  If we find ourselves in the unfortunate situation to be diagnosed with a terminal illness, we are face with having to deal with that reality and what it would mean to our lives and how we conduct ourselves.

SHOWTIME has a new series called, “The Big C” starring Laura Linney and Oliver Platt in which she is a school teacher diagnosed with terminal Melanoma.  She’s healthy now, but knows that she doesn’t have long on this Earth.  So, she decides not to tell her family and lives life completely on her terms and does whatever she wants.  She kicks her needy husband out of the house and lives life to the fullest.  She does some crazy stuff, but it’s the subtleties of her life that take on new meaning such as the flowers in her garden and spending time with her cranky teenage son. She is joyous and willing to try new things that she dared not do before.  Wouldn’t it be great if we can live that all the time?

Why do we wait until something like a terminal illness wakes us up to live our lives the way we want to?  It’s like the Kris Allen’s song, “Live like you’re dying”. “We only got 86,400 seconds in a day to turn it all around or we throw it all away”.

Raider Relaxing

I believe that we are here to live our truth and to achieve pure joy and love and live in alignment with that truth.  There are many paths to reach this place, but they all are going to the same destination – Spirit, God, Source, Nirvana, Infinite Intelligence, The Universe and for you Star Wars fans, The Force.  Whatever you call it, to reach this destination you must live in accordance with your true and higher self – your divine self.

Think about it, are you living in alignment with your true self??

Are you with the person you truly want to be with?

Are you in the profession or job that you can’t wait to get up for everyday?

Do you treat people with kindness and can you forgive them?

Do you sweat the small stuff?

Do you argue when it just doesn’t matter?

Do you love your friends and family deeply and openly?

Have you put off someone or something waiting for the perfect time that never comes?

I’m still working on all this, but I know that the choices in front of me are limitless – we only have to make the decision to create our amazing life!

What’s the first thing you would do if you knew your time was limited??

Sweet Charlie the Labradoodle

Labradoodles were first bred in Australia by the Australian Guide Dog Association in 1989 as an allergy friendly seeing eye dog.  The Goldendoodle was first bred in North America in the 1990’s.  Both are bred for their non or light shedding coats for people who were allergic to dogs.  They come in 3 sizes – Standard, Medium and Miniature with many different coat colors and textures.

Barkley the Chocolate Labradoodle

According to Petrix.com, all three breeds rank in the top ten for intelligence, but you’d never know it to look at a doodle dog, as I call them, (or a Dr. Seuss dog).  They can be clumsy looking and sometimes have a vacant look to them.  My husband says that those breeds should never have been crossed because it bred the smartness out of them!  I don’t agree.

Nicky, my buddy, Goldendoodle

Doodle dogs have a quiet intelligence that’s very in tune with humans.   It’s kind of hard to describe, but when they look at you, it’s as though they know what you’re thinking.  If you’re looking for that perfect companion dog that will be a true buddy to you, I highly recommend a doodle dog.  They’re the kind of dog that will be at your side though thick or thin.

Tammy Faye a mini Goldendoodle with Corinna

I few months ago, one of my boarders died at 2 years old from complications after stomach surgery.  His name was Charlie.  He was a very large white, very shy Labradoodle.   He was one of those doodle dogs that wasn’t from the high intelligence pool, but we loved him anyway and brought us much joy and laughter when he was in our home.

Bailey the Goldendoodle

So the other day, I was looking at Barkley, the Chocolate Labradoodle that I’m boarding now, and his expression was so much like Charlie’s that it sparked the idea for this blog about these wonderful dogs.

Roxie the Labradoodle

If you have a doodle dog, I’d love to hear your stories and see if you agree with my assessment.

This is how I find Ty everytime. He can't hear me come in poor little guy!

Of all the many miles I’ve journeyed with dogs, there is one in particular that I look forward to.  It’s just on the outskirts of El Dorado Hills, CA, but it might as well be miles away in the mountains.  I walk this path with Ty, a 14 year old Queensland Healer/Border Collie mix that looks and acts like he’s 5!  He recently went deaf and I have to wake him up when I get there, but he’s always so happy to see me and ready for our walk.

Here's Ty when he's awake!

The path we walk is scattered with houses.  One has goats, horses and two very protective Bouvier des Flandres.

These are some of the horses from the house across the street

The scenery is set in the foothills with oak trees everywhere.  I relish the solitude and peaceful surroundings.  Not only is it a beautiful walk, but the path has steep inclines which gives me a good glute workout!

This is the begining of the path

After walking over a wooden bridge, there is a beautiful pond – a home sits on top of the hill overlooking the pond.

The Pond

At the end of this journey, we climb to the top of the hill where there is a spectacular vista that spans all the way to Folsom Lake and even Sacramento’s skyline in the background.  One of the homes has a vineyard and a tennis court with a large deck that faces the view.  I can only image what it must be like sitting on top of that deck looking over the magnificent view and knowing how blessed you are to have this little piece of Heaven.

Right next to the tennis courts is the lookout deck

The major glute workout is worth it to see this wonderful, peaceful, thought provoking view.

This is just part of the awesome view

Isn’t that the same with life.  There may be steep hills, rocks, bugs and whatever comes your way, but to reach for something that is your life’s desire makes it all worth it.  As they say, there can be no joy without the pain.

Another look at the view

As a woman my age, I have learned that life is too short to compromise on what brings me joy.  What else are we here for, but to experience happiness – the kind of happiness that comes from deep inside your soul.  The awareness that without this joy, you’re life is less than what it could be.

This is Ty saying good bye and ready to make the trip back home!

We all know what it is, now are you going to spend the rest of your life wishing or doing something about finding your bliss?  It’s all up to you.

Zoey, the Beautiful Springer

At 2:30, I decided to go for a walk with Zoey the beautiful Springer Spaniel, Stella, the cute and feisty Beagle and Roxie the sweet, loving German Shepherd.  After I “saddled” them all up and put in my ear buds, I set out the door for a nice leisurely walk.

Stella, the very protective (of me) Beagle

I was in a peaceful mood and all the dogs were easy walkers.  Believe me, that’s a wonderful thing!  The music that was playing mirrored my mood.  Have you ever noticed  that music has a way of doing that.

A few minutes into our walk, the sun bursts through the clouds and I could feel it beating down on my skin.

Folsom is very well known for its beautiful trails throughout the city, and my home backs up to one of the trails that winds this way through the wetlands.  I decided to cut through the Elementary School field to get to the shadier areas of our walk.

Besides Zoey sniffing at every bush, blade of grass and tree, everything was going great.  All of a sudden the batteries in my radio pooped out and I had to take off my ear buds.  Thank God because there was a gentle breeze blowing through the leaves of the trees which is my absolute favorite sound in the world.  Something about that sound gives me a sense of peace and all is well with the world.

Roxy the Sweet and humanlike Shepherd

About that time, Roxie decides that she wants to stop and rest.  She lays down and I wait for her.  After a while, I join her and sit down on the trail.  Zoey sat down snuggled right beside me and Stella, having to be center of attention, tried to climb on my lap.  So, there we sat – all four of us, in the shade in the middle of the trail just quietly resting and listening to the wind blowing through the trees.  What a site we must have been.

I closed my eyes and said a grateful thank you to the powers that be.

If it wasn’t for my batteries going out, I would have missed this awesome moment.

Zen comes at the most unexpected times.

Have you had a perfect moment of Zen with your best furry buddy?

Military dog barking

The Mayo Clinic defines PTSD as “a type of anxiety disorder that’s triggered by a traumatic event.  You can develop PTSD when you experience or witness an event that causes intense fear, helplessness or horror.”

The traumatizing experience can be anything, from abuse and neglect, to fireworks or witnessing war.  Gina, is a military service dog profiled in the article US PTSD Military Dog.  Gina is a highly accomplished bomb-sniffing German Shepherd, but after her wartime experiences in Iraq, she has come home with many of the same symptoms that servicemen and woman present.

As sensitive and observant beings, canines are affected greatly by their experiences, positive or negative.  Gina was witness to war atrocities, and explosive sounds, and these memories are now imprinted on her in a detrimental way.  Veterinarians have varying opinions, as to whether dogs can truly develop PTSD.  But, as PTSD is the result of one’s nervous system being altered by trauma (putting it in constant flight or fight mode), it makes sense that dogs would be affected in the same way.

People diagnosed with PTSD, experience biological changes, affecting stress hormones and chemicals in the neurotransmitters.  This can cause the nervous system to get stuck, so to speak, in a perennial flight or fight state. 

Look at a dog who has been abused, and notice his wariness, the way he’s conscious of all escape routes, and his general discomfort if anyone looks at him.  He’s ready to run, or attack, because his mentality is stunted in that fear; in those imbedded memories of his trauma.   These same behaviors can be seen in abused children, witnesses to crimes, and, most certainly, to those who have experienced war firsthand.

For sufferers of PTSD, human or canine, help should be sought as soon as possible, to prevent suffering long-term symptoms.  For people, psychotherapy and medication are in order, plus gentle love and support.

With dogs, we can use some of the same therapy techniques, such as gradual exposure therapy, and, of course, much love, support and patience.  Canine anxiety mediation is also available, plus alternative therapies such as pheromone diffusers and aromatherapy.   Gina, the service dog, is doing well now, after a year of such therapy and guidance.

Whether we can define what a dog experiences as PTSD or not, looking at the clinical and behavioral descriptions, it seems that our four-legged friends have an equal capacity to carry their trauma negatively, as humans do.

For more information about PTSD:  Mayo Clinic on PTSD ]]> http://waggyspettipsandtales.com/2010494-dogs-can-get-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-just-like-humans/feed/ 70 http://waggyspettipsandtales.com/2010485-flying-the-friendly-skies-with-your-pet/ http://waggyspettipsandtales.com/2010485-flying-the-friendly-skies-with-your-pet/#comments Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:22:03 +0000 Chris L Wagner http://waggyspettipsandtales.com/?p=485 Here it is July, and we have reached the midpoint of summer vacation season.  As pet owners, we love our dogs and hate the thought of being apart from them while the family travels.  Many families incorporate their pets needs, right along with the other family members desires, when planning a family getaway. 

Road trips can be a fantastic source of fun, recreation, and education, for the entire clan, including Rover.  Most camping facilities accommodate our four-legged family members, and more and more hotels are happy to serve your dog, as well.  If staying at a hotel or motel, you may have restrictions on the size of animal they accept.  And, be prepared to pay an extra fee, or a larger deposit.

For those of you planning to get away even further from home, you may, or may not want to bring Fido along.  Airline restrictions are…well…strict, when it comes to your pet’s travel.  Plus, there are dangers to subjecting your pet to air travel.

For dogs larger than a hamster (ok, I exaggerate a little), they are required to fly in the cargo hold.  This can be an anxiety provoking experience, for even the most well adjusted, and calm animal.  Sedatives are not recommended (and some airlines prohibit their use), because the changes in temperature and elevation, can cause your animal, when sedated, to become disoriented and disabled.   And, in the extreme, can lead to deaths.

Dogs in Cargo Hold

The ASPCA and The Human Society, do not recommend air travel for pets, and airplane travel for some breeds, can be deadly.  This is most prevalent in brachycephalic animals (short-snouted breeds).  Many carriers do not even allow these breeds to travel with them.  Please refer to Trips with pets for more information.

In addition to the stress of a cargo hold, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100.00 (JetBlue) to $250.00 (United) for your pet.  If your pet is small enough to be in the plane with you, that’ll cost you an extra $100.00 – $200.00, depending on airline.  These are base prices, and can increase with dog’s size.

Even if money is no worry, and your pet is not short-snouted, problems arise with dogs in cargo holds.  The most famous story of dog air travel gone wrong, is the escape (and permanent loss) of Vivi, the Westminster Dog Show winning Whippet.  While every airline has statistics of pets lost, Continental Airlines has, by far, the worst record for delivering your pets safely.

Rufus the Boxer

Instead of stressing your pet (and yourself), with the worry of safe air travel, your pet would most certainly be safer and happier with a professional pet sitter.  If your dog is a homebody (or agoraphobic!), you may choose to have a sitter come to your home twice a day, or opt for a live-in pet sitter while you travel.  If Fido is more of a social being, boarding, in an open environment (not caged), is ideal.  Whatever your needs, there is a pet sitter in your area that can meet your needs.

Do you have any travel adventures with the airlines?  We’d love to hear them.  Happy Traveling.

Cocoa Bean the American Bulldog

Guess which one was the aggressor?  The Yellow Lab.  Bailey was an otherwise sweet,  obedient lab that according to her owner has never showed aggression before.  For some reason, she didn’t like Cocoa Bean.

Needless to say, this incident was very traumatic for me and my family and of course the owners of both dogs.  It’s not easy to learn that your dog attacked a dog and it’s difficult to see your dog with puncture wounds and abrasions.  Don’t worry, I took her to the vet and she is doing just fine.

This incident drives home the point that it isn’t the breed, but how the dogs relate to each other.   Who knows why Cocoa Bean brought out this behavior in Bailey.  We all love our dogs like they were part of the family, but we must always remember that they are animals with animal instincts.

Usually when there’s a scuffle between two dogs, I can break it up with vocal commands or squirting water in their face, but this time was different.  I tried everything to get the dog off, but nothing helped, so I have to admit, I was at a loss.

So, I thought I’d do some research and find out what I could have done in this situation and pass that information along to you.

How to break up a dog fight

Of course it’s always best to avoid them getting into a fight in the first place.  Their body language plays a big part in deciphering their behavior.

According to Cherie Langlois, here’s some clues to know when a fight might break out:

“A hard, unwavering, targeted stare.
Dominance posturing, such as mounting.
Stiff body movements.
Extreme body language: the tail held stiffly up or down, lips pulled tight against the teeth”.

I can say from experience that Bailey did exhibit this kind of behavior.  I’ve seen this behavior before and nothing ever came from it.  One piece of advice –  please don’t antagonize the dogs – STAY CALM and try to diffuse the situation calmly.  They’re already on a trigger hair at this point and you don’t want to make it worse.  If a fight does break out, please do not try to pull them apart by their collars.  Don’t put your hands anywhere near their mouths.  You will most likely get bit yourself!

If they are already fighting, you can try:

Bailey the Yellow Lab

Spraying water in their faces

Some has said that Citronella Spray helps.  It’s a safer alternative to Pepper Spray.

Cattle Prods and Shock Collars, however this can put them in more of a fight mode and try to attack the prod or think that the other dog is hurting them and want to fight more.  You can condition them to the collars and prods, but not in the middle of a fight.  Work with them beforehand.

The most effective and safe way to stop a fight requires  two people:  Leerburg Training explains it this way,  “Each person grabs the back feet of one of the dogs. The dogs back feet are then picked up like a wheelbarrow. With the legs up, both dogs are then pulled apart.

Once the dog fight is broken up and the dogs pulled apart , it is critical that the people do not release the dogs or the dog fight will begin again. The two people need to start turning in a circle, or slowly swinging the dogs in a circle while they back away from the other dog. This stops the dog from curling and coming back and biting the person holding their legs.

By circling the dog has to sidestep with its front feet or it will fall on its chin. As long as you slowly continue to back and circle, the dog cannot do any damage to you. To insure that the fight will not begin all over again when you release the dogs, one of the dogs needs to be dragged into an enclosure (i.e. a kennel, the garage, another room) before the dog is released. If you do not do this, the dogs will often charge back and start fighting again or if you release the dog to quickly the dog will turn and attack the person who had his feet.”

Do you have effective ways of breaking up a dog fight?  I’d love to hear your stories.