Online Instruction

Online Instruction

If you are looking for answers to your dog-training or care needs, we have plenty of resources to keep you and your canine busy!

Complimentary Videos

Watch some of our short video previews here!

Interested in learning more? Click on the Instructional Videos link to get access to our full "Ten Natural Steps to Training the Family Dog" program, and more.

Step 1: Composure

The quick development of composure is the very first exercise in the family dog obedience program.  In regards to composure, a realistic setting is critical for success in this training.  Allowing your dog the freedom to experiment is the key to this learning experience. Composure is much more forgiving in regards to control than formal directives, such as the stay command, which will come later with time and further dedication to training.


To see the full video, check out the Instructional Videos. 

Step 2: Food Control

The idea of a food control exercise is to remove the tension from the human and dog eating environment. The dog’s role in this exercise is to learn to eat from his handler’s hands only and not from your house cat’s bowl or food that falls from the dinner table to the floor. It’s not the type of food that matters…it’s how the food is presented to your dog.

Step 3: Visitor Control

A visitor is defined as “any living beings not the primary handlers.” The dog’s role in this exercise is to respond to the visitor by licking, leaning, smelling, etc. but only if the visitor initiates the contact. The handler’s role is to greet the visitor naturally, controlling the dog without the use of commands with a loose leash. The handler needs to supply the consequences that go along with the dog’s behavior. Negative behavior results in negative consequences and positive behavior generates positive consequences.

Step 4: Door Control

One of the most challenging situations your dog is faced with is managing doorways. In our door control exercise, we create an invisible barrier over the newly exposed threshold. This is both for safety and ease of crossing. When I open a door, I envision a barrier that a dog cannot pierce, not with a toenail or a whisker. I don’t want the dog encroaching upon this threshold whether we have a tangible barrier or not.

Step 5: Walking

The idea behind this exercise is to help the dog develop a well-defined position whereas we travel so he does not impede our motion. The dog’s role in this exercise is to learn how to follow the handler, yield to the handler, adjust pace to suit the handler and adjust direction to suit the handler. Remember, you are a team – we’re going to work as a team but the handler is the leader.

Step 6: Heeling

The idea is to develop an immediate position between dog and handler. This is for safety and control when you are out traveling with your dog. Think of using “heel” rather than casual “walk” when crossing a busy street. Think of using “heel” when moving through a crowd of people. Or you can imagine using “heel” when going into your vet’s waiting room.

Step 7: Sit

Even though it’s looked upon as casual or informal, the idea is to get into an easy to get into and out of posture to view as a fixed position. Sit is used as a way to polish off formal commands.

Step 8: Down

The idea is the build a posture for the dog that’s both comfortable and secure for extended periods. Imagine meeting a friend at the park. You’ll stop and chat. Have your dog lay down while you chat. It’ll be more comfortable lying on the ground rather than holding a “sit” position. Utilize the “down” “stay” command at dinner time. Have your dog lay down where he’s comfortable – the family sits and eats at peace.

Step 9: Stay

The idea is to develop a “hold fast” response, namely a “sit” and “Down”. The exact meaning to the dog is “don’t move – I have somewhere to go. I’m going to be busy. Hold until I release you.”

Step 10: Come

The idea is to establish a focused “sit in front of the handler” position. No matter how far away the dog is from the handler; no matter what may be between the two of you, his job is to get to the handler right away.

Instructional Videos

Watch our full length instructional videos here!

Interested in more of Matthew Duffy's videos? Click on the Archived Videos link to get access to our collection of free video's from years past.

Companion Video's to Mathew Duffy's Dog Ten Natural Steps to Training the Family Dog

These video's allow you to see and hear Matthew Duffy, teach the information in his book " Ten Natural Steps to Training the Family Dog". 


You can choose to purchas 1 or all 10 video's. 

Basic Obedience, manners.

This video collection walks you through the same curriculum that is covered with an in-person lesson at Duffy's Dog Training center. You feel like you are in the building experiencing private instruction. Lesson one focuses on the beginning teaching and handling skills for the 5 manners (Walk, Door control, Food control, Visitor control, Composure).

Basic Obedience, manners

This video collection walks you through the same curriculum that is covered with an in-person lesson at Duffy's Dog Training center. You feel like you are in the building experiencing private instruction. Lesson two builds on what you have already learned, giving you indepth teaching and Handling skills for the 5 manners (Walk, Door control, Food control, Visitor control, Composure).

Basic Obedience, manners

This video collection walks you through the same curriculum that is covered with an in-person lesson at Duffy's Dog Training center. You feel like you are in the building experiencing private instruction. Lesson three builds on what you have already learned, polishing your teaching and Handling skills for the 5 manners (Walk, Door control, Food control, Visitor control, Composure).

Basic Obedience, formal commands

This video collection walks you through the same curriculum that is covered with an in-person lesson at Duffy's Dog Training center. You feel like you are in the building experiencing private instruction. Lesson four builds on what you have already learned, giving you beginning teaching and Handling skills for the 5 Formal commands (Heal, Sit Stay Down, Come).

Basice Obedience, formal commands

This video collection walks you through the same curriculum that is covered with an in-person lesson at Duffy's Dog Training center. You feel like you are in the building experiencing private instruction. Lesson five builds on what you have already learned, giving you indepth teaching and Handling skills for the 5 Formal commands (Heal, Sit Stay Down, Come).

Basic Obedience, full program

This video collection walks you through the same curriculum that is covered with an in-person lesson at Duffy's Dog Training center. You feel like you are in the building experiencing private instruction. Lesson six builds on what you have already learned, polishing your teaching and Handling skills for the 5 Formal commands (Heal, Sit Stay Down, Come).

Basic Obedience, formal commands

This video collection walks you through the same curriculum that is covered with an in-person lesson at Duffy's Dog Training center. You feel like you are in the building experiencing private instruction. Lesson seven builds on what you have already learned, getting you finished handling skills for the 5 Manners (Walk, Door control, Food control, Visitor control, Composior) and 5 Formal commands (Heal, Sit Stay Down, Come).

Basic Obedience, hands free control

This video collection walks you through the same curriculum that is covered with an in-person lesson at Duffy's Dog Training center. You feel like you are in the building experiencing private instruction. Lesson eight builds on what you have already learned, giving you beginning Handling skills for weaning away from the nessesity of a leash all together.

Basic Obedience, hands free control

This video collection walks you through the same curriculum that is covered with an in-person lesson at Duffy's Dog Training center. You feel like you are in the building experiencing private instruction. Lesson nine builds on what you have already learned, giving you indepth Handling skills for the 5 Formal commands (Heal, Sit Stay Down, Come).

Archived Videos

Watch our fun and informative videos from the past here!

Matthew's personal archive.

Over the years Matthew Duffy's has made numerous video's. Here is his collection of entertaining and informative creations. 

A collection of video's Containging Matthew Duffy.

Here is a collection of video's of Matthew Duffy participating in local events. 

Duffy's Dog Training/ Whitefangventures Facebook videos

Here is a link to all the wonderfull video's on our Facebook page Duffy's Dog Training Center, Home of Whitefangventures.

Hungry for more dog related info? View our Dog Care Resources.

Dog Care Resources

  • Can I Bathe My Dog Too Much?

    The answer to that question is, yes! Every single little furbaby is different. Each one has a different type of coat and different types of skin. If your dog has noticeably dry skin, and you bathe him often, then you might be bathing too often or with shampoo that is too harsh.


    Try bathing a little less often and use an oatmeal shampoo or even baby shampoo because it is very mild and also tearless. If your dog is excessively greasy, then contrary to popular belief, you could still be bathing too often. When the dog’s skin is very dry, the body will try to over compensate and the hair ends up greasy. In this case, also try an oatmeal or baby shampoo, and bathe just a little less often.


    Stay tuned! Next month we discuss anal glands! Wahoo!

  • Rotational Feeding

    ADVISOR DONNA RICHARDSON (PET NUTRITIONIST) — We get lots of questions regarding rotating your dog’s diet.


    There are many “ways” and reasons to rotate your food, and guess what? Many are correct.


    For a normal, healthy adult pet, we suggest feeding a food that has multiple meat proteins. If you feed a single source protein, you can actually rotate daily, weekly, monthly, etc. Many suggest staying within the same brand of food, because of the quality of ingredients used by a particular company. Chicken, for example, is not just chicken. Does the company use chicken by-products (not recommended), chicken meal, organic chicken, etc. etc.


    The quality of the ingredients also bears consideration. And for those who feed raw, the same holds true. You still need to rotate the source of meat protein from time to time.


    One way to think about rotation is this: During the hot, summer months, we like to eat lighter, easy to digest foods like fish, turkey and the like. Then, in winter months, we tend to gravitate toward heavier foods, such as pot roasts, chili, etc. So, for your dogs, think about the lighter, easier-to-digest meats, like the turkey, chicken, and fish based foods. Then, in winter months, move to the heavier foods, like the red meat foods.


    Check out the new products from Champion Pet Foods. DogStar Kitchen is now up and running in Auburn, KY. We are proud they chose Kentucky to be their first home in the US.

  • Food allergy or yeast infection

    ADVISOR DONNA RICHARDSON (PET NUTRITIONIST) — When selecting the best food for our pets, we often become consumed with ingredients. The food must be grain free, and not contain this and that. Which is fine. However, as mentioned so many times in the past, all grain free foods are not created equal.


    A food can be grain-free, but far from low in carbohydrates. Just because it is grain-free does not mean it is low in carbs.


    I am sharing two pictures of one of our actual customers. This dog was presented to us with severe skin and ear issues. The dog had been tested for allergies, and did not test positive for any food allergies. The first photo was taken on a Sunday—the day the owner began the food transition. The dog was on a kibble from a big box store and taking two, over-the-counter antihistamines daily.


    We switched his food, the owner stopped the antihistamines, and the second photo was taken five days later showing amazing results.


    The lesson here is that all food-related issues are not necessarily food allergies or intolerances. Very few pet food manufacturers will actually list the percentage of carbohydrates in their foods. The purpose of a grain-free diet should be to lower the intake of carbs.

  • How often can and should I bathe my dog?

    ADVISOR TAMMY NEELY — The simple answer is, as often as you’d like. There are some things to consider, however, when you do so.


    First and most important is the quality of the products you use. Using good, quality shampoos and skin conditioners are key. All shampoos are made to remove dirt, grim and oils, but just washing alone can leave your dog’s skin dry and irritated — especially when using a harsher flea or deodorizing shampoo.


    Those types of products should only be used when absolutely necessary. If you do typically use the harsher products, more than likely there’s a bigger problem and I recommend that you take your pet to a Vet in the near future.


    For basic bathing on a 2-3 times per week schedule, I suggest a tearless shampoo diluted with water on a 1:1 ratio. And there’s no need to repeat since you bathe so often. And always be sure to rinse thoroughly.


    A re-moisturizing oatmeal coat conditioner (also diluted 1:1) should be applied next. Saturate the skin completely and give the product time to work.  In other words, let your dog “marinade” for at least 3-5 minutes. Then rinse and you’re finished!


    TIP: For longer-haired dogs, do not rub them dry with a towel, as doing so creates tangles. Instead, lay the towel over your dog and gently squeeze the water out.

  • What Should I Feed Muffy, Doc?

    Nutrition is complicated, interesting, and important. It’s also up there with religion and politics on the list of topics to avoid in mixed company. Folks get really worked up about pet food. But I’m going to attempt to deflate the whole issue with a simple observation:


    I see hundreds of pets on all sorts of commercial diets every year, and most of them are doing just fine nutritionally.


    I’d never recommend Kibbles-and-Bits to anyone, but I’ve seen plenty of dogs on a steady diet of it that are mostly healthy (though they are more prone to food-amplified tissue syndrome, or FAT). Now, of course a well-chosen diet can have health benefits, so it’s worth putting some thought (and maybe a little extra money) into. Reasonable expectations include a healthier skin and coat, and maybe even feeling a bit better in general – anyone who’s ever been a college student subsisting on ramen noodles can attest to that. But losing sleep over which diet is best for your pet is also unlikely to result in an extra ten years of life, seeing them graduate college, or gain super powers.


    Below are fourteen facts that will help you make more informed decisions about feeding your pet, followed by my standard answer to the title question – what should you feed your pet.


    1. Avoid anything with food coloring. Pets do not care if kibble is red or green. Dogs can hardly tell the difference anyway.
    2. Look for AAFCO statements that indicate feeding trials were done on the food, rather than just meeting formulation requirements. While such trials have a lot of limitations, they do indicate the company devoted significant resources to evaluate their formulation in real animals.
    3. Also, if buying adult food, make sure the AAFCO statement indicates it is for adults, not all life stages. The latter means it’s appropriate for puppies/kittens, meaning it’s more nutritionally dense and thus more likely to lead to obesity.
    4. If your pet is overweight (and 50% of them are) look for something labeled LIGHT or LITE. These are the only terms that have set definitions and calorie requirements. You can put a cheeseburger in a bag and call it Weight Management, Healthy Weight, etc.
    5. Do not try any sort of homemade diet, raw or otherwise, without the guidance of a boarded Veterinary Nutritionist. Studies have shown this almost always winds up with a nutritionally deficient diet, and this is NOT Dr. Google’s area of expertise!
    6. Most of the terms tossed around to get you excited about foods have absolutely no meaning. Holistic, select, premium, even human-grade – these have no legal definition. I could produce terrible quality food, label it Dr. Rowland’s Vet Approved Super Premium Holistic Select, charge $100 a bag, and smile all the while.
    7. Organic and Natural do have legal definitions. However there is no evidence that meeting those definitions makes a difference to your pet’s health. This does denote more expensive ingredients – which may be more nutritious, but are likewise not guaranteed to be.
    8. 99% of the research about pet nutrition is done by the major companies (Hill’s, Purina, Iams, etc.). Purina spent 15 years (and likely millions of dollars) proving the association between obesity and reduced lifespan. Hill’s does an incredible amount of research into specific nutritional needs of both healthy and ill pets. Say what you will about these Big Food Companies, we owe most of what we know about pet nutrition to them.
    9. Pet food is big money (think billions annually). And if you are selling food, you make a lot more money if pets stay healthy and keep eating. Conversely, if anything bad happens to your consumer (pets) that can be remotely linked to your product, you lose a lot of money. More money than you’re likely to save putting anything in it that you aren’t 99.9% certain is safe and nutritious.
    10. Larger companies also have more resources for quality control and testing. This doesn’t mean they are perfect, or that others aren’t good. It does mean they are generally a safe bet.
    11. Grains and corn are not inherently bad for dogs, nor is a diet without them more “natural”. As I’m fond of reminding people – your pug is not a wolf. There are certainly dogs who do better on a “grain-free” diet, however, just like some people do. Even still, it’s a fallacy to attribute the improvement to a lack of grains. Most of these have limited and more novel ingredients in general, meaning that another non-grain ingredient in their previous diet is just as likely to have been the problem
    12. The most expensive thing out there is not necessarily the best…
    13. …but the cheapest thing almost never is (those are life-lessons that don’t just apply to pet food).
    14. Lastly, don’t try to fix what isn’t broken. If your pet is energetic, healthy, and at an optimum weight you don’t need anyone talking (or scaring) you into changing their diet.

    Following from these facts, my standard dietary recommendation is to choose a diet from a larger, well-known and well-established brand in the upper-moderate cost category. It may not be the “perfect” diet, and it is entirely possible there is something “better” out there – but without stressing out this will pretty much guarantee you are feeding your pet something nutritionally complete and safe.  Over the following months we plan to go into more depth on some specifics of pet nutrition to help you better understand how to evaluate different diets, but I have absolutely no reservation making the above recommendation to 99% of pets.

  • Trimming nails like a pro

    Be Prepared!


    A quality pair of trimmers that not only fit your hand, but also fit your dog’s size, is essential. If you’re not comfortable handling the trimmers, it will make the task stressful for both you and your dog.


    I prefer the scissor-style trimmers because they allow free movement and won’t crush the dog’s nails. Be sure to also pick up a jar of styptic powder when purchasing nail trimmers—it will come in handy to help stop the bleeding if you accidentally cut to the quick. Don’t worry if it happens; we all do it now and then! A small hydrogen-peroxide spray bottle is also handy to help remove stains.


    Be Careful But Committed!


    Once you’ve determined where to cut the nail, do not hesitate; make the cut quickly.


    White nails are fairly easy to trim. The goal is to cut as close to the pink nail vein without actually cutting into the vein itself. But again, don’t worry if you do nip too close because we have the styptic powder ready just in case. Black nails are a little trickier since you can’t see where the vein begins. In this case, I recommend making incremental cuts and stopping when a black dot is visible from the underside of the nail.


    Bonus Tip


    Your dog’s nails will be sharp after a trim. A simple emery board nail file is perfect for smoothing the edges. I prefer a rechargeable battery powered Dremel tool with a grinding attachment. A model with two speed settings is perfect. They allow you to grind the nails down smoothly without cutting the quick.

  • Pet Food & Flea Prevention

    You are probably shaking your head and wondering what in the world your pet’s food could possibly have to do with flea prevention. There are few times that the subject of “immune system” has not been in mentioned in previous articles.


    Have you ever noticed that in some kennel situations, there are some dogs with fleas, and some without? Ever wonder why? You guessed it…IMMUNE SYSTEM.


    Fleas are bloodsucking parasites and go after the weakest victims. For every flea you see on your pet, there are many more in the environment.


    Effective flea control should include these three things: Topical product for your pet, such as PetLock Plus. Every flea in the environment has to crawl on the pet in order for these products to be effective. Making sure your pet is on the best food possible will help him have a stronger immune system.


    Treating your home with sprays, room foggers, or even food-grade diatomaceous earth will help rid the environment of external parasites.


    Don’t forget to treat the yard. There are several sprays, food grade diatomaceous earth, and other things available for the yard. Use caution; however, some of the flea products will also kill bees.


    Be persistent with your efforts and don’t get discouraged. Flea eggs hatch out about every 30 days. So, treatments need to be repeated on a monthly basis.


    A hard freeze is good on the fleas in the yard, but as long as the dog is coming in the house, the fleas will thrive indoors where it is warm.


    We use a product called Flee Flea Flee, made by “Healthy Dogma” on our dogs. It is very effective as a repellent. It does not kill fleas, but makes the dog a lot less appealing.

  • Spring is in the air

    ADVISOR DONNA RICHARDSON (PET NUTRITIONIST) - The arrival of spring for many humans and pets alike brings on the challenge of seasonal allergies.


    We deal with food trials for suspected food allergies year round.


    What are some things you can do for your pet if you suspect seasonal allergies? Those of you who have talked to me about pet nutrition continue to hear the phrase, “BOOST THAT IMMUNE SYSTEM!” Sometimes pets are allergic to things we can’t control. Giving a boost to the immune system will help the pet’s natural ability to fight the allergies.


    Your veterinarian will have several things that should help with seasonal allergies.  But, what can you do to enhance your veterinarian’s treatment?


    First of all, proper nutrition.  You are what you eat.  So is your pet.


    Secondly, we like to supplement good nutrition with raw goat’s milk. Here are some reasons why:


    • Boosts the immune system
    • Natural antihistamine
    • Helps establish healthy flora to the skin and ears, which will help curb any infections related to allergies
    • Natural probiotic-helps your pet absorb more nutrients from his food
    • Additional source of moisture when added to kibble or given as a special treat
  • Donna's Corner: My dog is a constant itching and scratching machine…

    My dog is a constant itching and scratching machine. How much of a role does diet play in this sort of behavior?


    Donna Richardson’s response: Sorry you are having problems with your dog. I am going to assume you have done a little detective work, and your dog does not have fleas. You could also be dealing with something seasonal or environmental. But diet can and often does play a huge role in these itchy, scratching dogs.


    Food trials can be frustrating, and can take from several weeks to a few months. We work with each dog as an individual, because they are all different, and can suffer from varying degrees of the same issue. In other words, what worked for your friend’s dog might not work for yours.


    Without more of a history on your dog, I would make the following recommendations:


    • First of all, supplement his diet with raw goat’s milk. It acts as a natural antihistamine. It also contains caprylic acid, which is known for it’s ability to fight yeast. Fermented milk is also a preferred way to deliver probiotics.
    • We need to discuss your dog’s current diet and overall general health. We might try a novel protein source in the form of a limited ingredient kibble or balanced raw diet. Sometimes eliminating grains from the diet will help tremendously. Also, bolster that immune system!

    I would be happy to schedule an appointment to have you come out and go over some options for your dog. A good nutritional plan for your dog will not replace your veterinarian, but will certainly make his or her work a lot easier.


    Best of luck!

    Donna

  • Donna’s Corner: Getting some ANSWERS

    By: DONNA RICHARDSON — In this month’s article, I would like to leave you with some questions that will lead you to some ANSWERS regarding your pet’s nutrition.


    In previous articles, we have discussed feeding kibble, raw, kibble supplemented with raw, etc. etc. This month, I would like for you to think about the benefits of supplementing your pet’s food with raw goat’s milk. We have previously mentioned supplementing your pet’s kibble with raw in order to add more moisture and offer additional meat protein sources.


    I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Jacqueline Hill, of Answers Pet Food (http://answerspetfood.com). Jackie is a wealth of information. She is a microbiologist and nutritionist, as well as a huge pet lover. Jackie and ANSWERS have taken pet nutrition “out of the box” and in doing so, they have enhanced the lives of many pets.


    Raw goat’s milk is known in nutritional circles as “white blood”. Most mammals, even chickens will reap benefits of consuming raw goat’s milk.


    It contains a natural antihistamine that will even help with seasonal allergies.


    It is an excellent tool to offer additional moisture to your pet’s diet.


    The healing properties of raw goat’s milk will help heal the gut and maintain healthy gut health. Did you know that the gut regulates 90 percent of the immune system?


    Are you concerned about feeding raw goat’s milk to your pet?


    What about that salad you just ate that had been sprayed with what? And had been grown using what as fertilizer?


    What agency governs raw meat sold for human consumption? What agency governs raw meat sold for raw pet food? The same agency? Same standards? Nope! Raw pet food is sold with the intention of being fed raw to our pets. Meat sold for human consumption is sold with the idea that humans cook their meat.


    Always use safe handling practices when handling all foods — human, pet, raw, kibble, etc. Clean your sinks, countertops, pet-food dishes, utensils, etc. just as you would when preparing human meals.

  • Season’s Greetings from Donna’s Corner!

    BY DONNA RICHARDSON, PET NUTRITIONIST — I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your support this past year. We have enjoyed being a part of White Fang Ventures and are looking forward to what 2015 has to offer.


    In reviewing highlights of 2014, a common denominator has been and will continue to be support of the immune system. There cannot be enough emphasis placed on maintaining a strong immune system. Lots of serious health issues stem from a weakened immune system.


    To get Fido through the hustle and bustle of the holidays, please remember to maintain proper diet and exercise for your dogs. It is very easy to get caught up in the moment and forget to take that walk. It is very difficult not to cave in to the eyes of the hungry beggar.


    Sometimes we have to remind guests not to slip bites of goodies here and there. There are several things, such as chocolate, grapes, onions, etc. that should not be given to dogs. Also, avoid fatty foods. We are fine with giving our dogs raw marrow bones. But never cooked bones.


    Perhaps my next article will include weight loss tips for your pets. Once again, thank you for allowing us to be part of your “pet family”.


    For more information, feel free to visit our website at www.RichardsonsFeedAndPets.com.


    Have a safe and wonderful holiday season.


    Donna

  • Donna’s Corner: It’s the Great Pumpkin

    DONNA RICHARDSON, PET NUTRITIONIST — In keeping with the season, I thought this would be a great time to remind everyone of the health benefits of pumpkin for our pets.


    Pumpkin (just plain pumpkin, NOT the spiced kind ready for pies) is very good for digestive and urinary health. It’s also good for your pet’s immune system.


    Among other things, pumpkin is a great source of fiber.


    Here are some suggested ways to use pumpkin:


    • Stuff canned pumpkin in a raw marrow bone or kong.
    • To help slow down loose stool, give a small amount of pumpkin.
    • If your pet is truly constipated, more pumpkin will help get things moving again.
    • To help with weight loss, substitute a small amount of kibble with pumpkin.
    • Make your own “pupsicles” by freezing canned pumpkin in ice trays.

    Please contact your veterinarian if symptoms of constipation or diarrhea persist. It is possible for a dog to appear to be constipated, when he has actually had diarrhea.

  • Dr. Gough’s Corner

    Dr. Harold R. Gough, DVM has been serving Clarksville, Ind. and the surrounding area since May 1978, when he opened the Clarksville Animal Clinic on Eastern Boulevard. A graduate of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in '76, Dr. Gough has spent more than 30 years in the veterinary field.


    Dr. Gough began as a solo practitioner at his clinic with no client base. He and his wife, Karen, worked the business the first two years while growing it.


    “My practice has continued to grow well after all these years due to all the wonderful customers and their pets,” Dr. Gough said. “At times, I am now seeing grandchildren of some of my first customers.”


    When asked which dog breed Dr. Gough enjoys seeing the most at his shop, he replied: “As a Veterinarian, I like and enjoy seeing all breeds. I, like anyone, have my favorites which are the French Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Irish Wolfhound and Cairn Terrier. I also appreciate German Shepherds, and Malinois due to my association with all the police departments.”


    His passion for the care and well-being of animals has earned him a loyal customer base and recognition by the city of Clarksville, naming June 2, 2007 as Dr. Gough Day for his professionalism in taking care of the cities Police Dogs.


    Because he is a general practitioner, Dr. Gough consequently provides a variety of jobs including routine care, many types of surgery, and trauma cases (such as being hit by vehicles, abscesses and lacerations).


    Dr. Gough, who was born and raised in Connersville, Ind., owns a French Bulldog named Emma and a cat named Lilly.


    Periodically, Dr. Gough will provide important pieces of information from a professional vet perspective on the White Fang Ventures website. His experience and keen insights will prove invaluable for our members and web visitors. Visit his website at ClarksvilleAnimalHosp.com.

  • Confinement: What a relief!

    Comfortable confinement, what a relief!


    Can you imagine owning a horse without a barn or corral? How about a turtle without a terrarium? Better yet, visualize raising a child without a crib, a playpen, baby gates or a car seat. Most people accept the rationale of proper confinement in these cases. However, there are countless dog owners who don’t acknowledge the same advantages to confining their canine family members. In fact, a true aversion to canine confinement exists in many households.


    After 31 years in the dog training business, I still find that mindset hard to explain. I would speculate, based on thousands of client comments, the aversion to confining the family dog stems from an anthropomorphic empathy that’s compounded by an owner’s view of their pet as an innocent free spirit. It’s relatively easy to comprehend how someone could imagine being confined like their dog (anthropomorphizing) or attribute a spritely aspect to their life-loving companion.


    For me, the challenge in appreciating this view (besides the fact that it’s irrational) is that it usually applies only to Canis familiaris — and not to a spouse in a cubical, a baby in a crib or a horse in a stall. One must keep in mind those of you who are reading this book and are engaged in training can boast all things considered, crates and pens included, that your dog lives better than most people in the world when comparing housing, health care and diet. So don’t let guilt get in the way of responsible confinement. The benefits of psychological calming, training success, and neighbor harmony far outweigh any negatives that could stem from comfortable canine containment.


    No matter how well-trained my dogs become, I regularly make use of indoor crates and outdoor pens. My companions are much too valuable to me to head out on the road without having them secured in their crates in the back of my truck. I would love to be able to spend all day, every day outside with my dogs burning up energy, but that’s not possible.


    I have to spend the lion’s share of my waking hours taking care of duties just like you. So whenever possible, I’ll put my two German Shepherds outside in their pens to enjoy the fresh air like I wish I could. When I have gatherings at my home, there will be on regular occasion someone who’s uncomfortable around my formidable dogs. Out of courtesy to them, I will tuck my companions into their comfortable condos (crates with bedding and chewing bone) until the situation has changed.


    Sometimes I put my dogs away for their own sake (e.g., a house full of young ones wearing my four-legged monsters out with “bring this” and “catch that”). I will iterate here, without proper confinement for your dog, complete training success is almost out of reach. Don’t forget that. We’ll exit this topic with two new mantras, “containment is good” and “structure is healthful”.


    Matthew

  • What Type of Crate Should I Get for My Dog?

    CONTRIBUTED BY: Cathy Cantu — There are as many different opinions on this matter as there are dog trainers. However, here are some considerations to help you determine the type of crate your dog will need.


    1. Size of the dog at maturity — Giant breeds limit the type of crate you can get. For instance, if you will be housing an Irish Wolfhound, or an English Mastiff, you may be restricted to a large metal cage-style crate since it is difficult to find crates of other materials large enough to accommodate larger breeds. 
    2. The temperament of your dog — If you have a feisty dog who detests confinement, then the security of the plastic Vari-Kennel style crate will be safer than the metal cage-style crates. If you have a laid back dog, then security might not be as concerning. Therefore, the metal cage-style crate will probably do just fine. The safety issue with the metal cages is the flexibility of the cage door. A very determined dog can bend the cage door at the corner and conceivably get his head stuck during an escape attempt.
    3. Travel — If your concern is keeping your dog safe in a collision, then a plastic Vari-Kennel, or a more sturdy aluminum/steel box-style, crate will be safer, i.e., prevent your dog from being ejected. If you travel with your dog in the bed of a truck, then you will need to consider the sun. Metal cage-style crates may keep your dog in the vehicle, but they don’t protect your dog from the elements. Also, consider that the metal or plastic tray in the bottom of the crate is also heating up and could potentially burn your dog’s paws and belly. Plastic Vari-Kennel style crates are the best option in this application.
    4. Coziness — The closed-sided plastic Vari-Kennel crates, and the metal box-style crates, are more den-like than the metal cage-style crates. However, you can alleviate this by also purchasing a crate cover to create the den-like experience, provided (of course) your dog doesn’t pull the fabric through the crate.
    5. Cost — Crates can range anywhere from $30-$1,500, depending on the size and the material. Metal cage-style crates will be the least expensive, with the plastic Vari-Kennel style crates being mid-range, and the aluminum or steel box-style crates being at the upper end of the cost spectrum.

    Side Note: Mesh crates are a convenient option for easily contained dogs, but they very easy to escape from and should never be considered a primary containment device. For instance, don’t leave your dog in the bed of your truck in one of these crates. If an unforeseen panicky situation arose, your dog could easily escape and be on his own.

  • Donna’s Corner — Pet Nutrition: Is There Really Truth in Numbers?

    So many times in our store, a client will come in and ask about a new food.  The first thing they do is look at the nutritional analysis/ingredient panel. We always try to find out if we are simply looking for a new food, or if we are dealing with specific issues ( food allergies, etc.). Most people do not know the questions to ask and, sadly enough, take these pet food companies at their word.


    When I began searching for the best food to offer in our store, I learned early on that  you “look at the quality and source of the protein as opposed to the number”.  That was only the beginning. Click here to refer to the chart that is part of the training material from Champion Pet Foods. Most of  us would be happy to have a dog food that was 32% protein, 18% fat and 3% fiber. But look at that ingredient panel!


    I looked at a 4 lb. bag of a well-known dog food brand for a client. The bag was boasting that “This bag contains 3 lb. of fresh chicken.”  How did they do that?  Sounds pretty difficult to get all that in the 4 lb. bag. Let’s see…do the math — a 4 lb. bag of dog food with 3 lb. of fresh chicken. How do you think that could be possible? What happens to fresh meat when it is cooked?  You would lose 75-80% of the chicken — isn’t raw, fresh chicken 75-80% MOISTURE?  So, that’s the magic!  Start off with 3 lbs. of fresh chicken and what do you have after it is cooked?


    One last note…as we all know, dogs and cats are carnivores. They have no minimum requirements for carbohydrates.  There are VERY FEW companies that will tell you what percentage of their food is carbohydrates. When asked, they are quick to tell you that is “proprietary information” and they are not allowed to give out that information.


    There is a formula, but very basically, the higher the meat protein percentage, the lower the carbohydrates.  We special order a particular grain-free food for a client.  This grain-free food has almost the exact amount of carbs as another food we carry that is not grain free.  So, just because it is grain free does not mean it is low carb.  And the grain free version is more expensive than the other food.


    In closing,  please give careful consideration to the quality and source of the protein, how many meat proteins are in the first 5 ingredients. You want to see specific sources of everything that is in that bag!  Avoid non-specified ingredients (meat meal for example), and do not be afraid of a food that contains high percentages of good quality, named sources of meat protein.


    We offer pet food as a service and not a commodity.  Please feel free to contact us if we can assist you with the nutritional needs of  your pet.

  • Dr. Gough’s Corner: Vaccinations

    White Fang Ventures (WFV) members recently submitted questions to Dr. Gough, our veterinarian contributor. Below are the questions and responses in regards to vaccinations.


    WFV MEMBER QUESTION: Should my dog receive a follow-up to the initial Bordetelia inoculation?


    DR. GOUGH’S ANSWER: Most dog owners realize the importance of having their pet vaccinated. Not every owner knows, however, what Bordetelia vaccination means.


    Bordetelia is given as either a nasal drop or as an injection given subcutaneously. The vaccine protects dogs from contracting the respiratory infection caused by the Bordetelia organism. This vaccine is important for any dog being boarded at a kennel, at a groomer’s, and at a training facility.


    The vaccine should be boosted every six months if the dog is active in any of those mentioned activities.


    WFV MEMBER QUESTION: At what age should my dog receive a Rabies inoculation?


    DR. GOUGH’S ANSWER: Rabies is a deadly virus that is almost always fatal to an infected mammal, whether that be a dog, cat, cow, horse or a person. All of our pets should be inoculated against rabies beginning at 4 months of age. This includes all dogs and cats. Annual boosters should be given after that. There is a 3-year rabies vaccine approved for use in Indiana, but almost all of our pets should be seen yearly for wellness exams and other vaccinations such as Parvo and Distemper.

  • Donna’s Corner: Getting Off To A Good Start

    When making choices about what to feed your new puppy or kitten, you need to think about the changes they go through during the first few weeks of life. They have received 100 percent of their nutrition from their mother’s milk, and  they are growing right before your eyes.


    There are several things to consider when making the choice of what to feed.


    Puppy and kitten foods:

    Great Dane or a Chihuahua? You do not want a 

    large breed dog to grow too fast, or you will see joint issues at a very early age. Lower levels of calcium and phosphorus (in proper ratios) are needed to control the growth rate. Will your breed be considered an adult at 1 year of age?


    Rotational feeding:


    We like to see our clients do some sort of rotational feeding. This could be supplementing kibble with raw or canned food. You will be offering different meat proteins to your puppy or kitten, as well as offering additional moisture.  The additional moisture is also excellent for kidney support.


    Should you supplement?


    Probiotics and digestive enzymes are very helpful in maintaining healthy levels of good bacteria in the gut. They also help the dog/cat absorb more nutrients from the food. We refer to them as “cheap insurance”.


    Should you add skin or coat supplements?


    If your pet is experiencing dry skin/coat, it might be time to do a check-up on your food. Sometimes a fish-based diet will help. However, there are some very good supplements available today for skin and coat. Coconut oil is one example, and can be used topically or orally. There are several causes of dry skin.


    Last, but certainly not least, perhaps you adopted a senior pet. The nutritional needs of our senior friends can mean fewer calories, and a food that has good amounts of naturally occurring glucosamine and chondroitin. Senior pets sometimes need additional fiber as well. A diet higher in protein for our old guys will also help them maintain lean muscle mass.


    If you have a pet who has any sort of health issues, proper nutrition will certainly enhance your veterinarian’s plan of action. A good nutritional plan is no replacement for your veterinarian, but it will certainly make his or her job a lot easier.


    Feel free to contact us if you have any specific issues or challenges with your pet’s nutrition.

  • Will Spaying or Neutering Change My Dog’s Personality?

    We often receive questions from handlers about whether or not neutering or spaying will change their dog’s personality.


    We thought it would be wise to allow our contributing vet authority, Dr. Harold Gough, to respond to this question.


    Dr. Gough: Most veterinarians advise clients to spay and neuter their pets. Most owners do not want the mess and hassle of cleaning up after a female dog in heat let alone protecting her from a male dog to prevent breeding.


    Intact male dogs tend to be more difficult to train without professional help and want to make their territories by urinating. Sometimes aggression toward other dogs or people is a problem.


    The best time in a pet’s life for alteration is 4-5 months old, depending on the size of the pet. Many shelters are doing these surgeries at even 2-3 months old.


    I personally have never seen any negative affect by altering a dog. It is advisable to watch the calories and provide adequate exercise to prevent weight gain.

  • Time for a Dog? What You Should Know Before You Adopt

    It’s the holiday season and a reader asked White Fang Ventures what are some important factors they need to know before adopting a dog. Donna Richardson, a dietetics advisor and holistic pet nutritionist for White Fang Ventures, was happy to respond:


    This is a subject that is near and dear to me. Through the years, I have found dogs and puppies for people and people for dogs — if that makes any sense. So, ask yourself if it’s time for a dog and whether you have time for one?


    We constantly hear of people looking for the perfect pet. The worst thing one can do when searching for a pet is to get in a hurry. Take some time to visit various shelters, breeders, rescues and the like. Also, take some time to educate yourself on any hereditary problems that might be prevalent in certain breeds. I am not a fan of purchasing dogs at pet shops or flea markets. Dogs are not commodities and should not be marketed and sold as such. Ethical breeders want to see their puppies go to forever homes and will never sell them like they are a gallon of milk or loaf of bread.


    Do your homework and learn the difference in AKC and CKC. There is a HUGE difference. Do you want to adopt from a shelter? Do you want a specific breed? Have you contacted a breed rescue? We have seen very expensive dogs with health and temperament issues. And I personally fostered a shelter dog who went on to become a drug dog for a local police department.


    So, now you have time for a dog and you want one in the worst way.  What’s next now that you’ve found the perfect pet?  Your new family member will need to see a veterinarian, and most likely get started on a vaccination program. Is he/she spayed or neutered?  When will you get that done?


    What will you feed the little darling?  There are many excellent, low-carb choices out there today for dogs and puppies.  Keep in mind, all “premium” pet foods are not created equal. Making a decision on what to feed your new family member can be mind boggling.  We sell nutrition.  At our store, pet food is a service and not a commodity. What might cost you more to buy should cost less to feed.


    Does your new baby need some obedience training?  My best advice is to cut the chase and go right to a professional trainer.  The pet food analogy holds true for training as well. You might spend a couple dollars more to go to someone who is truly a professional, but you and your pet will learn much more from someone who trains for a living. Your goals are most often reached in less time.


    Individual classes are wonderful for those serious about molding your new dog into a family member.  Training is an excellent opportunity to bond with your dog.


    One last thought. How many of us have children who spend far too much time indoors, out of shape, overweight, and walking around with their thumbs doing the walking (ha!)?  You can see where this is going. Get those kids and dogs out there!  A tired dog is a good dog, and the same can be said for our children.


    If you are considering bringing a dog into the family and there is any way I can personally help, by all means contact me at our store.

  • Molly’s Corner: In the Camera’s Eye

    It looks like my two dogs have the post-Christmas blues. I always prefer dogs when they have their mouths open for portraits, which usually happens when my dogs are hot or nervous, but these two were seriously anticipating dinner time.


    I set up this shot in front of our Christmas tree using natural light on one of the rare sunny days that we had this December. To get the bokeh effect of the Christmas lights behind the dogs, I used a very shallow depth of field. Also, I made sure that my flash was turned off to achieve this effect. My camera settings for this shot was F1.6 with a shutter speed of 100 and ISO at 400.

  • Molly’s Corner: Babies, Doggies & Me

    Dogs and babies are on the brain for me right now. I’m less than two months out from having baby No. 3. This will bring our family to three human daughters and two doggie daughters.


    Needless to say, my husband will be largely outnumbered. Our 10-year-old Golden Retriever probably won’t be phased by another baby in the house, as babies are old hat to her by now, but our one-year-old retriever will be interesting. She’s a lover, so I’m sure my main goal with her will be setting boundaries, especially when it comes to her tongue.


    This portrait was from the first time that a family included their dog in a newborn session. I was able to get this shot by first having this sweet lab lay down. The key was also putting the baby in something portable with the basket. I was able to scoot the baby to the dog right in between her legs, which was much easier than moving the dog. Then, I just stood above and called the dog’s name. I love this shot and the fact that we were able to include the family dog in such important family portraits.


    I look forward to sharing with you pics of our newest baby with her big doggie sisters in the coming weeks!

  • Molly’s Corner: How to Capture Your Dog in Action

    Ears flopping rhythmically, tongues flapping crazily: I think my dogs may be the happiest when doing laps in the yard, but so often it is a great challenge to capture your furry friends in action with your camera. I know how frustrating it can be when you think that you have taken the perfect shot, only to discover that the photo is blurry when you pull it up on your computer later.


    With a little persistence and practice, you can get a photo of your pet that you are proud to show off to others.


    Get it in focus. Whether you are on a camera phone or a DSLR, pan with your camera to follow your dog’s movements. Some blur (like in the dog’s legs) can actually add to the photo by showing movement, but you want your focal point—typically the dog’s face—to be in focus. If you are shooting on a DSLR, increase your shutter speed. If you are having issues getting your dog into focus in automatic mode, you can always switch to shutter priority mode. That will give you control over the shutter speed, but the rest of controls with exposure and depth of field will be figured out automatically by the camera. Keep increasing your shutter speed until your pictures become sharp. A shutter speed of 1/500 should do that trick for a dog that is on the go.


    Shoot again and again. One of the best things about using a camera in the digital age is that you don’t have to be extremely selective on the amount of photos that you take. If your dog is having a fun time outside, you should have no problem recreating a shot over and over again. If you take 100 shots, use a selective eye to edit down the amount; delete 95 and only save your top 5 shots.


    Pay attention to the background. People’s eyes automatically gravitate to anything busy or distracting in the background. For example, if you have a load of laundry behind your pet while taking a photo, move it out of your camera view. You want to set up a photo with the least amount of distractions behind your subject. Your dog will gladly follow you to your desired location with a little bit of treat or toy bribery. If you don’t like the background at your home, go on a little photography field trip with your dog to your favorite spot in nature and snap away.

  • Molly’s Corner: A Great Valentine’s Day Gift Doesn’t Have to Cost Much

    I love throwing parties, and one of the biggest staples at mine are homemade photo booths. You can take a photo booth-styled picture of your dog this Valentine’s Day for a festive photo that will be perfect for your desk at work.


    You don’t have to have one of those fancy photo booths that people rent out at weddings to get fun photos. All you need is a yard or two of fun fabric, which you can purchase for less than $10 from your local craft store. Then scour your house for fun props, such as glasses and hats. And check out the dollar store, where you can find goofy props.


    You can also make your own by getting some long craft sticks and cutting out mustaches, bow ties, or lips out of construction paper. You can improvise with items or fabric that you already have around your house without having to spend any money.


    I literally took my dogs’ pictures during a 5-minute session before dropping off my kids to school this morning. Below is my very non-technical process to get these shots.


    1. I had two kids with a handful of dog food stand directly behind me. If you have food-motivated (or more like food-obsessed) dogs like mine, they don’t need much motivation for a picture.
    2. I had one treat in my hand at a time. I started off rewarding the dog for sitting, then a reward for looking at me when I called her name.
    3. Once I had their attention with the food, I backed up with my camera and got the dogs in focus. Then, when I called their name, I immediately snapped a photo. When I said the word “treat”, I immediately took a photo. I kept my camera steady and often popped my head directly above the camera to maintain eye contact and focus with the subject.
    4. Then, I would slip a prop on the dog. Now our 10-year-old dog was okay with wearing the glasses. The just-turned 1-year-old dog was not having any part of it. Patience is key. Don’t get frustrated if your dog doesn’t do exactly what you want. It will still turn out cute with the set up that you have.

    As for technical information, I set this up in front of a window on a cloudy morning. I bumped up my ISO to 500 and opened up my aperture to F2 to let in more light to the lens. Shutter speed was only at 1/125, as they were sitting pretty still for these shots.


    Happy Valentine’s Day! Give your pups some extra love today.

  • Molly’s Corner: Small-Dog Photo Tips

    MOLLY SENSENBRENNER, PHOTOGRAPHER — Most of the family dogs that I photograph are big dogs–the kind that are hard to pick up and are easy for kids to lay on top of without having to worry about hurting their furry friend. However, I love when I get to photograph little pets, too. They are easy to pick up which can lead to different posing options.


    I have two main suggestions when photographing small pets.


    1. Get on their level. To get the shot of the dog by himself, I am laying on the ground with my camera resting on the ground. I think this adds interest to the photo by capturing the dog’s world from his level. It also shows the environment clearly, so the audience can gauge the dog’s size. The fact that the hostas plants around him are about equal in size shows just how little he is.
    2. When taking pictures of a little dog with a family member, have the person pick up the dog so they are close to the human subject’s face. A big gap between the dog and humans make for a more awkward photo and doesn’t showcase a connection between them.
  • Molly’s Corner: Heartfelt Memories Captured in Pictures

    I stress to my clients the importance of getting into the pictures with their kids rather than always having the focus be on the children. In my opinion, the most interesting photos show connections and relationships.


    I feel that this same idea applies to our pets. Dogs become family members—our furry, little kids—in a way that non-pet owners usually don’t understand. They are there for us through the good and rough parts of life as constant companions, greeting us with unconditional love after a long day of work. We usually don’t consider how valued a picture of us with our pets may be to us one day.


    One of my best friend’s and old college roommate, Lori, has treated her beloved dog of 14 years, Sassy, like an absolute queen. Lori’s parents got her the dog when she was in high school, and Lori moved Sassy into her apartment as her first roommate after graduating from college.


    Sassy was the bridge from childhood to adulthood, being a sense of comfort throughout her big life changes: getting her master’s degree, getting married, and buying her first home. Sassy has aged over of the years with her face turning completely white and accumulating an extensive list of health problems. So, I talked Lori into getting photos last fall knowing that the end was coming near for Sassy and thinking about how devastated Lori would be when this happened.


    We ended up getting lots of great shots of Lori and Sassy, and I know that these photos are cherished today by Lori. Unfortunately, Sassy passed away a couple months ago, and Lori hasn’t been able to talk to me about it. The wounds are too fresh. A piece of her is missing, but I hope those photos give her a little bit of comfort remembering all the great years that she had with Sassy.


    TIP: While the beautiful fall leaves are out in full force, go outside and have a friend take a few pictures of you with your beloved dog(s). It can be posed and smiling. It can be artsy with you giving your dog a hug, or your face can even be cropped out with your hands petting your dog. Document the special bond that you have with your pet. And as an added bonus, you can have your photo ready to go out in your holiday cards.

  • Benefits of Olive Oil

    Submitted by: Donna Richardson (Pet Nutritionist) — This month, my travels have taken me to a distributor show in Akron, Ohio.


    It’s always exciting to attend the classes and see what’s new on the pet nutrition front.  This year, one of the products that got my attention was “Tuscan Natural”.


    Enough that we will be bringing it into our store this fall.


    The Tuscan Natural line has a lot of things we look for in a high-quality pet food. Besides the high-meat and low-carb ingredient panels, what interested me was the high inclusion of olive oil. They use the highest inclusion of olive oil of any pet food on the market.


    Some of the benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil are:


    • High in monounsaturated fat. Monounsaturated fats are immune system stimulants, which help fight cancer (Polyunsaturated Fats, like sunflower oil actually suppress the immune system.).
    • Lowers Cholesterol, which in dogs/cats helps prevent cancer.
    • Works in the pancreas to prevent sugar spikes and lows.
    • Digests proteins better, so pet gets full benefits of protein in his food.
    • Natural anti-inflammatory.
    • Gets rid of “carb gut”   Pets develop sculpted body shape.
    • Shiny coat
    • Pets feel full so there’s less overeating
    • Helps prevent bone density loss in spayed pets.

    If you have any questions about the Tuscan Natural line, or any other nutritional issues and challenges, feel free to contact us. We work with you,  your pet and your veterinarian to offer the best nutritional program available.


    Call (502) 543-2874 or visit our website at RichardsonsFeedandPets.com.

  • Should You Put Bedding in Your Dog’s Crate?

    The question of whether to use bedding in your dog’s crate or not depends on your dog’s age, experience, and house training reliability. Consider the following when making the decision to use bedding:


    1. If you have a young puppy who would be inclined to urinate in his crate due to either a lack of bladder control, or a lack of concern for cleanliness, then I wouldn’t suggest providing bedding. A clean puppy is more likely to urinate on an absorbent material to satisfy both his desire to empty his bladder, and to avoid creating a messy puddle. So in this case, (provided you aren’t asking your pup to hold his bladder an unnatural amount of time) avoiding bedding will encourage your pup to hold his bladder until he can be taken to an appropriate bathroom area.
    2. If you know that your pup will be alone in a crate for longer than he can hold his bladder, then I would suggest a containment area that allows the pup to bathroom outside of the crate on a housetraining pad. This area must not be too large, just enough room to evacuate outside of the crate. I have done this with a crate inside of a small exercise pen.
    3. If your dog is house-trained but still young and/or full of energy, then he may be inclined to destroy his bedding out of boredom. The concern with destruction is that he may swallow pieces of bedding resulting in a digestive blockage.

    If your dog is house-trained, and not inclined to destroy his bedding, then by all means put some bedding in his crate. Bedding can provide comfort and temperature control.


    Go Do Some Good.

  • Dr. Gough’s Corner: Tips for Daily Care for your Pets During Winter

    Winter is here. The cold air, snow and ice can cause multiple issues when caring for your pets. Everyone knows that all pets should be kept indoors at all times, day and night, except for when pets need to do their business outdoors. If it is too cold for you to stand outside then it certainly is for your pet. Try taking your coat off and stand outside and you’ll soon see how your pet feels.


    Here are some tips for daily care during the winter months:


    1. Salt used for melting ice is very damaging to paws and skin. Make sure to wipe their paws when they come inside.
    2. Make a path through the snow in your yard so that your pet has an area in which to do their business.
    3. Limit the amount of time outdoors to minutes even if your pet is young and full of energy.
    4. Frostbite does occur especially on extremities such as tips of ears. This type of damage may not heal at all.
    5. Even your pet, especially small dogs, can slip on ice and cause injury to their joints like knees and hips.
    6. Go outside with your pet to monitor what does happen. Common sense dictates that you should have your pet in either a fenced yard or on a leash.
    7. If you do have a large dog that has to be kept outside be sure that it has adequate shelter away from all wind chill factors.
    8. Antifreeze is one of the most deadly poisons that can be ingested. Make sure that there is none of it in your pet’s environment.

    If you suspect that your pet has suffered any ill effects from winter weather, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian for advice or help.

Tip of the Week

How to address a dedicated watch dog and shape their behavior to suit your home life

“I Frequently work with exuberant territorial canines that easily accept and even enjoy the company of guests or strangers once these outsiders have crossed the perimeter and entered the area. The thrill for a dog like this is keeping his designated area (as he defined the area) clean of outsiders. But once a challenge has passed (a guest made entry, a passerby passed, or a delivery person returned to the truck), he’s looking forward to the next opportunity to protect the perimeter. However, more times than not a watch dog that avidly gets into his role will be both territorial and defensive. I often describe this kind of guardian as a canine with a very large personal space! In other words, to an energetic or driven watch dog, space is space and he enjoys keeping it all clean of those bothersome outsiders that don’t belong.

Just like Rooney the defensive Dachshund, territorial dogs are born with this passion to protect their home area against invasion. One of the first concepts I discuss with the owner’s of a home guardian is satisfaction. The canine patroller is not only exhilarated by the potential confrontations with intruders, but the urges to rid home space of danger are satisfied (therefore he’s gratified) every time he’s successful at keeping outsiders out. So the first step in controlling a dog’s aggression in circumstances like these is to remove the rush of hostile exhilaration and the feeling of satisfaction gained from his action. Not unlike the defensive encounters I outlined with my sister’s Dachshund, control of the environment and the outcome of the event must be implemented. Territorial situations can be more challenging for a handler to manage due to a greater working area and the difficulty in setting up training scenarios.

It can be very trying for a primary handler to administer the appropriate timely consequences for a territorial dog’s actions because the event often occurs with the canine student in a separate location from that of the team captain. There is no simple management plan when the dog is guarding the fenced yard against the next door neighbor and the handler is in the house having dinner. If a watch dog is loose in the house running from window to window keeping mail carriers, delivery people, and passerby at bay while the primary handler is at work, there is no possibility for shaping behavior away from this stimulating and satisfying action. In most cases, one of the only ways to remove the rush and gratification of territorial hostility is to remove the opportunity. No matter how hard a handler works to control this type of aggression while he’s present with the dog, if the free opportunities (when the dog is on his own) are not removed the undesirable behavior will persist. Like all the forms of hostility we cover in this book, fruitful displays of territorial aggression is reinforcing and therefore self perpetuating.”

— Dog Training and Eight Faces of Aggressive Behavior

In my career, I’m often reminded of the Hank the Cowdog’s books I was read to as a kid — the same books I read to my kids now. Hank loves to guard the farm, from mailmen to coyotes, in the book he called himself the head of ranch security. For our territorial dogs, they too view it as their job to keep outsiders out and receive a job well-done feeling when they’re successful. Having a guard dog isn’t always a bad thing but like always we need to shape the behavior to best suite our lives. No matter if you want a patrolling dog or not, our territorial dog is born this way and it’s up to us to teach the rules and perimeters of what we need from them. Decide how much of a watch dog you need before setting out to curb or shape behavior.

Utilize a dog safe area (a crate for instance) when you’re not supervising your canine, this prevents them from being able to patrol. When the dog is supervised, then a leash and collar must be worn. Set up scenarios where you would elicit the aggressive response (always keep safety in mind), so we can be prepared. Remember a territorial aggressive dog patrols boundaries so they usually will become intense when a guest is both entering and leaving the area. Wait for your dog to make a decision. Any aggressive action or even movement toward the guest should swiftly be answered by a leash and collar bite. Any time the dog looks back at the handler or away from the guest, then he should be sincerely but calmly praised. It’s not necessary for the guest to interact with our canine student and it’s usually best that the guest ignores our watch dog.

Don’t allow your canine to post a watch, like at the window that usually is reserved for watching for intruders. We must not allow the dog to be all consumed by his perceived job. Often the dog will have a preferred area to patrol. The following areas are the most common: house, yard, car, crate or dog house. The more intense territorial dogs can sometimes even choose any enclosed room or perceived area they’re in.

Keep in mind that with true effort from the handler and after many successful experiences on controlling the aggression it gets easier to control our guard dog. We can’t make it disappear because it’s genetically ingrained but we can teach the dog to control the impulse better and with enough times it can be easier for the dog to control themselves. Be patient and take satisfaction for every successful step in the right direction. The handler and dog team is a unique relationship that can be very rewarding, just remember that the issues your having are far from uncommon and these self control exercises can strengthen the relationship between you and your canine companion.

— Josh Decker, Dog Trainer

Dog Trainer — Jack Russell Terrier Dog in Jefferson, IN
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