If you've ever had a rewarding experience volunteering, you know that it's not always clear who benefits more: the person donating their time and services, or the recipient. This is especially true when working with animals. That win-win scenario is exemplified in The Latham Letter article "A New Wrinkle in Animal-Assisted Therapy," written by Lynn Loar, Ph.D., LCSW, President, The Pryor Foundation and Ken White, President, Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA.
Special Situations
Holiday Safety Tips from Doggone Safe
By Joan Orr on 12/01/2008Family gatherings at a relative's home are the source of fond memories for many. But, the family dog may not enjoy these events as much as the rest of the family. Noise, confusion, and changes in routine are stressful for dogs. Even a normally calm and docile pet may become agitated enough to bite under the extreme circumstances of a boisterous family celebration. Supervision may be lax if each adult thinks that another is watching the children, and children are the most likely victims of dog bites in this situation.
How to Train for Canine Good Citizen Certification—and Why You Should
By Charlie Petrizzo on 11/01/2008As humans, we find fulfillment in our lives through our relationships, hobbies, and employment. Our canine companions need to find fulfillment and purpose in their lives, too. Providing a "job" for a dog is the responsibility of the dog owner. Owners who fail to provide their dogs with something to keep them mentally and physically stimulated soon learn that our canine friends open their own small businesses when left to their own devices.
When Your Demo Dog Doesn't Demo: A Tribute to My First Obedience Instructor
By Jane Fallander on 10/01/2008A few weeks ago, I gave a short teaching demonstration for a Karen Pryor Academy workshop. The lesson had me teaching students to train their dogs to target to the students' index fingers and then follow the finger. It's a handy behavior that can be used to teach heeling or any number of great tricks. I looked forward to teaching it, as it's one of my favorites.
How to Prepare Your Pet for Health Care and Grooming
By Joan Orr on 08/01/2008Pets have to tolerate not-so-pleasant procedures during grooming or veterinary care. But it's hard to convince a feisty Fido that it's great fun to be held down while the vet puts drops in his ears! On your own at home, without the benefit of practiced technique and extra pairs of hands, a task like that can be more of a wrestling match than a calm medical procedure.
