Is it Contempt to be a Dad?
By Michele Forto
It isn’t often that the word “rookie” is used to describe my husband and business partner. Recently, Dr. Robert Forto, Ph.D. was encouraged to obtain his credentials toward a press pass and start taking his communications degree to the next level. He also was advised to pursue obtaining his press pass so that he could have access to the start of the Iditarod while he podcasts live to his radio show.
First assignment: Cover the Darrent Williams murder trial.
As his wife, I thought “Wow! That’s a huge responsibility for a citizen journalist with no experience.”
Dr. Forto is receiving a lot of bad press and to be perfectly candid some nasty name calling is going on all because he got a call from our daughter. He did not answer her call; he simply sent a text stating he could not talk. This infraction however, got him detained and questioned by the judge. He was not arrested. He was not read his rights, he was not charged with any crime. He was made an example of for the infraction.
Dr. Forto discovered while being detained that the selected press allowed into the courtroom were there under a lottery drawing. He went through a metal detector and was not questioned regarding a pass to enter. Being a “rookie” he was just following everyone else.
This should not excuse him for his infraction.
I would like to bring the following to everyone’s attention. Just days before Deer Creek Middle School suffered a tragic incident whereas a disturbed individual opened fire on seventh and eighth graders. Our sons attended that school a few years ago so the incident struck us close to home. Our kids know families in that area. What does that have to do with his infraction – everything! Robert is a “rookie” journalist but his first job is being a dad.
We always say Mom’s have the hardest jobs in the world. Well Dad’s do too. My husband chose to do his job as a dad while learning the ropes as a “rookie” journalist which isn’t even his job! He doesn’t get paid to write the article unless it’s picked up. He took the assignment to learn the ropes.
His job is a father first, a business owner second.
For all of those opinions being cast out like stones let’s keep in mind that no matter what your job is, if your child calls you no matter where they are, especially after a recent tragedy, your heart will leap into your throat and you won’t hesitate to answer in one way or another.
I am proud of you Robert for always continuing to learn and challenge yourself but I am the proudest of you for the father you strive to be every day. Your passion in our business flows over into the kids and they are becoming thoughtful young adults. You have taught them the importance of following your dreams and thinking outside the box and to face challenges head on. Go Big or Go Home!
Tags: Robert Forto, Michele Forto, Dog Training Denver, Colorado Dog Training, Citizen Journalist, Denver Dog Works, Dog Training Denver Forum, #dogs #denver #dogtraining
_____________________
Michele Forto is the business manager for Denver Dog Works and the host a weekly Radio Program, The Dog Dog Doctor Radio Show heard every Saturday at 9:30 am. Michele can be reached through her website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
Showing posts with label your brand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label your brand. Show all posts
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thursday, October 22, 2009
More Than a Trainer...A Career
More than a Dog Trainer…A Career
By Robert Forto, PhD
A lot is said about culture in business. I have been working these past few months with a very dear friend of mine, a business genius and branding guru, David Sandusky. David owns a company called Your Brand and he hosts a forum that every business owner should subscribe to http://www.yourbrandplan.com. David and I have been working on the culture of Denver Dog Works and our affiliate businesses and we have come up with some great processes that are changing not only how we run our business but how our customers and clients perceive it as well.
According to a post on the Your Brand Plan forum culture is described as: “Individual brands make up the internal and external experience - or culture brand. Understanding your culture brand is critical to your success. What do you see happening that deserves discussion and what do you need? What are you doing to shape and communicate your real and changing culture.” This is critical to our success and yours if you own and operate your own business.
More than a Dog Trainer…A Career
Canine Communication Studies provides its students with more than an education in canine training; our students are offered the knowledge, skills and culture provided for professional dog trainers to become successful business owners. The broad scope of Canine Communication Studies’ courses immediately prepares the student to begin a full time or part time career training dogs upon completion of the course.
Those interested individuals come to our school from throughout the United States and come from all walks of life; including recent high school graduates, health care workers, police officers, graduate students, sales people, artists, teachers and more. No matter what their background and where they are from, they all have one common goal—to become the best dog trainers in the world and have a fulfilling career and/or business they enjoy.
Professional canine training is a profitable and very rewarding occupation as a main career or as a supplemental income. Our courses specialize in teaching the students obedience training, canine psychology and behavior, kennel design, nutrition, canine first aid and CPR, drive theory, canine sports, breeding, canine health, medications and vaccinations, client relations, business development, dog law, marketing your dog training business, ethics in dog training, and much more. We also offer apprenticeship programs in service dogs, protection training, canine sports, working dogs and kennel management as well as valuable insight into establishing a successful small business practice.
Over 80 percent take our 12-week canine obedience instructor/trainer course; however if you are unable to attend our school or cannot dedicate the time to become a full-time student, you can begin you career by taking our correspondence course and complete the remainder of the canine obedience instructor/trainer course at a later date. We do recommend taking the 12-week course if you intend to make dog training a full-time career and especially if you plan to open a dog training school of your own.
Upon completion of our courses, our graduates may pursue a multitude of options in the field of canine training and behavior. While most graduates establish their own full time or part time businesses, others work with established training centers, veterinary offices or boarding/day care facilities. Canine Communication Studies also offers graduates upon successful completion of the coursework a contract trainer position.
As a contract trainer you can become immersed in the culture of our business, Denver Dog Works. Denver Dog Works is involved in everything canine. We are a sled dog racing kennel with sights on the Iditarod in 2013, a service dog training school to provide canines for children with autism, executive protection training for high-end personal protection dogs, and of course obedience and behavior problems taught by some of the foremost canine experts in the field.
By Robert Forto, PhD
A lot is said about culture in business. I have been working these past few months with a very dear friend of mine, a business genius and branding guru, David Sandusky. David owns a company called Your Brand and he hosts a forum that every business owner should subscribe to http://www.yourbrandplan.com. David and I have been working on the culture of Denver Dog Works and our affiliate businesses and we have come up with some great processes that are changing not only how we run our business but how our customers and clients perceive it as well.
According to a post on the Your Brand Plan forum culture is described as: “Individual brands make up the internal and external experience - or culture brand. Understanding your culture brand is critical to your success. What do you see happening that deserves discussion and what do you need? What are you doing to shape and communicate your real and changing culture.” This is critical to our success and yours if you own and operate your own business.
More than a Dog Trainer…A Career
Canine Communication Studies provides its students with more than an education in canine training; our students are offered the knowledge, skills and culture provided for professional dog trainers to become successful business owners. The broad scope of Canine Communication Studies’ courses immediately prepares the student to begin a full time or part time career training dogs upon completion of the course.
Those interested individuals come to our school from throughout the United States and come from all walks of life; including recent high school graduates, health care workers, police officers, graduate students, sales people, artists, teachers and more. No matter what their background and where they are from, they all have one common goal—to become the best dog trainers in the world and have a fulfilling career and/or business they enjoy.
Professional canine training is a profitable and very rewarding occupation as a main career or as a supplemental income. Our courses specialize in teaching the students obedience training, canine psychology and behavior, kennel design, nutrition, canine first aid and CPR, drive theory, canine sports, breeding, canine health, medications and vaccinations, client relations, business development, dog law, marketing your dog training business, ethics in dog training, and much more. We also offer apprenticeship programs in service dogs, protection training, canine sports, working dogs and kennel management as well as valuable insight into establishing a successful small business practice.
Over 80 percent take our 12-week canine obedience instructor/trainer course; however if you are unable to attend our school or cannot dedicate the time to become a full-time student, you can begin you career by taking our correspondence course and complete the remainder of the canine obedience instructor/trainer course at a later date. We do recommend taking the 12-week course if you intend to make dog training a full-time career and especially if you plan to open a dog training school of your own.
Upon completion of our courses, our graduates may pursue a multitude of options in the field of canine training and behavior. While most graduates establish their own full time or part time businesses, others work with established training centers, veterinary offices or boarding/day care facilities. Canine Communication Studies also offers graduates upon successful completion of the coursework a contract trainer position.
As a contract trainer you can become immersed in the culture of our business, Denver Dog Works. Denver Dog Works is involved in everything canine. We are a sled dog racing kennel with sights on the Iditarod in 2013, a service dog training school to provide canines for children with autism, executive protection training for high-end personal protection dogs, and of course obedience and behavior problems taught by some of the foremost canine experts in the field.
Our History
Canine Communication Studies and Canine Behavior Services of Colorado is the result of several endeavors. Dr. Forto developed and taught the first canine sciences course as a vocational certificate program to a service dog training program while he completed his doctorate dissertation in human-canine communication. This course formed the basis for Dr. Forto’s curriculum training dog trainers and obedience instructors around North America.
Dr. Forto continued to offer the Canine Sciences courses to meet the needs of his expanding dog training school which soon relocated from Minnesota to Colorado and became known as Denver Dog Works.
In 2006 with the opening of Denver Dog Works at 1842 S. Parker Rd. #16 in Denver, Colorado, Dr. Forto consolidated his training programs and dog trainer courses to one full-time location with several other “Dog Works” locations planned for the future. As his reputation grew from being a professional dog musher and as a certified canine behaviorist, Dr. Forto repeatedly receives requests from trainers wanting to learn more about canine aggression and other aspects of training that is quite a bit different than what they were taught as canine trainers—many of them professionals who want to incorporate science into their dog training classes, private training businesses and club programs.
Our Philosophy
Canine Communications Studies was founded to educate those who have a genuine interest and concern for dogs and to help establish a life-long bond with their owners in a balanced, natural approach. In addition, Canine Communication Studies prepares individuals for successful careers in canine instruction and behavior modification. Our experienced instructors instill their high standards of dog training skills and knowledge, as well as business cumin in developing an atmosphere to enhance these relationships with the students that is like family, not a college classroom with 30 students and an instructor at a lectern. All subject matter offered, both in the classroom and in practical application, is conducive to success of our graduates.
Canine Communication Studies is dedicated in advance the field of canine training, sports and working dogs, and the profession of dog training. We encourage all of our potential students to approach dog training as you would any educational endeavor. Our courses are college-level material and based on nineteen years experience literally living with, and working around dogs every day. If you start by having pre-conceived notions about canine training from what you see on television or read in books, there is a possibility that you will not be able to broaden your knowledge base.
At Canine Communication Studies we believe that effective communication is the key to improving and enhancing the relationship between dogs and people. We also believe that the education of each dog owner must be approached on an individual basis and not in a cookie-cutter-one-size-fits-all fashion. Each dog’s training should be based on the drive and temperament of the dog and this can only be achieved after a complete understanding of canine behavior and an initial evaluation. In our courses we address the varied approaches and methods to training dogs, which allows our graduates to have the ability to modify their approach based on the dog and the problem not the cost of the class or the availability.
At Canine Communication Studies we have the best and train the rest. This applies to both people and dogs. We have spent our lives working with dogs and educating owners. Training people who are interested in becoming the best dog trainers in the world is our primary goal.
If you are interested in a career in canine training or have ever dreamed of working with dogs every day. This is your calling! Give us a call anytime at 303-578-9881 or contact us through our website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
_______________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director for Denver Dog Works in Colorado. Dr. Forto hosts a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show every Saturday. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
Friday, September 18, 2009
Learn from a Dog
LEARN FROM A DOG
A Dog's Purpose, from a 4-year-old...Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion.
We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.
He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life, like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?"
The four-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.
(Robert Forto) I received this story from a colleague the other day and thought I had to share it. While I will always give credit where credit is due, I do not know who wrote this article so I am posting it anonymously. If you do know who wrote it please have them contact me directly at train@denverdogworks.com.
I struggle with this the context of the story every day. My old dog and my best friend is a 12 year old Siberian Husky named Ineka. It is supposed to mean "rescued friend" in a Northern Canadian language. Anyhow, Ineka has been through thick and thin with not only me, but my family, since we adopted him from a Washington shelter in 2000. They told us he was four at the time but I checked the wear patterns on his teeth and he was closer to two.
I have talked about Ineka a lot over the years in my articles, in my blog posts, and in my canine trainers classes at Denver Dog Works. I even dedicated my doctorate dissertation to him- Chasing the Dream: The History of Human-Canine Communication in the Sport of Dog Sledding (Forto 2005).
I will be sad when his time comes to pass over the rainbow bridge. Who am I kidding, it will devastate me for a long while. But I will pull through and his legacy and what he taught me will live on. As the young boy says in the story, dogs already know how to live the good life, like loving everybody all the time so they don't have to stay long.
Ineka, well all dogs for that matter, share a special place in most people's hearts don't they? They are just the right fix when something is wrong, just the right size to hug when you are feeling blue, listen just long enough when you have a secret, have just enough energy to finish that hike, just enough strength to pull you through the day, just enough courage to keep you motivated, just enough tail wags to make you smile, just enough wisdom to teach the new pup the rules, and just enough love to keep you sane in the worst of time.
So I encourage all of you to get out and do something with your dog today, everyday for the matter. Dogs were put on this earth to teach us something about ourselves. Is that a way to learn or what?
__________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works and the host of a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Giving Medications to Pets
Giving Medication to Pets
By Robert Forto, PhD
At Denver Dog Works we teach people how to become the best dog training instructors in the world. One of the chapter’s that is included in this course called medications and vaccinations. We have included this is our course because it is important that dog owners know the proper way to give medications to their pets. This article discusses this in detail. Of course if you have any problems please contact your veterinarian.
Providing medication for your pet may be done for two reasons: as a preventative step (heartworm medication) or to treat disease (anything from an infection to major illness such as cardiac disease). Giving the medication as directed, and making sure the pet takes it are extremely important. Unfortunately, medication doesn't work unless the pet swallows it.
Giving Pills and Tablets
The most effective way to give a pill is to put it into the mouth and make sure it is swallowed. Some pets, especially cats, dislike having their mouths opened or objects placed in them. With practice, giving pills takes place in only a few seconds, and it is over before the pet can put up a fuss.
Place one hand over the pet's head so that the index finger is on one side of the mouth and the thumb is on the other side. Tilt the nose upward. Hold the pill in the other hand between the thumb and forefinger. Using the middle finger, push down on the teeth of the lower jaw while applying slight pressure to the corners of the mouth with the restraining hand.
Drop the pill as far back into the mouth as possible. If plausible, give it a poke onto the back of the tongue with the index finger. Close the pet’s mouth quickly, and stroke the throat to encourage swallowing. Often a quick short breath of air onto the nose of the pet will startle a pet into swallowing quickly.
An alternative- and less invasive - method of giving pills is to put them in food. A "meatball" of canned food, peanut butter, cheese or regular butter will all work - if you have a pet that will gobble up the treat quickly. If your dog or cat likes to take his time licking away at the food gift, the medication may remain on the floor as a leftover. It may also be spit out as soon as your pet can taste it.
Precautions: Some medications may not be broken into pieces because they have a protective coating. This coating dissolves at the appropriate rate for absorption of the medication into the body. Breaking the pill into pieces may alter the absorption. Many pills are made to rapidly dissolve, and will become a mushy pile of medication once placed in the mouth or in food.
Giving Liquids
Administering liquids is generally easier than giving pills. Most liquid medications come with a dropper for measuring the dose, and are commonly used for cats and small dogs.
Hold the pet's head in the same manner, but do not open the mouth. Slide the dropper into the cheek pocket and squirt the medicine between the teeth. It runs between the teeth and to the back of the mouth to be swallowed. Keep the head tilted, but not too high, until the pet swallows. Without swallowing, most of the medication will be spit out when the head is released.
Precautions: Holding the mouth open and squirting the liquid into the back of it may result in gagging. If the sudden squirt of liquid startles the pet, some of the medication may be inhaled (aspirated) into the lungs. Holding the head and giving medication between the teeth will prevent this.
Other Considerations
Some pets, particularly cats, will salivate and drool excessively when given medication. Medications may have a bitter taste, which induces the salivation. Cats must often be restrained by a second person to ensure that medication is given in a quick and efficient manner. Wrapping the cat’s body in a towel helps keep nails from doing damage.
Many pets will learn to recognize the medication bottle and disappear at the sight of it. If giving pills totally eludes the pet owner, talk to the veterinarian to see if the medication comes in a liquid form.
Most animals will tolerate being given medication reasonably well. If a treat follows it, they may even look forward to receiving the pill! Although administering medication is awkward at first, anyone can become proficient at it with practice.
This article is provided as a general overview of the topic. Always consult your veterinarian for specific information related to diseases or medical care for pets. If you have training questions or would like to find our more information on our dog trainer career courses, please contact Denver Dog Works at 303-752-2818.
Citation: ABKA
________________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works and is the host of a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show. Dr. Forto can be contacted through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
By Robert Forto, PhD
At Denver Dog Works we teach people how to become the best dog training instructors in the world. One of the chapter’s that is included in this course called medications and vaccinations. We have included this is our course because it is important that dog owners know the proper way to give medications to their pets. This article discusses this in detail. Of course if you have any problems please contact your veterinarian.
Providing medication for your pet may be done for two reasons: as a preventative step (heartworm medication) or to treat disease (anything from an infection to major illness such as cardiac disease). Giving the medication as directed, and making sure the pet takes it are extremely important. Unfortunately, medication doesn't work unless the pet swallows it.
Giving Pills and Tablets
The most effective way to give a pill is to put it into the mouth and make sure it is swallowed. Some pets, especially cats, dislike having their mouths opened or objects placed in them. With practice, giving pills takes place in only a few seconds, and it is over before the pet can put up a fuss.
Place one hand over the pet's head so that the index finger is on one side of the mouth and the thumb is on the other side. Tilt the nose upward. Hold the pill in the other hand between the thumb and forefinger. Using the middle finger, push down on the teeth of the lower jaw while applying slight pressure to the corners of the mouth with the restraining hand.
Drop the pill as far back into the mouth as possible. If plausible, give it a poke onto the back of the tongue with the index finger. Close the pet’s mouth quickly, and stroke the throat to encourage swallowing. Often a quick short breath of air onto the nose of the pet will startle a pet into swallowing quickly.
An alternative- and less invasive - method of giving pills is to put them in food. A "meatball" of canned food, peanut butter, cheese or regular butter will all work - if you have a pet that will gobble up the treat quickly. If your dog or cat likes to take his time licking away at the food gift, the medication may remain on the floor as a leftover. It may also be spit out as soon as your pet can taste it.
Precautions: Some medications may not be broken into pieces because they have a protective coating. This coating dissolves at the appropriate rate for absorption of the medication into the body. Breaking the pill into pieces may alter the absorption. Many pills are made to rapidly dissolve, and will become a mushy pile of medication once placed in the mouth or in food.
Giving Liquids
Administering liquids is generally easier than giving pills. Most liquid medications come with a dropper for measuring the dose, and are commonly used for cats and small dogs.
Hold the pet's head in the same manner, but do not open the mouth. Slide the dropper into the cheek pocket and squirt the medicine between the teeth. It runs between the teeth and to the back of the mouth to be swallowed. Keep the head tilted, but not too high, until the pet swallows. Without swallowing, most of the medication will be spit out when the head is released.
Precautions: Holding the mouth open and squirting the liquid into the back of it may result in gagging. If the sudden squirt of liquid startles the pet, some of the medication may be inhaled (aspirated) into the lungs. Holding the head and giving medication between the teeth will prevent this.
Other Considerations
Some pets, particularly cats, will salivate and drool excessively when given medication. Medications may have a bitter taste, which induces the salivation. Cats must often be restrained by a second person to ensure that medication is given in a quick and efficient manner. Wrapping the cat’s body in a towel helps keep nails from doing damage.
Many pets will learn to recognize the medication bottle and disappear at the sight of it. If giving pills totally eludes the pet owner, talk to the veterinarian to see if the medication comes in a liquid form.
Most animals will tolerate being given medication reasonably well. If a treat follows it, they may even look forward to receiving the pill! Although administering medication is awkward at first, anyone can become proficient at it with practice.
This article is provided as a general overview of the topic. Always consult your veterinarian for specific information related to diseases or medical care for pets. If you have training questions or would like to find our more information on our dog trainer career courses, please contact Denver Dog Works at 303-752-2818.
Citation: ABKA
________________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works and is the host of a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show. Dr. Forto can be contacted through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
So You Have a New Pet
So You Have a New Pet
By Robert Forto, PhD
Congratulations on adding a new family member. We like to see happy, well-adjusted puppies added to a family, so here are some tips for introducing a new pet.
New puppies go through developmental stages early in life. Between 3-16 weeks of age they learn to accept and trust (or mistrust) humans, acceptable dog behavior, and specialized breed behavior (sheep herding instincts in Border Collies for example). During this critical period the temperament and basic behavior patterns of your new pet will be formed. It is important to socialize the puppy to people, introducing them not only to family members but also to strangers.
It is also important to teach the young pet what you expect. Now is the time to handle feet and toes so they are not afraid of having the feet handled, to look into ears and open the mouth. If the pet resists, speak in a calm, quiet voice and repeat the act whenever possible. Make a practice of touching the pet all over its body during play or at rest.
If you have adopted an older pet, then most of its behavior patterns will already be formed. This pet will need time to adjust to new surroundings and people, and its true personality may not be apparent for a few days or several weeks. Issue a gentle correction for undesirable behavior. Attending basic obedience classes with a new dog will help establish the owner's dominance as head of the household, and aid in creating a bond between pet and owner.
In general, new pets should not be left alone with unrestricted space in the house. Crate training puppies helps with house training, and gives the pup a safe haven to crawl into.
Adopted older pets should be supervised with children and other pets until the pet owner is sure that safety is not an issue.
This article is provided as a general overview of the topic. Always consult a certified canine trainer or your veterinarian for more information. If you would like to speak with us concerning our puppy classes, our basic obedience programs or our breed referral service please contact us any time at 303-752-2818 or by email at train@denverdogworks.com
Citation: ABKA
____________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works and the host of a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
By Robert Forto, PhD
Congratulations on adding a new family member. We like to see happy, well-adjusted puppies added to a family, so here are some tips for introducing a new pet.
New puppies go through developmental stages early in life. Between 3-16 weeks of age they learn to accept and trust (or mistrust) humans, acceptable dog behavior, and specialized breed behavior (sheep herding instincts in Border Collies for example). During this critical period the temperament and basic behavior patterns of your new pet will be formed. It is important to socialize the puppy to people, introducing them not only to family members but also to strangers.
It is also important to teach the young pet what you expect. Now is the time to handle feet and toes so they are not afraid of having the feet handled, to look into ears and open the mouth. If the pet resists, speak in a calm, quiet voice and repeat the act whenever possible. Make a practice of touching the pet all over its body during play or at rest.
If you have adopted an older pet, then most of its behavior patterns will already be formed. This pet will need time to adjust to new surroundings and people, and its true personality may not be apparent for a few days or several weeks. Issue a gentle correction for undesirable behavior. Attending basic obedience classes with a new dog will help establish the owner's dominance as head of the household, and aid in creating a bond between pet and owner.
In general, new pets should not be left alone with unrestricted space in the house. Crate training puppies helps with house training, and gives the pup a safe haven to crawl into.
Adopted older pets should be supervised with children and other pets until the pet owner is sure that safety is not an issue.
This article is provided as a general overview of the topic. Always consult a certified canine trainer or your veterinarian for more information. If you would like to speak with us concerning our puppy classes, our basic obedience programs or our breed referral service please contact us any time at 303-752-2818 or by email at train@denverdogworks.com
Citation: ABKA
____________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works and the host of a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Dogs Can Save Lives
Dogs Can Save Lives
By Robert Forto, PhD
We all know that dogs can be trained to do many jobs. They can be police K-9’s, search and rescue dogs, tracking dogs, service dogs, mobility dogs, hearing dogs, sled dogs and of course our favorite companions. But did you know that dogs can also be blood donors to help save lives of their fellow fiends?
There is an organization in Colorado, Rocky Mountain Blood Services (RMBS) that hosts a blood donation program for dogs (and cats).You may ask why in the world would I want my dog to donate blood? Just like in humans there is a shortage of blood and blood components. Animals like humans experience trauma, disease and other life threatening situations that require blood transfusions.
One donation from your dog can save four lives and your dog can donate blood up to six times in a year. The process is simple and of no cost to the owner. You schedule an appointment for either the Parker or Colorado Sprigs, Colorado clinic and they will do a full blood screen on your dog to make sure he is healthy and free of disease and then place an I.V. to draw the blood which takes about thirty minutes. There is little to no pain experienced by our dog, no more than a routine vaccination and the patient is not sedated.
Who Qualifies as a Blood Donor?
1. The pet must be well behaved and friendly,
2. Must be a minimum f 50 pounds,
3. Must be between 1 and 8 years,
4. Must be current on all vaccinations and free from infectious diseases,
5. The donor must take heartworm, flea and tick prevention between the months of April and October,
6. No history of serious illness,
7. Females can never have been pregnant.
As a donor you will asked to commit to six donations over a period of 12 months with donations occurring about every 6 weeks. In rare emergencies you may be called upon to donate before your scheduled appointment and you will be compensated for your donations after the sixth one up to $150.00 dollars depending on the donor.
There are eleven types of blood in dogs and just like humans it is important to know the type of the donor and the type of the recipient before a transfusion is performed. Before a donation can occur the possible donor is initially screened for any metabolic abnormalities. Once the prescreen is reviewed a blood type is determined and the donor is then screen for exposure to blood borne parasites and diseases. Of course all of this is at no cost to the owner.
If you would like to find out more about Rocky Mountain Blood Services please listen to The Dog Doctor Radio Show this Saturday at or download it anytime from iTunes. You can RMBS’s website at http://www.rockymountainbloodservices.com for more information.
As always, if you have a question, comment, concern or a topic for a future show of The Dog Doctor Radio show please send us an email at live@dogdoctorradio.com or give Michele a call at 303-752-2818.
Citation: RMBS website
_________________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works and the host of The Dog Doctor Radio Show. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
By Robert Forto, PhD
We all know that dogs can be trained to do many jobs. They can be police K-9’s, search and rescue dogs, tracking dogs, service dogs, mobility dogs, hearing dogs, sled dogs and of course our favorite companions. But did you know that dogs can also be blood donors to help save lives of their fellow fiends?
There is an organization in Colorado, Rocky Mountain Blood Services (RMBS) that hosts a blood donation program for dogs (and cats).You may ask why in the world would I want my dog to donate blood? Just like in humans there is a shortage of blood and blood components. Animals like humans experience trauma, disease and other life threatening situations that require blood transfusions.
One donation from your dog can save four lives and your dog can donate blood up to six times in a year. The process is simple and of no cost to the owner. You schedule an appointment for either the Parker or Colorado Sprigs, Colorado clinic and they will do a full blood screen on your dog to make sure he is healthy and free of disease and then place an I.V. to draw the blood which takes about thirty minutes. There is little to no pain experienced by our dog, no more than a routine vaccination and the patient is not sedated.
Who Qualifies as a Blood Donor?
1. The pet must be well behaved and friendly,
2. Must be a minimum f 50 pounds,
3. Must be between 1 and 8 years,
4. Must be current on all vaccinations and free from infectious diseases,
5. The donor must take heartworm, flea and tick prevention between the months of April and October,
6. No history of serious illness,
7. Females can never have been pregnant.
As a donor you will asked to commit to six donations over a period of 12 months with donations occurring about every 6 weeks. In rare emergencies you may be called upon to donate before your scheduled appointment and you will be compensated for your donations after the sixth one up to $150.00 dollars depending on the donor.
There are eleven types of blood in dogs and just like humans it is important to know the type of the donor and the type of the recipient before a transfusion is performed. Before a donation can occur the possible donor is initially screened for any metabolic abnormalities. Once the prescreen is reviewed a blood type is determined and the donor is then screen for exposure to blood borne parasites and diseases. Of course all of this is at no cost to the owner.
If you would like to find out more about Rocky Mountain Blood Services please listen to The Dog Doctor Radio Show this Saturday at or download it anytime from iTunes. You can RMBS’s website at http://www.rockymountainbloodservices.com for more information.
As always, if you have a question, comment, concern or a topic for a future show of The Dog Doctor Radio show please send us an email at live@dogdoctorradio.com or give Michele a call at 303-752-2818.
Citation: RMBS website
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Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works and the host of The Dog Doctor Radio Show. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
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