Dog Training in Denver

Dog Training in Denver

Are you looking for a great place to take your dog on a hike that’s not too far from the city but will still give your dog a chance to feel like he’s off the beaten path?

Beaver Brook Trail is a great trail for you and your dog. The Beaver Brook Trail is a strenuous, 3.6 mile hike on the south rim of Clear Creek Canyon Denver that will take about 3 hours to complete.
A few tips for hiking with your dog:

Hydrate your dog prior to the hike and often during the hike
Check your dog’s pads; terrain can affect a dog’s pads especially when they aren’t used to rocks, gravel, dirt, or even asphalt. You can use booties or simply give them a “bagbalm” treatment
If your dog has lots of energy; outfit him with a doggie pack and he can pack in his own water, poop bags, first aid, and snack
Take a few rest periods along the trail if you and your dog are new to hiking
Pack a Snack!
Be respectful of others on the trail – pack your leash and follow all leashing and curbing laws
Leave No Trace!

Remember that Denver is a mile high and if you are new to the area this can affect both you and your dog. Check with your veterinarian to be sure your dog is healthy enough for strenuous exercise and if not, build up to this trail as its one of the best ones to enjoy with your dog.
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Michele Forto is the Denver Dog Training Examiner, a certified canine trainer at Denver Dog Works and the co-host of the Dog Doctor Radio Show

Behind the Breed: The German Shepherd

Behind the Breed: German Shepherd
By Michele Forto

Behind the breed is an ongoing series to assist in you choosing the right breed for yourself and family.

The German Shepherd – Founded by Captain Max von Stephanitz in 1899, and molded by the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (the German Shepherd Dog Club of Germany) is recognized as the breed’s original parent club. From about 1914, the popularity of the German Shepherd Dog spread rapidly throughout the world. Interest in the breed has been fostered worldwide by specialty clubs in many countries, just as it has in the United States by the German Shepherd Dog Club of America.

The most important attribute of the breed is its character. German Shepherd Dogs are distinguished by the loyalty, courage, and ability to assimilate and retain training for an amazing number of specialized services. They should be of even disposition, poised, and unexcitable, with restrained and composed confidence. For typical work as a herding sheepdog, they must not be gun-shy and must have the courage to protect the flock from attacks by other animals or humans. For police work, narcotics detection, or search and rescue, they must have courage and stability coupled with excellent scenting capabilities. As a guide dog for the blind, German Shepherd Dogs must and do exhibit a high order of intelligence and discrimination, as this work requires observation, patience, faithfulness, watchfulness, and good judgment. All this is possible because of the German Shepherd Dog’s natural aptitude for training.

These qualities have endeared German Shepherd Dogs to a wide public in practically every country in the world. They serve as assistants for the disabled, therapy dogs for the infirm, home guardians, and companions and friends to children and families. They are protectors of livestock and partners to police officers and soldiers. German Shepherd Dogs are not pugnacious brawlers but bold and punishing fighters, if the need arises. With humans, they do not give affection lightly. They are dignified and may be indifferent to strangers, but friendship, once given, is for life. (The Complete Dog Book 20th Ed. AKC)
As an owner, breeder, and trainer of this distinguished breed I am honored to have placed some of my best in service work for the disabled. I find the German Shepherd Dog to be highly trainable and loyal to his handler/owner. I recommend this breed to individuals, families, children, and elderly. Not to be misunderstood, the German Shepherd Dog is a breed that must be respected and who demands respect. Training a German Shepherd Dog is very rewarding and can be multifaceted.
A German Shepherd Dog is not content in just lying around the house when they are young and vibrant, therefore, I recommend getting your pup into training immediately. Speak with your trainer and veterinarian about different jobs your German Shepherd Dog can do. German Shepherd Dogs are great at conformation, obedience, rally, agility, herding, tracking, bikejoring, bladejoring, search and rescue, Schutzhund, therapy, and assistance for the disabled in various disciplines just to name a few of the most popular. German Shepherd Dogs are wonderful companions who with steadfast accuracy will protect you and their home making them great guardians, hence their use in police work.

A few things to note regarding the German Shepherd Dog; they are high energy and need a job. I have recommended and placed German Shepherd Dog’s in homes of all types of lifestyles and capabilities. With the assistance of a good trainer who understands this breed and their ability you will have one of the best dogs of your lifetime
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The German Shepherd Dog can be aloof, loyal, excitable, and face several health issues. Please research your breeder and choose carefully. Getting the advice of your veterinarian and the assistance of a trainer who handles the breed or who performs breed referrals is of utmost importance. The perseverance and quality of the breed standard should be the breeders ultimate goal.

What are your thoughts on the German Shepherd Dog? Send your comments to live@dogdoctorradio.com

Tags: Denver Dog Training Examiner | Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Iditarod | Team Ineka | Dog Training Denver | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Duluth Dog Works | Minnesota Dog Works
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Michele Forto the Denver Dog Training Examiner and is a certified canine trainer and the business manager for Denver Dog Works. Michele can be reached through her website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

Top Ten Dog Breeds in the United States

Top Ten Dog Breeds in the United States
By Robert Forto, PhD

According to the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) registration records, Americans love their Labrador Retrievers. The popular Golden Retriever held the second spot for years but has been passed over in recent years by the intelligent and always-ready-to-work (and train) German Shepherd.

I am not at all surprised by the Yorkie in the top three. Over the past few years we have seen more and more of these dogs come in to Denver Dog Works for training. Unfortunately these little dogs have been made popular by what I call the accessory dog phase”. I just hope that new owners do their homework before buying this little dog (or any dog for that matter) and learn as much as they can about each breed.

The AKC Top 10 Dog Breeds:
Labrador Retriever
German Shepherd
Yorkshire Terrier
Golden Retriever
Beagle
Boxer
Bulldog
Dachshund
Poodle
Shih Tzu

If you would like assistance in choosing the breed that is right for you and your family give us a call at Denver Dog Works. We routinely do breed referral new pet owners looking to acquire the perfect family pet.

Citation: http://www.akc.org

Tags: Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Iditarod | Team Ineka | Dog Training Denver | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Duluth Dog Works

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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

Treat Me Like a Dog

Treat Me Like A Dog
by Robert Forto, PhD

On one of the most historic days in American history, Congress and the Senate agreed what is best for the American people concerning health care, I sit here and wonder. I am thinking first: Is my mom in charge of the Government because it feels like they are telling me what to do regarding my health care just like my mom used to do when I was a kid. And second, how does the Government know what is best for me anyway? Heck, they just sent out a Census form asking who lives in my house. So if they don't know that how do they know that I even want healthcare (tongue in cheek)?

I am perfectly healthy, so are my wife and kids. Yes we have to go to the emergency room from time to time to fix broken bones from a football game or some other “kid” accident. We are also self-employed. I have been my entire working life and I have never had health insurance. I do what is right and pay cash or utilize a health savings account. As a matter of fact, I went to the doctor a couple weeks ago with the complaint of asthma-like symptoms, the remnants of a bout with a nasty bronchitis two years ago. The doctor gave me a 40% discount because I paid cash!

Rarely does a President have so much power with the stroke of his (many) pens than he does when he signs this healthcare reform bill into law in a few days. I don’t know if this is political suicide for “P-BO” or the beginning of socialism in this country but I do think that they should look at what the people of this country really want before taking away our free-market system of healthcare and change the way that we conduct our lives from this day forward.

I, for one, think that they should follow the model used by veterinarians. It seems to be very effective and according to a conference on animal law that I attended a while back, a lot less litigious than our human doctors’ practices.

Think about it; the veterinary practice works. We just took our old guy, Ineka, a 12-year old Siberian, to the vet last week and we were given all kinds of choices.

First, the veterinarians welcome a free market choice. There are vet clinics on every corner. We can pick and chose the one we want to go to, anyway we choose. There is a veterinarian right next door to our training center but we chose not to go there because we liked how the folks at Aurora Animal Hospital treated us the last time we where there.

Second, our choice to use one veterinarian over another is based on the principles of a progressive society: Word of mouth referrals, location, inspection of the offices, prices, past experiences, etc. When we make an appointment at a doctor’s office do we get to make that choice or are we forced to go somewhere based on a referral from another doctor?

Third, we have the choice of what treatments that we want and when. When we take our dogs to the veterinarian they give us a price breakdown right on the spot. We can choose to buy a vaccine now or wait till later. We can choose to have our dog’s teeth cleaned now or later. Rarely is there any pressure.

Fourth, on most occasions the vet is open evenings and weekends and has appointments to fit our timetable. There is no need to wait six weeks for a neuter for our pup. We will just call another vet clinic in the area.

Fifth, in most instances people respect their veterinarian much more than they do their family doctor. Why? Because they are approachable, they talk with us in the office and they call us in the middle of the night if “Max” is not doing well. The same goes for the techs. When was the last time a nurse in your doctor’s office called you to follow up to see if little “Johnny” was taking his medicine okay? Our vet tech did just this morning and this was the second time she called in a week to see how Ineka was responding to his medicine. According to the information at that animal law conference I attended, people trust their veterinarian higher than most other service providers that they deal with. The family doctor was down there with lawyers and car salesmen.

Sixth, we have the right to choose when enough is enough and euthanasia is an option. While I am not suggesting that we put grandma to sleep, at the veterinarian at least we have that option. True, a Living Will should work for us humans but does it really? I have one and it explicitly says that if I am brain-dead to “pull the plug” no if-ands-or-buts about it. I don't want to live as a vegetable. Do you? In our case, when we took Ineka to his appointment, our veterinarian found a lump near his thyroid. She thinks it is “most likely” cancer and she agreed that we should not put him through the pain of radiation and chemotherapy. Most likely it would kill him. We agreed and as long as his quality of life is good we will do nothing. Wouldn’t you like to have that choice in your own healthcare?

Seventh, many people form long lasting relationships with their veterinarian and they make sure they know who we are and that they are thinking of us. Many veterinarians send out appointment cards and birthday wishes for our pets. They know our pets by name. When was the last time your doctor did this for you? Or did they come into the room, spend five minutes with you and kept having to refer to your chart to remember your name?

Lastly, payment is due at the time services are rendered. No questions, no comments, no collecting two hundred dollars as you pass “Go”. Unless you work out a payment plan with your veterinarian you better have your checkbook or a credit card ready to go. This is how human medicine should be paid for as well. As I said earlier, that’s how I did it just a couple weeks ago at my doctor’s office and they gave me a discount of 40%. Sure medical care is expensive, and yes, medical bills have caused many people to go bankrupt but do we really need the government subsidizing our care because “some” people can’t pay?

Before you get all upset and think that I am crazy remember that there are 77.5 million dogs in this country and many are owned by conscientious pet owners who take their dog to the veterinarian on a regular basis. Do you ever complain about the care they receive? The overwhelming majority would say NO.

Tags: Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Iditarod | Team Ineka | Dog Training Denver | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Duluth Dog Works

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Dr. Robert Forto is the training director for Denver Dog Works and the host of The Dog Doctor Radio Show (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dogworks) Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

Chilpa

Chilpa
By Michele Forto

A few weeks ago I met a couple and conducted an evaluation on their dog. Victor was very concerned about his beloved german shepherd dog Chilpa. Chilpa had attacked the neighbors dog unprovoked and even though he swiftly paid the veterinarian bills and the neighbor did not contact animal control, Victor being a long time german shepherd owner, decided that he had better contact a trainer.

As I waited to meet Victor and Chilpa, I was excited to meet another german shepherd owner, I was also concerned about the description of the aggression Victor stated that Chilpa was displaying. The time of the evaluation came and went and it was now 15 minutes after the appointment was to take place. I called Victor and asked if he’d like to reschedule, he apologized and mentioned that he had forgotten our appointment and was not able to make it in this day. We rescheduled our appointment for the weekend.

To my surprise Victor, his wife Shirley, and Chilpa kept their appointment and showed up on time. Also to my surprise was Victor and Shirley an elderly couple with a young german shepherd. The evaluation was performed and it was determined that Chilpa has fear aggression. I developed a training plan for Chilpa and explained to Victor my concerns and strategies to help Chilpa get healthy.

Our first training session was the following Monday. I got to Victor’s house, he had told me during the evaluation that he is 92 years old, he met me at the door and said, “what’s the plan?” I explained that I would like to see Chilpa’s environment both inside their home and in their neighborhood. He proceeded to show me around and took me out back where I saw 9 prairie dogs and the neighbor whose dog was attacked. I also saw the little poodle who immediately began barking aggressively at Chilpa who paid him no mind. During the evaluation I had determined by using another dog that Chilpa is fearful to the point of physically shaking when other dogs are around. She has high defensive fight drives and uses this drive to ward off potential attacks from other dogs. Victor then suggested he walk with me around the neighborhood. I tried to be polite and let him know that I could take Chilpa alone, but he insisted. For 92 I’ve got to say I only hope I’m able to still drive my black Cadillac and walk two or three blocks with my dog! During our walk I asked Victor if I could bring Chilpa to my training center on Saturdays as the situation here at his home and in his neighborhood was not conducive to the training I needed to do with Chilpa. He agreed. He then stopped me and complimented me on my passion and genuine attitude toward him and his dog. He then said, “Michele, I’m 92 years old and I’m not going to live forever, I adopted Chilpa for my wife, her health is not good. My son cannot take Chilpa when I die and the retirement village won’t let Shirley keep her either. I need to ask if you would take her and if you would what would you do?” It took me a moment to answer honestly I was floored by what he just asked me to do. I had only known him for 4 days. I placed my hand on his shoulder and reminded Chilpa to sit, and told him that I would be proud to take his dog, that I couldn’t guarantee but I would try to train her for service work or I’d keep her myself for the rest of her life. I promised to always be here to care for her whenever he needed.

Chilpa’s first Saturday of training at the training center started off hectic. I brought her in and she barked at every camp dog staying with us. Nicole and I put her in a crate and proceeded to get things done that morning. We then went back to the van to get Nicole’s dog Qyain. Qyain would be our test dog with Chilpa today. We always just let Qyain loose in the training center because he gets along with all of the dogs and stays out of the way, for the most part. He is a 2 year old german shepherd so staying out of the way is relative! Of course, he found Chilpa in a crate in the office and he immediately went up to the crate and tried licking her face. Chilpa went off barking and lunging. I went and sat next her and called Qyain back over, this time she barked and growled but stopped when I told her to sit. Nicole then put a leash on Qyain and I leashed Chilpa and we got to work with them in the same room moving around the floor performing commands. Chilpa was shaking but as we went along she got calmer. Eventually she showed interest in Qyain so leaving the leashes on Nicole and I let them greet while we let the leashes go. Qyain is very balanced he chased her around and smelled her, licked her face, and tried to get her to play. Chilpa allowed this until Qyain cornered himself and he turned to run away and she attacked him. Nicole said nothing, and I only said Chilpa leave it. She stopped and Qyain began playing again with her and all was fine. They played throughout the day.

The following Monday I brought Qyain to Victor’s house to show him how well Chilpa and him got along. They did well in his backyard and on their walk. Victor was very pleased and I explained to him that this was just one dog and he’s an intact male of the same breed. That I have a lot of work ahead of me with other breeds. He understood.

Saturday training number 2, as I got ready to train Chilpa on leash around other dogs, I took her outside to use the bathroom. I noticed blood droplets, I checked her out, pads, tongue, nose and couldn’t find where she was bleeding. Then she lifted her tail and I saw it, she was in heat! But how could that be? Victor rescued her and he told me she was spayed. No training today, I had to find out what was wrong.

Victor and I decided to have me take Chilpa to my vet and get her checked out. Today, we found out from the first test that it appears that Chilpa was not spayed. We have three concerns here; not spayed, spayed partially and infection set in, a few months ago had a biopsy done on her kidney by Banfield and the records are inconclusive as to what they found or why they performed surgery.

We are awaiting additional blood work and Chilpa is off of the training routine until we find out what is going on with her health.

I decided to write this article today to remind everyone out there that taking your dog to a veterinarian and giving them the best possible care you can is the right thing to do. When you take your pet to a veterinarian no matter if they run their own private practice or you visit them at a big box corporate store, you have the right to get a second opinion if you feel that procedures are being done unnecessarily on your pet.

Also, when you get your pet spayed or neutered or the procedure was done before you rescued your dog, you need to be aware that the surgery may not have been successful. Our dog Ineka is a 12 year old male Siberian Husky who came to us neutered. We later discovered that his neuter was not complete, Ineka made us a great litter of pups for my racing team in 2001. My vet explained that in females if the vet performing the surgery did her incision high on the chest that they can’t always get deep enough to get the entire uterus out so a piece is left. Usually its fine, but there can be complications with infection and “false heat cycles”.

Your veterinarian can perform blood tests and other tests to determine if your spay or neuter is complete. There is usually no concern, but if you notice especially in your female dog any discharge, bloody, mucous, and/or foul odor get her to the vet immediately.

Chilpa does not appear to have an infection but we will know from her blood work in a few days. For now she is at home with Victor and Shirley lounging around and loving her life.

Tags: Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Dog Training Denver | Colorado Dog Training |Denver Dog Works |Dog Works Training Centers| Forto | Team Ineka | #dogs #denver #dogtraining
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Michele Forto is the business manager and lead obedience trainer at Denver Dog Works. Michele can be reached through her website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

Have You Hugged Your Dog Today?

Hug Your Dog Today
By Michele Forto

I know Robert has shared stories about our beloved dog, Ineka, but the other day he did something that filled my heart with joy and I wanted to take a moment and share it with you.

Ineka is approximately twelve years old. I remember picking him up from DIA ten years ago this very month. I was excited, oh we had several Siberians that we had rescued and were planning to race, but this was different, this would be the first dog we’d be rescuing sight unseen. We rescued Ineka from Washington and he was flown to us with a description of being white with blue eyes. Well he was black and white as it turned out and slightly older than we had been told. No worries though he quickly proved his worth as a working dog and as a companion.

Ineka quickly earned his place in our home. You see racing kennels rarely allow their dogs to come inside, mostly because they are not house trained. Ineka however, was very respectful of the house.

He has a ritual in the morning, come to my side of the bed and rub his nose and face on my shoulder. Some mornings that nose is way too cold! This was how he would wake me up to start the day. The two of us would then go get the kids up and get them ready for the day. Once Kyle and Tyler were off to school, Nicole, Ineka and I would head out to the kennel to start our day of cleaning, grooming, and training. Ineka would prance around full plume tail talking to the other dogs as I opened their kennels one by one letting all thirty dogs out to play. Ineka would stick to Nicole’s side and ward off the younger dogs who liked to jump on her. Ineka quickly earned a nickname; Sergeant! I truly had the best co-worker, nanny, and best friend in the world.

Ineka was retired from racing in 2002. He has had an active retirement teaching puppies boundaries and bouncing around our training school. About a year ago he stopped waking me up and no longer showed interest in “going to work”. He is in his autumn. He can barely get around the house now although there are days when he will try to chase down our dog Qyain and then gallop up the stairs and then gallop down just to jump from the sixth step! He’s a spunky old guy. The other morning he woke me up the way he used to giving me a hug and not letting go. I was lucky that morning because I was able to sit still and enjoy this moment that my old friend was sharing with me.

Yesterday I came home to gather up some supplies for work, Ineka was at the top of the stairs where he always is greeting us when we come home. I said hello to him and left the front door open so he could go out to our courtyard. I went about my business and then headed into the kitchen to grab a drink, I heard Ineka jump off the stairs and head out the front door. I got sidetracked and didn’t immediately follow him out. About three minutes later I walked into our office and noticed the gate was open! My heart sunk. I immediately ran outside thinking “he’s next door marking the bush” nope! Oh God! Robert is leaving and after 10 years I’ve lost the dog! I ran down the street a neighbor was outside I asked if he saw my black dog he said no. I ran back to the house to jump in my van and realized my keys were inside. I run inside into the kitchen but as I’m running past I catch a glimpse of Ineka at the top of the stairs looking down at me like I’ve lost my mind. I scolded him like I did my kids when they ran out into the street. Gave him a hug and a piece of cheese and said don’t ever scare me like that again; we aren’t ready for you to go yet. I still need my best friend.

I have had many dogs in my lifetime and I’m sure I will have many more. Each has held a special place in my heart. But as I’m sure you can relate, there’s always one that came into your life and helped you through triumphs and tribulations. Who came over and let you hold them until all the tears were cried out. Who encouraged you to get your butt off the couch. Who helped you remember how to be a kid. It’s that dog that makes you a better person. Hug your dog today, whisper in their ear and thank them for taking care of you.
Tags: Denver Dog Works | Dog Training Denver | Ineka | Michele Forto | Robert Forto | Colorado Dog Trainer | Dog Doctor Radio
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Michele Forto is the business manager for Denver Dog Works. Michele can be reached through her website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

Dog Sledding Prehistory

Dog Sledding Prehistory
By Robert Forto, PhD

The art of dog driving started with early man. The area in northern Asia known as Siberia, is the location of some of the most brutal weather conditions on the face of the planet. The bone chilling temperatures produce almost frictionless snow and ice that covers everything for the majority of the year.

The next natural step from dogs pulling firewood along the beaches, or dragging home spoils from the hunt across the frozen, snow covered tundra, was to pulling toboggans and sleds. From ancient bone runners dug up at Savoonga on Saint Lawrence Island, we know that the sled was used between four and five thousand years ago. The dog sledding that these prehistoric people started became a crucial tool for the tribes of the north in the fight against Mother Nature for survival.

The Chukchi and Samoyed tribes of Siberia developed dog driving into an art over the centuries. The Chukchi, according to experts, are the first people that depended seriously on the dogs in order to survive. The Russian scholar, Dr. Robert Crane, wrote, “climatic changes and displacement of the Chukchi by a more powerful southern people combined to force the Chukchi to base their economy on sled dog transportation in order to survive.”

In the long winters of the northern region the sled dog’s contributions were the most prevalent. Time and time again the Chukchi people suffered from the scarcity of

food that continually threatened their very survival. This reality was the catalyst that drove the tribe to develop the sled dog. With this development, the Chukchi had trumped the other arctic tribes who competed fiercely for the limited resources. The native people of the north were able to extend their hunting ranges in direct correlation to the added mobility that their dogs enabled them to achieve by pulling sleds of supplies

The original canines that the Chukchi used were likely descended from the domesticated dogs of their competitors from the southern latitudes. The dog of the north scarcely resembled its southern ancestors a few generations later. They were larger, more rigorous, wolf–like and of course very furry. Their thick outer coats were supplemented with a life sustaining undercoat that helped the canine to retain heat, and fight off the bitter cold of the arctic regions.

These early dogs did more than pull sleds; they were hunters, protectors and companions. The sled dog was to become an important part of history, figuring predominantly in a plethora of history changing events. Most assuredly, without the sled dog many things would be different.

Mushing Legends: Scotty Allen

Mushing Legends: Scotty Allan
By Robert Forto, PhD

Scotty Allan journeyed to Alaska, attracted by news of the gold strike in the Klondike. Around him were men of action from many different countries, dependent on in a large measure upon animals. It was not long before Allan had a wife, a baby and a dog team, and with his uncanny knack with animals, was well on his way to being a first class dog-puncher. His first leader was named Dubby, a Mackenzie River Husky from the stock of the Hudson’s Bay Company. Dubby led the team the day his venturesome owner decided to sledge across the Bering Strait to Russia. While in Russia, Allan visited some Siberian Eskimos and then headed back to Nome, impressed with the self-sufficiency of those people.

Scotty Allan joined with Judge Albert Fink and other Nome citizens to organize the All-Alaska Sweepstakes, the first official series of sled dog races anywhere. From these races emerged a new kind of hero in the far North, the racing sled dog driver. In preparation for these 408-mile non-stop races, Allan put his team and himself into training. He watched everybody’s diet, gave up smoking and even practiced going without sleep. He must have done something right, for the first eight years of the Sweepstakes, Scotty Allan never finished lower than third and had three firsts and three seconds to his credit. His team consisted of lop-eared freighting dogs, mongrels, and he was proud of their ability on the racing trails.

In more than one race, however, Allan could look back over his shoulder and see John “Iron Man” Johnson’s long string of Siberians slowly gaining on him. Johnson led a team of culls from Fox Ramsay’s other two imported Siberian Husky teams to a record setting win for him in 1910. The handwriting was on the wall for the mixed-breed freighting teams. Johnson’s Siberians beat Allan’s team by nine hours in 1914, and then Leonhard Seppala and his Siberians wrapped it all up in the final three years of the Sweepstakes.

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Dr. Robert Forto is a professional musher training for his first Iditarod racing under the name Team Ineka. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.teamineka.com

Pet ID Measures

Pet Identification Measures
By Robert Forto, PhD

Pets can unexpectedly escape through an open door or window, from a vehicle, or even by pulling the leash from your hand. Something really interesting on the other side of the fence might just be enough to entice your dog to jump or dig his way out.

Traveling by car with your pet provides a whole new set of circumstances that Fluffy or Fido might not be used to. If your pet escapes while you’re on the road, there may be little chance he could be returned to you if he is not properly identified.

Consider these measures to keep your pet safe and to help him find his way home again:
 
• Most dogs are used to wearing a collar, so make sure he has an ID tag with your name address and telephone number. If you are traveling, make a temporary tag listing the destination address and telephone number. Consider using a cell phone number that will remain constant, or perhaps list a second number as an alternate. A few dollars for a new ID tag is a cheap investment in case of an emergency.

• A breakaway collar is a good idea for a cat when traveling. Though it would come off if caught on something, at least there’s a chance that someone would find your cat with the collar and ID intact.

• Leave the old license on your dog when moving, at least until you obtain the new one at your destination. Most townships and cities have a database to search the number, so if lost, at least someone could call your old number – and hopefully be directed to your new one. 

• Microchip your pet. This is the ultimate identification of an animal, and many countries now require pets to be microchipped. Most shelters, humane societies and animal control agents have a scanner to read Avid and Home Again chips, the two most popular in the USA. The biggest problem is people do not register the chip with complete information (name, address and current phone number). Many pets have been found with chips, but without a contact in the database, little can be done to return them to their owners. Be sure to update your registration if you move. 

• Tattooing is not as popular as it once was, but still serves as a method of identification. Most tattoos are done inside the thigh of the rear leg, or under an ear flap. Unfortunately, there is not a registration system for tattoos, nor is there one number for a person finding a pet to call (as with a microchip). You might want to keep a photo of the tattoo as well as of the pet, as proof that he or she is yours.
 
• When traveling, it’s a good idea to keep photos of your pet with you, just in case you need to make up flyers on short notice.

Source: ABKA

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Dr. Robert Forto is the training director for 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

Dog Doctor Radio: Unleashed Dog Parks

On this edition of the Dog Doctor Radio Show we celebrate our 1 year anny. on the air! We will also be interviewing a representative from Unleashed, the nations first indoor dog park in Dallas, Texas.

The Dog Doctor Radio Show
Saturdays at 9:30 am MDT
303-578-9881
live@dogdoctorradio.com

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NATION’S FIRST INDOOR DOG PARK OPENS IN DALLAS
Unleashed Indoor Dog Parks™ becomes top dog destination in Dallas with 25,000 square-feet of indoor parks, outdoor water features, grooming salon, supply center, café, daycare, playcare and cage-free boarding


Dallas, August 11, 2009: Unleashed Indoor Dog Parks™ has rocketed to the top of Dallas dog lovers’ lists as the nation’s first and only indoor, off-leash play park for dogs. The $10 million, 50,000 square-foot facility debuted this spring with 25,000 square-feet of indoor parks, grooming salon, full supply center, daycare, playcare, cage-free boarding, and a café for owners.

Launched through the efforts of dog lovers Kelly and Cody Acree of Dallas, Unleashed takes pet retailing to a new level, catering to dogs and owners alike with its year-round appeal.

“Unleashed Indoor Dog Parks answers every need we could think of for dogs and their owners – a clean, safe, monitored, comfortable environment where dogs can play off-leash while owners can lounge. The 25,000 square-feet of indoor air-conditioned parks present a comfortable, sanitary and green environment for large and small dogs to exercise off-leash and socialize while owners can do the same, or just relax, work remotely with wifi and read the paper with a snack, meal or dessert from our café,” said Kelly Acree, co-founder of Unleashed.

Over-engineered to ensure a fresh environment, Unleashed features the largest indoor installation of K9Grass in the world on the indoor parks. The turf is the only artificial grass designed specifically for dogs with antimicrobial properties and a unique knitted construction to allow draining, keeping the grass clean and free of bacteria or odors.

“One of the first questions we get from first-timers at Unleashed is what the dogs do if they need to ‘go’,” added Kelly. “The answer is, they ‘go’. We’ve designed Unleashed to allow dogs to act as naturally as they would if you had a 25,000 square-foot backyard with play and agility equipment and other dogs available anytime for a play date. Because of the K9Grass, our sprinkler, cleaning and patent-pending drainage and flushing systems, as well as a state-of-the art exhaust system, it always smells fresh and looks green inside no matter what the dogs do.”

Additionally, the Acrees have put in place a variety of safety measures to ensure a secure environment for dogs and owners. Before gaining entrance into the park, owners must provide proof of rabies, DHLP, Parvo and Bordetella vaccinations for their dogs. Additionally, dogs without previous exposure to other dogs will be temperament-tested by one of the park’s trained dog handlers, who are present in the park at all times. At least one pet CPR and First Aid certified staffer is in the park at all times. Inside, owners with small or timid dogs can enjoy the Powderpuff Park, while rough-housing medium and large dogs can take advantage of the Bodyslammers Park. Finally, for insurance reasons, pit bulls and pit bull mixes are not allowed in the off-leash portions of the park.

“Our entire staff consists of people who are dog lovers and have the ability to read and respond to dog behavior. This means they can manage the dogs at play as more dogs come into the park, and avert or handle any scuffles,” Kelly continued. “We run Unleashed like an exclusive gym, so that when your dog comes through the gate with her personalized RFID membership tag, she’s going to have access to the best equipment, staff and experience available.”

Entry for a dog into the off-leash parks with full in and out privileges is $7.50, with discount packages available for multiple dog families or frequent visits. For more information, visit www.unleasheddogparks.com, or follow Unleashed Indoor Dog Parks on Twitter at twitter.com/kellyunleashed and twitter.com/unleasheddfw.

About Unleashed

Unleashed Indoor Dog Parks™ is the nation’s first indoor and outdoor off-leash play park offering year-round play for dogs and their owners. The $10 million 50,000 square-foot facility is situated on 6.5 wooded acres just four miles from downtown Dallas. Featuring the largest indoor installation of Forever Lawn’s K9Grass, Unleashed also offers outdoor water features, grooming salon, supply center, café, daycare, playcare and cage-free boarding. Visit www.unleasheddogparks.com for more information, pricing, photos and registration details.

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Dr. Robert Forto is the host of the Dog Doctor Radio Show and the training director for Denver Dog Works. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

Evicted: Pets and the Foreclosure Crisis

Evicted: Pets and the Foreclosure Crisis
By Robert Forto, PhD

Dog Law is a weekly series in which I explore a different topic regarding canine law, legislation and procedures related to the legal side of owning our canine companions. I have been involved as an expert witness in many cases over the years, testifying on everything from breed bans, landlord-tenant disputes, aggressive dogs, dog bites and more. I am also a canine behaviorist and paralegal. If you have any questions regarding dogs and the law I would be happy to help. While I am not an attorney and I encourage you to seek out competent legal assistance should it come to that, I can be retained in most cases by both plaintiff and defense counsel to assist in your case as an expert witness.

Pets and Foreclosure

This is a re-print of an article that I posted some time ago. I thought it would be timely to re-post as there is recent news that the foreclosure crisis is not behind us. Many of us still face mounting debt and many Americans are forced to move out of their homes and leave their pets behind.

Just last week a county shelter in Washington State, enacted a policy stating that they would not allow any more “unwanted pets” in their facilities. These pets are often turned in as result of their owner’s dire financial straits. Please read the following article and post you comments and opinions. I look forward to hearing from you.

The house was ravaged — its floors ripped, walls busted and lights smashed by owners who trashed their home before a bank foreclosed on it. Hidden in the wreckage was an abandoned member of the family: a starving pit bull-- this was the image of a home in suburban California.The dog was too far gone to save — another example of how pets are becoming the newest victims of the nation’s mortgage crisis as homeowners leave animals behind when they can no longer afford their property.Pets “are getting dumped all over,” said Traci Jennings, president of the Humane Society of Stanislaus County in northern California. “Farmers are finding dogs dumped on their grazing grounds, while house cats are showing up in wild cat colonies.”

The abandoned pets are overwhelming animal shelters and drawing fury from bloggers, trainers, activists and rescue groups, especially as photos of emaciated animals circulate on the Internet.

Denver Dog Works in Colorado has seen an influx of shelter-saved dogs at the training center in recent months. All of the new owners say the same thing: “I don’t know the dog’s history we just wanted to save his life,” as quoted verbatim from more than one client. While this is admirable at best, and a challenge none-the-least when it comes to training the dog to accept a new home and new owners are facing an up-hill battle.

The first people to enter an abandoned house, such as property inspectors and real estate brokers, have discovered dogs tied to trees in backyards, cats in garages, and turtles, rabbits and lizards in children’s bedrooms.

No one keeps track of the numbers of abandoned pets, but anecdotal evidence suggests that forsaken animals are becoming a problem wherever foreclosures are climbing. Denver is reported to have the highest number of foreclosures per capita. Colorado also has some of the highest number of dogs per household. The two combined equal a disaster on an epidemic scale for wayward pets.

Despite months of warning before a foreclosure, many desperate homeowners run out the clock hoping to forestall an eviction. Then they panic, particularly if they are moving to a home where pets are not permitted.

Many of these people have no money, their credit mess and they cannot afford to move into an apartment and pay the extra fee for a security deposit for the pet, which is often hundreds of dollars.The situation has become so widespread that the Humane Society urges home owners faced with foreclosure to take their animals to a shelter. Many shelters even have a no-questions-asked policy.

In most cases, a pet owner is not required to give details about the reasons for them turning over the animal. Some organizations even have drop off boxes where an owner can take a pet anonymously.

Shelters are trying to keep up, but the spike in abandoned pets comes at a time when fewer people are adopting animals. Home sales are plunging to their lowest level in decades, and new homeowners are often the most likely to seek a pet.

Even people who are buying homes are not adopting pets.“People are not bringing home puppies because times are tough, and animals cost money,” says Dr. Robert Forto, training director for Denver Dog Works. “It is a sad fact that dogs in this country are disposable. That is uncalled for,” Dr. Forto says.

The mortgage crisis shows few signs of easing. Many real estate tracking companies announce that countless homeowners started to fall behind on mortgage payments in the past six months, setting the stage for record-number foreclosures this year. While the government and even our President have adopted programs for people in trouble, many do not meet the stringent qualification procedures.

For others, it is already too late.Shelters all over the Denver area are fielding more desperate calls from animal owners about to be evicted. Many call as a last resort after being turned down by various rescue groups with no room for more animals.“They’re usually breaking down on the phone,” said a shelter dispatcher recently quoted on a blog on the Internet. “I’m quite direct with them that there’s a 50-50 chance the animals might be put down.”

Still, shelter operators say, half a chance is better than none.“They may be euthanized at a shelter,” said Stephanie Shain of the Humane Society of the United States. “But they’ll be fed and have water and have a humane euthanasia, as opposed to spending the last days of their lives eating carpet or wallboard.”

Canine Behaviorists and trainers like Dr. Forto are furious with the “foreclosure pet” phenomenon, especially after seeing photos of emaciated animals on the Internet and those arriving at his training center in near feral condition.

Some critics say the pet owners have already proved they are irresponsible by buying houses they could not afford or mortgages they did not bother to understand.

The problem is exacerbated because most people grappling with foreclosure are returning to rental housing or moving in with relatives — two situations where it can be difficult or impossible to bring pets.

What we’ve always known is that when times are hard for people, they’re hard for their pets as well.

Abandoning animals is illegal in most states under anti-cruelty laws, but the laws are not rigidly enforced. In most cases it is just a fine of a few hundred dollars or the prospect of a misdemeanor on your record.

A relatively small price to pay when you are facing homelessness.Occasionally, albeit rarely, a family with will be reunited with the pet that they had left behind in their foreclosed house. In one case, a family was staying in a homeless shelter, and their dogs were being cared for by neighbors at the family’s behest. The family was able to find housing suitable for themselves and their dogs.

But happy endings elude a majority of foreclosure animals.“Their best shot is for the owners to plan ahead some,” Dr. Forto said. “But they did not plan when they bought their house. I do not see that happening anytime soon.”

Dr. Robert Forto, training director of Denver Dog Works, often trains many pets that are adopted from local shelters and offers discounts to those who call us and say they read this article. If you would like to schedule an evaluation with your dog please give us a call anytime at 303-578-9881 or via email at train@denverdogworks.com

Citation: American Humane Society website
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Dr. Robert Forto is the training director for Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project 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