Animals Unfolded

In training puppies and dogs, there are a few things to remember - consistency, keep the sessions short, a good sense of timing and most of all, use really yummy treats... and just tiny bits of them. In keeping your dogs attention during training sessions - we can use all the help that we can get! I see many people buy expensive dog training bits and treats, but to me it seems a bit silly. You can use things like hot dogs , sliced thinly and then cut into quarters - or you can make homemade liver training treats for just pennies. Best of all, in the latter case you have control of what ingredients are in the treats and most dogs love liver. Start with organic calf liver (this is important as the organ acts as a filter to mitigate toxins from the body), boiled for a few minutes in water to cook (10 - 15 minutes), then rinse off to get rid of the scum that accumulates. Dry with a paper towel, then place the boiled liver onto a cookie sheet, completely flat and into a 225 degree ove...

A few days ago, I wrote a piece on AnnArbor.com with regard to Take Your Dog To Work Day celebrated on June 25 that's been celebrated over the past few years. It is an opportunity to focus on the relationship between animals and humans and additionally, pet adoption . In preparation for the article, I created a poll , and posed a few questions to clients and friends and they had some interesting things to say about the idea of having dogs in the workplace. One person working in an office setting indicated, It would be great for person who gets to bring in their pet and would enhance the environment/well-being of the office at large. having a dog approach me for a scratch behind the ears would be a wonderful way to take a break from the office routine. However, the big downside is that many people are allergic to pets, and if there is even one co-worker who is, the office really needs to respect that and not permit animals in hte office area. Some people are afraid of animals, and ...

Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc. announces a voluntary recall of Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food Due to a Possible Health Risk

Take Your Dog To Work Day, 2010: a tale of two local dogs - AnnArbor.com

When will this kind of thing end? 42 dogs . Wow. I'm so thankful to the individuals who spoke up and made the call. I always wonder when there is a case like this that comes to light, "How many others are out there, undiscovered?" If you ever see or hear anything that you feel might be questionable, never be afraid to speak up. Animal cruelty is a lose/lose situation. 44 animals seized from Webster Township home following anonymous tip - AnnArbor.com

Success of first 'Dog-Up' is sure to inspire pet lovers locally - AnnArbor.com

Yesterday, I read this article by Eric Goebelbecker , owner of Dog Spelled Forward . Eric is a certified dog trainer in Bergen County, New Jersey area. His thoughts on dog parks made perfect sense to me, and is why I do not participate in the whole dog park thing in my business. I find that some dog owners can't even control their dogs on a walk - especially in the city. Some mean well, I think, hover they lack the ability to be able to read their dogs' body language, and sometimes have not mastered basic training and commands with their dog. I worry about the whole movement toward not getting dogs vaccinated, too. I understand some folks' reasons for not doing so - (health reasons, prior reaction, age) - but generally those dogs are not in a more 'public' setting and there is much less of a chance of spreading disease. What are your thoughts on dog parks ? What is your experience? Lorrie Shaw is a pet blogger, a regular contributor to AnnArbor.com and owner of P...