CLEDOG JanFeb2020 : simplebooklet.com

PublishersKaren Uthe-SemancikMark BrabantColumnistsTravis Raymond: Pick of the PackAnna Louise Rencz: Ask the TrainerAmanda Roush: Dogs in the CityContributing WritersAnn McDonald, Susan SpisakASK THE TRAINERFROM THE CAGE TO THE COUCHPICK OF THE PACKDOGS IN THE CITY810161846715JAN / FEB 2020CLE DOG magazine is published monthly by GoFetch Media, LLC, P.O. Box 40172, BayVillage, OH 44140. Copyright 2020, GoFetch Media, LLC. All rights are reserved. No part ofthis publication may be reproduced without prior written permission. Unsolicited articles areinvited, but the Publishers reserve the right to edit any and all materials. All materials submittedto CLE DOG are considered to be CLE DOG property, and unconditionally assigned to CLEDOG for publication and copyright purposes.ADVERTISING INFORMATION: Karen Uthe-Semancik • Karen@cledog.net • 216.598.6361PHOTO SUBMISSIONS: Mark Brabant • Mark@cledog.net • 440.785.4136COLUMNSFEATURESJoin our email newsletter list at CLEDOG.netIT’S DOG LICENSE TIMERESOLVE TO VOLUNTEERDOG VACCINATIONSRESOLVE TO BE A BETTER DOG OWNERA full-service facility offering a safe and clean environment for play,training and boarding.30400 Lakeland Blvd., Wickliffe • 440-516-0510 • clubk9ofwickliffe.comDaycare • Cage-free Boarding • Training • Pack Walks • EVENTSAsk about our pooch & parent TRIPS to Put-in-Bay & The Cleveland Flea!SERVING LAKE COUNTY SINCE 2009IN BUSINESSFOR OVER10 YEARSIN BUSINESSFOR OVER10 YEARSON THE COVER: Connie Field and Diane DeChant of Love-A-Stray. Photo by Monica KimmelMany of these Love-A-Stray volunteers have donated their timefor the last 10 years. Find out why your time, treasure and talentis needed at area rescues and humane societies.PAGE

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W4 All things DOG in Northeast OhioBEHAVIORBy Anna Louise RenczWhy Balanced Training WorksWe get a ton of questions about Balanced Training on a daily basis.Why does it work? How does it work? First, let's start by definingwhat Balanced Training is. This method of dog training refers toany behavior modification approach in which both rewards andcorrections are offered to a dog in order to shape behavior. Whena dog performs a desirable behavior she is rewarded, and whenher choices and behaviors are undesirable, an unfavorableconsequence occurs. Balanced Training paints black and whitewhat is acceptable and unacceptable for your dog.Think of a child studying for a test and later receiving an “A” forhis efforts and some cash from the parents. This reinforces thebehavior, which increases the probability of it occurring again.Similarly, think of the child who does not study and receives apoor score and is grounded. By receiving this consequence, oneis less likely to repeat this behavior. Humans are constantly shapingtheir own actions based upon rewards and consequences anddogs are too. In nature, dogs in packs are known to bothencourage appropriate behaviors and provide corrections to oneanother. This is easily visible today if you watch a motherdisciplining her puppies for what she deems undesirable. Shewill often correct her rambunctious pups by barking, growling,nipping, pinning and through the use of assertive body language.This form of communication helps dogs know what is expectedof them. This style of learning has been studied extensively andis referred to as Operant Conditioning.The Take AwayUnderstand that every moment you spend with your dog youare reinforcing behaviors, whether they are positive or negative.For example, many owners try to soothe their dog's anxiety, fearand over-excitement by accidentally rewarding it throughaffection (petting, treats, etc). Clearly communicate what youwant and what you don't want. Create a routine and healthyboundaries with your animal. The bottom line is, this trainingworks because dogs crave clarity and accountability. By providinga balanced approach, we are able to help dogs become morehappy, stable and confident.Anna Louise Rencz is the Owner ofBoss K9, and a Professional Dog Trainerwho specializes in behaviormodification and aggressionrehabilitation. Her brick and mortar islocated in the heart of Slavic Village.She has a passion for working with alldogs, no matter the issue, size or breed.For more info, visit Boss K9 onFacebook, @bossk9cle on Instagramand at bossk9cle.com.

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6 All things DOG in Northeast OhioSponsored by PetPeople®From theFrom the Cage to the Couch concept contributed byPartners With Paws of Lorain County, Inc.hrown away like trash, Eden was found near a dumpster in Lorain in December of 2018. She was rescued by a goodSamaritan and taken into Remi's Pet Recovery. The 3-year-oldPitbull mix had labored breathing, a heart murmur, anemia andbloody skin.For three months, Eden was nurtured back to health, includingmedicated baths three times a week. A little more than a yearlater, Eden's hair has grown back, and she's enjoying the goodlife with her loving family. She enjoys naps, belly rubs and walksthroughout her neighborhood.

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Jan/Feb 2020 | CLEDOG.net 7BY TRAVIS RAYMONDPRODUCTSTravis Raymond is manager at The Grateful Dog Bakery, servingup tasty treats and healthy food to Northeast Ohio's dogs andcats. A raw food advocate and dog sitter, Travis fosters local rescuedogs in need, and also dogsits. To contact Travis, emailnews@gratefuldogbakery.com and follow @gratefuldogbakeryon Instragram.Tropiclean'sFresh BreathWater Additiveis a simple buteffective way tofight plaqueand tartarbuildup. Addone capful to16ounces ofwater, and yourpup is on hisway to freshbreath andclean teeth!February is National Pet Dental Health Month, so let'srun down some dental hygiene essentials.Senior dogs and those with special medicalconditions often have unhealthy saliva, so Zymoxdeveloped a brushless toothpaste gel that usesnatural enzyme systems to replenish the naturalprotection for a healthy mouth.Also found in the Zymox line is their Oratene WaterAdditive, which delivers a patented enzymaticformula through the dog's drinking water.ProDen's PlaqueOff isa powder that can beused like a foodtopper. PlaqueOff ismade from sustainablyharvested sea kelp andis completely free ofgluten, sugar andartificial preservatives.Earthbath offers a convenientoption with Tooth & Gum Wipes.Simply wrap a wipe around yourindex finger and gently work itaround the teeth and gumline. Thewipes are alcohol- and paraben-free, safe for daily use and backedby a satisfaction guarantee.Petzlife has a line of brushless oralcare products in both a gel and aspray, available in peppermint andsalmon flavors. Apply to the gumlinetwice a day until plaque and tartar isdissolved, and then 2 to 3 timesweekly as a preventative. Withholdfood and water for a half hour afterapplication for best results.Ark Naturals has the popular BrushlessToothpaste line of dental chews that are grainfree and come in four sizes. The ridged outersurface provides abrasive scraping action tocomplement the patented toothpaste alongthe middle of the chew. Ingredients includealfalfa and clove which are natural breathfresheners.

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8 All things DOG in Northeast OhioThe countdown's on! Purchase or renew yourdog's license by January 31 or face late feesand/or fines. Every Ohio dog three months orolder is required to be licensed. Besidesobeying the law, purchasing a dog licensesupports county shelters and may help reunitepets with their owners.Dog license proceeds help keep county humane societies running,and a portion may also be paid to The Ohio State University Collegeof Veterinary Medicine Canine Research Fund. If a dog is lost, thecollar tag identifies the owner by the assigned license number.(Make sure you actually attach the metal tag to your dog's collar.)County databases are shared with dog wardens and animalprotective leagues, which should help expedite a reunion.Licensing is coordinated by counties, and each has its own registrationfee and offerings, including annual and lifetime tags. Neighborhoodretailers within each county are designated as license vendors, socall ahead for hours and to see if it's a cash-only transaction. Countiesmay also tack on an online fee. Please be aware there are fraudulentwebsites purporting to sell Ohio dog licenses, but there is no suchthing as a license good for the entire state.Some counties opted for a creative approach this year, includingCuyahoga's fun ad campaign using breeds to play off words (“EveryDog Needs to be Licensed We Shih-Tzu Not)”, while Lake Countyhas a limited edition, orange dog bone tag for football fans.CUYAHOGA COUNTYOne-year license, $20; three-year license, $60; lifetime license,$200. Only one-year licenses are available for purchase atneighborhood locations. Multi-year licenses must be purchasedonline, at the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter or at theCuyahoga County Administrative Headquarters. You may alsoprint out the county's interactive license application form. Visitcuyahogadogs.com for more info and a list of sites that selllicenses.LAKE COUNTYOne-year license, $20; three-year license, $60; lifetime license,$200. (No extra charge for the orange dog bone tag, but thereis a limited quantity available.) You may also print out thecounty's license application form and see a complete list ofretail locations by visiting lakecountyohio.gov.LORAIN COUNTYOne-year license, $20; three-year license, $66; lifetime license,$200. Lorain County also offers a special tag for $25, whichincludes a $5 donation to the Lorain County Dog Kennel'smedical fund. Visit loraincounty.com/auditor for completedetails and a list of sites that sell licenses.By Karen Uthe-Semancik

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FEATUREJan/Feb 2020 | CLEDOG.net 11 helters, rescues and humane societies always need cashdonations (treasure), but giving your time and talent are justas important. Many animal-related nonprofits have few to nopaid staffers and rely on volunteers for transport, photography,dog walking, website work, fundraising, kennel cleaning,laundry, socializing, stuffing envelopes and more to help savefour-legged lives.“Not counting foster care, our volunteers contribute timeequivalent of more than two full-time staff members,” saidConnie Field, director of the dog division for Avon Lake-basedLove-A-Stray, an all-volunteer rescue organization foundedin 2004. “We estimate that our volunteers contribute between50 to 100 hours per week in total on Love A Stray.”Field said Love-A-Stray has about 25 regular volunteers, manyof whom have been with the rescue for more than 10 years,which helps this all-breed group rehome up to 150 dogsannually. More volunteers equals more lives saved.Mindy Naticchioni, animal shelter administrator of CuyahogaCounty Animal Shelter in Valley View, agrees. Her facility's staffof 16 cares for as many as 110 dogs at a time, which wouldn'tbe possible without the shelter's 220 volunteers, which average2,000 hours a week.“Volunteers are where we turn to help fill in the gaps,”Naticchioni said. “While we're working on our daily assignmentsand running of the facility, volunteersmake our shelter feel less like a shelterand more like a home.”Both organizations offer training andorientations for folks interested involunteering, and even kiddos can getinvolved. Students ages 16 and older arewelcome with parental permission andproper training, and Cuyahoga CountyAnimal Shelter offers a Junior Volunteerprogram for kids ages 9 to 15. “We alsooffer solutions for middle- and high-school-aged kids looking to fulfillcommunity service hours for school,”Naticchioni said.What type of volunteer needs do thesetwo organizations have right now? Love-A-Stray is looking for foster homes, awebsite manager, event volunteers, andadoption and home-visit coordinators,while Cuyahoga County Animal Sheltercould use dog walkers, kennel assistantsand fundraising assistants. (Hint: if you'relooking to add a dog to the family,SPhoto: Monica KimmellConnie Field, left, and Diane DeChant of Love-A-Stray working on their next fundraiser

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12 All things DOG in Northeast OhioLove-A-Stray Dog DivisionP.O. Box 125Avon Lake, OH 44012info@loveastraydog.comloveastraydog.comFEATUREfostering is a great way to “try out” a candidate. Foster until you find theperfect fit, and then join the “foster failure” family.)So what makes a good volunteer, and what do these good Samaritans getout of giving their time and talent? Naticchioni said there aren't bad volunteers,and when people give time from their own lives to help out, that's a win. Herteam has monthly get-togethers and small incentives for its volunteers. Fieldsaid folks who are reliable, work well with others and truly care for dogs makegood volunteers.“I hear over and over again from our volunteers that once they experienceseeing a homeless dog at time of intake, who then has a new fantastic foreverhome and interacting with the new family, it makes all of the hard workworthwhile,” Field said.Volunteering has many rewards besides helping awesome dogs find foreverhomes. You can test out a new career and meet new people. Say you're infinance but have always wanted to throw events for a living. Working on avolunteer fundraising team will provide real-life experience to fill in resumegaps, while you meet like-minded folks who may become lifelong friends.Here's to a kinder and gentler 2020 -- resolve to volunteer. Happy New Year!Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter9500 Sweet Valley Dr.Valley View, OH 44125216.525.4813cuyahogadogs.comVolunteers from Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter

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Jan/Feb 2020 | CLEDOG.net 13Why are dogs' noses wet?To help absorb scent chemicals! Their noses secrete a special mucusthat helps absorb these chemicals, and when they lick their noses tosample them, it helps them understand what the smell is.Newfoundlands are amazing lifeguardsThese doggy lifeguards have water-resistant coatsand webbed feet. They were originally bred asfishermens' helpers and to rescue people fromdrowning. Some owners report their own Newfiestry to “rescue” them when they’re swimming.The Beatles song ‘A Day in the Life’ has afrequency only dogs can hearIn a 2013 interview, Sir Paul McCartney said he added a frequency onlydogs can hear to the end of this song, so watch your dog when youplay it. Three dogs survived the Titanic sinkingThe dogs were in first-class and included a Pomeranian puppy. Supposedlyher owner wrapped the dog in a blanket to escape with, and everyonethought she was carrying a baby. Another Pomeranian and a Pekingesewere also rescued.A Bloodhound’s sense of smell can be used asevidence in courtA Bloodhound’s sense of smell is so spot on it canbe admitted as evidence in a court of law. Bloodhoundscan also follow tracks that are more than 300 hoursold and can stay on a trail for more than 130 miles!The tallest dog in the worldThe tallest dog in the world was a Great Dane namedZeus. He measured 44 inches tall on October 4, 2011, and is the currentGuinness World Record holder.Basenji dogs don’t bark, they yodelIf you thought all dogs barked, think again. TheBasenji dog doesn’t bark, and instead yodels,whines or screams.Source: Purina.co.uk

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Jan/Feb 2020 | CLEDOG.net 15BY AMANDA ROUSH, BELLA & MIAfrom Dog Life in CLEAROUND TOWNt has been so much fun building up Dog Life in CLE over the years! I enjoy all aspects of being an entrepreneur and wantedto try a new niche. With the lack ofdesignated pop-up locations inCleveland, I started Pop in CLE,located at 18119 Detroit Avenue inLakewood. Small businesses can popin to sell their products and services,or host networking or workshopevents. The location is dog friendly,and I hosted several dog events overthe holidays, including pop-up shopsof local dog businesses, holiday dogphoto events and Doga (yoga withyour dog)!If being more active with your dog isone of your New Year’s resolutions,Doga is for you.Doga Love is holdingclasses at Pop in CLE throughout thewinter months, so keep an eye outfor upcoming classes on Facebook!Your dog won't be put into yogaposes, but the class does get her outof the house and interacting withother dogs, which is both physicallyand mentally stimulating. See yousoon!Find out more by visitingdoglifeincle.com.

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16 All things DOG in Northeast Ohioost dog owners have been confidently vaccinatingtheir pets for common diseases like rabies for many years, but with the human anti-vaccination movement gaining more and more attention, somedog owners have turned a skeptical eye toward dogvaccinations. In recent years, there has been moreconcern around what vaccinations dogs really needand how often, with some dog owners wonderingif they need to vaccinate their dogs at all.Veterinarians recommend a specificvaccination schedule for dogs made up ofcore and non-core vaccinations to keep themhealthy and free of illnesses. Core vaccinesare recommended for dogs of all ages andinclude rabies, distemper and adenovirus(hepatitis), parvovirus and parainfluenza. In thestate of Ohio, the rabies vaccine is required by lawevery three years since the disease can be spread tohumans. Rabies and distemper are also very serious diseasesthat can be fatal to dogs.In recent years, “titer tests” have become a more common requestfrom pet owners concerned about over-vaccination. A titer testassesses the amount of the vaccine that is still in the dog todetermine whether he needs another vaccination. Dr. SusanPaulic, a veterinarian with Austinburg Veterinary Clinic, said titertesting can be beneficial as a guideline to determine whether adog is considered protected from certain viruses, but the testis not always 100 percent accurate and can't be usedto delay a rabies vaccination since the vaccine isrequired by law.Dr. Jason Lamb of Avon Lake Animal Clinic saidhis practice will do titer tests for corevaccinations if an owner requests it, but hefeels the best application for the test is for achronically ill dog where you have to weighthe risks of potential side effects with the dog'scurrent disease. He also said titer research hasdetermined that the three-year interval is themost appropriate for core vaccinations.It's important to discuss with your vet what vaccinationsyour pet needs. There are many other non-core vaccines, suchas leptospirosis, bordatella and canine influenza, that you canopt out of depending on your geographic location and yourdog's lifestyle. “Exposure and risk are what determine non-coreDispelling Myths around Dog VaccinationsBy Ann McDonald

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Jan/Feb 2020 | CLEDOG.net 17Ann McDonald is a writer, dog foster and dog mom to two rescuedogs. You can find her writing about her dogs, dog-friendly activitiesand dog rescue at dogsinthecle.com.vaccines. For instance, if a pet goes to a grooming salonor boarding facility or frequents social encounters like dogparks or puppy preschool, bordatella and canine influenzashould be considered,” Dr. Lamb said.Lyme disease is another vaccine owners can choose togive their dog based on where they live. Dr. Lambrecommends it for Ohio dog owners since the disease isprevalent in the Midwest.Most of the concerns around vaccinations come frompossible side effects (and whether dogs can get autism --spoiler, they can't). Although side effects are alwayspossible, the risk of your dog getting an easily preventable,fatal disease because he wasn't vaccinated should be astronger consideration. “Vaccines are important inpreventing life-threatening diseases in our companionanimals,” Dr. Paulic said. “Some of these diseases can befatal, and some can be spread to people. My role as aveterinarian is to keep pets and people healthy. Vaccinationfor preventable diseases is one way that I am able todo that.”Dr. Lamb agrees, saying that vaccinations are instrumentalin preparing the dog's immune system to fight off infectiousdiseases. “This allows for longer life expectancies, lessdisease and suffering, fewer medical expenses and anoverall healthier life for your pet.”Source: PetMD.comIs your pooch’s name among the country’s most popular?1. Bella2. Max3. Luna4. Coco5. Charlie6. Daisy7. Lucy8. Bailey9. Buddy10. RockyMost PopularDog Namesof 2019Source: Banfield Pet Hospital6. Cooper7. Max8. Daisy9. Bear10. Oliver1. Luna2. Bella3. Charlie4. Bailey5. LucySource: TrupanionMost PopularPUPPY Namesof 2019Cold weather tips to keepyour dogs safe this winter1.Know your dog’s limitsIf it's too cold for you, it's too cold for your dog.Short-coated, thin, elderly and young dogs get cold morequickly. Consider a sweater or coat to keep them warm.2.Wipe their pawsDuring winter walks, your dog’s paws can pick up toxicchemicals – salt, antifreeze or de-icers. Wipe his paws,purchase pet-friendly products and consider dog boots.3.Keep them leashedMore pets become lost in the winter than any otherseason. Snowfall can disguise recognizable scents thatwould normally help them find their way home. Makesure collars have updated contact info.4.Be seenDue to Daylight Savings, many of us are walking ourdogs in the dark. Keep yourself and your dog safe bywearing reflective gear and keeping your dog close whenwalking on the street.

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18 All things DOG in Northeast OhioResolve to be aBetter Dog OwnerBy SusanSpisakmade some simple changes and I’mseeing encouraging results. So if youneed a reboot, know there are quickways to address small things for positivechanges.Virginia Francis, Certified ProfessionalTrainer and owner of Club K9 Wickliffeassured me that dogs never forget theirtraining, love ongoing guidance andwant their owners to take charge. “If youdon't, they'll think, 'Well I guess I'll stepup 'cause you're too weak.'”Training RebootHave your pet sit till you say your“mangia!” command before meals. It's adaily reinforcement and teachespatience. Don't repeat the command --help him. “For a sit, pull up on hiscollar…and back by his tail, I call his'button,' I press on the button and hisbutt should go down and his head shouldgo up,” Francis said. “Use the button.”Does your fur kiddo greet and jump onguests? My jovial Retrievers wereobnoxious when guests came calling.Now I leash them up with a foot or twoof the lead relaxed, step on the end of itand command them to sit. They look likemodel citizens and can enjoy a nice patfrom friends and family.If you have a not-so-great leash walker,use a 5-foot, loose leash with a “smile” init; no flexis. Keep him close and on yourleft side so he adheres to your pace (thisis a competitive “heel”). For the puller, amartingale collar or gentle leader willprovide control. (The former will tightenslightly when he pulls providing areminder, whoa doggie! The latter gentlymoves his head and body back towardyou.) Start with a short walk until heunderstands he needs to focus -- andthat you mean business.For the constant sniffer, say “leave it” soyou're not stopping at every tree. Thenuse a consistent phrase such as “take abreak” that'll release him from the heeland allow him to sniff a bit. “Remember,you’re leading this field trip, not him,”Francis said with a laugh.Get Your Groom OnTo keep your BFF buffed, fluffed andlooking his most handsome self, brushseveral times a week to avoid mats, saidTrina Urban, owner of A Brush Above PetGrooming in Westlake. Rubber brushesare great for short-haired breeds likeBeagles, “It's gentle and it feels good,"said Urban. Pin brushes are terrific fornon-shedders like Malteses and slickerbrushes are best for double-coated dogslike Huskies.For dry, itchy skin, consider adding oneomega-3 fish oil pill to your pal's dailydiet. (I use 1000 mg. softgels with EPAand DHA omega-3 fatty acids for my 70-pound canines.) Our groomerrecommended it when Ted's coat wascoarse and lackluster -- now it's soft andshiny. Vitamin E oil is also good for hotspots, warts and calluses -- cut open oneof these softgel pills and rub on theaffected area.Wet fur from snow romps or summerswims necessitates a thorough dry-off,even on short-haired breeds, and don'tneglect ears and feet. Wet fur equalsmatting; wet ears lead to infection.Speaking of ears, Urban uses baby wipesor slightly dampened cotton balls togently wipe around ears and canals toI’m a pretty good dog mom, but I recentlyresolved togo that extra milefor my pooches' well-being.Sure, Bo and Teddy are vetted annually andare current on monthly preventatives, butI’dbeen slacking on basicmanners and grooming.

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Jan/Feb 2020 | CLEDOG.net 19FETCHA C OP YFETCHA C OP Ykeep wax and dirt away.Nails should be trimmed every 4 to 6weeks so they don't grow into the pads.Don't forget feet trims so he doesn't endup with “slipper paws," which collect snowand dirt. To acclimate a fearful dog to pawtouching, massage them when you're“couch potato-ing” together, then rewardwith a few treats. This will help not onlyyour dog, but your groomer, too.Don't Forget the TeethFor necessary oral hygiene, TracyThompson, practice manager at AnimalClinic Northview in North Ridgeville, saidthey recommend brushing teeth andchecking gums weekly. Their practice usesthe over-the-counter Virbac C.E.T.Enzymatic Dog & Cat Toothpaste in avariety of flavors. (I use this brand andmine love the vanilla-mint and actuallyline up for "teeth time.”) If your dog istoothbrush shy, use soft bristle fingerbrushes, squeeze the paste on and runacross the teeth and gums.Blending in a tarter-control water additiveto the water bowl may be a good option,as well. Because Ted is dentally challenged-- he was born with little enamel on histeeth -- I use the additive, a foam breathfreshener and give both dogs a dailygreen dental stick. They are treated todurable bones and antlers in the eveningfor their oral health and chewing pleasure.Routine oral hygiene prevents harmfultarter and plaque build-up on teeth, butperiodic dentals may still be needed.Animal Clinic Northview vets recommendprofessional dental cleanings on a case-by-case basis. But Thompson added,“Once [your dog] has had the first dental,it is usually once a year from there.”The thing that I've learned aboutresolutions is that you must followthrough. So that I'm reminded to care forthe boys faithfully, I keep their grooming,oral hygiene stuff and treat tins on the“dog counter” in the laundry room. Acalendar hangs above to note theirappointments and preventative days. Andlast but not least, their leashes hangnearby as a reminder to exercise themdaily and enjoy by leading my pack.My dog counter

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