AMERICAN BRITTANY RESCUE NEWSLETTER - FEBRUARY 2020
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FROM "GOOD GRIEF" TO "GOOD DOG"
By Kristin Davis
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Have you experienced one of these scenarios with your dog?
- You open the door to greet a guest and your dog darts out into the road.
- You have a cup of hot coffee and your dog jumps on you, spilling the drink and burning both of you.
- You take your dog for a walk and end up being dragged down the street when your dog takes off after a squirrel.
- You leave your dog unattended and come home to your shoes, clothes, or sofa chewed up.
- You have guests over and your dog is so badly behaved you have to put him in a bedroom where he howls all evening.
- It’s pouring rain and your dog refuses to go out and do his business, yet, an hour later you find a puddle on the floor.
Most dog parents have experienced similar scenarios at some point, and most want to prevent them from happening, not only because they are a nuisance and embarrassing, but more importantly, for their dog’s safety.
February is National Pet Training month. And guess what? Training your dog can address every one of the above-mentioned scenarios.
There are many reasons to train your dog, but there are three that are most important:
- Training your dog results in a happier life for you and your dog. Dogs, like children, enjoy knowing the boundaries and what is expected of them. They also like to have a “job.” Training your dog provides mental stimulation and an outlet for your dog’s energy. Thus, your dog is happier, calmer, and more enjoyable to be around. And this results in a happier you!
- Training your dog also helps you bond with your dog. The bond created with your dog during training will increase your dog’s self-confidence, which leads to a calmer and happier dog. Your dog will learn to trust you, seek your approval, and want to please you. Training becomes something fun for your dog. It is a time she will have your undivided attention and focus, and this makes any dog very happy.
- Finally, training is important for your dog’s safety. Remember the dog dashing out the door when you were greeting guests, or the dog jumping on you causing you to spill a hot drink? Training your dog to wait quietly while you greet guests and to come when called could save your dog’s life. A solid recall could save your dog from dangers like being hit by a car, a fight with another dog, or a shock from an electric fence.
Choosing a Training Method for You and Your Dog:
What is the best way to train your dog and should you seek professional help? There are many methods of training, but you must find the best fit for you and your dog. You may want to read books, watch YouTube videos, speak with friends and family who have a well-trained dog, and then give it a go on your own. Or you may choose to work with a trainer or attend classes with your dog. Either way can be successful, but if you find you are struggling and your dog does not seem to be making progress, reach out to a trainer and you may find ways that work better for you and your dog.
There are many ways to find a reputable trainer. Family, friends, and your veterinarian can be good sources for recommendations. You can search the web and read reviews for trainers in your area. Many cities offer low cost obedience classes through the Parks and Recreation Department. Or you may want to try a national company such as Sit Means Sit.® Most chain pet stores, such as Petco® and PetSmart® offer in-store classes. The AKC also often offers classes, workshops, and training seminars.
Here are some links with additional information on how to choose a trainer:
S
ometimes it is not the dog that needs to be trained, but the person. Your dog may be attentive, focused on you, willing to learn, and trying, but you may be sending the wrong signals to your dog. You may be ignoring your dog’s cues, mistaking their body language, or stressed from a hard day at work. Take time to make sure you are calm, relaxed, and ready to work with your dog. Your dog may be telling you he doesn’t understand, or that he is frightened or hurting. Pay attention to your dog and work at his pace. Offer positive rewards and encouragement. Just as Rome was not built in a day, your dog will not be a perfectly trained dog in a day, or even a year. Training is a lifelong commitment to your dog’s well-being, safety, and integration into your family or household.
Regardless of which route you take to train your dog, do the research and take the time to learn your dog so that you can both be successful. Some dogs are food motivated, some toy motivated, others are fearful and need a lot of reassurance. Each dog is different and needs
you
to take the time to figure out how she learns best. Set your dog up to be successful and you both will have a much more positive and enjoyable experience.
A well-trained dog is a joy to be around and will become not only a cherished family member, but your best friend.
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GUNNAR... LOOKING FORWARD
A PUPPY MILL DOG: SAFE, LOVED, AND MAKING STRIDES
By Autumn Fenton
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Poor nutrition and lack of medical care caused Gunnar to go blind. Prior to his rescue from the puppy mill in February of 2019, he lived his entire life inside a cold, damp pole barn. He never felt the warmth of sunshine or a refreshing breeze. Gunnar was alone in the darkness. When he was found, he was so fearful that he exhibited very little physical movement other than to “potty” and eat.
Before Gunnar joined her family almost a year ago, Corinne Ruppert researched ways to help him adapt to his new surroundings. She put many of those tips into practice. Corinne wears a bell bracelet so Gunnar hears her approach. She talks to him continuously. She never moves the furniture and ensures other items are always in the same place.
All of this reassures Gunnar. He curls up in his bed in the living room, but for now, he isn’t interested in exploring the rest of the house. Instead, he prefers to wander in his fenced backyard, using his nose for a guide.
When he first arrived, Gunnar and Corinne enjoyed walking around the neighborhood. But after a month or so he suddenly resisted his harness, even though Corinne tried several different ones and avoided the type that slips over the head. Leash-to-collar walking was ruled out after he experienced “a freak-out moment” when Corinne attempted to lead him.
One night last summer, Gunnar started barking and pacing. When Corinne attempted to comfort him by placing him on her bed, he snapped in fear. From that night on, Corinne slept beside him on the floor. Sometimes he snoozes and snuggles up against her or rests his chin on her leg. Other times, he continues to bark and pace.
When the “barking parade” continued during the day, Corinne brought him to her veterinarian for a behavioral consultation. The situation became even more frustrating after she received rather disconcerting feedback. “She told me I probably have a ghost (in the house),” says Corinne. “I don’t want to step on anyone’s beliefs, but I do not think that is the case.”
At that point, Corinne elected to find another doctor. Prescription medication was discussed. It will only be used as a last resort because the new vet expressed concern about the long-term effects. Corinne administers a natural calming supplement, but so far, it has not made a difference.
Corinne decided to approach the issue in yet another way, so she consulted with an animal behaviorist. She has tried several of the recommendations, including the ‘Sprinkles Game’ which involves scattering “smelly and yummy” food, such as tuna or chicken, in areas of the house Gunnar was reluctant to explore. She also sings nursery rhymes to him, combining the cadence of the music with a gentle caress. This is designed to encourage the motivation to play. Both games help to a degree, but neither fully engage Gunnar.
Corinne is also considering a foster-to-adopt situation to determine if the companionship of a canine sibling might provide comfort.
In spite of the issues they are currently struggling with, Corinne says Gunnar remains a sweet and loving boy. “The behaviorist said his barking is not aggressive, and maybe he doesn’t even know what he wants,” says Corinne. “She said he does not seem certain of his world.... I think he just wants someone close to him.”
Never one to give up on anything, especially on a dog she loves so dearly, Corinne is determined to find out what Gunnar wants. She vows to establish confidence in him. She believes in him.
“I do my best with giving him a warm bed, home-cooked meals, and love,” she says. “I keep hoping he will be happy and content and enjoy his life with me.”
Editor’s Note:
Since Gunnar's story was submitted, Corinne has provided several additional updates. She scheduled a vet visit when a trainer was present. They started Gunnar on fast-acting anxiety medication to enable Corinne and the trainer to work together to desensitize him. They also ordered a pheromone collar and a wall plug. And last but not least, the trainer suggested vanilla essential oil, which Corinne immediately rushed out to purchase.
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Meet
Gage
, a very sweet, energetic, and intelligent 2 ½-year-old Brittany with papers. Gage is being fostered in Nebraska and has completely charmed everyone since coming into rescue. He is very social and seems to like every person and dog. Gage also loves his toys. Inside he plays fetch, but outside he plays keep-away. Gage is very active (he gets the zoomies)
;
he likes to run and explore, but after play time he’ll lie by your side soft and comfy while snuggling.
Gage loves his walks but is a hard puller. He is working on th
is and
is making strides. He is also working on learning basic commands and has made great progress in a short amount of time
. He
will benefit from an active family dedicated to his education.
His exuberance
is
too much for small children and he can be a bit mouthy when he gets excited playing. A secure physical fence is a must
as
Gage loves to run up and down the fence looking for weak spots.
The best home for Gage will be an active family with older kids who will include him in most of their daily activities. If you are home during the day, that’s even better. This boy has a lot of love to give and would love to receive just as much. Gage does not have any desire to hunt and is afraid of gunfire.
If you are interested in Gage, please complete the
adoption application
and mention his name and ID #.
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Hello, my name is
Wilson
from Utah. I haven’t had an easy life, but since being rescued by ABR I have come to know what it's like to really be loved and cared for. I was found roaming the streets of Salt Lake City, filthy and underweight. I was taken to "doggie jail." The nice people from ABR rescued me and gave me much-needed food, love, and grooming. I had to have my remaining teeth removed, but I am much happier now because it no longer hurts to eat.
Speaking of food, I sure know how to be treated like a king! My wonderful foster Dad gives me all sorts of soft food. I especially like chicken, liver, and eggs.
I am hoping to find someone I can go to for ear scratches, a lap to rest my chin on, and someone to make sure I always have a fancy sweater to keep me warm.
I am an easy-going boy, and I don't mind other dogs or cats. I like slow walks around the yard and taking long naps in my crate.
If you would like to have a lovely Brittany boy join your family, please complete an
adoption application
and
e-mail my foster Dad at
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Hey guys it’s me...
Duncan
Dog from Oklahoma!!! I am a carefree fun-loving young man looking for an active family that wants to play a whole bunch during the day, then love on me at night.
I love to play tug of war and fetch with everyone. Sometimes I forget that not all things on the floor are not mine... Oops! But hey, I’m only 2 years old, so I’m still learning.
I am getting really good at using the "poor puppy face" and it gets me out of trouble real fast. I love to talk while playing and my favorite place to be at any given time is... right in the middle of everything!
I’m an overall loving guy. I get along great with my Brittany foster sister and the human kids in the house. If you are active and have time to play and cuddle, maybe I can be part of your family!
Please complete an
adoption application
and mention my name.
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ABR PRINTED NEWSLETTER
A NEW REPORTER
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I have a job! And the pay is fabulous!
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Chicken strips and kisses. Finally, I have an opportunity to repay ABR for rescuing me and arranging my wonderful adoption.
I know all of the Brittanys who come through ABR have a story. These can be scary, heartwarming, or funny, but they all have a happy ending. I’d love for you to share your story with me so I can let the rest of the ABR family know about your (and your human’s) success.
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Please email my mom, Judi Hachman, at
jmhachman@gmail.com
. You can throw in a few facts of your story, but it will be much better if we can contact you in person. Here’s the catch. With all the robo calls and telephone solicitation these days no one would blame you if you don’t answer a call from the 209 (Stockton, CA) area code. Mom’s phone numbers are landline: 209-465-2270 (Yes, she’s THAT old!) and cell: 209-481-2551. We’ll probably have to play telephone tag for a bit. If we can’t get in touch with each other, be sure to leave a message so we’ll know we’re both “safe.” She promised me she won’t try to sell you life insurance or request a contribution to our aging aunt in Mongolia. She promised!!! Can’t wait to hear from all you lucky pups.
Love,
Harriet Louise Hachman
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HEALTH CORNER:
Dental Health for Overall Health
By Christine Brennan
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February is National Pet Dental Health Month. Why do we have a whole month dedicated to dental health? Why do we need to keep our Britts’ smiles as healthy and dazzling as they can be, and how do we do it?
Dental care is a frequently overlooked part of a dog’s overall health profile. That’s problematic because poor oral health leads not only to painful dental conditions, but it can also cause damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys down the road. The bad news: by some estimates, 90% of three-year-old dogs already have some degree of periodontal disease. The good news? If preventative care is started young -- or disease is caught early -- you may be able to avoid serious health issues and financial expense in the future.
Banfield Pet Hospital® recommends a 3-step approach to dental health:
Flip
the lips to examine teeth and gums. Look for visible tartar, discolored teeth, and receding or bleeding gums. Chronic bad breath is also an early sign of developing periodontal disease.
Check
with your veterinarian about your Britt’s needs. Most dogs will need a cleaning annually, while others may require attention more often. A cleaning is typically done under anesthesia so that the veterinarian can do a thorough cleaning both above and below the gumline, as well as address any urgent issues. For more information on what is involved in a professional cleaning and why it is so important (and yes, expensive), check out
Do dogs really need dental cleanings?
Treat
your Britt’s dental care needs at home with regular brushing two or three times a week and/or using dog tooth wipes. Dental treats also help remove plaque build-up and contain breath fresheners. Dental chews and bones can dislodge plaque. Please check with your vet about safe options for chews, bones, and treats.
As always, good preventative care is key in mitigating future problems. Accustom pups to toothbrushing early; make it fun -- and a training opportunity -- by offering small healthy treats for sitting still and allowing access to the mouth. There are plenty of videos on YouTube that give great pointers on dog teeth cleaning, such as
Teeth Brushing: Teaching a Dog to Be Comfortable & Calm
and
How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth
. Use toothpaste specially formulated for dogs which comes in dog-friendly flavors like peanut butter or poultry (yes, poultry!). Never use human toothpaste on dogs; ours is designed to be spit out (theirs isn’t) and may contain xylitol, which can be toxic to dogs.
Even if your pup is a few years old, try slowly introducing toothpaste and other dental care to him or her over time, along with making appointments for twice-yearly exams and annual cleanings. Make it a habit to schedule your dog’s dental cleaning appointment when you schedule your own. This will ensure you’re both keeping up with your dental health.
And, don’t forget to smile! Spring is just around the corner.
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American Brittany Rescue, Inc. will be in attendance at this
FREE
event on the west coast of Florida. ABR's "Coloring for Brittanys" coloring book will be available for purchase, along with dog-lovers t-shirts, cookie-making kits, and other fun items. Look for our adorable ABR stuffies decked out in festive St. Patrick's Day attire. Hope to see you there!
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2020 ABR CALIFORNIA PICNIC
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Saturday, April 25, 2020
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
El Chorro Regional Park
State Highway 1 at Dairy Creek
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
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Please join us for the 19th Annual American Brittany Rescue Picnic! Bring your family and dogs on Saturday, April 25, 2020 for a day of great food and Brittany fun in San Luis Obispo, on California's beautiful Central Coast.
Our Picnic will again be held at
El Chorro Regional Park in San Luis Obispo
, with our own private fenced DOG PARK! Complete with barbecue facilities, picnic tables, restrooms, shade trees and lots of room for the dogs to romp and play. El Chorro Regional Park is located off of Highway 1, at 2990 Dairy Creek Road.
The classic Santa Maria-style barbecue which includes tri tip or chicken, beans, salad and garlic bread with a drink will be
$20 per person
. Please bring a desert to share and any additional drinks you may want. Amounts received in addition to the lunch tickets will be considered donations, and you will receive a donation confirmation letter.
We will be sending out information shortly regarding pet-friendly lodging in the San Luis Obispo/Central Coast area and other Picnic details. We will also be having our great Raffle and Brittany items for sale!
Please RSVP to the invitation and indicate the number of PEOPLE that will be attending and their names by private messaging the host.
Please also note in your reply how many DOGS you are bringing and their names, so we can get an accurate head and paw count!
For Questions Contact Diana or Terrie:
We look forward to seeing everyone on April 25!
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Add a little color and beauty to your garden this spring while helping American Brittany Rescue! Shop for your spring bulbs at Three River Wreath Plant Company and a full 50% of all sales comes directly to ABR for the care of rescued Brittanys.
The sale begins on March 1st and ends on April 30th.
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Keep up-to-date on dog food and treat recalls on
DogFoodAdvisor.com. You can also sign up to have recall alerts delivered to your inbox!
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ABOUT THE AMERICAN BRITTANY RESCUE
American Brittany Rescue, Inc. is an organization that was formed in 1991 as a cooperative effort of Brittany owners, breeders, trainers, and fanciers who ABR believes have a responsibility not only for their own dogs and the dogs they produce, but for the breed as a whole.
THE AMERICAN BRITTANY RESCUE MISSION
ABR's mission is to provide the leadership and expertise via a network of trained volunteers to take in stray, abandoned, surrendered and/or impounded purebred Brittanys, provide them with foster care, health and temperament screening, an opportunity for any necessary rehabilitation and to assure their health and placement into new homes. In order to fulfill this mission, ABR's volunteers remain flexible and adaptable to current and future business environments and they remain dedicated to the organization.
ABR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Terry Mixdorf, President
Terrie Johnson, Vice President
Michelle Falkinburg, Secretary
Diana Doiron, Treasurer
Debbie Clark, Co-Treasurer
Tiffany Dexter
Nancy Hensley
Sandra Oelschlegel
AMERICAN BRITTANY RESCUE E-NEWSLETTER TEAM
Brittany Boler
Christine Brennan
Jeannine Connors
Judie Cutting
Kristin Davis
Autumn Fenton
Lori Gartenhaus
Patricia Gillogly
Monica Rutt
Melissa Tapply DiLello
Debra White
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