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Please Be A Good NeighborThis is for Dog Lovers and Those Who Dislike Dogs

By Don Hanson, PCBC-A, BFRAP

< A version of this article was published on the Green Acres Kennel Shop blog >

< A version of this article was published in the September 2026 issue of Downeast Dog News >

< Updated 2026-09-06 >

< The link to this page – https://www.forcefreepets.com/beagoodneighbor/ >

Being neighborly is simply being friendly, kind, and considerate to those in your community. Considering there are approximately 90 million dogs and 134 million households in the US, the odds of you having a neighbor with a dog are high. Whether you love dogs or dislike them, it is essential that we all get along and be neighborly.Unneighborly Cases 1 & 2A friend with a new rescue dog was taking his dog for a walk in their neighborhood when a neighbor’s dog charged out of a yard into the street and began barking and lunging at my friend and his now-very-frightened dog.

An elderly woman is afraid to walk on her own street because one of her neighbors’ dogs has charged her many times. She is afraid to take a walk in her own neighborhood. That is unacceptable.

The owners of the dogs in the above incidents, which charged a person with their dog and a woman walking alone, were not only failing to be good neighbors but also failing their dogs and, most seriously, threatening public safety and violating the law.

Maine “Dogs at Large” Rule (7 M.R.S. § 3911) – Definition: It is illegal for any dog to be “at large,” which means off the owner’s property and not under the control of a person whose presence and attention reasonably control the dog.

In both cases. The dogs charged off their property in the presence of their owners and had to be physically returned by them. Therefore, the dogs were clearly “at large” and not under reasonable control. Also, under (7 M.R.S. § 3907(12-D)) both dogs could be considered to be a “dangerous dog” (A dog that causes a reasonable and prudent person (who is legally present in a public or non-trespassing area and acting in a non-aggressive manner) to fear imminent serious bodily injury by assaulting or threatening to assault that person or their domesticated animal). If someone believes a dog could cause them or their dog serious bodily injury and reports it to the police, the threatening dog may be legally declared dangerous.

If you have a reactive dog, you have a responsibility to keep the community safe by keeping your dog on a leash or ensuring your dog is contained in a secure, escape-proof enclosure on your property. A reactive dog is suffering emotionally, and you also have a responsibility to seek treatment for your dog from a veterinary behaviorist or veterinarian to help your dog feel better.

Unneighborly Case 3In the example below, the person with the reactive dogs is on public property.

A client who was walking their puppy in one of Bangor’s parks was charged by two large, off-leash dogs, and their “owner” was at least 100 feet away, casually approaching while his dogs were lunging and growling at the puppy and her guardian.

The owner of these two dogs was also in violation of Maine’s “Dogs at Large” Rule (7 M.R.S. § 3911), as both dogs were off-leash and out of control. A good neighbor would have kept both of their dogs on leashes, since they were in a public space. They would have also sought help for their clearly unsettled dogs.

Your Neighborly and Legal Responsibilities if You Have a DogIf you have a reactive dog, you have a responsibility to keep the community safe by keeping your dog on a leash or by ensuring your dog is contained by a secure, escape-proof enclosure on your property. If your dog has been legally determined to be dangerous, you may face additional requirements. A reactive dog is suffering emotionally, and you also have a responsibility to seek treatment from a veterinary behaviorist to help your dog feel better.

Additional Ways You Can Be A Good NeighborWhether you like dogs or not, please understand that not all dogs like being approached and petted by strangers. Always ask before approaching or petting any dog, and if the person with the dogs declines your interaction, accept it and cheerfully move on. If they accept your offer to interact with the dog, remain stationary and allow the dog to decide whether to approach you.

The booms and bright flashes of fireworks can be extremely distressing to many people, pets, and wildlife. The neighborly thing to do is to forgo fireworks at your home. Instead, go to the fireworks display put on by your community.

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Reflections on “The Rainbow Bridge”By Don Hanson, PCBC-A, BFRAP

< A version of this article was published on the Green Acres Kennel Shop blog >

< A version of this article was published in the July 2026 issue of Downeast Dog News>

< Updated 2026-09-06 >

< The link to this page – https://www.forcefreepets.com/therainbowbridge/ >

My recent articles about Muppy’s passing and the reference to The Rainbow Bridge have sparked some thoughtful questions from friends, so I decided to research the poem and discuss it here.

For those of you who are not aware, The Rainbow Bridge is a poem that addresses where our pets go when they pass and leave this earthly realm. I’ve known about the poem for many years, and it has always brought me comfort when a pet passes.

Most agree that “The Rainbow Bridge” is a natural, beautiful place that meets all our pets’ physical, mental, and emotional needs, and where they go when they pass. Restored to their youthful vigor, our furry friends play, enjoy one another’s company, and have amazing adventures, all while waiting for us to reunite with them when we leave this earthly realm. It is basically a paradise for our pets, but without us.

I love the general concept because it captures exactly what I want for all the furry companions who have been part of my life. The only thing I would add is that I hope my pets can continue to watch over me and show up in a dream or in some other manner to spark fond memories. Incidentally, I’ve had two such wonderful dreams since Muppy passed.

Some of you who know that I am not religious might be thinking, “Don, the Rainbow Bridge, really?” While not beholden to any specific religion, I do consider myself spiritual and believe that all the good energy in the universe is interconnected. All of those I have loved and who have loved me will be together again in some form we do not yet understand.

Many of us, me included, have mistaken “the Rainbow Bridge” for pet heaven. However, if we look closely at the first line, “Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge,” the author clearly intended that the bridge leads into heaven, and that our pets wait for us on this side so we can cross over together.

If I look at The Rainbow Bridge from a non-human-centric point of view, I see no reason our pets should have to wait for us before crossing into heaven. In fact, I have seen some hilarious cartoons in which all pets automatically go to heaven because they have had to tolerate humanity. So, in my version, my pets are waiting for me in a wonderful afterlife, hoping I don’t mess up so I can join them someday. Now you know why I want them to keep looking out for me.

The History of The Rainbow BridgeOver the years, various versions of The Rainbow Bridge have been published with no author cited. And in that time, countless people who were not the author took credit for a beautiful poem and copyrighted The Rainbow Bridge.

The search for the real author was documented in National Geographic on February 22, 2023, by Rachel Nuwer in The ‘Rainbow Bridge’ has comforted millions of pet parents. Who wrote it? Nuwer’s article discusses how Paul Koudounaris, a big fan of the poem, tracked down the original author, Edna Clyne-Rekhy. It was 1959, and the author, then 19, wrote The Rainbow Bridge as she grieved the passing of Major, her Labrador Retriever. Her mother suggested she write about Major to help deal with her grief, and the result was The Rainbow Bridge.

Over the years, Clyne-Rekhy typed out copies of the poem that she shared with a few friends, never listing herself as the author or claiming copyright. For obvious reasons, the poem was widely shared, and in 1994, someone sent a copy to Dear Abby, who published it in her column. Suddenly, The Rainbow Bridge was everywhere as people who had lost a pet or who knew someone mourning a furry friend shared it to help a friend deal with their grief.

Unfortunately, due to a lack of clarity on copyright issues regarding The Rainbow Bridge, I cannot include Edna Clyne-Rekhy’s beautiful poem in my article; however, you can read the National Geographic article I cited above and see it in its entirety at https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/rainbow-bridge-poem-pet-death-mourning-origin-revealed

©2026, Donald J. Hanson, All Rights Reserved

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Please Be Polite to Your DogBy Don Hanson, PCBC-A, BFRAP

< A version of this article was published on the Green Acres Kennel Shop blog >

< A version of this article was published in the February 27, 2026 issue of Downeast Dog News >

< Updated 2026-08-31 >

< The link to this page – https://www.forcefreepets.com/Please-Be-Polite/ >

In my November 2025 Words, Woofs and Meows column in Down East Dog News, I indicated that Jean Donaldson’s book, The Culture Clash, played a major role in refuting the dominance myth. However, her most astute observation is in the title, The Culture Clash. If we don’t take the time to understand and learn to accept our differences, we cannot develop the best possible relationship with our dog. No matter how much we want our dogs to be furry, four-footed humans, they are a distinct species with their own needs, behaviors, and means of communication.

Minimally, culture as it relates to a species is “All group-typical behavior patterns, shared by members of animal communities, that are to some degree reliant on socially learned and transmitted information“. – Google AI

Just like people, dogs have social norms for identifying behavior as acceptable or rude. Unfortunately, over the years, people have been taught that dogs must accept our rude behavior, and that is where our species most often clash.

In the Spring of 2023, the San Diego Humane Society released a one-minute video titled “How Would YOU Like It?” which illustrates some of these cultural conflicts noted below. Sometimes, these aren’t cultural conflicts—people dislike them, too; we just aren’t taught that dogs find such behaviors rude, too. To prevent a dog from being abused in this video, a woman plays the dog’s part, while a man plays the rude human. FMI – https://forcefreepets.com/shared-video-howwouldyoulikeit/

Bothered while eating – Unfortunately, years ago, people were taught to play with their dog’s food while the dog was eating, and even to take it away. This was terrible advice and is an excellent way to provoke a bite. Taking their food away or playing with it while they eat is only likely to create resource guarding. Please, allow your dog to eat in peace.

Startled you while sleeping – Dogs don’t like being startled out of a sound sleep any more than a normal human. While it may seem like a fun prank, it is, in fact, bullying, and when you do it to a dog, you may get bitten. It was NOT the dog’s fault. If your dog is sleeping, stand at a respectable distance, quietly say their name, and let them wake gently.

Teased while playing with a toy – There is no good reason to tease a dog or a child playing with a toy, especially by taking it away and taunting them. This type of behavior is unkind and unnecessary. It also qualifies as bullying.

Yanked you around while you were sniffing something – One of a dog’s greatest joys in life is an ambling walk to sniff and explore. No one likes being yanked around by someone else, but especially when it denies them one of their greatest joys in life. Follow your dog’s lead and take the time to enjoy the surroundings. It is good for both of you. FMI – Walking the Dog–Please Make It Enjoyable for Your Dog!

Used you as a pillow – Sadly, I remember trying this a couple of times as a kid. Most dogs will get up and walk away. Your dog is not a pillow and must never be used as one.

Greeted you by sticking their hand in your face – The number of people who will greet a dog by sticking their hand up to a dog’s nose is unbelievable. With a dog’s vastly superior sense of smell, they can smell you from across the room. The polite way to greet a dog, especially when you do not know them, is to allow them to approach, and if the dog chooses not to interact, that is their right.

Greeted you by grabbing you, picking you up, and hugging you – This is one step beyond sticking your hand in the dog’s face and is even ruder. There is ample data to suggest that most dogs abhor being hugged or kissed, which is why you should not hug or kiss your dog. Even if your dog tolerates this behavior from you, it is unlikely to accept this behavior from someone else. If a child sees you hugging your dog and then tries to hug the dog, they could get bitten. Don’t put your dog in that situation.

The video ends by making the statement, “How would you like it if someone didn’t respect your choice…You Wouldn’t Like it At All!”

I believe that adults and children must understand these concepts before they ever add a dog to their family. That is why I encourage shelters, rescues, and breeders to teach everyone these simple principles before anyone takes a dog home. It can all be done with this amazing 1-minute video available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G775ppK3VEM

You can find additional resources to help you better understand your dog on my blog at Resources on Canine Body Language & Communication – https://forcefreepets.com/resources-on-canine-body-language-communication/

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The Woof Meow Pet Tip at Star 977 with Don Hanson – 8-31-26 – The Importance of Being Present< Updated 2026-08-31 >

< The link to this page – https://www.forcefreepets.com/wfmwtip-2026-08-31/ >

/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Woof-Meow-Aug.-31-to-Sept.-13-2026-Being-Present-take-2.mp3MIKE DOW: – Welcome to Woof Meow with Don Hanson here on Star 977. When it comes to pets, how to best care for them, how to teach them, and how to make that bond with your pet even stronger, do what so many people in Maine do: they go to Don Hanson at Green Acres Kennel Shop, 1653 Union Street in Bangor, and online at ForceFreePets.com.

DON: – Being present, often called mindfulness, simply means having your mind, senses, and attention fully anchored in the current moment. Mindfulness is essential when communicating with family members, co-workers, clients, students, and yes, even your pets. Just like any other family member or your best human friend, our pets deserve 100% of our attention when they need us or when we are teaching them something. After the break, I’ll give you some tips to help you stay focused on those you communicate with, both human and non-human.

MIKE DOW: – Since 1995, Don has owned Green Acres Kennel Shop at 1653 Union Street in Bangor, offering pet food and supplies, boarding, daycare, and grooming. Learn more at greenacreskennel.com. Don also offers education for pets and their people at forcefreepets.com.

DON: – We pay a price when we are not present. It sends a very clear message to the person or pet we are engaging with that they are NOT very important to us when we choose to ignore them in favor of that ~ping~ from our phone. If you want to be fully engaged with whoever you are talking to, please silence or turn off your smartphone and watch. Please be fully engaged with your dog at feeding time, when playing with them, or when taking them for a walk. Most importantly, if you are not focused on your dog during training, why should they remain focused on you? Every day, carve out individual time to spend with each of your dogs. For more information, read The Importance of Being Present on the ForceFreePets.com blog.

MIKE DOW: – Animal lovers listen for Woof Meow with Don Hanson each Monday at 4:20, and at various times during the week, only on Star 977

I maintain two blogs, where I write about a variety of topics related to dogs and cats, or with a “Woof and Meow” theme. You can explore either by clicking on the links below. I also often share links to articles written by others that I believe you will find interesting. If you like what you see, please subscribe. You can unsubscribe at any time. If you think friends and family members would like what I’m writing about, please share the link. – Don Hanson, PCBA-A.
ForceFreePets Blog –https://forcefreepets.com/blog/

Green Acres Kennel Shop Blog –https://www.greenacreskennel.com/blog/

©Donald J. Hanson, PCBC-A, All Rights Reserved

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< A version of this article was published on the Green Acres Kennel Shop blog >

< A version of this article was published in the August 2026 issue of Downeast Dog News>

< Updated 2026-08-22 >

< The link to this page – https://www.forcefreepets.com/being-present/ >

This post is based on an educational talk I was asked to present to a business networking group. It is a topic important to anyone who interacts with other sentient beings.

Being present, often called mindfulness, simply means having your mind, senses, and attention fully anchored in the current moment. Mindfulness is essential when communicating with family members, co-workers, clients, students, and anyone else with whom you are having a meaningful conversation. Very few people appreciate being suddenly ignored in the middle of such a conversation. When someone abruptly disengages from us, for no obvious reason, we may feel slighted, which can lead to frustration and even anger.

There are many things that can happen during an interaction that “break” presence. Those insidious smartphones we all carry, and the smartwatches some of us wear, are psychologically engineered to demand our attention the moment they ping, buzz, or flash. Did you know that your electronic device triggers a dopamine response in your brain and has trained you to treat it as more important than anything else in your life? If you don’t believe any of that is true, just start watching people.

If you want to be fully engaged with another living being, please silence or turn off your smartphone and watch.

How we feel can also affect our ability to be mindful. If we are ill, in pain, or overstressed, the polite thing to do is to be honest and simply say, “Now’s not a good time for me; I’m not feeling well.” Sometimes the environment is too noisy or distracting, in which case it’s best to move the conversation to a location where all parties will be comfortable. There will be times when you cannot fully engage; just be honest about it and make sure to set aside time for mindful communication soon.

We pay a price when we are not present. It sends a very clear message that you are not very important to the person you just chose to ignore. Your action may cause them to react the same way towards you in the future. Failure to be present can damage relationships between family members, friends, business partners, students & teachers, you and your clients, and yes, even between you and your pets.

Being present when interacting with your dog is just as important as being mindful when interacting with any other non-human family member. Over the years, many of my students have come to me because they want their dog to pay attention to them, yet they clearly don’t understand that their dog would like the same from them. Respect goes both ways.

Your dog, who will remain equivalent to a human toddler forever, shares these characteristics with a human toddler. They are prone to emotional outbursts due to joy, anger, frustration, and fear. Both prefer routine, and changes in that routine can trigger anxiety or an emotional outburst. They have poor impulse control and often act without thinking. When we ignore them when they are hungry, want to play, need to go out, or are training them, they may see our sudden withdrawal of attention as a punishment, and science has proven time and again that punishment has no place in the training of a sentient being. Your dog is even more likely to resent your lack of engagement than other family members do, especially if they experience it frequently.

We bring dogs into our family to be companions. I recommend that you commit to carving out several moments each day to be your dog’s companion and to give your dog your undivided attention. That means the phone, the TV, the radio, anything that emits sound, is turned off. Great times for doing so are:

• When preparing and feeding your dog their daily meals.
• When playing with your dog, doing something that you both enjoy, either indoors or outdoors.
• When taking your dog for a walk, focus on watching them as you allow them the freedom to follow their nose and to stop and sniff as long as they want. Be aware of what is happening in your environment to keep your dog safe.
• When you are training them and acting as teacher, and they are your student. Learning will be most effective when you are both focused on one another and working in an environment with few or no distractions.
• If you have a dog that likes to snuggle, and not all do, you can both relax and connect just by touch alone. However, please remember, snuggling with us is a choice your dog gets to make. If they don’t choose to snuggle, you need to respect their choice.

©2026, Donald J. Hanson, All Rights Reserved

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Thank You! Trivia, Gus, & PPG Too!

By Don Hanson, PCBC-A, BFRAP

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Woof Meow Pet Tip for August 17, 2026 at Star 977 with Don Hanson – New Science About Cats & Dogs< Updated 2026-08-17 >

< The link to this page – https://www.forcefreepets.com/wfmwtip-2026-08-17/ >

https://www.forcefreepets.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Woof-Meow-August-17-to-Aug-31-2026-New-Science-About-Cats-and-Dogs.mp3MIKE DOW: – Welcome to Woof Meow with Don Hanson here on Star 977. When it comes to pets, how to best care for them, how to train them, and how to make that bond with your pet even stronger, do what so many people in Maine do: they go to Don Hanson at Green Acres Kennel Shop, 1653 Union Street in Bangor, and online at greenacreskennel.com, and at the ForceFreePets website at forcefreepets.com

DON: – At Green Acres Kennel Shop and Force Free Pets, it is our mission to provide humane, ethical, and empathetic pet care and education based on SCIENCE. We do that by attending webinars, conferences, and reading scientific journals. This week I’m going to discuss two papers that recently appeared in some of those journals. The first is about cats. We’ve all seen a cat grooming another cat by licking, which appears affectionate. However, a new study at Ghent University in Belgium found that such licking, known as allogrooming, is not always affectionate. It can also be a form of bullying where one cat licks another until the one being licked moves away. I’ll discuss the dog study after the break.

MIKE DOW: – Since 1995, Don has owned Green Acres Kennel Shop at 1653 Union Street in Bangor, offering pet food and supplies, boarding, daycare, and grooming. Learn more at greenacreskennel.com. Don also offers education for pets and their people at forcefreepets.com.

DON: – Scientists have been investigating a dog’s ability to recognize the emotional state of both other dogs and humans for several years. A paper published by iScience on August 10, 2026 revealed that by looking at our faces, dogs can determine whether we are happy or afraid. This is important because if you and your dog are both happy during training, you’ll be a better teacher, and your dog will learn faster. Your dog can also tell if you are angry or sad. You can read articles about both studies on my blog at ForceFreePets.com, where you will also find links to both studies.

MIKE DOW: – Animal lovers listen for Woof Meow with Don Hanson each Monday at 4:20, and at various times during the week, only on Star 977

Cats Grooming One Another Is NOT Always Affectionate – https://www.forcefreepets.com/shared-2026-08-03/

Dogs Understand Our Mood Based on Our Facial Expressions – https://www.forcefreepets.com/shared-2026-08-16/

I maintain two blogs, where I write about a variety of topics related to dogs and cats, or with a “Woof and Meow” theme. You can explore either by clicking on the links below. I also often share links to articles written by others that I believe you will find interesting. If you like what you see, please subscribe. You can unsubscribe at any time. If you think friends and family members would like what I’m writing about, please share the link. – Don Hanson, PCBA-A.
ForceFreePets Blog –https://forcefreepets.com/blog/

Green Acres Kennel Shop Blog –https://www.greenacreskennel.com/blog/

©Donald J. Hanson, PCBC-A, All Rights Reserved

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< Updated 2026-08-16 >
< A version of this article was also published on the Green Acres Kennel Shop blog >
< The link for this page – https://www.forcefreepets.com/shared-2026-08-16/ >

Scientists have been investigating a dog’s ability to recognize the emotional state of both other dogs and humans for several years. A paper published by iScience on August 10, 2026 [ Hernández-Pérez et al., 2026, iScience, 116900, 2026 © 2026 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc – https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2026.116900 ] has increased that knowledge as indicated below:

• By looking at our faces, dogs can determine whether we are happy or afraid. They can also tell if we are angry or sad, but the study did not indicate whether dogs can differentiate between the two. Further studies may indicate whether dogs use aspects of our body, other than our face, to assess whether we are sad or angry.
• When a dog sees a happy human face, it triggers activation in parts of their brain called the temporal cortex and caudate nucleus. The latter is the brain’s primary reward center, suggesting that a happy human face has emotional and motivational value for our dogs.
• The study also indicated that dogs could assess a person’s emotional states even if they were unfamiliar with the person.

So why is this important?Over the years, I have spent countless hours training my own dogs, but even more time watching my students train theirs. The people who enjoyed working with their dogs were happy, and their dogs were happy, and learning occurred faster and more easily. When the people were unhappy, the dog was uncomfortable or stressed in their presence, and often no learning took place, frustrating both the people and their dog.

Other papers, listed below, have indicated dogs can discriminate between human faces expressing happiness and those expressing anger,6,7 fear,8 sadness,9 disgust,10 or neutrality11,12, as well as between angry6,7 and neutral faces.12

• 6Albuquerque, N., Guo, K., Wilkinson, A., Savalli, C., Otta, E., and Mills, D. (2016). Dogs recognize dog and human emotions. Biol. Lett. 12, 20150883. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2015.0883.
• 7Müller, C.A., Schmitt, K., Barber, A.L.A., and Huber, L. (2015). Dogs can discriminate emotional expressions of human faces. Curr. Biol. 25, 601–605. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2014.12.055.
• 8Merola, I., Prato-Previde, E., Lazzaroni, M., and Marshall-Pescini, S. (2014). Dogs’ comprehension of referential emotional expressions: Familiar people and familiar emotions are easier. Anim. Cognit. 17, 373–385. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10071-013-0668-1.
• 9Morisaki, A., Takaoka, A., and Fujita, K. (2009). Are dogs sensitive to emotional state of humans? J. Vet. Behav. 4, 49. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/248577149_Are_dogs_sensitive_to_the_emotional_state_of_humans..
• 10Buttelmann, D., and Tomasello, M. (2013). Can domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) use referential emotional expressions to locate hidden food? Anim. Cognit. 16, 137–145. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10071-012-0560-4.
• 11Nagasawa, M., Murai, K., Mogi, K., and Kikusui, T. (2011). Dogs can discriminate human smiling faces from blank expressions. Anim. Cognit. 14, 525–533. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10071-011-0386-5.
• 12Deputte, B.L., and Doll, A. (2011). Do dogs understand human facial expressions? J. Vet. Behav. 6, 78–79. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/241118368_Do_dogs_understand_human_facial_expressions

Articles in the Scientific Press About the Papers Dogs know when humans are happy—and it shows in their brains, By Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American – 2026-08-10 – https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/can-dogs-read-your-facial-expressions-it-depends-on-your-mood/ * Sad or afraid? Dogs may be able to read your face, By Meghan Rosen, ScienceNews – 2026-08-10 – https://www.sciencenews.org/article/dogs-understand-emotions-humans-face * Dogs can distinguish between fearful and angry or sad human faces, brain scans suggest*, The Guardian – 2026-08-10 – https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/10/dogs-distinguish-fearful-angry-sad-human-faces-brain-scans

©2026, Donald J. Hanson, All Rights Reserved

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Cats Grooming One Another Is NOT Always Affectionate< A version of this article was published on the ForceFreePets Green Acres Kennel Shop blogs >

< Updated 2026-08-03 >

< A short link for this page – https://www.forcefreepets.com/shared-2026-08-03/ >

We’ve all seen a cat grooming another by licking, which appears affectionate. However, a new study by Morgane Van Belle at Ghent University in Belgium found that such licking (allogrooming) can sometimes be a form of bullying: one cat licking another until the one being licked moves away. The study was published in the Applied Animal Behavior Journal – Unravelling (sp?) feline social dynamics – A video-based observational study on allogrooming in domestic cats – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159126001292

The study examined video interactions among 106 cats from 53 households. The study concludes that allogrooming in domestic cats is part of social bonding or affiliation, or a way of coping with social tension.

The paper allows the image below to be downloaded, which illustrates their findings.

Articles in Popular MediaThe Independent – The sinister motivation behind cats licking each other – https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/cats-animal-behaviour-licking-science-study-b3014486.html

The Brussels Times – Belgian researcher uncovers the disturbing truth behind why cats groom each other – https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/2230916/belgian-researcher-uncovers-the-disturbing-truth-behind-why-cats-groom-each-other

CBC Radio: Cats don’t always lick each other out of affection – https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/cat-grooming-passive-aggressive-9.7272755

©2026, Donald J. Hanson, All Rights Reserved

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Woof Meow Pet Tip for August 3, 2026 at Star 977 with Don Hanson – Questions to Ask Yourself BEFORE Adding a Dog to Your Family< Updated 2026-08-03 >

< The link to this page – https://www.forcefreepets.com/wfmwtip-2026-08-03/ >

https://www.forcefreepets.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Woof-Meow-August-3-to-August-16-2026-Questions-B4-Getting-a-Dog.mp3MIKE DOW: – Welcome to Woof Meow with Don Hanson here on Star 977. When it comes to pets, how to best care for them, how to train them, and how to make that bond with your pet even stronger, do what so many people in Maine do: they go to Don Hanson at Green Acres Kennel Shop, 1653 Union Street in Bangor, and online at greenacreskennel.com, and at the ForceFreePets website at forcefreepets.com

DON: – Adding a puppy or dog to a family is no small matter. The decision to do so will affect all family members, and the dog will be affected by everyone else in the home, humans and non-humans alike. Therefore, to be fair to the dog and all other family members, everyone in the home needs to consider the following: Are you ready to live with a companion that will be emotionally and cognitively equivalent to a human toddler its entire life? If you have any experience with human toddlers, you know that their innocence and curiosity can be charming and usually outweigh any mischievous or undesirable behavior. However, while most adult toddlers mature into responsible adult humans, a puppy, or even an adult dog, does not. After the break, I’ll list some more things for you to consider.

MIKE DOW: – Since 1995, Don has owned Green Acres Kennel Shop at 1653 Union Street in Bangor, offering pet food and supplies, boarding, daycare, and grooming. Learn more at greenacreskennel.com. Don also offers education for pets and their people at forcefreepets.com.

DON: – Additional questions to ask yourself before adding a dog to the family are: Do you have the time, energy, and knowledge to manage human and non-human toddlers in your home? If you are living with elderly family members or others with health issues, would a puppy or dog be a benefit or a nuisance? Is it fair to an existing dog or cat to bring a new dog into the home? Do you have the financial ability to care for a dog? Please note, I’ve just scratched the surface of this important topic. For more things to consider, check out Questions to Ask Yourself BEFORE Adding a Dog to Your Family on my blog at ForceFreePets.com.

MIKE DOW: – Animal lovers listen for Woof Meow with Don Hanson each Monday at 4:20, and at various times during the week, only on Star 977

I maintain two blogs, where I write about a variety of topics related to dogs and cats, or with a “Woof and Meow” theme. You can explore either by clicking on the links below. I also often share links to articles written by others that I believe you will find interesting. If you like what you see, please subscribe. You can unsubscribe at any time. If you think friends and family members would like what I’m writing about, please share the link. – Don Hanson, PCBA-A.
ForceFreePets Blog –https://forcefreepets.com/blog/

Green Acres Kennel Shop Blog –https://www.greenacreskennel.com/blog/

©Donald J. Hanson, PCBC-A, All Rights Reserved

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< Updated 24OCT22 > In this blog post from October 20, 2022, Eileen Anderson of eileenanddogs.com and co-author of  Puppy Socialization – What It Is and How to Do It discusses a recent walk with her 18-month-old dog Lewis. She describes his first encounter with a new object, a trailer parked in front of the … Continue reading Shared Blog Post – Just a Whisper: The Early Signs of Fear in Dog Body Language, Eileen Anderson, eileeanddogs.com

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Pet Insurance – How to Choose A Provider By Don Hanson, PCBC-A, BFRAP < A version of this article is scheduled to be published in Pets and Their People  > < A version of this article was published in the September 2022 issue of Downeast Dog News> < Updated 23OCT22 > < A short link … Continue reading Pet Insurance – How to Choose A Provider

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Pet Health Insurance – Why It’s A Good Idea By Don Hanson, PCBC-A, BFRAP < A version of this article was published in Pets and Their People on  October 10th, 2022 > < A version of this article was published in the August 2022 issue of Downeast Dog News > < Updated 23OCT22 > < … Continue reading Pet Health Insurance – Why It’s A Good Idea

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< Updated 22SEP22 > Knowing what “human foods” you can safely feed your dog can be confusing. Unfortunately, the internet and even pet care professionals, who should know better, often give contradictory and confusing advice. Sadly, that advice is often only supported by myths and not research studies based on science. Even sadder is that … Continue reading Shared Blog Post – Human Foods Dogs Can & Can’t Eat by Dr. Karen Becker

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< A version of this article was published in the June and July 2022 issues of Downeast Dog News> < Updated 31AUG22 > < A short link for this page – https://bit.ly/12Steps-BestFriendsForLife > If you have read my article, Help! My Dog is Stubborn! you already know that I believe that dogs are never stubborn … Continue reading There Are No “Stubborn” Dogs – Twelve Steps to Becoming Best Friends for Life

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Help! My Dog Is Stubborn! By Don Hanson, PCBC-A, BFRAP < A version of this article was published in the April & May 2022 issue of Downeast Dog News> < Updated 29AUG22 > < A short link for this page – insert link > What Is Stubborn? I have often heard a prospective or existing … Continue reading Help! My Dog Is Stubborn!

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< Updated 29AUG22 > < A short link for this page – https://bit.ly/NO2RetractableLeashes > Thanks to Cathy Gair for this excellent article for outward hound outlining why retractable or Flexi leads cause far too much harm for any benefit they provide. Read the article at  https://outwardhound.com/furtropolis/water-safety/why-are-retractable-leashes-bad

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< Updated 14JUL22 > In her blog post of July 11th, 2022, Eileen Anderson of EileenandDogs describes how unexpectedly getting stung by a wasp dramatically changed her behavior. I have shared Eileen’s post on my blog because this same type of response can occur when our pets experience something they find punishing. Understand that what … Continue reading Shared Blog Post – Experiencing a High Magnitude Punisher and Its Fallout – Eileen Anderson

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If you care for animals, please read this excellent article from BARKS from the Guild on why punishment in animal training is not only totally unnecessary but also has great potential to be extremely harmful. Then share it with others, including those pet care professionals who still recommend punishment. If they choose not to read … Continue reading Shared Blog Post – Punishment in Animal Training – It’s Unnecessary and Harmful

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< Updated 22MAY22 > < A short link for this page – https://bit.ly/Causes-Reactivity > Reactivity in a dog is one of the most common reasons I see clients with behavioral concerns about their dog. Frequently, this is triggered by fear. Fear occurs on a continuum from mild shyness or timidity to anxiety, fear, and ultimately … Continue reading Potential Causes for Reactivity (Shyness, Anxiety, Fear, and Terror) in a Dog

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< Updated 05MAY22 > Considering whether or not euthanasia is appropriate for a pet is never easy. However, it can be even more complicated when behavioral considerations are a primary factor in the process. Dr. Christine Calder, a veterinary behaviorist, recently addressed this topic in an article entitled Behavioral Euthanasia: Making the Hard Decision in the … Continue reading Shared Blog Post – Behavioral Euthanasia: Making the Hard Decision

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< Updated 21APR22 > < A short link for this page – https://bit.ly/Shared-Pups-w-olderdogs > Puppies can often be relentless when getting an older dog to play. While your senior dog may enjoy an opportunity to wrestle and play chase games with a puppy, odds are they will reach a point when they have had enough. … Continue reading Shared Blog Post – You Have to Stop! Interrupting Unwelcome Puppy Play Toward an Older Dog from eileenanddogs.com

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< Updated 3APR22 > < A short link for this page – https://bit.ly/LastTrack-3APR22 > In addition to being great companions, dogs do some amazing things. In this 30-minute film from HuntingME, LAST TRACK – Finding closure through dog tracking, you will see “dog trackers Lindsay and Susanne as they help hunters of all ages track mortally … Continue reading Shared YouTube Post – LAST TRACK – Finding closure through dog tracking from HuntingME

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< Updated 27MAR22 > < A short link for this page – https://bit.ly/DJH-PPAB > I currently hold two dog training and behavior credentials. Unfortunately, the two organizations that issued those credentials believe that using a shock collar is acceptable. Their position is contrary to the science that indicates that aversives, such as shock, choke, and … Continue reading Why I’m Seeking Credentialing from the Pet Professional Accreditation Board (PPAB)

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< A version of this article was published in the MAR22 issue of Downeast Dog News> < Updated 04MAR22 > < A short link for this page – https://bit.ly/Nut-Water >   The most important nutrient we provide for our pets is not the food we buy at the store or make from fresh ingredients. It … Continue reading Our Pets Most Important Nutrient – Water

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< A version of this article was published in the January and February 2022 issues of Downeast Dog News> < Updated 30JAN22 > < A short link for this page – https://bit.ly/Pets-Autos > Cars, trucks, mini-vans, basically any automobile are often as much a part of our pets’ lives as they are ours. It’s how … Continue reading Pets & Automobiles – Helping Your Pet Enjoy the Car

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< Updated 16JAN22 > < A short link for this page – https://bit.ly/AreDogsHypoallergenic > Many people desperately want a dog in their life but have allergies. There are dog breeds advertised and promoted as being “hypoallergenic.” This would seem to imply that if you get one of these dogs, you will not have an allergic … Continue reading Shared Blog Post – All About Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds – They’re NOT!

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< Updated 02JAN22 > < A short link for this page – https://bit.ly/ReactivityMisunderstood > I found this excellent graphic on Facebook, which does an excellent job of describing dog reactivity and aggression. Thank you to the Dancing Zombie Design Studio for creating it and Calvert Canines – Training, Behaviour Modification & Nutrition for sharing it. … Continue reading Shared Blog Post – Reactivity:Misunderstood

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< A version of this article was published in the December 2021 issue of Downeast Dog News> < Updated 15NOV21 > < A short link for this page – https://bit.ly/BkRvwNOV2021 > It’s the holiday season and a time when we often think about giving gifts to others. The greatest gift my parents gave me was a … Continue reading Book Reviews – Knowledge to Enrich the Life of You and Your Dog – The Best Dog Books of 2021

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< Click to Listen to Podcast > < Updated 17NOV21 > < A short link for this page – https://bit.ly/WfMw-09OCT21-CanineStress >   In this episode of The Woof Meow Show from October 9th, 2021, Kate and Don discuss Don’s article, Understanding, Identifying, and Coping with Canine Stress, published in the July 2021 issue of BARKS … Continue reading Podcast – Understanding, Identifying, and Coping with Canine Stress

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< Updated 11NOV21>

Angelica Steinker of Courteous Canine, Inc. wrote a brilliant article entitled Why Counterconditioning “Doesn’t Work” for the May 2015 issue of BARKS from the Guild, the professional journal of the Pet Professional Guild. Today the article was posted on the BARKS blog. My only criticism is, I think a better title would have been “How to Help Ensure Counterconditioning Will Work.”

In this article, the author discusses the typical reason a counterconditioning protocol fails; user error. In my experience, far too often, people with a fearful pet are in such a hurry to help their pet that they miss the keys to success that Steinker outlines in her article. The steps she describes can dramatically increase the odds of counterconditioning relieving the dog’s anxiety. The core message is the animal being counter conditioned MUST feel safe and relaxed.

This is a MUST READ for anyone working with fearful animals.

< Click here to read on the BARKS blog >

Recommended Resources Articles on Don’s Blog ( http://www.words-woofs-meows.com ) Help! My Dog is Aggressive, Reactive, Fearful, Anxious, etc. – What do I do? – http://bit.ly/HelpDogAggx

How Can I Tell When My Dog Is Anxious or Fearful? – http://bit.ly/DogsSignsofFear

Introduction to Canine Communication – http://bit.ly/CanineComm

Understanding, Identifying and Coping with Canine Stress – http://bit.ly/Canine-Stress

Management of An Aggressive, Fearful or Reactive Dog – http://bit.ly/BhxManagement

Shared Blog Post – the misunderstanding of time by Nancy Tanner – http://www.greenacreskennel.com/blog/2016/11/16/shared-blog-post-the-misunderstanding-of-time-by-nancy-tanner/

The emotional toll of a reactive dog by Jay Gurden in Dog’s Today – http://bit.ly/SharedGurenEmotional

Podcasts from The Woof Meow Show ( http://woofmeowshow.libsyn.com/ )

Anxiety, Fears & Phobias with Dr. Christine Calder – https://bit.ly/WfMw-AnxFrPhbiaDrCalder

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Don Hanson is the co-owner of the Green Acres Kennel Shop ( greenacreskennel.com ) in Bangor, Maine, where he has been helping people with their pets since 1995. He is also the founder of ForceFreePets.com, an online educational resource for people with dogs and cats. Don is a Bach Foundation Registered Animal Practitioner (BFRAP), Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Associate Certified Cat Behavior Consultant (ACCBC), and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). He is a member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG), where he serves on the Board of Directors and Steering Committee and chairs the Advocacy Committee and The Shock-Free Coalition ( shockfree.org ). Don produces and co-hosts a weekly radio show and podcast, The Woof Meow Show, that airs on Z62 Retro Radio WZON (AM620) and WKIT 103.3-HD3 and is streamed at http://bit.ly/AM620-WZON every Saturday at 9 AM. Podcasts of the show are available at http://bit.ly/WfMwPodcasts/, the Apple Podcast app, and Don’s blog: www.words-woofs-meows.com. The opinions in this post are those of Don Hanson.

©11NOV21, Donald J. Hanson, All Rights Reserved

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< A version of this article was published in the NOV2021 issue of Downeast Dog News>

< Updated 01NOV21 >

< A short link for this page – https://bit.ly/2021VetCrisis >

Some of my clients have commented on the long lead times to get appointments with their veterinarian for several months. In addition, new clients that have just moved to the area have indicated that many local veterinarians are not accepting new patients at this time. There were also rumors of the Eastern Maine Emergency Veterinary Clinic (EMEVC) not being open some nights and turning patients away because they did not have enough staff to see everyone. So, on Sept. 27, When EMEVC announced that they would be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays until further notice, I started to ask my friends in the veterinary community what was going on. What I learned was alarming.

After talking with colleagues throughout Maine and the USA, I discovered a nationwide shortage of veterinarians, technicians, and assistants. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recently addressed this topic in an article in the JAVMA News entitled “Are we in a veterinary workforce crisis?” While some have speculated that this was due to a massive increase in pet adoptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the data reported in JAVMA does not support this conclusion; “The number of pets adopted from shelters in 2020 was the lowest in five years, based on data from over 4,000 shelters across the country.”

The data does indicate “…veterinarians saw fewer patients per hour and average productivity declined by almost 25% in 2020, compared with 2019**.” The JAVMA News article suggests a significant drop in productivity directly resulting from necessary changes in how veterinary practices operated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As with other professions, the pandemic has increased stress levels and a loss of staff due to illness, a need to care for family members, or burnout.

The article in JAMA News suggests several things the veterinary profession can do to change this situation, but none will happen quickly. Additionally, society is still feeling the effects of COVID-19. With cases increasing again, it is quite possible things will worsen before they get better.

Those who share our lives with pets care deeply about their health, as does the entire veterinary and professional pet care community. I believe the best thing we can do as a like-minded community is to commit to working together to resolve this crisis. Too many people have used COVID to divide us as a society; it’s time for pet guardians to set an example for the rest of the world. Let’s show the world how to work together as a compassionate, caring team that is as concerned about the wellbeing of others as much as themselves. This is how we can start:

• Be kind, patient, and helpful to others.
• If you have not already done so, establish a relationship with a local veterinarian. Ask them what level of care they can provide if area emergency clinics are unavailable BEFORE you have an emergency.
• Ensure you have contact information for all area emergency clinics readily available if the closest is closed.
• Take a pet first aid class to better prepare to care for your pet in a crisis. An excellent course is offered online by the Pet Professional Guild. [ FMI – https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/Learnpetfirstaid ]
• Keep all of your pet’s veterinary records so that they are readily available if you need to see another veterinarian. Take those records with you if you travel with your pet.
• Every time you see your veterinarian, they probably send you home with a report indicating when your pets will be due for their next vaccinations and exams. Don’t wait until the last minute to schedule those appointments. Also, keep that information readily available so that you can provide it to your daycare, boarding facility, dog trainer, and groomer without having to call your very busy veterinarian for another copy.
• Keep your pets healthy. Make sure that they have adequate and appropriate physical exercise and mental enrichment. Feed them healthy food and do not let them become obese. Provide them with medications as prescribed and order prescription refills well in advance. Please, do not use aversive training tools [ shock, prong & choke collars] that can cause physical or emotional injury.
• Before embarking on a non-regular activity with your pet, assess their health and age and review the risk of that activity. Is your pet up to it, and are you ready to do what’s necessary if your pet has a healthcare emergency?
• Be kind, patient, and helpful to others.

References Are we in a veterinary workforce crisis?, JAVMAnews, Sept. 15, 2021 – https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2021-09-15/are-we-veterinary-workforce-crisis

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Don Hanson is the co-owner of the Green Acres Kennel Shop ( greenacreskennel.com ) in Bangor, Maine, where he has been helping people with their pets since 1995. He is also the founder of ForceFreePets.com, an online educational resource for people with dogs and cats. Don is a Bach Foundation Registered Animal Practitioner (BFRAP), Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Associate Certified Cat Behavior Consultant (ACCBC), and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). He is a member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG), where he serves on the Board of Directors and Steering Committee and chairs the Advocacy Committee and The Shock-Free Coalition ( shockfree.org ). Don produces and co-hosts a weekly radio show and podcast, The Woof Meow Show, that airs on Z62 Retro Radio WZON (AM620) and WKIT 103.3-HD3 and is streamed at http://bit.ly/AM620-WZON every Saturday at 9 AM. Podcasts of the show are available at http://bit.ly/WfMwPodcasts/, the Apple Podcast app, and Don’s blog: www.words-woofs-meows.com. The opinions in this post are those of Don Hanson.

©31@OCT21, Donald J. Hanson, All Rights Reserved

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< Updated 30OCT21 >

< A short link for this page – https://bit.ly/WfMw-2021FFFB >

In this episode of The Woof Meow Show from October 30th, 2021, Don talks with Kelly Adams and Mike Trafton of the Eastern Area Agency on Aging (EAAA) about the Furry Friends Food Bank and the 14th annual fundraiser sponsored by Green Acres Kennel Shop, The Woof Meow Show, and ForceFreePets.

Click here to donate to the Furry Friends Food Bank – https://www.greenacres-donate.com

Click here to learn more about the Eastern Area Agency on Aging – https://www.eaaa.org/

Click here to learn more about the EAAA Furry Friends Food Bank – https://www.eaaa.org/furry-friends-food-bank/

Click here to go to the Friends of the Furry Friends Food Bank Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/GAKS.FFFFB/

Contact Info Friends of the EAAA Furry Friends Food Bank Website: https://www.greenacres-donate.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GAKS.FFFFB/

Eastern Area Agency on Aging Phone: 207-941-2865

Address: Main Office – 240 State St., (Twin City Plaza) Brewer, ME

Website: https://www.eaaa.org/ & https://www.eaaa.org/furry-friends-food-bank/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/easternaaa/

Don Hanson & Kate Dutra Green Acres Kennel Shop, ForceFreePets.com & The Woof Meow Show Address: 1653 Union St, Bangor, ME 04401-2204

Phone: (207) 945-6841, x103

Email–Email Don

Website-Green Acres: https://www.greenacreskennel.com/

Facebook-Green Acres: https://www.facebook.com/GreenAcresKennelShop/

Website-The Woof Meow Show: https://woofmeowshow.libsyn.com/

Facebook-The Woof Meow Show: https://www.facebook.com/WoofMeowShow/

Website-ForceFreePets–https://forcefreepets.com/

Facebook-ForceFreePets–https://www.facebook.com/ForceFreePets

©30OCT21, Donald J. Hanson, All Rights Reserved

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< A version of this article was published in the OCT 2021 issue of Downeast Dog News>

< Updated 10OCT21 >

< A short link for this page – https://bit.ly/AVSABHumaneDogTraining >

In August, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) issued a position statement on humane dog training. I encourage all veterinarians, dog trainers and behavior consultants, other pet care professionals, animal shelters and rescues, breeders, and pet parents to familiarize themselves with the position statement and the cited studies. This is information they MUST be familiar with to practice ethically. The position statement refutes many myths about dogs, their behavior, and training, such as dominance, pack hierarchy, and the need to be “alpha.” AVSAB concludes its statement with the following:

“Based on current scientific evidence, AVSAB recommends that only reward-based training methods are used for all dog training, including the treatment of behavior problems. Aversive training methods have a damaging effect on both animal welfare and the human-animal bond. There is no evidence that aversive methods are more effective than reward-based methods in any context. AVSAB therefore advises that aversive methods should not be used in animal training or for the treatment of behavior disorders.” [emphasis added]

AVSAB joins the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), which have similar position statements. FMI – https://bit.ly/Pos_HumaneTraining

One of the critical reasons for this position is that aversive methods and tools negatively affect animal welfare. They cause distress which is inhumane.

“In observational studies, dogs trained with aversive methods or tools showed stress-related behaviors during training, including tense body, lower body posture, lip licking, tail lowering, lifting front leg, panting, yawning, and yelping.” 4–8

In contrast, “Dogs trained with reward-based methods showed increased attentiveness to their owner.” 5

As a pet parent, minimal or no stress and increased attentiveness are precisely what I want in my dog. As a professional dog trainer, I know it is what my clients desire as well. Having a relationship with your dog based on mutual trust is essential to successful training. Anyone who has been intentionally subjected to force, pain, or fear by someone knows those things will NEVER build trust.

Unfortunately, there are also long-term effects related to the use of aversives.

“Survey studies have shown an association between the use of aversive training methods and long-term behavior problems including aggressive behavior towards people and other dogs, and anxiety-related behaviors such as avoidance and excitability.” 8–15 Additionally, “Several studies show the effect of aversive training persists beyond the time of training. After dogs learned a cue taught using aversive training methods, they continued to show stress-related behaviors when the cue was presented, suggesting the cue itself had become aversive.” 5,7,8

In other words, the use of aversives can create a lifetime of chronic stress for a dog. Most of us consider our dog our companion, and many refer to their dog as their best friend. But, who wants a life of chronic stress and fear for their best friend? No one, I hope.

Dogs with behavior issues such as reactivity, aggression, anxiety, and hyperactivity are challenging to live with and often have chronic stress in their lives, often creating distress for their person. Since these undesirable behaviors result from an emotional response, they cannot be “trained” away without first building trust. As noted above, aversives NEVER build trust. FMI – http://bit.ly/Canine-Stress

As a trainer, one of the first things I teach my clients is how to manage their dog and the environment to avert behaviors like aggression and anxiety. These behaviors are much easier to prevent than they are to fix after they develop. Incidentally, studies by Blackwell and Hiby10, 14 demonstrated that dogs trained using rewards are less likely to develop behavior problems than dogs trained with aversives.

Proponents of inhumane training techniques often argue that force is the only way to get results. However, that position is not supported by science. On the other hand, ample evidence in the peer-reviewed literature demonstrates that reward-based training works very well.

“Reward-based training methods have been shown to be more effective than aversive methods” .1,2,17

“Multiple survey studies have shown higher obedience in dogs trained with reward based methods.”9,14,18

A study by Hiby et al. (2004) “…found that obedience levels were highest for dogs trained exclusively with reward-based methods and lowest for dogs trained exclusively with aversive-based methods.” 14

The evidence from multiple studies is clear; if you want a well-trained dog, the best way to achieve that goal is with rewards, not punishment. I genuinely believe that no one with a dog wants to hurt their dog. If you or your trainer cannot get results without punishment, step back and recognize it’s time for you to learn a better way. Many trainers can help you get the results you want without resorting to aversives.

When looking for a trainer, AVSAB recommends:

“An appropriate trainer should avoid any use of training tools that involve pain (choke chains, prong collars, or electronic shock collars), intimidation (squirt bottles, shaker noise cans, compressed air cans, shouting, staring, or forceful manipulation such as “alpha rolls” or “dominance downs”), physical correction techniques (leash jerking, physical force), or flooding (“exposure”). The learner must always feel safe and have the ability to “opt out” of training sessions. All efforts should be made to communicate effectively and respectfully with the learner.”

I sincerely hope that all veterinarians, pet care professionals, pet training and behavior associations, breeders, and animal shelter and rescues will develop their own positions statements and policies that support the AAHA, AVSAB, and PPG positions. It is long past time for people to continue abusing dogs in the name of training.

Recommended Resources References AVSAB Humane Dog Training Position Statement – https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/AVSAB-Humane-Dog-Training-Position-Statement-2021.pdf

2015 AAHA Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines – https://www.aaha.org/globalassets/02-guidelines/behavior-management/2015_aaha_canine_and_feline_behavior_management_guidelines_final.pdf

PPG Guiding Principles – https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/Guiding-Principles

Articles on Don’s Blog ( http://www.words-woofs-meows.com ) How to Select A Dog Trainer – http://bit.ly/HowToSelectADogTrainer

Important Position Statements Related to Animal Welfare & Care in the USA by Leading Organizations – https://bit.ly/Pos_HumaneTraining

Understanding, Identifying and Coping with Canine Stress – http://bit.ly/Canine-Stress

What’s Shocking about Shock? – What Science Tells Us About the Use of Shock in Dog Training – PPG BARKS from the Guild – July 2019 – http://bit.ly/ShockBARK-JUL2019

The Unintended Consequences of Shock Collars – http://bit.ly/ShockCollars

Things I Wish I Had Known Before I Started Training Dogs – Gus, the Dominance Myth, An Alpha Roll, and a Damaged Relationship – WWM-SEP2018 – http://bit.ly/Things-Gus-Dominance

Things I Wish I Had Known Before I Selected My First Dog – Aversives are Unnecessary and Counter-Productive When Training A Dog – Part 1 – WWM-JAN2019 – http://bit.ly/Things-Aversives-1

Things I Wish I Had Known Before I Selected My First Dog – Aversives are Unnecessary and Counter-Productive When Training A Dog – Part 2 – WWM-FEB2019 – http://bit.ly/Things-Aversives-2

Choke Collar Pathology – an excellent blog post from dog trainer Daniel Antolec on the dangers of using a choke collar on a dog. – http://ppgworldservices.com/2017/06/13/choke-collar-pathology/

Podcasts from The Woof Meow Show ( http://woofmeowshow.libsyn.com/ )

The Unintended Consequences of Shock Collars – http://bit.ly/ShockPodcast

The Pet Professional Guild and the Shock-Free Coalition with Niki Tudge – http://bit.ly/PodCastShockFree-NikiTudge-2017

What’s Shocking About Shock – What Science Tells Us About the Use of Shock in Dog Training – http://bit.ly/WfMw-WhatShock-27JUL19

Podcast – Charlee and the Electronic Shock Containment System w-Dan Antolec – https://bit.ly/Blog-Charlee_E-Fence

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Don Hanson is the co-owner of the Green Acres Kennel Shop ( greenacreskennel.com ) in Bangor, Maine, where he has been helping people with their pets since 1995. He is also the founder of ForceFreePets.com, an online educational resource for people with dogs and cats. Don is a Bach Foundation Registered Animal Practitioner (BFRAP), Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Associate Certified Cat Behavior Consultant (ACCBC), and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). He is a member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG), where he serves on the Board of Directors and Steering Committee and chairs the Advocacy Committee and The Shock-Free Coalition ( shockfree.org ). Don produces and co-hosts a weekly radio show and podcast, The Woof Meow Show, that airs on Z62 Retro Radio WZON (AM620) and WKIT 103.3-HD3 and is streamed at http://bit.ly/AM620-WZON every Saturday at 9 AM. Podcasts of the show are available at http://bit.ly/WfMwPodcasts/, the Apple Podcast app, and Don’s blog: www.words-woofs-meows.com. The opinions in this post are those of Don Hanson.

©10OCT21, Donald J. Hanson, All Rights Reserved

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< A version of this article was published in the September 2021 issue of Downeast Dog News>

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Every year millions of dogs and cats of various breeds, sizes, and ages are cared for by boarding facilities, pet sitters, friends, and family members. This could be for multiple reasons: traveling for business or vacation, extended work schedules, or a family emergency or illness. While many pets, dogs, in particular, find a stay at a boarding facility fun, despite the best efforts of pet care professionals, not all pets do well away from home. When this occurs, a pet care professional is responsible for informing you of this situation; they want your pet to have a low-stress and enjoyable stay and go home happy and healthy. While many factors require consideration before boarding your pet, temperament, health, and age top the list.

Most boarding facilities provide more comprehensive care for their guests than the typical hotel does for humans. That is why the process of booking a reservation for your pet is not as easy as booking a hotel room for yourself online. A reputable boarding facility will ask questions about your pet’s vaccinations, temperament, play style, health, food preferences, and medications. A boarding facility provides a place to rest and sleep but is also responsible for; meals, mental enrichment and play, housekeeping, physical handling, routine medication if needed, and sometimes grooming services. If a pet becomes unwell, those services may include transportation to the veterinarian. If you or your designated representative is not available, the boarding facility and their veterinarian may need to make medical decisions for your pet.

Your Pet’s Temperament

Just as people have a wide range of temperaments, so do pets. Some will be constantly happy and look forward to meeting every new, living thing they encounter. At the opposite extreme, some will dislike and even fear anything new and may never open up to other animals or people. Even a change in environment, such as moving from a familiar home to a boarding facility or home of a friend, whether filled with other critters and people or not, can be overwhelming for some pets.

A fearful pet is not a “bad” pet; they are just animals struggling in a difficult situation and require patience and understanding. Unfortunately, a frequently anxious or fearful pet is unlikely to enjoy being cared for anywhere outside of their home. No matter who cares for your pet, they must be able to handle them regardless of the pet’s mood. While any animal can have an intemperate moment and bite, pets that are fear aggressive are more likely to pose a bite risk. Therefore, they are probably not a good candidate for a boarding facility or a pet sitter. It is a pet parent’s responsibility to disclose this information and to find a suitable alternative.

A reputable professional may be able to work with you to help acclimate your pet to staying away from home. However, please be aware that this is a prolonged process and must start weeks, if not months, before leaving your pet.

Your Pet’s Health and Age

Most pets are relatively healthy during their younger years, but underlying health issues may arise as they age. It is essential to do a mental and physical assessment of your pet every time you board them to ensure that they are in good health. If, at any time, you have concerns, or are made aware of health issues by your veterinarian, contact your boarding facility and have a conversation with them regarding these issues. Concerns can be anything from increased water consumption or decreased appetite, hints of dementia, increased stiffness in joints, or reactivity and aggression. The boarding facility may suggest or even require that you have your pet examined by a veterinarian before boarding, but that is a better alternative to receiving a phone call and having to consult and make decisions over the phone while you are hours away

The boarding facility will need to be able to easily and quickly contact you at any time if something arises and emergency healthcare is necessary. If you will be unable to be reached while away, you need to have a friend, family member, or veterinarian designated to act on your pet’s behalf. They must be available and able to be reached quickly and easily. While a caregiver for your pet may have you sign a contract giving them authority to act in your pet’s best interest if you are unreachable, the preferred situation would always place you as the person in charge of any life-altering decisions regarding your pet. Illnesses can come on suddenly, and life and death decisions may need to be made quickly to prevent your pet from suffering. An alternative is to have your attorney draft a healthcare directive for your pet. If you choose this option, be sure that your pet’s caregiver and veterinarian have a copy.

While the boarding facility staff and pet sitters should be knowledgeable on pet first aid, common health issues, nutrition, pet play dynamics, and normal and abnormal pet behavior, they are not veterinarians. Therefore, if you or your veterinarian believe that your pet needs any of the following; continuous medical observation, the administration of an IV for medications or hydration, frequent temperature checks, physical assistance to relieve themselves, or wellness checks several times throughout the night, your pet will be best served by being at home in familiar surroundings or with their veterinarian or an individual with a similar level of knowledge and experience.

The owners and employees of pet care facilities are in the profession for their love of animals. However, there is nothing more difficult for them than to watch a pet suffer either emotionally or physically while in their care. Please help both them and your pet by maintaining an open line of communication regarding the care of your pet while you are away.

Recommended Resources Articles on Don’s Blog ( http://www.words-woofs-meows.com ) Cat Behavior – Make Your Life Easier – Get Your Cat to Love Their Carrier – http://bit.ly/Cats-Carriers

Canine Behavior – Understanding, Identifying and Coping with Canine Stress – http://bit.ly/Canine-Stress

Please Be Cautious When Choosing Who Cares For Your Pets – https://www.greenacreskennel.com/blog/2016/04/11/pet-care-services-please-be-cautious-when-choosing-who-cares-for-your-pets/

Traveling – Do you take the dog along or leave him with someone? –https://www.greenacreskennel.com/blog/2016/04/11/traveling-do-you-take-the-dog-along-or-leave-him-with-someone/

Pet Care Options When You Go Away: Pet Sitter, Neighbor, Boarding Facility – http://www.greenacreskennel.com/blog/2015/09/01/pets-who-cares-for-them-when-you-are-away/

Selecting A Pet Care Provider – Yes! A Trend Towards Kinder and Gentler Professional Pet Care – Green Acres Kennel Shop’s “Pet-Friendly” Philosophy – Part 1 – http://www.greenacreskennel.com/blog/2015/04/02/yes-a-trend-towards-kinder-and-gentler-professional-pet-care-green-acres-kennel-shops-pet-friendly-philosophy-part-1/

Podcasts from The Woof Meow Show ( http://woofmeowshow.libsyn.com/ ) Things to Consider When Leaving Your Pet in the Care of Someone Else –https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/woofmeowshow/WoofMeowShow-2021-10-02-Things_to_Consider_When_Leaving_Your_Pet_in_the_Care_of_Someone_Else.mp3

Things To Consider When Boarding A Pet-Part 1 (2018) – https://www.greenacreskennel.com/blog/2018/07/08/podcast-things-to-consider-when-boarding-a-pet-part-1/

Things To Consider When Boarding A Pet-Part 2 – https://www.greenacreskennel.com/blog/2018/08/09/podcast-things-to-consider-when-boarding-a-pet-part-2/

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Don Hanson is the co-owner of the Green Acres Kennel Shop ( greenacreskennel.com ) in Bangor, Maine, where he has been helping people with their pets since 1995. He is also the founder of ForceFreePets.com, an online educational resource for people with dogs and cats. Don is a Bach Foundation Registered Animal Practitioner (BFRAP), Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Associate Certified Cat Behavior Consultant (ACCBC), and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). He is a member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG). Don serves on the PPG Board of Directors and Steering Committee. In addition, he chairs the Advocacy Committee and The Shock-Free Coalition ( shockfree.org ). Don produces and co-hosts a weekly radio show and podcast, The Woof Meow Show, that airs on Z62 Retro Radio WZON (AM620) and WKIT 103.3-HD3 and is streamed at http://bit.ly/AM620-WZON every Saturday at 9 AM. Podcasts of the show are available at http://bit.ly/WfMwPodcasts/, the Apple Podcast app, and Don’s blog: www.words-woofs-meows.com. The opinions in this post are those of Don Hanson.

©07OCT21, Donald J. Hanson, All Rights Reserved

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