Green Acres Kennel Shop Blog: Recent Episodes
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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
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
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
< 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
< 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
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!
< 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
< 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
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
< 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
< 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
< 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
< 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
< 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)
< 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
< 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
< 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!
< 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
< 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
< 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
< 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
________________________________________________________________________
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>
< Updated 07OCT21 >
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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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