Columbia Dog Talk

Dogs in Politics & Newseum Dogs Exhibit

2011-09-15T18:17:00.001-04:00

I'll willing to bet you didn't know this: September 23 is Dogs in Politics Day, recognizing the dogs of politicians. Hmmm.

How can you get in the spirit? How about checking out an exhibit at the Newseum in Washington, DC, called "First Dogs: American Presidents and Their Pets." The exhibit "showcases some of the top dogs who have resided at the nation's most prestigious address. On display are images of dogs belonging to 23 presidents, including the newest addition: Bo — a gift to the Obamas from the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy." I will try not to look when it comes to the one of Lyndon Johnson.

The exhibit runs through 2012.

For more info:

Newseum

555 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20001

888/NEWSEUM (888/639-7386)

Adopting Older Dogs: "Love Has No Age Limit"

2011-08-17T12:59:00.005-04:00

Just listened to a great program on the Diane Rehm show about adopting older dogs. Her guest was Patricia McConnell, a well-known author and animal behaviorist, who believes in the powers of positive reinforcement.

McConnell's newest book is "Love Has No Age Limit," and is all about the joys of adopting an older dog.

I know several people who happily adopted older dogs. One was my neighbor who adopted a 7-year-old mixed breed, her first dog. Chance led a happy, healthy life for 11 more years! Another adopted two Swedish Valhunds at 9 years of age. The two walk miles each day and still compete in agility trials.

My two Havanese are now 7 and 11 years old. I never really actively trained them very much beyond "sit", and was curious about "teaching old dogs new tricks." So I decided to try out some sit-stay-come stuff and was amazed how quickly they caught on and how well they retain it. Even Riley, the 11-year-old. I'm thinking of enrolling them in a class--just for fun.

McConnell is also the author of a number of other books, including "The Other End of the Leash," which I own, read and love.

Pooches Pool Party

2011-08-15T17:50:00.001-04:00

Once again, the Roger Carter Center is opening up its pool for the doggy swim event of the year! This has been a tradition for several years now. It's held only once a year, on the weekend after Labor Day, just before the pools close for the season.The cost is $10 per dog, and there are 2 sessions to choose from:

Session 1: 10am-11:30am
Session 2: 1pm-2:30pm

Rain date is Sunday, September 11, same times.

Humans are are welcome to swim along with their dogs. There will be a door prize basket raffle and all pooches will receive a doggy gift bag, courtesy of Howard County Recreation and Parks.

You must register in advance in order to attend. Here's how:
Call: 410-313-7275

Click: http://activenet12.active.com/howardcounty/, You will need to make an account, then click on the "View Activities" button. Search term: 3003.501 for first session or 3003.502 for second session to quickly find by activity name.

Walk in: Howard County Recreation and Parks, 7120 Oakland Mills Rd, Columbia

Here are the rules:

No person under 12 admitted.

No charge for people/ handlers, but must be 18 & up.

No more than one dog per handler.
Fee: $10 (includes for one dog accompanied by a maximum of two handlers.
Dog must be licensed. (Call 410-313-2455 for licensing info.)
Limit 75 dogs per session.
Pets must remain on leash until they arrive inside pool gates.
Human participants may be asked to pass a brief swimming test to swim in the deep end of the pool.
Come dressed to swim if you plan to enter the pool with your dog.
Kiddie pool available for small dogs.
Changing rooms available.
Lifeguards will be on duty.
Pool safety and health rules will be enforced.
Please curb your canine before entering the pool; "accidents" may result in pool closure.
Pool will be cleared and cleaned between sessions.
All off-leash dogpark rules apply. Visit the website for rules and dog park information. http://www.hocodog.org/Welcome.html

Roger Carter Recreation Center
3676 Fels Lane
Ellicott City, MD

Dog Day on the Bay

2011-08-08T15:06:00.000-04:00

Saturday, August 20
10 am - 2 pm

Friends of Downs Park is sponsoring its 2nd annual Dog Day on the Bay event, featuring games, demonstrations, contests, raffles, a Hawaiian doggie costume contest, and tables and booths set up by dog- friendly exhibitors.

Tickets at the door are $5 for each dog. Proceeds will benefit Downs Park, Downs Park Dog Beach and a Dog Rescue Organization (will be chosen by raffle from registered Rescue Organizations).

Visit the event's website page for more details, a registration form, and a list of participating exhibitors.

Thanks, Nicole, for sharing this!

Ask the Vet: Is a Raw Meat Diet a Good Idea?

2011-08-04T16:45:00.000-04:00

Guest post by Dr. Scott Sanderson

Q. Do you think that feeding raw is the best way to feed our pets? Thanks. - Brit

A. What a great question! The answer is not so simple. I feed my pets raw meat only, and I have done so for years. Many of my clients also feed their pets raw food. I believe animals are healthiest when they eat the ancestral wolf diet as fresh and moist as possible. Many people think there are inherent health risks in handling and feeding raw meaty bones, but I have not found this to be true.

That being said, not all dogs can eat a raw diet! This is where it gets complicated. For a great internet resource, go to the Yahoo group for of RawPaws.

Here are a few tips:

You must properly balance Phosphorous (P) and Calcium (Ca) when feeding raw. P comes from proteins and Ca comes from bones.
NEVER feed your pet cooked bones. Never.
Transition your pet from a dry/canned food diet to a raw diet. It may take the use of supplements and time.
Do your research first.
Grassfed meat is far healthier than grain fed meat.
If you cant feed raw and want to cook for you pet, I have a great recipe for that too!
You are what you eat, and your dog is what you feed it!

Got a pet-related health question? Use this form to Ask the Vet. Scott Sanderson DVM runs the Animal Wellness Center in Columbia, MD and is a sponsor of Columbia Dogs on the Go. He is a certified Veterinary Acupuncturist and has completed training in the Nambudripad Allergy Elimination Technique (NAET). Dr. Sanderson is a member of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncturists, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Animal Hospital Association. He is a local resident of Howard County, and a past president of the Howard County Veterinary Medical Association.

Ask the Vet: When is it Time?

2011-07-05T09:10:00.001-04:00

Guest post by Dr. Scott Sanderson

Q. My black cat Zippo is 15 or 16 years old. He licks his belly raw so he's been living on steroid shots, but I can't continue to afford to keep doing this. Now he throws up often enough and has bowel movements every few days, and lately that might be on the rug instead of up in the box, though he always urinates up there (away from dog). Since I also must pay to put him down, I don't know that when it's time if I can afford another doc visit and tests, etc. Once in awhile he cries loudly before throwing up. He still seeks contact once or twice a day (always an affectionate cat but not sleeping on the bed lately either). Money is a factor. Keeping his health up always cost plenty but now the drug is probably affecting an organ or two. So, when is the time? All the new rugs are stained now.

A. When is it time? This is the most difficult question indeed that clients ask me. I have had to ask that question myself for my own animals.

You know this cat better than anyone on earth. Your bonding and love is obvious in that you are doing the best you can to make him comfortable. Listen to and watch your cat carefully. When he is ready to "cross the bridge," he will let you know somehow. In this case, I don't think it's time yet but you may be close.

Take him off all dry high carb foods and feed him fish or turkey diets. Use a pinch or 1/4 teaspoon of tumeric powder on each meal. It is a natural anti-inflammatory and will help his skin condition. Steroid shots treat the symptoms but rarely cure the root of the disease.

Rattlesnakes in Savage Park

2011-06-27T16:43:00.002-04:00

Source: Maryland Departmentt of Natural Resources

Just got a call from Pat who was hiking on the Wincopin Trail in Savage Park this morning with her dogs Ancho and Sparkle when Sparkle got bitten by a rattlesnake that was on the trail. Pat thought she was fine at first, but once she got home her face started swelling. Pat called her vet and rushed her to an emergency clinic, where Sparkle is being treated and will remain overnight.

Pat will keep us posted on her progress, but wanted to let everyone know so that we stay on the lookout and be prepared.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has an article on Venomous Snakes in Maryland. Only two snakes in Maryland are venomous: the Timber Rattlesnake and the Northern Copperhead.

I found another article, Keep Your Dog Safe from Rattlesnake Bites, published on a site called Desert USA.

Some take-home points from the article:

Snake Encounters
If you and your dog encounter a snake you should remain calm and act cautiously. A rattlesnake can strike up to half the distance their length when coiled. If they are on a ledge or on higher ground they can strike even longer distances. If you are in striking distance get your dog to sit or remain still. The snake will try and get away from you, but if you are too close or make a lot of movement they may strike at you or your dog in self-defense. If you feel you can back away cautiously, do so slowly without any sudden movements. If you are not in striking distance turn around and move away from the snake. Let the snake clear the trail before continuing. If you can go around it on another path, then do so at a safe distance.

Do NOT provoke the snake. Do NOT poke it with a stick. Do NOT try and catch it. Do NOT tease it. More snake bites occur when people or dogs try to play with the snake. Be smart and leave the snake alone. Keep your dog safe!

When hiking with your dog remember to take the following things with you . . .
- Make sure you have the phone number of the closest 24-hour emergency vet service if you are hiking or walking after hours or on the weekend.
- Pack a lightweight towel or blanket to use as a sling in case your dog needs to be carried back to your car.

Source: Maryland Departmentt of Natural Resources

- Always carry water and a bowl (collapsible) for your dog to drink water during your hike.

There's more. I would encourage everyone to read up and be prepared.

Canines & Cocktails for a Cause

2011-05-17T09:52:00.000-04:00

During the warm-weather months, Paws Pet Boutique teams up with the Loew's Annapolis Hotel to sponsor Canines & Cocktails for a Cause. Each of these events supports an animal cause, and occurs on the last Friday of the month (April, June, July, August) and the 2nd to last Friday in May and September. On May 20, it's "Have a Ball Bobbing for Balls," to benefit Homeward Trails.

Here's a clip from an earlier Canines & Cocktails:

Well-behaved people and dogs are welcome!

5:30 - 7:30 pm, rain or shine
Loew's Annapolis Hotel
126 West Street
Annapolis, MD

Read more about location, parking, prizes, etc. on the Paws Pet Boutique website.

Wagging Weekend Ahead

2011-05-16T13:11:00.005-04:00

If you and your pooch are looking for things to do this weekend, you might want to check out one (or more) of these:

Friday, May 20, 2011
Wine & Wag - Maryland SPCA
5:30-7:30 pm

The Maryland SPCA is holidng its Wine & Wag Happy Hours once again. Tickets are $10 per person if purchased online in advance and $15 at the event. The event includes paw painting, bobbing for hot dogs, off-leash play in the fun runs, Canine Good Citizen tests by Dogs Finding Dogs and more! Kids are welcome but must pay the full price. There is a suggested donation of $3 for beer and wine and $1 for other beverages. This event will repeat on June 24 and July 22. Please note that Baltimore City law requires all dogs to be leashed at this event.

Friday, May 20, 2011
Canines & Cocktails for a Cause
5:30-7:30 pm, rain or shine

During the warm-weather months, Paws Pet Boutique teams up with the Loew's Annapolis Hotel to sponsor Canines & Cocktails for a Cause. Each of these events supports an animal cause, and occurs on the last Friday of the month (April, June, July, August) and the 2nd to last Friday in May and September. Well-behaved people and dogs are welcome! This week's theme is "Have a Ball Bobbing for Balls" to benefit Homeward Trails.

Saturday, May 21, 2011
Strut Your Mutt
10am - 3pm

The 6th annual Strut Your Mutt Dog Parade and Festival will take place on Saturday, May 21, 2011 in downtown Bethesda, MD. Strut Your Mutt features a Pooch Parade, dog fashion show, canine contests, kids play area, and much more! The registration fee is $25 plus processing fee (per dog) and includes a doggie goodie bag, event t-shirt, and entry into the Strut Your Mutt parade and dog-owner contests. Please register and pay online.

Be sure to check the Community Calendar on the Columbia Dogs on the Go site regularly for pet-related events in Columbia and nearby areas.

Petspeak Class at HCC: May 25

2011-05-15T11:16:00.000-04:00

Howard Community College is offering a non-credit class on animal communication called Petspeak: What Your Animals Really Want You To Know, on Wednesday evening, May 25 at 7 pm.

The official course description:

Have you ever wondered what your companion animals are trying to communicate? Have you ever been perplexed by their behavior? Why don't you ask them? In this entertaining and provocative evening, Animal communicator Terri Diener will introduce you to the rich and wonderful world of your pet's thoughts and feelings. Please bring a photograph of your pet to class. $29

Actually, a friend and I signed up for this course when it was offered back in March. We were disappointed when it was cancelled because of low enrollment. Darn! (I'm hoping that posting this will generate some more interest.)

I, for one, am very eager to know what's going on in Cody's head. Riley is relatively easy to read. With him, it's all about food and making sure all of stay together at all times. Cody is a little more complex. So I'm looking forward to learning a thing or two. Or just having some fun! Being a better communicator can never hurt.

Visit the Howard Community College website for more details and to register.

Or, call 443-518-1700

Ask the Vet: Are kennel cough shots every 6 months really needed and safe?

2011-05-14T11:11:00.004-04:00

Guest post by Dr. Scott Sanderson

Q. I've been seeing on the websites of many doggie daycares and boarding/kennel locations that a Bordetella vaccine is recommended or required every six months in order for a dog to attend. This is an annual vaccination according to veterinary charts I've been seeing, and especially with the advent of "super bugs" in humans I was wondering if there are any risks associated with a more frequent vaccination schedule. Are there any potential side effects related to a six-month schedule? Is there a particular frequency veterinarians tend to argue in favor of?--Ingrid

A. At the Animal Wellness Center our philosohphy is Do No Harm! This means being very careful about overly stressing your dog's immune system with un-needed vaccines.

Of all the vaccines on the market, the intra-nasal Bordetella vaccine is the least problematic. But never get it in combination with other vaccines like rabies or distemper, and NEVER vaccinate a sick animal. Once yearly is enough. So if the kennel demands it, talk to them about your concerns. If your dog is healthy, you don't want to put his/her health at risk because of an infexible kennel owner. Ask them why their requirements are so strict and you may discover that they have outbreaks of kennel cough--yet another reason to avoid that establishment!

Bark in the Park: Baysox, Sunday May 15

2011-05-11T17:31:00.000-04:00

Once again, . . .
It's woof, woof, woof for the home team!
The Bowie Baysox is offering a Bark In The Park game on Sunday, May 15. Fans are invited to bring their 4-legged friends to watch the Baysox take on the Akron Aeros at 2:05 pm at Prince George's Stadium in Bowie.

Ticket prices range from $9 for general admission to $14 for lower reserved seating. The 4-legged ones are free when accompanied by a ticket-holding human.

Notes from the Baysox manager: "Bark In The Park is open to the public with a leashed dog. It has been a great event here for numerous years and one we hope to continue for many years to come. We do limit it to one dog per person (so if someone has 3 dogs, there needs to be 3 people caring for them). Other than that, it is a fun day for the WHOLE family, doggies included!"

New in 2011: "Additionally, every Monday this season (except July, 4) will be Mutt Monday! The Bark in the Park event will be the 'big' event of the season, but we wanted to add a few other opportunities to bring your dog to the park."

For more information on the Baysox games, check out the Baysox website or call the Baysox front offices at 301-805-6000.

Prince George’s Stadium
Located at US 301 and US 50
Bowie, Maryland

Pets on Wheels at PETCO - Saturday, May 14

2011-05-11T11:15:00.002-04:00

Pets on Wheels of Howard County will have a table outside the PETCO on Route 40 in Ellicott City this Saturday and will raffle off a cooler stuffed with all kinds of dog goodies (approximate value $400). They had originally planned to raffle this item off at Dog Day Afternoon, but that event was cancelled due to inclement weather.

Pets on Wheels of Howard County is an association of volunteers who take their own pets to visit nursing and assisted living homes.

The fundraiser at PETCO will run from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

PETCO

10060 US Highway 40

Ellicott City, MD 21042

For those who think their dogs may be a good POW candidate, Pets on Wheels Howard County has program introductions and dog evaluations on the first Wednesday of each month. Call 410-313-7461.

Lakefront Lunchtime Concerts in Columbia

2011-05-09T16:17:00.001-04:00

The Columbia Association (CA) is sponsoring a series of Lakefront Lunchtime Concerts on Wednesdays from noon to 2 pm, running from May 11 thru July 6.

Members of Columbia Dogs on the Go are invited to bring their dogs and join in the fun! The CA will even try to provide water dishes for our thirsty pooches.

We'll post each concert on the Events page of the CDOG website, so we can let each other know who's planning to attend. Those interested can add a lake walk before or after the concert.

The musical line-up represents a wide variety of musical styles, including rock, folk and jazz. If information is available about the artists, we'll add that to our announcements.

The Lakefront Wednesdays lunchtime concert series is part of CA’s welcome initiative to help new and current residents learn more about Columbia’s history and vision and encourage them to become involved in their community.

For more information, please call 410-715-3104, or send an e-mail to Kelly Cooper, the CA's coordinator of this event.

Sheep Dog Demos @ Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival

2011-05-06T09:44:00.002-04:00

May 7-8, 2011

This weekend is the big Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival at the Howard County Fairgrounds. Sheep herding demos are presented on Sat. and Sun. at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM. Border collies with a flock of sheep. The shepherd explains all that he/she is doing. Get there early for a good view!

Our thanks to Eileen for this reminder!

Please note: Our dogs are not allowed at the festival, so Riley and Cody will be staying home.

The festival has more details on the Working Sheepdog Demonstrations on its website.

Ask the Vet: Non-anesthesia Teeth Cleaning

2011-05-04T13:25:00.000-04:00

Guest post by Dr. Scott Sanderson

Q. I hear there is a new method of cleaning dogs' teeth that doesn't require anesthesia. Does anyone have any experience with this? What is it? Sedation? How do they clean the teeth? Is it less expensive than anesthesia? Any drawbacks? – Eileen

A. Non-anesthetic teeth cleaning is available for your pet, but only for routine cleaning. If your pet has a broken or loose tooth, gum infection or is difficult to handle, anesthesia or light sedation may be required.

Untreated gum or dental infections can lead to serious liver, heart or kidney disease. Drooling, halitosis, bleeding gums and pain when chewing are some of the tell tale signs of dental problems.

There is a national group called HoundsTooth that is promoting non-anesthetic dental services. I have not had any clients use them but their technique seems interesting.

Yappy Hour at the Wine Bin

2011-05-03T12:57:00.000-04:00

Bring your well-behaved dogs on the first Friday of each month for a fun evening of wine and dog biscuits at the Wine Bin. Featuring luscious Parfections chocolate and live music.

Next Yappy Hour:

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM May 6, 2011

8390 Main Street | Ellicott City, MD 21043 | PH: 410.465.7802 | FX: 410.465.7804 | wine@winebinec.com

Forest Habitat Trail: Patuxent Wildlife Refuge

2011-05-01T13:33:00.000-04:00

It may have been a wee bit early in the year for this walk--not to mention a wee bit wet and muddy after heavy rains the day before--but I see great potential for this one for a group walk. It's a very pleasant and easy 2.5 miles through the woods, with interpretative signs throughout to educate us about the trees.

This walk is one of the trails in the North Tract of the Patuxent Wildlife Refuge. (There is also a South Tract, which is home to the Refuge's National Wildlife Visitor Center and several popular trails, including one around Cash Lake. The North and South tracts are accessed via different entrances.) Access to the the North is on Bald Eagle drive near the intersection of Rt 32 and Rt 198.

We scouted this trail on Sunday, April 17. We had actually been to this refuge several times in the past--though not very recently. I was surprised at the condition of Bald Eagle drive. Quite a number of pot holes to dodge! But, always the optimist, I figured this might help keep the area from becoming too popular and crowded.

You must also check in at the Ranger Contact Station, and fill out a form with your vehicle information. You then carry the pink copy with you and place the yellow one in your car--and return both to the station before you leave the refuge.

The Forest Habitat Trail starts right across from the ranger station with a boardwalk that passes through a butterfly garden and bird feeding area. It had rained pretty heavily the day before so once we crossed the boardwalk we found ourselves slogging through some muddy patches. But things did clear up as we continued.

Map of North Tract Trails - Patuxent Wildlife Refuge

Surprisingly, the forest still seemed like it was hanging onto winter. Trees were barely beginning to leaf out and ferns and wildflowers had not yet emerged. But it was beautiful and peaceful nonetheless, and the dogs seemed to enjoy it as much as we did.

In a few more weeks--or less, I'm sure the dogwoods and moutain laurel will be blooming. We'll aim for another weekend walk here.

Sheep Dog Weekend

2011-04-28T11:02:00.005-04:00

APR 30- MAY 1, 2011

Come see Border Collie sheep herding demonstrations at 2 pm on Saturday and 1 pm on Sunday with resident shepherd Janet Harvey. Janet competes with her dogs at herding contest throughout the country. See how amazing the dogs are!

Clark's Elioak Farm
10500 Route 108
Clarksville, MD 21042

More info:
410-730-4049
http://clarklandfarm.com/CEF%20SE%20Spring%20Weekend%20Events.htm

River Hill Walk: A quiet 3-mile stroll along a wooded pathway

2011-04-27T11:09:00.000-04:00

"Hey, driver! Follow that squirrel!" Riley and Cody board a taxi
at a neighborhood tot lot in River Hill.

We took a little walk Saturday along the pathways in the River Hill village. This was a nice, quiet walk, mostly wooded, and sometimes crossing small streams and passing by tot lots.

After forecasts of rain and thunderstorms for Saturday, we were surprised to see the skies clear up and the sun come out. So we decided to try out this walk that I've been wanting to do for quite some time. We started at the River Hill neighborhood pool, which can be reached by taking the Great Star exit off Rt 32, turning right at the light, and taking the first right onto Trotter Road. We parked in the pool parking lot, went down a set of stairs, and then crossed Summer Sunrise (a quiet street) to begin the walk on the pathway. We relied on the Columbia pathways map, a Google map, and Richard's GPS when necessary to map out the walk.

River Hill section, from the Columbia pathways map

The day turned out to be much hotter than anticipated, and the walk was a little longer than anticipated--thanks to a few wrong turns. So the pooches were a bit pooped after it, and so were we. I think we did just over 3 miles on this one, but I would probably shorten it a bit for a group walk.

Next time we do this I will follow the walk with a trip to the River Hill Village Center. There is a Maggie Moo's there, which I think would make a perfect post-walk place to head.

Hidden Trails: Exploring Beyond the Pathways

2011-04-25T15:16:00.000-04:00

Riley and Cody go exploring.

With more than 100 miles of paved pathways weaving through our town, there's lots of territory to explore on foot in Columbia. So much that we almost forgot about some of the great trails just behind our backyard that we used to explore--way back when we first moved here, before the bicycle pathways were installed.

That was 25 years ago! I remember exploring these trails--many of which were probably first forged by horses from the nearby Columbia Horse Center. I even remember a pack of beagles running past us on a fox hunt (!), of all things. The area was especially great for bird-watching. We were thrilled to find Indigo buntings, scarlet tanagers, and many spring warblers on our walks here.

Recently, I've taken to venturing off onto some of these old trails and was very pleasantly surprised to find that very little had changed. Who is still using these trails, I wonder? Do they still exist because the deer use them? I do recall a pack of Maryland Mountain Club folks charging through a few months ago. But I rarely see other hikers. I mostly see fishermen standing in the middle of the river, catching trout.

The remains of a washed out bridge at the
end of Kindler Road (now Eden Brook Drive).

Anyhow, it's wonderful to walk along the Patuxent River and feel like we're far, far away from civilization.

The dogs enjoy jumping into the river on hot days, and a little time running off leash too. The chances of bumping into joggers or cyclists here are mightly slim.

On one of our future walks, Richard and I must remember to take a trash bag along. There is actually relatively little litter, but a few remnants here and there. We won't be able to do much with the abandoned washing machine, however. That thing was there when we first explored here all those years ago. Maybe little animals are using it for shelter.

Ask the Vet: Easing meal time anxiety for a newly rescued pup

2011-04-23T19:46:00.001-04:00

Guest post by Dr. Scott Sanderson

Q. We recently adopted a rescued 1-year-old Cavalier King Charles. Hard to believe, but he was found wandering the streets about six weeks ago. The rescue organization thinks he was a stray for a little while. he was badly infested with fleas.

He looks great now--healthy weight and his coat has mostly grown back. However, he is really (understandably) panicked during meal times. He will inhale his food and seek out the other dogs bowls.

We separate them for feeding and I've begun hand feeding our little guy. One handful of food each time, he is calm. Hopefully this will keep him from eating too fast and help us help him to trust that his food isn't going to disappear. I'm not sure what else to do to help him work through his anxiety surrounding meal times.

Thank you for your thoughts on this. --Jenny

A. Congrats on the new addition to your family! I am a firm believer that with unconditional love, attention and consistency you can train your new dog and help him overcome the trauma of his past life. Food is a great motivator so keep on using it to reinforce good behavior. Fresh or dehydrated meat treats are the best.

Bach Flower remedies are a wonderful nontoxic therapy to help with anxiety and adjustment issues. Start with the 5-flower combo called Rescue Remedy. You can put a few drops in his mouth, in his water, and make a spray using a small cosmetic bottle with spring water and 10-15 drops diluted. Add another remedy called Quaking Grass, which helps animals adjust to living together in groups. There are many more Bach Flower remedies to use so you can do a little homework and pick out some on your own!

Good luck, I salute your efforts to rescue this puppy!

Ask the Vet: New CDOG Feature

2011-04-21T11:23:00.001-04:00

Got questions about your dog’s health? Dr. Scott Sanderson will answer your pet-related health questions in a new CDOG feature, Ask the Vet.

Dr. Sanderson runs the Animal Wellness Center in Columbia, MD and is a sponsor of Columbia Dogs on the Go. He is a certified Veterinary Acupuncturist and has completed training in the Nambudripad Allergy Elimination Technique (NAET). Dr. Sanderson is a member of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncturists, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Animal Hospital Association. He is a local resident of Howard County, and a past president of the Howard County Veterinary Medical Association.

Use this form to submit your question; answers will appear in this Blog and the CDOG Forum page.

Off the Beaten Track: Bluebells Galore

2011-04-20T16:49:00.001-04:00

Today, Cody decided to veer off the usual path we follow on our morning walk and head down a small trail that led to the river. Could he have known that just ahead were large patches of Virginia Bluebells--my favorite local wildflower? There were hundreds--maybe even a few thousand--all in peak bloom and looking gorgeous in the morning sunlight.

We came back later in the day with friends Ancho and Sparkle, who graciously posed for photos. (See the slide show for some of these shots.)

Other wildflowers in bloom right now are the delicate pink spring beauty, star chickweed, and various yellow and blue violets. May apples and jack-in-the-pulpit are starting to emerge from the ground too. We're even seeing some dogwood trees starting to bloom, which seems a bit early.

Thanks, Cody, for this great find! Spring is here at last!

Dogs Can Sign Too: How to Teach Your Dog to Communicate with Gestures

2011-04-14T12:29:00.000-04:00

A new book, Dogs Can Sign, Too, says your dog can learn sign language--not just to understand your signs, but to sign to you too.

I have not read it (yet; I wish it were available on the Kindle so I could get a sample chapter), but here's the product description:

If you’ve ever wondered what dogs would tell us if they could, now you can find out. The K9Sign system teaches dogs to communicate to us–making it a first in any dog training book category.

Dogs Can Sign, Too is the first book dedicated exclusively to the K9Sign system for teaching dogs to communicate to their human companions using a vocabulary of gestures.

This extraordinary education tool, developed by the creator of AnimalSign Language exclusively for the canine community, teaches people and their pets a unique mode of communication that employs an extensive lexicon of specific signs. Sample signs range from general concepts, such as “Food” or “Play” to identifying special treats, such as “Liver” or “Cheese” and specifying a favorite toy, such as “Ball” or “Frisbee.” Signs also include useful questions such as “Who’s that?” or “What type?” to naming a particular friend or family member, or even indicating a stranger.

The author's website, Animal Sign, has reviews, videos, a blog, and more.

Dogs Can Sign, Too is available in the CDOG Book store under Health & Behavior.

I, for one, am curious . . .