Jenn Fadal and Lab

Category Archives: Lifestyle

Collars, Leashes, Harnesses, Haltis, Gentle Leaders…Oh MY!

Posted on July 25, 2010 by Jenn
Posted in Lifestyle, Paws for Thought, Products

I have written in the past about the importance of the walk and some of the most common collars and leashes available to help you and your four legger make it around the block.  As promised, here is more information on gear to control your wayward pooch!

Buckle Collar

The standard buckle collar if sized properly will allow for a secure fit around the neck and provides less of an opportunity for the collar to slip off during walks or play.  These collars typically come in a variety of colors, styles and material and are great for attaching an identification or license. This collar is not necessarily good for a dog that is a constant puller while being walked.  Often dogs that are pullers will gag or choke when exerting force against these types of collars.  Special attention should be given to those feisty small breeds who insist on walking you!  If pulled too hard, harm could be done to their windpipe. 

Head Collar (Halti or Gentle Leader)

The head collar (not to be confused with a muzzle) fits around the bridge of the dog’s muzzle and neck.  The head collar allows minimal force while allowing maximum control in moving your dog in the desired direction.  This collar is excellent for those dogs that are pullers and for those owners who don’t feel comfortable with a choker or prong collar. The combination of this collar and proper training can do wonders in making your walks enjoyable for both you and your dog.

While initially your dog may seem uncomfortable with this collar (pawing at it or refusing to move) over time and patience they will adjust.  If used incorrectly or if the dog is pulled with too much force strained neck muscles could result. 

Martingale Collar

The martingale collar is a slip collar that has limited capability to tighten.  (think of a choker collar covered with material). This allows the dog to be comfortable while still giving the owner some control.  While the collar does not easily come off the dog’s neck even when back pulling, it is not very effective for those dogs that are constant pullers.

Harnesses

A standard harness wraps to a dog’s body and when fitted appropriately provides good comfort while minimizing pressure on the neck.  The standard harness is typically effective for controlling little dogs that pull.  It is not very effective however for big dogs since they can utilize the full force of their legs and chest to pull. 

*There are certain no-pull harnesses available which vary pressure between the dog’s front legs and chest to provide the necessary control.

Choke Collar

Many trainers and owners use the standard Choke collar.  To be used correctly, the timing and release of the correction must be mastered.  It is a quick jerk that is applied at a correct angle, speed and with proper timing.  Many trainers are able to use this type of collar flawlessly, but it is very difficult for the average dog owner to learn.  If you are using a choke collar and notice that most of the time your dog is pulling and gagging…this may not be the correct collar for you.

Prong Collar

Widely misunderstood, the Prong Collar dates back 2,000 years to the Monks of New Skete.  They used the collar as a training device as does modern day training phenom Cesar Milan.  The concept of the prong collar is to apply pressure evenly around the neck which is much gentler and safer for the dog. The smaller the links the more effective the correction.  It has limited tightening capacity unlike most choke and slip collars.  Unlike the prong collar’s even pressure, Choke collars provide a quick jerk and impact.  The standard buckle collar provides a steady, relentless pressure on the neck. 

Of course prior to using ANY collar that has a tightening capability (Prong, Choke, Martingale or Slide) consult a trainer and learn how to use it correctly.  In the wrong hands, a collar with unlimited closing capacity can cut a dog’s air off completely.  Using a correctly executed and effective correction will work after just a few tries.  Whereas, an ineffective correction will never train what you wish and can either harm or instill worse habits.   

Everyone has their own experience.   Some folks say that a harness works on their 85 lb lab and others effectively use a choke collar on a smaller breed.  Use what works…just make sure you are using it correctly!

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Greening Your Pets Environment

Posted on July 25, 2010 by Jenn
Posted in Lifestyle, Paws for Thought, Products

It seems that each day we are given more and more information on interesting ways to help save our environment.  Reusable shopping bags, energy efficient cars, flooring made of environmentally friendly bamboo, fluorescent light bulbs, etc.  In that vain, there is much you can do in the way of your pet supply purchases and daily pet care habits to ensure a safer tomorrow.

First and foremost…help eliminate plastic!  When shopping at your favorite pet boutique or pet retail chain, consider reusing bags.  I know many of our Wag customers comment that they have so many “Wag” bags at home and wish they had thought to bring them on their shopping spree. 

I know that many of us use grocery store plastic bags to pick up our dog’s waste while walking.  A more “green” alternative is to use biodegradable waste bags.  There are many brands to choose from in this category.  The newest and most innovative are made by Flush Puppies.  They are biodegradable AND flushable.  They actually dissolve in water and are large enough to use with dogs of all sizes.

Feeding organic treats is an extremely eco-friendly way to say “good job” to your favorite four legger.  Organic products are made without the use of pesticides and hormones which are bad for the environment.  If you don’t feed organic, at the very least feed all natural treats and food.  Products labeled “all natural” do not use preservatives and have many of the same qualities that organic foods contain.  Wagatha’s, Monzies and Smart Dog Treats are a few examples.

Toy manufacturers have really jumped on the earth friendly bandwagon.  You can find toys that are made from recycled soda bottles; natural, non toxic rubber; recycled rubber from left over toy material and some are even made organically.  Yes, that is correct, organic toys.  The Simply Fido Toy collection is made from organically grown cotton!  The toys are softer to the touch due to improved soil fertility and harvesting methods.

Because of its relatively short growth cycle of 100-120, Hemp materials are extremely eco friendly.  Earth Dog and Planet Dog make a wonderful line of Hemp collars and harnesses for small to extra large dogs. 

Shampoos should be made with all natural ingredients, chemical free and made from biodegradable products.  AromaPaws, Earthbath and TheraNeem are a few recommendations.

The easiest thing to do is to recycle your pet’s gently used toys, collars and leashes.  Donate last season’s “gear” to the Humane Society, Animal Services or other rescue organization.  These groups are in constant need of supplies.

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Dogs in History

Posted on July 25, 2010 by Jenn
Posted in Lifestyle, Paws for Thought

Our pets have made a significant impact on our lives and we know that just like the famous German Shepherd star, Rin Tin Tin, they should all have their own paw print on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! 

I have heard remarkable stories from many of you over the years… of your dogs helping when you were ill, alerting you of an unsafe situation, being featured in a movie or commercial, participating in pet therapy at local hospitals and nursing homes or simply having wiggled their way into your heart.

I thought for this month it would be nice to highlight a few pets that have made history.  Some impressed us early on as our favorite childhood TV. icons.  Others we have heard about on the news or read about in the paper.  You may have not heard about a few of them…but they are all extraordinary. 

Beginning with a dog we all know and love….Lassie.  Lassie was originally a short story created for the Saturday Evening Post in 1938.  The first major motion picture was produced in 1943 and Lassie hit the small screen in 1954.  Who can forget the heart warming story of Lassie and her owner Timmy?  Lassie, the Collie star, was a prime example of Sunday night wholesome family entertainment.  A few interesting facts:  There have been nine dogs that have played Lassie over the years….and they have all been male!  Male dogs were used because of their thicker coats.  During shedding season, male dogs retain a thicker coat than females therefore looking better on camera!!

Moving on to a very famous animated dog….Snoopy.  Snoopy has certainly evolved over the years from his first appearance in the famous comic strip Peanuts in 1950.  Did you know that he was a silent character for the first two years and uttered his first word via a thought balloon in 1952? He also started out on all fours and in 1956 began walking upright like a human.  This soon became commonplace.  Snoopy moved out of his doghouse to the top of his doghouse in 1958.  From then on he rarely ventured back inside. 

He is arguably the most identified character of the comic strip Peanuts and the following animated films. I read Snoopy’s wikipedia site to learn more about his history and I have to admit it brought back very fond memories and a ton of laughs.  It is definitely worth a read:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snoopy.  

You may have heard the story about an Australian canine, Leo.  This terrier mix saved a litter of kittens from being lost in a house fire just last month.  A fire broke out in the home and Leo refused to leave the building.  Firefighters found him guarding the kittens until help arrived and they were taken safely away from the building.  Both the kittens and Leo lived and are back in their home.  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27381659/

How about the Miracle dog, Isabella, that adopted three tiger cubs that were rejected by their mother earlier this year?  This happened at the Safari Zoological Park in Kansas.  According to an interview conducted by CBS News, Isabella, the Golden Retriever, doesn’t know the difference between her puppies and the cubs. She licks, cleans and feeds them as it they are her own.  Amazing!  http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/07/30/ap/strange/main4309195.shtml

One of the best stories of this year had to have been the story of Willie, a Quaker Parrot, who saved a toddler from choking.  The child’s babysitter was in the other room when the toddler began choking on a pop tart.  Willie began screaming and flapping his wings…saying Momma Baby Momma Baby over and over again.  The babysitter thought that the cat must be after Willie, but upon entering the room realized it was the baby.  She performed the Heimlich maneuver and the situation turned out fine.  Willie had his 15 minutes of national fame!  http://www.necn.com/Boston/Nation/Unlikely-hero-saves-toddlers-life-/1226511087.html

Interested to know who many consider the “Most Famous” dogs in recent history?  If you are…read on!  The list of the 10 Most Famous Dogs of the 20th Century include: 

Fala- the beloved Scottish Terrier belonging to FDR

Togo- the famous sled dog who is responsible for Siberian Huskies being established as an official dog breed in the U.S.

Snoopy- famous comic strip character, “Yesterday I was a dog. Today I’m a dog. Tomorrow I’ll probably still be a dog. Sigh! There’s so little hope for advancement.”

Rin Tin Tin- the German Shepherd star of the big screen

Lassie- Of all of the fictional dogs in history, Lassie has probably had the longest run

Scooby Doo- everyone’s favorite Great Dane

Balto- the Alaskan Malamute sled dog that was part of the 1925 serum run from Nome to Anchorage

Eddie- the hit of the sitcom Frasier

Old Yeller- one of Walt Disney’s best loved films

Gidget- “¡Yo quiero Taco Bell!” 

Even if your pet hasn’t performed an amazing feat to make the papers or even to get him off of the couch…he is terrific anyway and deserving of a lot of love this holiday season and in the new year ahead!

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To Board or Not to Board

Posted on January 16, 2010 by Jenn
Posted in Lifestyle, Paws for Thought, Travel

Oh, the holidays. Ready or not, they have arrived. Turkey dinners are forecasted, suitcases are dusted off and it all begins!  Many of you are planning your holiday travels…to see Grandma Millie in New York, Mom and Dad in Atlanta or you may just want to get away to an island in the Caribbean and escape the chaos! What about your four legged family member? Who will care for them while you are away? Instead of visions of sugar plums dancing in your head, are you having visions of Macaulay Culkin in the movie Home Alone? If you have used your last I.O.U. and your trusted neighbor, friend or family member just can’t care for Fido this time around…you do have options.

 Pet Boarding. There are wonderful facilities in the area that will house your pet while you are gone and offer many packages from which you can choose.  Your dog can stay in a higher end facility with indoor “suites,” outdoor playtimes, daycare and grooming… the list of add on’s is extensive. Or, you can board at a facility that has traditional kennels which typically offer outdoor and indoor space and a couple of walks a day. Nowadays, pet resorts, as they’re often called offer a wide variety of options, all safe and secure, giving you peace of mind while you are away. Before you decide if this is the route you should take, go visit a few boarding facilities, take a tour, learn their policies and prices, meet the managers and note how you feel when you are there. Rates for cats and dogs can start anywhere from $20 a day and go up from there. Don’t be surprised that if you choose a top of the line package with a large suite, many play times, extra cuddling, treat before bed, etc. that your price per night could be upwards of $50. Most facilities offer multiple pet discounts.  Look for a place that allows your dog to eat his own food, not food provided by the facility. Your dog might be a nervous boarder, so any change in his diet might impact his digestive wellness. Also, your buddy will need to be up to date on the following vaccinations: DHLPP, Bordetellaand Rabies.  Once you have decided on a facility, have your dog or cat visit and spend the night prior to your trip. This way, he will be familiar with his home away from home and have an idea of the routine, smells, sounds and staff. The goal is for your pet to feel like he is on a vacation while you are on yours!

Pet Sitter – Pet sitters are a dedicated group of men and women that will take care of your pet in the comfort of your home. You can choose how many times a day they come to visit your pet and what they will do with Fifi or Fido while they are there. If your dog loves to play ball in the back yard, they will incorporate that during their visit time. If your dog is a dog park regular he can certainly enjoy this routine with his sitter.  Pet sitters can also take your pet to the vet or grooming appointments and will keep a close eye on their health and behavior while you are away. Some sitters will spend the night at your home if you so desire.  Upon your return you will fi nd notes written after each pet sitter visit so you will get a clear snapshot of how Fido spent his days while you were gone. They will let you know how often Fido did his “business” and how he behaved on his walks. Pet sitting costs range from about $18-$20 per visit per day.  As with boarding facilities, most sitters offer multi pet discounts.  Before making the decision to go the pet sitter route, assess whether or not your dog is well suited to be home alone for several hours a day. If your dog has severe separation anxiety or has destructive habits like chewing items, walls, furniture, etc, this might not be the best option for you. On the other hand, if your dog has no separation issues and is quite calm and happy in his own space this might just be perfect. Always have a new pet sitter come for a meet and greet prior to your trip…just to make sure their personality and Fido’s are a match.  Visit www.petsitters.com to find a pet sitter or to find out if your pet sitter belongs to the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. Or, visit www.petcareservices.org to find a boarding facility that is part of the Pet Care Services Association.  There is nothing better than having the peace of mind that your pet is safe and well cared for while you are enjoying your holidays. Best wishes on finding the most sensible solution for you and your pet and happy travel.

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Pilots N Paws

Posted on August 4, 2009 by Jenn
Posted in Animal Rescue, Lifestyle, Paws for Thought Tagged , , , , ,

Pilots_PawsAltruism is defined as an unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others. In this economy I am certain that we have seen altruistic behavior at its best. Neighbors helping neighbors and people stepping up to make life just a bit easier for others in need.

The story I am about to tell you takes Animal Rescue to another level…like 10,000 feet to be exact! Consider this, pilots donating their time, planes, gas and miles to transport animals in jeopardy to a safe house in another city or state. Sound unlikely? Meet Pilots N Paws.

This amazing effort, started by Debi Boies and her partner Jon Wehrenberg, began in February 2008…just a little over one year ago. Since then, over 1,000 animals have been air lifted out of precarious situations and flown to a forever home, foster home or non kill shelter. The website, www.pilotsnpaws.org, provides an online meeting space for pilots to connect with animal rescue volunteers and help to transport animals by air.

Debi, cofounder of Pilots N Paws (a 501c3), is extremely low key. You will not find her story or her name on the Pilots N Paws website. And that’s how she likes it. During our interview, she made it clear, that it is not about her or what she does, but about the animals whose lives are saved on a daily basis.

Debi founded Pilots N Paws after her adoption experience with Doberman Pinscher, Brock. Brock was in a Tallahassee shelter and had been used as a “bait” dog in the past. Debi (who lives in South Carolina) and her husband Bob were preparing to drive to Tallahassee to pull Brock out of his situation. This is where cofounder Jon comes in. Jon, a family friend, is an avid pilot living in Tennessee. He volunteered to fly to South Carolina, pick up Debi and Bob, and then fly to Brock in Tallahassee. He did and the rescue happened in just a couple of hours rather than in a couple of days! Thus, Pilots N Paws was born.

As you can imagine, the heart warming stories abound and I was fortunate enough to speak with two pilots in between flights. It is clear that they love what they do and have a deep passion for saving animals in their own special way.

Jeff Bennett, a pilot out of Big Pine Key, has rescued 81 animals since October of 2008. He doesn’t limit his rescue missions to dogs and cats however. Jeff’s count includes pythons, pigs and even a baby chick! Jeff says that the best part of his job is saving lives. His fondest memories are of animals that were on death’s door, next in line for euthanasia, and through his efforts are now protected.

His farthest flight involved many legs…literally. From the Keys to Lakeland, Lakeland to Bambridge, GA, from Georgia to Alabama…and in Alabama he rescued 19 puppies. Seventeen of the puppies were flown to a rescue group in Tampa and two returned to the Keys.

I asked Jeff if he receives feedback from adoptive families, shelters or rescue groups. He said occasionally… like the shepherd mix that he flew from Islamorada, FL to Philly. His owner contacted Jeff to let him know that the rescued dog was thriving. But, for Jeff, the stories are written in his heart and in the memory book he has made which contains each and every rescued animal’s picture and story.

Nancy Moore, a pilot out of Ft. Lauderdale, sums up her experience in these words, “Ellen Herr and I became involved with Pilots N Paws about 5 months ago. I think, as I believe most pilots do, that we are very lucky to be able to do what we love to do – fly. Being part of Pilots N Paws allows us to combine two passions – our love for flying and our love for animals. Especially in these hard economic times, when more animals are being abandoned or given up because of their owners’ inability to care for them, it is very gratifying to be able to use our flying to assist them in finding new homes. “

If you are a pilot and would like to get involved like Jeff and Nancy and many others have, please visit the website http://www.pilotsnpaws.org/. There is especially a need for pilots in the Southern and Midwestern regions of the country. Your flights are tax-deductible and quite possibly might be the most rewarding flights you will ever make.

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