Editors Corner:
Pit Bull Rescue: A Tribute to Silent Hero's
Date: Thursday, February 16th 2006
From: Jason Mann - Senior Editor
This month I would like to dedicate the corner to Pit Bull rescue operations and those who make those operations work.
Day in and day out, behind the scenes, there are people who work tirelessly and for no money to save our breed from abuse and neglect.
Rescue work is hard. It involves long hours, money out of pocket, and you receive very little in return as far as money and worldly items are concerned. You do receive the outstanding feeling of a job well done and you rest in peace at night knowing that a homeless dog has a great new home due to your's and many others efforts.
For me, it's that feeling of seeing a happy new owner with their happy new dog that propels me to rescue when I can. I'm not a hero like those folks who do this full time. Not by any stretch of the imagination. I can however relate to them on a certain level and understand why they do what they do.
Feeding, caring for, and training a homeless dog with only the hope of finding that dog a home is something reserved for those special people out there. I commonly refer to rescue workers as Pit Bull Angels. They look out for our breed like no one else and they do an immense amount of work for our breed like no one else.
So to anyone who works, has worked, or is working for or operates a rescue...
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you do. May God Keep You, Bless You, and Give You All that You Need to Continue Your Honorable Work. You Are My Hero.
Note: That little guy in the picture is in need of a loving home. If you know of anyone in the Lexington, KY or surrounding area that would be able to foster or take this little dude in permanently contact me at (859) 278-7508 Monday-Friday 10am-5pm Eastern.
He is up on his shots and has been neutered. He's around 8-12 months old and weighs 44 lbs. He's a feisty little guy who loves to go for car/truck rides. He's a traveling man for sure.
Enjoy the rest of this months issue!
Best Regards,
Jason Mann - Senior Editor and Publisher
Pit Bull Health Tip of The Month:
Canine Stretching and Massage
This month's health tip is provided to you by Jorn Oleby author of the book "Canine Massage & Stretching - A Dog Owners Manual"
I have used a few of Mr. Oleby's techniques and have seen a slight improvement (I have only been
using the techniques for a few days mind you) in my girls after they have quite a bit of activity.
Anyway, without further ado...
How to improve the quality of your working dog’s life!
By Jorn Oleby
(His book is available at: http://www.clarksonpublishing.com)
Many dog owners invest considerable time in activating their dogs by obedience training,
seeking activities, tracking and protection exercises at training grounds, out in the
countryside or in the forest.
These activities allow us to spend time with our dogs while also
keeping them physically and mentally alert. Others, such as the police and security guards,
use dogs at work.
We expect these dogs to have a well-developed physique to be able to
perform the work they are trained to do. A lot of time and money is spent on training a
clever and efficient dog.
There is considerable research and many opinions on the topics of
what food and exercise is best for our dogs. We all have the animals’ best at heart. Good
care and healthy food is thought to be essential.
No matter how well we take care of our dogs, disease and injuries do still occur. If the injury
is related to the muscles, tendons, joints or ligaments a vet or physiotherapist can help. If
there is a defect in the hip or elbow joints and in cases caused by unhealthy breeding, the
only treatment available is pain relief.
As dog owners there is nothing we can do to repair
problems related to unhealthy breeding nor can we prevent all accidents. However we can
prevent muscle related problems and strain injuries by massaging and stretching our dogs
regularly.
This keeps the dog well-balanced physically and psychologically, allowing it to
retain the agility of the young dog to an advanced age.
A well-functioning dog has retained its natural elasticity and suppleness.
A dog with restricted mobility has short and stiff muscles. When a dog has shortened
musculature or tonicity, pressure is exerted on the joints leading, in turn, to decreased
mobility.
This "strangles" the blood vessels and impairs blood circulation. Muscles, joints,
tendons and ligaments then receive insufficient nutrition and less oxygen. Reduced blood
flow also means that lactic acid accumulated in the muscles is not naturally transported away.
The lactic acid builds up along with other waste products leading to irritation of the pain
receptors in the muscles. The dog experiences pain. Pain, in turn, causes further tension and
reduces blood flow even more. A vicious circle arises and can persist for some time if it is
not discovered and treated.
Short and stiff muscles is something that we ourselves and our dogs can suffer from if we
don't take care of our physical condition.
Another illness that might reduce our dogs mobility is Arthritis, and is usually formed of fibrous connective tissue and cartilage and is very common in older persons or dogs, especially affecting weight-bearing joints. Articular
cartilage becomes soft, frayed and thinned.
But also younger persons or dogs might get
Arthritis due to genetic reasons, injuries or the combination of overweight and too little
exercise.
A common symptom of Arthritis is stiffness and lameness.
Studies on dogs have shown that regular massage and stretching during a longer period of
time are preventing and reducing the effects of Arthritis and age related stiffness.
Massage and stretching are an effective way to prevent muscle related problems and strain
injuries and improve the quality of your dog’s life.
Massage and stretching are a complement
to daily exercise, obedience training and diet and build contact between you and your dog in
a natural way.
Massage is an enjoyable way of strengthening the bond with your family dog
and your canine friend will love it.
I now want to show you how easily you can preserve and increase mobility and reduce the
risk of muscle related injuries. Here is an example of one of the basic massage techniques:
"The greater part of the pressure you exert should be applied by the flat hand although your
thumb and fingers are also engaged in manipulation."
Massage relaxes the muscles and is an excellent way of letting your dog winding down after a
long jogging or cycling session. And it is enjoyable!
Warming up before activity has a preventative effect and stretching is just as effective after
the dog has used its muscles.
The dog should have warmed up and exercised before you
start to stretch the muscles and I recommend that you allow your dog to wind down after
physical exertion.
Let the dog walk for a while on the lead in the same way a race horse runs
an extra lap at half the pace to round off the race. This helps to remove lactic acid and waste
products.
As with massage it is important that the dog is relaxed before you start this
treatment.
"Hold the dog’s elbow with one hand, grasping the wrist with the other. Move the leg
forward and upwards, stretching the elbow joint and the flexor muscles of the foreleg
(shoulder joint)."
Warming up can involve walking with the dog on the lead for 15 to 20 minutes before
allowing it to run freely. In this way the muscles soften up and are ready for physical activity.
Competitive or working dogs should warm up in a more goal-oriented way.
Below you can find a check list that might come in handy when warming up.
First remember that the dog should have warmed up and exercised before starting a
competition or an active session. I also strongly recommend that you allow your dog to wind
down after a competition or an active session before any stretching activities.
Here is a check list that could be used before a competition or active session.
- Let the dog walk slowly for a while and then increase the tempo for 2-3 minutes.
- Let the dog trot for 2-3 minutes.
- Let the dog gallop for one minute.
- Then let the dog make some short explosive moves.
- Let the dog wind down a little by going back to troting and then walking.
Warming up does not tire the dog but rather increases blood circulation and warm up the
muscles ensuring that the joints are lubricated and more supple. The dog is now ready to
perform.
After the warm up you could also easily test your dog’s mobility using the eight most
common stretching techniques. You should be sensitive to your dog’s signals. The dog
should not experience any discomfort. If it does, don’t hesitate to contact the vet.
"Place one hand directly above the knee joint and the other hand on the lower part of the
leg around the hock joint. Lift the leg upwards so that the knee is bent. Push gently upwards
and backwards with the hand positioned above the knee joint."
After completing a competition or an active session let the dog wind down and then
carefully do some stretching exercises.
And when you come home reward the dog with massage and you will get a happy peforming
dog ready for new challenges.
Massage and stretching is an essential and a low cost investment in your dog’s health and
improves the quality of your dogs life.
Jörn Oleby, author of the book "Canine Massage and Stretching – A Dog Owners
Manual."
Pictures used from the book.
You can find the book at ththeselaces: UK: www.amazon.co.uk - USA: www.puplife.com-
South Africa: www.petspublications.co.za – Australia: www.agilityclick.com –
Europe: www.clarksonpublishing.com
Project Pit BullTM
Dogs Will Be Dogs or Are Problem Behaviors Really Problems?
In this months Project Pit BullTM column I would like to expand on last months behavior article and focus on puppies and development.
As a dog trainer I get questions about "problem" behavior on a daily basis. What I tell everyone with a problem behavior question is the same, first, the behaviors we see as problems are in fact normal dog behaviors. Second, the dog is not conditioned to human rules of living.
When you ask an animal (this applies to any animal) to do something against it's nature, you will run into a problem. In order to address a "problem" behavior we must first address the cause of the behavior.
Let's take a look at three completely natural dog behaviors we see as problems.
Digging: Dogs dig for a number of reasons. All of them are completely natural and okay with the dog. However, a dog that digs up that prize rose garden you've been working on since three springs ago would be considered a problem digger.
First we must address the cause of the digging. As I said before, dogs dig for numerous reasons, mostly they dig to bury things or to find small animals that are also digging under the ground.
Ground squirrels are a common reason for digging. Hiding that bone or chew toy is another reason.
We can address these two types of digging by clipping the dogs toe nails shorter (makes their paws sore when digging) and we can call in a pest removal company to get rid of the ground squirrels. Both of these can be handled the same way.
You can also avoid letting the dog take their toys outside to avoid them digging to hide them.
Nipping: Dogs, especially puppies, communicate with the outside world with their mouths. They nip, mouth, and chew on everything to find out what they can and can not do.
Puppies will bite and nip lilitter matesnd their mother and surrounding dogs to determine how hard a bite they are allowed to get away with. This is 100% natural behavior that teaches the dog what is acceptable and what isn't in regards to biting.
When they are taken from their litters they turn this behavior to their guardians, in short, they nip and bite us. :o)
Now that we know this behavior is 100% okay in the world of dogs, we can address it.
I prefer to redirect their nipping/biting/mouthing to an acceptable chew toy. If they are young, freeze the toy first to help with their developing teeth and to numb their gums to ease the pain of them getting their new teeth.
This takes time to set in and work, but once it does, it works like a charm. I have yet to find a dog that doesn't seek out a toy to get my attention after several months of redirection instead of trying to nip or bite me.
When the dog nips, immediately remove your hand and offer them a proper chew toy. When they take it, praise them and give them a pat on the head. If they redirect back to your hand, give them the toy again. Repeat this process for several months for it to work properly.
Barking: Again, dogs communicate with their mouths. Barking is a form of communication and again, we find it annoying sometimes. Excessive barking can be caused by several factors. Most commonly is boredom. A bored dog will bark.
Another common cause is territorial barking. Barking at people and animals that walk by.
Both of these forms of excessive barking can be treated with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Walking a dog a mile to 5 miles will do wonders to stopping excessive barking and then offering the dog a treat filled Kong when at home will help redirect their attention away from staring outside and focus it on getting the treat out of the Kong.
Combine the two for an effective 1-2 anti-barking punch.
In the end, when you start experiencing a "problem" behavior you should stop and think about the behavior first and what is causing it. Almost all "problem" behaviors are in fact normal dog behaviors. When you break down the cause you can find an effective solution for the problem.
Take your time, give your dog patience and understanding and you'll be able to handle the problem faster and find a long term solution that sticks for life.
Solutions to these behaviors and more are covered in The Pit Bull Training Handbook
Pit Bull Training Tip of the Month:
Patience Young Pup
This month's tip is going to address training and the process of training your dog.
Training your dog is a life long process that will end when they stop breathing.
A lot of people want what I have come to call the "McMcDonald'sog." Or a fast solution to training their
dogs so they respond on command every time.
FACT: Training dogs to respond to cues quickly takes years.
FACT: Training is a slow process that takes time.
Yes, there are options that will help you quickly train your dog through force and fear. However, if you
want a dog that is reliable under pressure positive proven techniques take time to set in and even more time
to proof.
Angel, my 5 year old is a perfect example. She can down, heel, sit, sit-stay for 5 minutes, down stay for 10 minutes, jump on cue, roll over, wave, shake, bark, and her recall is as about as reliable as any recall from any dog on earth.
I have spent every day of her life teaching her these things. Every single day she has to sit, down, heel, bark etc... for treats, food, petting, to get on furniture, to get in my truck, to go for a walk, to get a leash, to get her collar on, basically she has to work for everything.
My 4 year old, Honey is the same way. She has to do her behaviors daily for everyday things like getting let out to to to the bathroom. She has to down by the door or sit by the door and then I let her out.
I don't teach them new things daily, but I do proof what they know daily. This is a critcial step to training a well trained dog.
I receive ememail'ssking why a 5-6 month old puppy isn't sitting every time. I receive ememail'sroclaiming a 10 week old dog knows how to down-stay perfectly. Both of these emails are basically jumping the gun.
A 10 week old dog will does not know how to down-stay perfectly. They are mistaking a natural dog behavior for "training" or knowing how to do it on command.
A 5-6 month old puppy is just that, a puppy and it will take months (most likely years) for the dog to really get the cue and offer it without a command (which is the goal of training).
You can judge when your dog has a decent understanding of a behavior when the dog offers you the behavior they have been taught without you asking for it.
For example, a dog knows how to sit when you get a treat out and the dog sits without being asked. You can be sure they know the command now. Now move the dog and add some distractions. Do they do the same thing or do they get caught up in the distraction? If they don't offer you the behavior and completely ignore the distraction then you have a dog that knows how to sit under no distraction.
This sequence applies to every behavior you want to teach your dog.
All of this takes patience and repetition.
Next time you find yourself a little frustrated because your dog won't sit on cue or down immediately, remember to take a few steps back and work on it a little more. It will take time for them to really understand the behavior completely in every situation you put them in.
Subscriber Questions
I'm a new owner of an 8 week old pit bull - Molly. I've had her for 3 weeks already. I've been reading up on the breed and also found the articles on your website very informative. But I do have one question: Should I send my pit bull to a "Doggie Day Care" to socialize her with other dogs, now at a early age?
What a great question from a fellow Pit Bull Lover Gazette subscriber. Christy.
Personally I feel that sending a young dog to doggy day care is a good idea for one reason. Socializing them. However, you should make completely sure the people at the day care make the experience a good one for your pup.
A young dog, 11 weeks old is a young age and the dog is almost at the impression stage where they will retain experiences for their entire life (this starts at 3 months old).
If you are planning to take a dog to doggy day care or puppy school make sure they have a great experience and avoid stressing them out or causing them to get scared by pushing them into a situation that makes them nervous.
When you take your dog to such places and they show the slightest hint of fear or stress remove them from the situation and introduce them to it slowly over an extended period of time.
In the end, they should always have a great time at this age.
Legal Stuff and Conclusion
Every thing in this email is Copyright © 2005. Jason Mann &
PitBullLovers.com
You can pass this entire email to friends if you would like as long
as it stays unchanged and left as is.
That concludes the legal talk.
In Conclusion
I would like to thank you for your support. Without you PitBullLovers.com would basically be white space in the digital blackhole we call The Internet.
It is my hope that PitBullLovers.com becomes a staple in the Pit Bull community and with your help we can make that so. We have a lot of new projects in plan for 2006 and your support is vital to making these projects successful.
Remember to be patient when training your dog and that most of the behaviors we want to "correct" are in fact natural dog behaviors. With patience and understanding you will be a better friend to your APBT and they will reflect it in their behavior.
Best Regards,
Jason Mann
Senior editor - The Pit Bull Lover Gazette
Proud Doggy Dad - Angel and Honey. Two of the wildest dogs I've
ever had the pleasure of sharing space with.
P.P.S. Do you like The Pit Bull Lover Gazette? Why not pass it
on to a friend? You may copy this in it's entirety as long
as you don't change anything. Or have them send a blank email
to PitBullLovers@getresponse.com
Copyright © 2005. All rights reserved.
Email:Jason@PitBullLovers.com
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