Pack Walk Nov 2011

What a great time we had on the pack walk this past weekend. We had 5 dogs this time thru:
Sirius- working on leash excitability
Marco-working on socializing and leash pulling
Turbo- working on socializing and leash excitability
Lily- working on socializing with both humans and other dogs
Bear- working on socializing and leash pulling

The dogs did great, and the owners did wonderful. Sean and I spent time with each of them focusing on their particular problematic behavior discussing and demonstrating proper instruction and follow thru. It was a great day in November, unseasonably warm and the dogs were happy to be out hiking. We came across many bikers and hikers, which gave us ample opportunity to demonstrate leadership with the dogs.

Great job everyone, and looking forward to our next Pack Walk in December!

Sometimes They Train Us

The picture is of a Lily, a 6 yr old Great Dane who lost her sight due to disease. She was disheartened after this until she found Madison. Maddie guides Lily everywhere, touching her side to keep her from stumbling. What a pair! And what a life lesson! We could all learn a thing or two about overcoming obstacles from this pair of pooches!

Home 4 the Holidays

It's November and the holidays are upon us. Today we supported VA German Shepherd Rescue at the Home for the Holidays event in Reston Town Center. There were a multitude of vendors, shelters and rescues, trainers, and boarding facilities at the outdoor festival. My white Shepherd pack (August, Kiba, and Lily) accompanied me today.

There were so many breeds represented at the event it was even the most controversial, all on their top game as ambassadors of their breed. We had the pleasure of meeting many potential adopters for August, and welcoming in new volunteers into the rescue.

These are my favorite events. A family friendly festival, jam packed with lots of hugs and kisses. Here are a few of the photos taken at the event, more can be seen on our Facebook page Adopt today!

Halloween Hounds

This year Halloween definitely went to the hounds. The doorbells were ringing of the walls, only to open the door to a pup dressed ridiculously for the holiday. It was a sight! What better way to get your kid more candy, than to have his trusty sidekick beg for more! Here are few of my favorites from this year.

Fox 5 News Interview

We had a great talk with Annie Yu of Fox5 Morning news on Monday! For the full interview please visit : VGSR Interview

It was a great highlight of the beautiful shepherds we have within the rescue. You don't have to go to a breeder to get a purebred. I look forward to our next interview on Jan 16, 2012, where we will highlight some training points with our GSDs, and showcase a few more adoptable shepherds from VA German Shepherd Rescue! If you are looking for a great companion shepherd please visit VA German Shepherd Rescue!

Spring is Here and So is the Fever!

Our pets are just as susceptible to "Spring Fever" as humans are. We want to spend more time outside, soaking up the sun, enjoying the scenery and the warm weather. We usually take more walks or hikes, ride our bikes and go on outings. In turn your pets are spending more time outside when they accompany you. As our pets spend more time outdoors with us we increase the chances of them getting loose, lost or ill. I have noticed an increase of lost pets in the last few weeks and thought I would send out a friendly reminder to safeguard your pets. Here are a few tips to ensure your pet stays healthy and safe:

1. Lock Down!

Make sure your gate is locked in your yard. As you are doing more lawn work, coming and going from your yard is expected. Ensure your gate is locked or latched to prevent runaways.

2. Tag Your It!

Keep a collar with identification and your contact info on your dog at all times while he is outdoors. As an extra precaution have your dog microchipped and update his photo and info online. There are many different online services that will help to recover your pet if he gets lost.

3. Refresher Course

Train train train. Make sure your pet is well trained and obedient. I know it's easier to say than do, but it's very important to ensure the safety of your pet outdoors. Many dogs are under socialized. When they see another dog even on leash they react poorly. Your dog could break his or her leash or collar and escape to greet another dog or chase another furry. Recall and socialization are the most important when outside with your pet.

4. Shield Them!

Make sure to keep your vaccinations up to date as well as monthly preventatives. It's high flea and tick season with the warm weather approaching. Also I have found that many do not keep the Bordatella UTD since the dogs were primarily indoors. Dog parks are breeding grounds for this along with multiple intestinal parasites. Keep your pets healthy as they make new friends.

5. Don't Eat That!

Tis the season of barbecues! I have seen many family barbecues with off leash pets raiding garbage cans, picking up discarded scraps and licking plates. Be careful your dog does not ingest bones or trash. Keep him leashed and safely with you, or in a playpen when you can not watch him.

6. Not In My Garden!

Lawn work and gardening are in full swing. Also ensure he doesn't eat any poisonous plants while out and about. Some flowers and plants seem very appetizing to your pets. Visit http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/ for a list of household and garden plants that are hazardous to your pet.

These are just a few ideas to keep your family happy and healthy during the Spring Fever. I look forward to seeing many of you along the trails and paths with your pets, enjoying this beautiful weather and the changing scenery. Enjoy and be safe!

Dari and Sean

Www.backinthepack.com

Family, Fun & Festivities with the Furries

Family, Fun, & Festivities with the Furries

The holiday season is upon us, and your furry friend is feeling a bit anxious. As much as you are distracted by visiting guests or family, and the stress of holiday shopping, your pet will need a little more supervision and attention. Not what you wanted to hear? Here are a few tips to keep your canine anxieties at bay, and help to ensure a happy healthy pet during the season.

1. Your tree and decor. Remember it is natural for your dog to want to chew. Be careful and mindful of what holiday ornaments you use on your tree. Lights, breakable ornaments, a tree holder with a fresh oasis of water each day, candles, and poisonous plants can attract your pups. Keep a watchful eye, and place these items high and out of reach for your canine friend.

2. Training. Unwanted behaviors like barking, jumping, and stealing food are common and natural for dogs. Training is essential to keep these behaviors at an acceptable level or rid them completely. New guests in the house tend to not enforce your same rules, and will not apply discipline. Keep training fresh in your dog's mind by using each arrival of guests as a training opportunity. A trained well balanced pet is a happy pet.

3 . Avoid temptation. Let's be honest, you have a food motivated dog. If you leave the food on the counter, with no supervision, the temptation is clear. Avoid putting your dog in the position of choice. Yes, on a normal occasion, they know better, but in an anxious state, all is fair game. Block off areas of the house that may increase your pet's temptation. Crate, or baby gate your pet during times he can not be supervised. Keep guests from giving table scraps, it may even be better to remove your pet from the area all together to keep the rules in check.

4. Exercise. Snowing? Ice? Too much to do? No excuse, your pet does not understand. The winter season is the prime time for stressed under exercised pets. You wonder why they are destroying the garbage, marking the house, tearing down the ornaments or the tree. Boredom and excitability. It is essential to keep your pet well exercised and tired during this time, mentally and physically. Use mental puzzles and games to keep them occupied and entertained during festivities, but don't forget they need their walk before you shop!

5. Accept me, accept my dog. Let's not go by this motto, this season. Some of your guests are not use to the 3 German Shepherds on your lap. It can be overwhelming for a dog to get use to all the guests in their home. Avoid forcing them to do so, and avoid forcing guests to accept them. That can lead to an uncomfortable and dangerous situation. Watch for visible signs of stress, heavy panting, licking of lips, yawning, or hiding. Give your pet a safe spot away from the commotion. I know you want everyone to love your pet, but love him first.

Remember to keep your emergency vet's number handy in case of unexpected events.
Following these tips will help to keep your season bright and manageable, at least with your dog, I can't guarantee the family! Holidays are meant to be a time of family and festivities, but don't forget to keep your pet's mental health in mind, it will make everything easier along the way.
DJF

Please enjoy the link to our holiday card:

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from Back in the Pack