Our Dane/Shepherd Mix of 10 years had a stroke last fall. The cost of his hospitalization over 2 weeks was substantial, and regrettably, he passed away. After this experience I researched Pet Insurance, and signed up with PetPlan Pet Insurance after reviewing their coverage, speaking with them, and reading reviews. For those that may be interested, mention my name to Fabrice at 866.467.3875 ext# 2411 for a discount.

Today's post was to compliment PetPlan on a their publication called "Fetch". I received my first issue of this magazine a few weeks ago, an issue focusing on senior pet health. Not to take anything away from the publication, but I thought I'd share a few of the items I found of interest (in no particular order of importance)...

A review of common health issues associated with aging including lenticular sclerosis, cognitive dysfunction, incontinence, heart disease, renal problems, and dental hygeine.

Average costs for some disease therapies such as $4-15K for lymphomma treatment, $8k for arthritic and orthopoedic, and $1-6k for cataracts.

An article on new advances in cancer therapies including sterotactic radiation.

Diet and supplement information for older pets including omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine/chondroitin, SAM-e, and probiotics.

Tips on helping your pet age well by having regular blood work (senior panel) starting at age 7, supplementing its diet, keeping weight in check, challenging your dog to think and use its brain, exercise, and having a younger dog as a pal.

Advantages of adopting an older pet.

One of the ads in the magazine also reminded everyone of the importance of registering your dog if it has been microchipped. If you haven't done so, you can register any pet at Home Again (there is a fee for this service).

If you'd like to learn more about PetPlan or their magazine, please visit their website.

Several Vets have begun correlating strange health issues in dogs with human products containing hormones. These products may be the cause of markedly swollen vulvas (as if they are in heat) in many spayed dogs and young female puppies. Male dogs are being seen with enlarged mammary glands and abnormally small penises. Animals of both genders experience fur loss.

In short, owners using topical hormone treatments (most often in menopausal women) in the form of gels, lotions and creams may be transferring medication to their pets as they touch and hold them. Some pets may ingest medication by licking areas where it was applied, or chewing on trans-dermal patches being worn or having been discarded.

Veterinarians are now beginning to consider this problem during evaluations, as mechanisms for tracking and gathering information are being put into place. For more information, please visit this page.

Over the past year or two I've had several discussions with owners regarding training and a "dog's spirit". In these cases, the owners have always been concerned that training their dog will somehow sadden their pet or make them less able to enjoy life.

Well-trained dogs understand their role in a home and respect their owners. When I begin working with an owner and their dog, I generally recommend substantial changes to their daily routines. As dogs process these changes they may seem more quiet for few days. A thinking dog is not a sad dog, and this 'quiet time' is only temporary.

Over a longer term, as new expectations become part of daily life in a home, dogs develop more respect for their owners, listen better, and are calmer and better behaved. This too can mean substantial changes from past behavior with some pets. While most owners are very pleased to see such results, others somehow feel their 'changed' dog is no longer as enthusiastic or happy.

I would offer that a dog that is now thinking, paying attention, and more focused on living well with its owners is a dog can enjoy more privileges, more travels, more interaction with people, other dogs, etc. Along with praise, new interactions with an owner are a great rewarded for any dog's hard work. Training also improves safety as dogs learn to obey commands where the environment could pose hazards (traffic, etc.) or when play is not appropriate. All this adds up to a much fuller and enjoyable life for both dog and owner.

A wild or unruly dog may seem to some as playful, animated and "happy", but calm and obedient doesn't equal "unhappy". Training will improve your dog's behavior, but it won't change his/her personality. Calm and obedient AND happy can all co-exist. A dog can still have fun working on an owner's agenda instead of its own.

Once you live with a well trained dog you'll never live without training again.

The video below does an excellent job outlining a problem that gets very little press or attention. While there are stories and websites featuring daily information on Breed Specific Legislation (BSL), very little discussion is taking place regarding insurers unwillingness to insure specific breeds. This is a separate and significant concern in addition to the BSL in Ohio Law.

The trend outlined in this story indicates that several insurance companies are now canceling policies for owners should they have a specific breed of dog. To my knowledge this is a new development, and one that should cause a great deal of concern to responsible dog owners. In the past SOME insurers might not honor claims involving certain dog breeds, but they were not canceling entire policies based on the type of a dog in a home.

Based on talks with my own insurer, more recent research, and info offered in this video, it's appears that insurers change their "list of dis-approved dogs" from time to time. So how can an owner assume their dog will be covered under a home-owner's policy for the life of their pet?

Pet owners need to be aware of the true responsibilities and cost involved with responsible pet ownership. There is an increasing grassroots push to end BSL and seek more effective and knowledgeable solutions. As consumers we shouldn't underestimate our power to VOTE with our wallets. Understanding any insurer's policies regarding breed exclusions is a first step in making an informed decisions as you shop for insurance.

In a recent post I discussed how many factors can influence the development of a dog. While that post focused on aggression and breeds, I thought it would be good to discuss how those same factors impact training. In short, a dog's experiences in early life, experiences and interactions in any current environment, and genetics, all add to the development of each dog's unique personality. This is the reason I always tell owners that individual personalities are far more important than breed. Yes, breed is a component of a dog's personality, but is isn't the only component. It's usually NOT the most important component.

There is so much information online regarding training methods, techniques, and approaches that it can seem overwhelming to any responsible owner. What I find missing in most online information is how to adjust the offered information for a given personality type. In fact, most online sources will try and convince you that their method or approach is THE method or approach that will work with any dog. Does that seem reasonable? Consider too the number of testimonials that are given from owners who have used a singular method with only a handful of dogs (if that many). Are their views reliable? Is their information good counsel for your dog?

I think any good trainer will use a variety of methods and tools to help owners achieve their goals with a dog. For myself, I always spend time getting to know a new dog so I can tell as much as possible about its personality. A shy or anxious dog will need different approaches than one that is hyperactive or another that may be a bully. Trainers working with many dogs not only gain experience, but also a balanced and broader understanding of what these different personalities need to help each UNIQUE DOG move forward.

When a prospective client calls me I really don't offer precise information over the phone about what I will do with their dog. I offer information on how I run my sessions, let them know I will evaluate their dog so we can use our time together productively, and advise I use a variety of tools and methods. In the end I tailor a program to their specific abilities, goals, AND their dog's unique personality. All key components for progress in the offline world.

Remember - every dog's perfect online! - guy