JOKE OF THE DAY....

Have you heard about the new dog cross-breeds?

They crossed a Bull Terrier and a ShihTzu. The new breed is a uhh, I'll get back to you on that.....

HOPE EVERY ONE HAD A GREAT MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND...

As the familly and I were at the lake this weekend enjoying the outdoors, each other and our four dogs I started thinking about how the hot weather affected our furry four legged friend ... Well you know what than normally means, another article :-) 

This one is pretty important to me and to all those dogs our there so please spread this info to your contact lists and social meadia contacts!!!

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Ok, so it’s Memorial Day, the historical beginning of summer, and I want to take a minute to talk to you about hot weather precautions for you and your pooch. I started thinking about this post yesterday when I had Leo at the groomer for her summer groom. This, in it of itself, is an important thing to cover… Leo is a Leonberger (great big hairy dirt colored bear of a dog) and my first thought was to completely shave her, she would have to be cooler with less hair right? Well not necessarily, in many cases dogs with long hair actually use that hair as insulation from the not only the cold of winter but also the heat of summer. So by just willy nilly shaving a dog you might just be making it harder for your pooch to deal with the heat of summer. In Leo’s case we shaved her belly area, did a Furminator service (to get rid of the loose blowing coat) and simply used trimmers to thin her coat a tiny bit. My groomer was adamant we not shave her and as a (reasonably J) intelligent guy I listened to the expert (the groomer) and allowed her to make the call.

So besides a summertime grooming, what are other ways to help our dogs deal with the heat of the summer?

1.       Access to fresh water 100% of the time. Don’t just fill the water bowl twice a day make sure it is fresh and full all day. If the dog is outside much of the time, this is even more important.

2.       Access to plenty of shade, especially if your dog spends much time outside in the yard during the heat of the day.

3.       Access to a little kids wading pool. This is a great way for dogs to keep cool. In fact I used to have a Malamute (London, rest his huge soul) that would spend hours just laying in his pool while the family was outdoors.

4.       Cooling jackets, they are doggy jackets that are filled with a material that holds water. You simply dunk them in water and put them on your dog. The coolness of the water helps keep your dog from overheating. Be sure to periodically check the jacket to see if it needs another dunking.

5.       Going on walks in the morning or the evening! Walking in the heat of the day is not good for you or your dog so try to plan your walks for times of the day when it is not super hot! Just like you need to hydrate during hot weather so does your dog! So remember to take enough for both of you!

6.       Do not walk your dog on asphalt or concrete during hot periods. Come on people, we have all made the mistake of trying to walk shoeless across the deck of the pool right? Jokes aside, you can cause serious burns to the pads of your dog’s feet by forgetting this important tip.

7.       Never leave a dog inside a car without running the A/C!! The inside temp of a care can go from mid 70s to temps above 110 in just minutes.  I don’t care how quick your trip is, just don’t risk it!

8.       Talk to your vet about your dog’s hot weather abilities. For example “smoosh nosed” dogs do not breath as well as long snouted dogs and are more susceptible to heat stroke! Once again listen and ask the experts (The Vet)!!!

I leave you with one final thought about dogs and dog ownership… Dogs are social animals and do not belong in backyards all of the time. They are pets not shrubbery! If you leave you dogs outside all of the time and never allow them inside, I warn you now… without proper care during hot weather it becomes animal cruelty, not animal ownership L Take care of them this summer and if all of this sounds like too much work… might I suggest a goldfish? They make great low maintenance pets 

The truth can be harsh, but I have yet to see a truer statement!!!

Creating a Resource Guarding Issue « Wilde About Dogs

I love this article! Please read and head the message... Taking things away from a dog just to prove you can teaches nothing and this article nails this misconception!!!

Creating a Resource Guarding Issue « Wilde About Dogs

Bunny's Blog: Top 10 Warning Signs of Cancer in Dogs and Cats

Great Blog and Great Advice on things to look for in regards of cancer in dogs and cats. As it is with people it is the same with our pets... The sooner we diagnose cancer the better the chance we have to save the patient. Great article and well worth the read and the share!!!


Bunny's Blog: Top 10 Warning Signs of Cancer in Dogs and Cats

Went to the lake this weekend and every project I touched  lead to an unintended additional project  :-(  Lets just say things ended up working but by taking the road "well, well traveled". So the next time you feel like this bird, remember keep your nose down and keep moving forward!

The Dog Owners Book of Poop and Pee | Johnson County Library | BiblioCommons

Pretty cool when you find out your local library carries the book you wrote:-) 


The Dog Owners Book of Poop and Pee | Johnson County Library | BiblioCommons

Religious Rituals and Dog Abuse | Psychology Today

Wow.... I do not know even how to respond to this article... All I can say is read it for yourself and make your own conclusions, but from my perspective this is abuse and in a work sick :-(  Let me know your thoughts and spread this article as a way to let others make their own conclusions.

Religious Rituals and Dog Abuse | Psychology Today

Food for thought/ Question...

Do people really think there is a "magic pill" or "silver bullet" in life? I specifically tell people "I dont train dogs I train owners" so that they understand I teach skills and that they have to put them to use. I still get folks who want me to let their dogs move in and have me magically make them behave... It is kind of funny, I even chose the name Keep it Simple Stupid Dog Training, in hopes of weeding out some of the "non realistic/grumpy" clients (lets face it with a name like that you had better have a sense of humor) :-) I guess I just feel that if you dont put in the time and effort in life, let alone dog training what can you really expect? It probably does not help that some trainer claim to be able to fix and cure everything (including the common cold) Well that is my rant for the day. Now tell me what you think!

This is a critical message that must get out! Please pass this on and remember if your car is not running and the ac on, dogs should not, can not be left inside... It only takes minutes for the temp to reach 100 degrees! 

Seriously on a 75 degree day, a car in the sun with the window up, will reach the 100 degree temperature mark in little time at all. We love our dogs, and believe me none of us want to live with the fact they are now no longer with us over a quick trip to the store...

Broadmore Kennels Now Offering Grooming!!!!

As you  all know I teach all my group classes at Broadmore Kennels, and I am very happy to introduce Cynthia Veth to all my dog training clients because starting today, she is the new Groomer at Broadmore. Here are a few words by Cynthia to say HI to everyone...

Aside from being an animal lover, I love to get out and experience the world.  I participate in the Kansas City Renaissance Festival as anything from a colorful gypsy to an armorer, making chainmail and blacksmithing.  I love sampling foods from all over the world and have even had fish and chips while sitting in the Queen's tea house in London!  I am a complete history nut and even considered being a history professor, but my love of animals has led me to go to school to be a veterinary technician (currently enrolled).  At home, my two knuckleheads Finnegan (bulldog) and Layla (pug) keep me as entertained as ever.

I have been grooming dogs for four years, and am familiar with all breeds and styles. I began my grooming career in 2008 when I started working for Petsmart as a bather. I was required to learn the different breeds of canine and the difference in their hair and coat types by bathing them, clipping their nails, stripping their undercoat, cleaning their ears, and brushing them out. After about two months of bathing I was sent to grooming academy, learned the grooming trade, and was certified in 2008.

After grooming at petsmart for three years, including one year as salon manager, I furthered my education under a nationally certified groomer in Clarksville, TN

If you have any special requests for your dog’s groom, I am more than happy to accommodate those as well and answer any questions you may have. I believe that the relationship between your pet and their groomer is very important. That’s why I do my best to provide a personable experience for you and your pet.  I look forward to meeting you and your baby soon!

So stop by and say high or better yet call 913-441-5026 and set up your appointment today!!!

New Classes offered at K.I.S.S. Dog Training/ Broadmore Kennels in Western Shawnee, KS

Announcing New Classes at K.I.S.S. Dog Training!!!

Mary Sellaro of Sirius Potential Dog Training is now partnering with K.I.S.S. and Broadmore Kennels to offer Both an introductory Rally Obedience Class and Dog/Owner Therapy Skills Class. Call 816-591-8231 or 913-441-5026 for enrollment  information,  start dates or questions. You can also email msellaro@kc.rr.com, mike@kissdogtraining.com or broadmorekennels@sbcglobal.net  for more information!

Rally Fun 101                                                

7 Week Class $139.99

This class is a fun way to sharpen both basic exercises and focused attention.  Dogs and handlers will navigate a "course" consisting of numbered cones and directional signs called "stations."  Each station provides training challenges and guides the team through the course.  This class is for fun only-it is not competition based.

Prerequisites:

Dogs must be at least 6 months old and satisfactorily completed a Beginner class.

Helping Paws Therapy Team Training Class

7 Week Class $139.99

This class will focus on preparing potential volunteer teams for visiting nursing homes, hospitals or schools to name a few.  The goal of this course is to give the skills and tools needed to become a better prepared volunteer team.  Emphasis will also be placed on getting skills ready to pass the Temperament Test required by volunteer organizations.  (This class will not provide “certification” for visiting, however, contact information on local groups will be provided.)

Class Prerequisites

• Dogs and handlers must be people and dog social.
• Dogs need to be at least 12 months old to attend the class.
• Dogs need to be in owner’s home for at least 6 months.
• Skill Level: Dogs need to be ready (or very close) to being ready to pass the Canine Good Citizen Test. http://www.kissdogtraining.com/pdf/CGC_Handout.pdf
• No prong collars or slip chains.  A flat buckle or Tufflock collar, martingale, body or head harness may be used in this class
• No chain or retractable leashes.
• One dog per handler.
• Handlers must be at least 16 years of age.

A little bit about Mary…

Mary Sellaro has been training dogs since 1990.  She has taught group classes and private lessons from puppy level through advanced for pet owners.  Mary has also worked with dog owners on behavioral issues, including aggression.  She developed and implemented a training class program for REGAP, Retired Greyhounds as Pets.  Mary has been the temperament test evaluator for the Children’s Mercy Hospital’s Pet Pal Program since 1997 and Pets for Life, Inc. from 1996 through 2004.  She co-owned and operated a dog daycare and obedience training facility for several years. 

Mary was a recurring guest on The Chris Baker Show on Talk Radio 710, KCMO.  Mary was a returning guest and the canine behavioral consultant for the Scott Voorhees Show aired on KCTE, Hot Talk 1510.  She has had several articles published and in 2007 trained and handled her Australian Shepherd for a local television commercial.

Mary began a career with Pete and Mac’s Pet Resorts in 2005 as General Manager and was then promoted to Director of Pet Education in 2006 and created Pete and Mac’s Pet Resort’s dog training program.  In 2008, grooming was added to her responsibilities and she served as the company wide Director of Pet Education and Grooming.          

Mary is a certified American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen evaluator.

Dog Yawn Study: Human Yawns 'Contagious' For Canines

Interesting article about contagious yawning in dog via humans, but it does not take into count that yawning is also a stress signal by dogs. I do not doubt the validity that dogs will imitate or yawn back at humans just as they will in dogs, but I am just not convinced it is simply a contagious act and rather not a response to a stress signal that they see. For example Dog A is nervous and not comfortable in a given situation, so Dog B reciprocates the yawn to let Dog A know He/She understands and to relax. Either way, like I said an interesting article that needs way more research to determine causality... worth a read and a little bit of a think a round!

  Dog Yawn Study: Human Yawns 'Contagious' For Canines

Crutch or Cure

Hey there all!!!! Just wanted to share the link to my latest article in Metro Pet Magazine...

In this issue I cover the types of tools on the market to help owners with dogs the pull on the leash! Ironically, I really focus on the fact that while they work (yes I have used many of these) if you do not wean the dog of the tool or device it simply becomes a crutch that the owner will have to use for ever! 

I also cover a new and wonderful tool on the market invented by a good friend of mine, Ron Daye, The Run-Devue Leash. It is an all in one solution for pulling that even allows for owner to proof or test progress with out the no pull aspect of the leash!!! I hope you enjoy...

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW TO GET A RUN-DEVUE LEASH

Can Dogs Predict Earthquakes? | Psychology Today

Really cool article!!! They have always claimed animals having a 6th sense and this kinda help you understand some of the reasons, it could be possible. I love the cool science stuff :-)

Can Dogs Predict Earthquakes? | Psychology Today

Heel? Loose Leash Walking? What Say Ye? « Wilde About Dogs

Great article about the differences of leash skills training, now and 30 years ago. I really like this article, it really puts the topic in easy to understand ideas... If your dog pulls read this before calling a trainer!

Heel? Loose Leash Walking? What Say Ye? « Wilde About Dogs

Major Brand Pet Foods Recalled Due To Salmonella - The Animal Rescue Site

 Please take a minute and check this list and see if your pet food has been recalled!!! 

Major Brand Pet Foods Recalled Due To Salmonella - The Animal Rescue Site

Please Check out our "Other" Company!!!

Hey all!!! Just wanted to let you know we have finished up our redesign on 

Muttz "R" Us 

website!!! 

We are so proud of it and would love for you to take a look at it. We are the Home of the $5, $10 and $15 T-Shirt. We also carry bumper stickers and great dog training gear. But most of all we are a fun loving online T-Shirt Shop for all the folks who love Pets and a good laugh! So here is a little example and we hope you not only like it but will share it with all your friends!

PS we also donate a percentage of all T-Shirt sales to Pet Finder.com

Ok so it has nothing to do with dogs or dog training but I am sorry this picture is freaking hillarious... Enjoy your day and remember it is easier to be happy when you are smiling!

Hey there all!

Just wanted to drop you all a note and let you know our next “Off Leash Puppy Class” is coming up on June 9^th at 10 am.

·       Keep in Mind pups must be between 10 and 18 weeks to attend the class

·       Focus on socialization and foundation skills

·       6 week class

·       Cost $119.00

·       2 FREE EBooks with enrollment

For more info please visit our website at http://www.kissdogtraining.com/training.html#group

Space is limited to 8 dogs.

Please respond to this email if you would like to reserve a spot in class. Payment can be made online at www.kissdogtraining.com or at our first class...

Please help us help puppies and spread the word, YOU ONLY GET ONE CHANCE TO TRAIN A PUPPY!!!

Dorchester County infant dies from family dog attack | The Post and Courier | Charleston SC, News, Sports, Entertainment

THIS STORY IS ABSOLUTELY HORRIFIC AND SAD BUT PLEASE READ IT AND PASS IT ON TO ANYONE WITH KIDS OF ANY AGE AND DOGS. I CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH THAT DOGS AND KIDS SHOULD NEVER EVER BE LEFT ALONE PERIOD. IF YOU HAVE EVER DOUBTED THIS FACT I HOPE THIS ARTICLE CHANGES YOUR MIND!!!! 

Dorchester County infant dies from family dog attack | The Post and Courier | Charleston SC, News, Sports, Entertainment