Here are some entertaining dog-related links that people have sent me in the last week.
Fresno Dog News
Each gives a glimpse into the local Central Valley dog culture. Enjoy and don’t hesitate to send along anything interesting!
- Certain California police dogs may soon be eligible for pensions. This is meant to help offset the cost of caring for retired working dogs, which is not cheap given the high levels of vet care, stimulation and management they require.
- Arguments over the effectiveness of rattlesnake vaccines. I’m a snake lover (video proof), but poisonous snakes can be very dangerous to dogs. It’s worth the effort to learn how to recognize venomous and harmless snakes, and snake avoidance should be encouraged in all California dogs from a young age, especially if you want the dogs to go on off-leash hikes with you.
- A Central Valley rescue dog with a birth defect has gone from euthanasia list (dumped at a shelter by a breeder who couldn’t sell him) to internet celebrity. Know your breeders before you buy. Support the good guys. (Here are more tips on selecting a puppy.)
- A Fresno rescue enjoys a record adoption day. GREAT to see dogs finding homes, but as we all know the real journey STARTS with adoption, it does not END there. For those who find themselves in this situation, here are some tips for integrating a new dog. And remember, a new dog is always a challenge, no matter the source. At the same time, doing things right from the start will make life a heck of a lot easier and much less stressful.
- A nice profile of a young Yosemite High rescuer who works with Animal Compassion Team (ACT) of Fresno. She and her mother have fostered 91 dogs. More proof that one person can make a huge difference.
- This last one’s good for a laugh. A husky shoplifts a loaf of bread in Kern County. Training takeaway: if you’re going to take your dog in public, make sure the dog has a solid “leave it”, “drop it” and has learned to ignore distractions.
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Nate Hess is a dog behavior specialist and the owner of Dogspring Training, which provides comprehensive dog training and behavior resolution services in Fresno and Clovis, California. He is a graduate of Stanford University, a member of the International Association of Animal Behavioral Consultants (IAABC), and an evaluator for the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and S.T.A.R. Puppy programs. He also consults with dog rescues across the country.