Donna Lozito is a Certified Homeopath, who is an incredible animal communicator as well as a healer. Check out her website below;
Donna Lozito
Friday, December 19, 2014
Need a Gift?
Kathy Sommer, Fenway's companion, has a very interesting suggestion for a gift for our two and four legged friends.
Donna Lozito is a Certified Homeopath, who is an incredible animal communicator as well as a healer. Check out her website below;
Donna Lozito
Donna Lozito is a Certified Homeopath, who is an incredible animal communicator as well as a healer. Check out her website below;
Donna Lozito
Monday, November 24, 2014
Effective Dog Training Does Not Require Pain
Effective Dog Training Does Not Require Pain
Annie Phenix | Nov 19th 2014 | 
21 Contributions
21 Contributions 
What topic confuses dog owners most? Training. It's a controversial issue, too, even though most owners are unaware of that, as they are simply seeking guidance for themselves and their dog.
The training industry is vehemently split into two camps: dog trainers who use positive reinforcement training and never pain, and trainers willing to use pain and cause fear with tools such as shock and prong collars, alpha rolls (throwing a dog on his back to show who is boss), and the like.
There also are dog trainers who say they fall somewhere in the middle; they call themselves "balanced" trainers. Adding pain to any training plan, though, has the potential to create a frustrated and unbalanced dog.
Dog owners are whacked back and forth between these polar opposites like a ping-pong ball. To win the game, you need to be well informed, and I aim to help you choose wisely. The decision you make could literally mean the difference between life and death -- Google "dog death at training facility" if you have any doubts.
As a force-free, certified professional dog trainer, I never use pain to shape an animal's behavior. I don't believe it's necessary, and I do believe it can be harmful. I attended training on shock collar use because I wanted to understand the protocol. After learning how to properly use the device and seeing many dogs run right through the highest shock delivered, crying out in pain, I never put one on a dog again. I continued learning how to train without pain and fear.
So why are many trainers willing to use a tool that causes physical and psychological damage to a dog by sending a painful shock to the neck for an incorrect choice? A tool that The Pet Professional Guild (PPG) has recommended banning?
Those who use pain to train might do so because they believe dogs are trying to dominate us, a theory animal researchers long ago debunked. But why use pain and fear when so many other options are available that do not have such negative effects?
Here are some issues to consider as you decide which training method will be best for your dog.
If you have only one tool in your toolbox and it is a hammer, everything looks like a nail. Do you really want to see your Bichon Frise pinched by a prong collar? Does your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel really need to be taught who is boss with an electric shock? Does any breed of dog need to feel pain in order to learn?
Before you hire a trainer, ask about his training methods. What will the response be to your dog's failure to understand or obey? It is imperative to ask this question before you sign up for a class and to make it clear pain that is not allowed during the training of your dog. You can find many trainers who use force-free training methods through the PPG member directory. We've also written extensively at Dogster about how to hire a legit dog trainer.
Trainers have at their disposal a variety of force-free methods and tools with long track records and decades of scientific study proving they work. A few examples include luring, shaping, targeting, clicker or whistle use, food and toy reinforcement, remotely operated treat-and-train devices, and environment freedoms such as allowing the dog to sniff where she wants after responding correctly to a cue. Author and professor John Bradshaw, as well as countless other scientists and researchers, asserts that dogs "learn to please their owners" and do not do their canine damndest to overthrow us.
Many trainers who use pain to train share pictures of themselves walking eight or so Rottweilers or Pit Bulls behind them, all looking calm and submissive as they trot down the street wearing a shock collar and/or a prong collar. When you see this, ask yourself: Who owns eight Rottweilers? Why would anyone want to walk eight large dogs down the street at the same time? Who wants their dog looking shut down and afraid? What does this image tell you about the person holding all eight leashes?
Such photos are publicity stunts designed to show how virile these trainers are. Why do they not show themselves walking eight Miniature Poodles behind them? If dogs want to dominate us, this includes Poodles, because Poodles are also dogs last time I checked.
Are puppies also trying to dominate humans? Let's pretend for a moment that they are. Given that, the tools that teach through pain should also be used on puppies. Perhaps they are not because even trainers who use shock and prong collars would hesitate to do so with a puppy -- at least for the publicity photos on their websites.
The majority of Americans own what are considered to be "soft" dogs. Out of the top 20 dogs registered with the American Kennel Club, breeds such as these make the list: Yorkies, Poodle, Shih Tzu, Labrador, Golden Retriever, Miniature Schnauzer, French Bulldog, Chihuahua, Pomeranian, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. How many of the "strong breeds" are in the top 20? Two: Rottweiler and German Shepherd. Do you want a versatile trainer who can work with all breeds and sizes, or do you want one that specializes in dogs that are used as police and military dogs?
And for the record, breeds used for this type of work also are capable of being trained without pain and fear, and many enlightened police and military trainers are doing just that with great success in the U.S. and the Netherlands. Do you need Fluffy to protect you and thus be trained as a police dog? Must your Dachshund heel to your left leg? Why? To prove that you can make your dog do it? Don't use outdated police dog training methods for your pet.
Finally, using pain demonstrates a lack of empathy for another sentient species. It speaks more to trainer's belief that a dog can dominate a human than it speaks to being versatile in various methods. Find a trainer who knows better. Still not sure how to do that? The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists offers additional guidance.
After considering all of the above, simply ask yourself: At the end of training, do I want a positive relationship with my dog or a canine scared to make the wrong move?
Personally, I will always choose the positive relationship over a flawless performance by my own dogs. They mean more to me than a performance judged by other humans. And when I do ask my dogs to show off, they always give 100 percent because we trust each other. Trust is everything. You control the dynamic between humans and dogs -– use the power wisely and use it compassionately.
What do you think? Do you also object to trainers who use pain and cause fear? What method did you use to train your dog? Tell us about your experience in the comments.
The training industry is vehemently split into two camps: dog trainers who use positive reinforcement training and never pain, and trainers willing to use pain and cause fear with tools such as shock and prong collars, alpha rolls (throwing a dog on his back to show who is boss), and the like.
There also are dog trainers who say they fall somewhere in the middle; they call themselves "balanced" trainers. Adding pain to any training plan, though, has the potential to create a frustrated and unbalanced dog.
Dog owners are whacked back and forth between these polar opposites like a ping-pong ball. To win the game, you need to be well informed, and I aim to help you choose wisely. The decision you make could literally mean the difference between life and death -- Google "dog death at training facility" if you have any doubts.
As a force-free, certified professional dog trainer, I never use pain to shape an animal's behavior. I don't believe it's necessary, and I do believe it can be harmful. I attended training on shock collar use because I wanted to understand the protocol. After learning how to properly use the device and seeing many dogs run right through the highest shock delivered, crying out in pain, I never put one on a dog again. I continued learning how to train without pain and fear.
So why are many trainers willing to use a tool that causes physical and psychological damage to a dog by sending a painful shock to the neck for an incorrect choice? A tool that The Pet Professional Guild (PPG) has recommended banning?
Those who use pain to train might do so because they believe dogs are trying to dominate us, a theory animal researchers long ago debunked. But why use pain and fear when so many other options are available that do not have such negative effects?
Here are some issues to consider as you decide which training method will be best for your dog.
If you have only one tool in your toolbox and it is a hammer, everything looks like a nail. Do you really want to see your Bichon Frise pinched by a prong collar? Does your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel really need to be taught who is boss with an electric shock? Does any breed of dog need to feel pain in order to learn?
Before you hire a trainer, ask about his training methods. What will the response be to your dog's failure to understand or obey? It is imperative to ask this question before you sign up for a class and to make it clear pain that is not allowed during the training of your dog. You can find many trainers who use force-free training methods through the PPG member directory. We've also written extensively at Dogster about how to hire a legit dog trainer.
Trainers have at their disposal a variety of force-free methods and tools with long track records and decades of scientific study proving they work. A few examples include luring, shaping, targeting, clicker or whistle use, food and toy reinforcement, remotely operated treat-and-train devices, and environment freedoms such as allowing the dog to sniff where she wants after responding correctly to a cue. Author and professor John Bradshaw, as well as countless other scientists and researchers, asserts that dogs "learn to please their owners" and do not do their canine damndest to overthrow us.
Many trainers who use pain to train share pictures of themselves walking eight or so Rottweilers or Pit Bulls behind them, all looking calm and submissive as they trot down the street wearing a shock collar and/or a prong collar. When you see this, ask yourself: Who owns eight Rottweilers? Why would anyone want to walk eight large dogs down the street at the same time? Who wants their dog looking shut down and afraid? What does this image tell you about the person holding all eight leashes?
Such photos are publicity stunts designed to show how virile these trainers are. Why do they not show themselves walking eight Miniature Poodles behind them? If dogs want to dominate us, this includes Poodles, because Poodles are also dogs last time I checked.
Are puppies also trying to dominate humans? Let's pretend for a moment that they are. Given that, the tools that teach through pain should also be used on puppies. Perhaps they are not because even trainers who use shock and prong collars would hesitate to do so with a puppy -- at least for the publicity photos on their websites.
The majority of Americans own what are considered to be "soft" dogs. Out of the top 20 dogs registered with the American Kennel Club, breeds such as these make the list: Yorkies, Poodle, Shih Tzu, Labrador, Golden Retriever, Miniature Schnauzer, French Bulldog, Chihuahua, Pomeranian, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. How many of the "strong breeds" are in the top 20? Two: Rottweiler and German Shepherd. Do you want a versatile trainer who can work with all breeds and sizes, or do you want one that specializes in dogs that are used as police and military dogs?
And for the record, breeds used for this type of work also are capable of being trained without pain and fear, and many enlightened police and military trainers are doing just that with great success in the U.S. and the Netherlands. Do you need Fluffy to protect you and thus be trained as a police dog? Must your Dachshund heel to your left leg? Why? To prove that you can make your dog do it? Don't use outdated police dog training methods for your pet.
Finally, using pain demonstrates a lack of empathy for another sentient species. It speaks more to trainer's belief that a dog can dominate a human than it speaks to being versatile in various methods. Find a trainer who knows better. Still not sure how to do that? The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists offers additional guidance.
After considering all of the above, simply ask yourself: At the end of training, do I want a positive relationship with my dog or a canine scared to make the wrong move?
Personally, I will always choose the positive relationship over a flawless performance by my own dogs. They mean more to me than a performance judged by other humans. And when I do ask my dogs to show off, they always give 100 percent because we trust each other. Trust is everything. You control the dynamic between humans and dogs -– use the power wisely and use it compassionately.
What do you think? Do you also object to trainers who use pain and cause fear? What method did you use to train your dog? Tell us about your experience in the comments.
Read more about training at Dogster:
About the author: Annie Phenix, CPDT-KA, is a force-free professional dog trainer enjoying her mountain-filled life in Colorado. She is a member of the Pet Professional Guild and the National Association of Canine Scent Work. She takes her highly trained dogs with her everywhere dogs are welcome because of their exceptionally good manners. Phenix generally leaves her six donkeys at home on the ranch . . . but she is thinking about clicker training those little hairy hee-hawers as well. Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Canine Behavior or why does your dog sneeze when meeting other dogs.
From the Canine University web site, a dog training facility in the Boston area
Socializing dogs with other dogs is a crucially important aspect of raising a puppy. Dogs learn from other dogs how to communicate with each other. Communication in dogs is not as subtle as you might think once you know what to look for.
Most of us acknowledge when a dog does a play bow (front end down, rear end up) it is a friendly gesture that invites another dog to play. But did you realize when two dogs approach each other from a distance and begin sniffing the ground they are actually communicating friendliness ?
Turid Rugaas, a dog trainer from Norway has spent years observing dogs and the ways they tell each other through their body language that they want to get along. She believes that dogs, like their wolf cousins, are dependent upon their communication skills to cooperate with other members of their pack. Cooperation, not aggression or conflict, is the key to survival for any canine species.
Dogs have inherited this way of communicating through body language from their wild ancestors. This language is further developed within their litter and later with dogs they meet and play with. Eventually, they become fluent in being able to communicate their intentions with any other dog.
If dogs are not socialized with other dogs or are taken away from their litter too young, they never become fluent in their own language, becoming social outcasts. These are dogs that "go nuts" when they see another dog, either in exuberance or aggression or fear. They behave inappropriately and are not able to read any of the calming signals exhibited by normal dogs.
If you don't socialize your dog with other dogs of all breeds and ages he will never be a normal dog. These are the dogs that attack other dogs without warning and seem uncontrollable even when the other dog is displaying very obvious calming, friendly signals. Dogs as a group are supposed to get along with members of their own kind. If we would only socialize them more (with lots of different ages and sizes of dogs) their quality of life would be that much better. Some examples of calming signals dogs use to communicate peaceful intentions:
This is just a handful of all the neat ways that dogs communicate with us and with each other. Once you start observing dogs interacting with each other you will never look at dogs the same way again. It is an exciting peak into the world of canine language and is a joy to watch in an experienced dog. If you'd like to learn more about calming signals order Turid Rugaas' book, On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals, by contacting Legacy by Mail at 1-888-876-9364
Copyright © 1997 - 2003 Canine University. All rights reserved.
Canine Behavior
Canine Conversations Socializing dogs with other dogs is a crucially important aspect of raising a puppy. Dogs learn from other dogs how to communicate with each other. Communication in dogs is not as subtle as you might think once you know what to look for.
Most of us acknowledge when a dog does a play bow (front end down, rear end up) it is a friendly gesture that invites another dog to play. But did you realize when two dogs approach each other from a distance and begin sniffing the ground they are actually communicating friendliness ?
Turid Rugaas, a dog trainer from Norway has spent years observing dogs and the ways they tell each other through their body language that they want to get along. She believes that dogs, like their wolf cousins, are dependent upon their communication skills to cooperate with other members of their pack. Cooperation, not aggression or conflict, is the key to survival for any canine species.
Dogs have inherited this way of communicating through body language from their wild ancestors. This language is further developed within their litter and later with dogs they meet and play with. Eventually, they become fluent in being able to communicate their intentions with any other dog.
If dogs are not socialized with other dogs or are taken away from their litter too young, they never become fluent in their own language, becoming social outcasts. These are dogs that "go nuts" when they see another dog, either in exuberance or aggression or fear. They behave inappropriately and are not able to read any of the calming signals exhibited by normal dogs.
If you don't socialize your dog with other dogs of all breeds and ages he will never be a normal dog. These are the dogs that attack other dogs without warning and seem uncontrollable even when the other dog is displaying very obvious calming, friendly signals. Dogs as a group are supposed to get along with members of their own kind. If we would only socialize them more (with lots of different ages and sizes of dogs) their quality of life would be that much better. Some examples of calming signals dogs use to communicate peaceful intentions:
This is just a handful of all the neat ways that dogs communicate with us and with each other. Once you start observing dogs interacting with each other you will never look at dogs the same way again. It is an exciting peak into the world of canine language and is a joy to watch in an experienced dog. If you'd like to learn more about calming signals order Turid Rugaas' book, On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals, by contacting Legacy by Mail at 1-888-876-9364
Copyright © 1997 - 2003 Canine University. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Dogfest 2014 Woodcliff Lake August 24 2014
I Have Done Something
I looked at all the caged animals in the shelter...the cast-offs of human society.
I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread, sadness, and betrayal. And I was angry.
"God," I said, "this is terrible! Why don't you do something?"
God was silent for a moment, and then He spoke softly, "I have done something," he replied. "I created you."
-- Author Unknown
http://www.dogfest2014.com/
* Family fun - pets welcome
(6 - ft. non-retractable leashes)
* Food, Games, K9 demos
(6 - ft. non-retractable leashes)
* Food, Games, K9 demos
* 50-50 raffle
* Adoptable Pets, Unique Vendors* Give-Aways, Samples, Prizes
* Obedience Demonstration
* Benefits Animal Rescue
* Did we mention Fun?
Ample parking on site and additional parking available at Our Lady Mother of the Church adjacent to the event.
Thank you Father Manson and
Our Lady Mother of the Church!!!
Woodcliff Historic Park is located at the intersection of Woodcliff avenue and Werimus road. 1 Old Mill Road, Woodcliff Lake, NJ, 07677
* Obedience Demonstration
* Benefits Animal Rescue
* Did we mention Fun?
Ample parking on site and additional parking available at Our Lady Mother of the Church adjacent to the event.
Thank you Father Manson and
Our Lady Mother of the Church!!!
Woodcliff Historic Park is located at the intersection of Woodcliff avenue and Werimus road. 1 Old Mill Road, Woodcliff Lake, NJ, 07677
Thursday, August 14, 2014
I am saddened to pass on the news of the loss of
Lucy, Chris Dunleavy's German short hair pointer, this past Sunday. She was
afflicted with Bloat. The condition developed rapidly and was beyond medical
intervention.
When I am gone, release me, let me go-
I have so many things to see and do.
You must not tie yourself to me with tears,
be happy that we had so many years.
I gave you my love; you can only guess
how much you gave me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you have each shown.
But now it is time I traveled alone
You must not tie yourself to me with tears,
be happy that we had so many years.
I gave you my love; you can only guess
how much you gave me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you have each shown.
But now it is time I traveled alone
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/articles/caninebloat.htm
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Arthur Bergman found this on the web and succumbed to the cute, please enjoy;
Babies and Big Dogs
From Huffingtonpost Parents Page.
Babies and Big Dogs
From Huffingtonpost Parents Page.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Streetscaping for Leonia 2014
Streetscape Leonia 2014
On behalf of the Leonia Transportation Committee, a Mayor
Advisory Committee, you are cordially invited to participate in Streetscape Leonia 2014. Last year this successful initiative brought
together representation from our community including residents, businesses and
community groups. Volunteers are needed again to beautify Leonia’s public
spaces by adopting one of the 16 build-in-stone planters along Broad Avenue and
those in the Elm Street Parking Lot.
Modeled on Complete Streets concepts, streetscapes enhance
our community spaces by making them more attractive and inviting. Environmental improvement is a vital part of
promoting a sustainable community and economic regeneration. The area that
looks good has a better chance to thrive – as well as being a nice place to
live and work.
We are asking for volunteers (individuals, families, groups
of friends, local businesses and community groups) to “plant the planters” in
an informal arrangement and friendly co-operative atmosphere. What does this entail?
- Choose one of
the numbered built-in planters along Broad Avenue (see attached listing)
and confirm its availability.
- Commit to a)
clean the site, b) plant and water the site and c) maintain the planter
for 2014 season. Volunteers obtain
their own supplies; there are no funds for this project. (Tree sites are
not included in this program and are not to be planted).
- Where plants
currently exist (other than weeds) volunteers are asked to leave these
plantings in place and prune accordingly.
Additional plantings are encouraged to improve overall appearance.
- Contact Ingrid
Brennan, volunteer coordinator at Leoniatransportation@gmail.com
to sign up or with any suggestions or questions.
We invite you to contribute to this initiative. There are no
funds to apply for, no rewards, and this is not a competition. Every street should be beautiful. Thank you for consideration,
Ingrid
Brennan, Chair, for the Leonia Transportation Committee
|
SITE
|
LOCATION
|
VOLUNTEERS
|
|
Borough Annex Garden
|
Broad & Beachwood
Flower Bed
|
|
|
Broad Ave Garden Bed
|
Runs along the east side
of Broad along businesses, behind iron fencing
|
Community Chest
|
|
Dudley Allen Park
|
Flower pots
|
Leonia Dog Owners Group
|
|
Elm Street Parking 1
|
Entrance
|
|
|
Elm Street Parking 2
|
Outside – Back of Moores
|
|
|
Elm Street Parking 3
|
Triangle near ACS
|
|
|
Elm Street Parking 4
|
Center East side
|
|
|
Elm Street Parking 5
|
Exit West bed
|
|
|
Elm Street Parking 6
|
Exit East bed
|
|
|
Leonia Fire Department
Memorial Flower Bed
|
Firehouse
|
Leonia Vol. Fire Co. No.1,
Inc.
|
|
Leonia Post Office
|
Planters
|
Patti Kennelly & Anne Bonadies
|
|
The Triangle
|
Center of Town
|
|
|
Woodpark planters
|
Two round planters in the
park
|
Jane Wilson & Rose
Mahoney
|
|
Planter 01
|
East Broad next to the ASC
playground
|
I. Brennan & JS
Cleaners
|
|
Planter 02
|
SE corner Broad & Fort
Lee Rd outside of food market
|
Makroulakis Family &
Metrolpolitian Citymarket
|
|
Planter 03
|
NE corner Broad & fort
Lee Road outside of BOA
|
|
|
Planter 04
|
East corner Broad &
Elm outside Chic shop
|
|
|
Planter 05
|
East Broad & Elm
outside of PNC to left of mailbox
|
|
|
Planter 06
|
East Broad & Elm
outside PNC to right of mailbox
|
|
|
Planter 07
|
East Broad & Magnolia
|
|
|
Planter 08
|
East Broad and Beachwood
|
|
|
Planter 09
|
West Broad Avenue
|
Giuliett Beauty Supplies
|
|
Planter 10
|
West Broad & Hillside
outside Manor Beverages
|
Manor Beverages
|
|
Planter 11
|
West Broad & Woodridge
by Methodist Church
|
Harriet Habib-Puca
|
|
Planter 12
|
West Broad & Woodridge
In front of TV Clinic
|
|
|
Planter 13
|
West Broad & Firehouse
Road outside Malone Realty
|
|
|
Planter 14
|
West Broad & Firehouse
Road, the larger bed outside Malone Realty
|
|
|
Planter 15
|
West Broad outside French
Nails
|
|
|
Planter 16
|
NW Corner of Broad &
Fort Lee Road
|
Andres Wine & Spirits
|
STREETSCAPE LEONIA 2014 –
PLANTING LIST 4/3/2014
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