Rochester's Place

Teach Your Dog to do Scent Work

Want to have fun doing something with your dog that he will enjoy as much as you? Then try some scent work. It’s also known as nose work.

Rochester is going to start training right after Christmas so he can compete with other dogs and get another AKC title. I think his friend Belle is going to join him so she can get another title too.

Here’s a little information on what scent work is all about.. You also can find a lot of good information at akc.org.

This is what the American Kennel Club says about scent work. “The sport of scent work celebrates the joy of sniffing, and asks a dog to sniff to their heart’s content; turning your dog’s favorite activity into a rewarding game. It is a terrific sport for all kinds of dogs, and is a wonderful way to build confidence in a shy dog.”

In most canine sports, the handler is the one who is in control (or at least is supposed to be). It’s the other way around with scent work. ” In scent work, it is the canine who is the star of the show,” says AKC. “The handler has to rely on the dog, and follow the dog’s nose to success.”

Scent work is based on the work done by professional detection dogs, like drug dogs or those who detect explosives. In this sport, the dog searches for cotton swabs saturated with essential oils such as birch, anise, clove and cypress. The swabs are hidden in a pre-determined search area where the dog has to find them.

The dog and handler work as a team with the dog locating the scent and communicating to the handler that he has found it and then the handler notifying the judge of the find.

All dogs, purebred and mixed breeds, are eligible to participate in scent work trials. They have to be at least six months old, registered with the AKC if he is purebred or have a Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) number or have an AKC partners number. You can find out more about these at AKC.org.

If you think you might want to get involved in scent work, be sure you know how the trials work before you get started.

There are two divisions of competition: the odor search division and the handler discrimination division. In the odor search division, the dog searches for the odor of one of the essential oils. In the handler discrimination division, the dog searches for the scent of his handler. There are four levels of difficulty in each division. In the beginning level, also called novice, the dog has to search for the birch scent only. In the advanced level, he searches for birch and/or anise. At the excellent level, the dog searches for birch and/or anise and/or clove. By the time he gets to the master level, the dog searches for birch and/or anise and/or clove and/or cypress.

When a dog competes, he earns either a qualifying or a non-qualifying score and three qualifying scores are required for a dog to earn a title. You can check out all the titles at akc.org.

Training for scent work can be done in a class or by working on your own. Training can be done at home or in the community.

Searches in AKC Scent Work are completed in a variety of environments, known as “Elements.” The Elements in AKC Scent Work are:

Container: The target odor is concealed within a container (such as a cardboard box or briefcase), and the dog must indicate in which container the scent is hidden.
Interior: The target odor is concealed on or in an object in an indoor search area.
Exterior: The target odor is concealed on or in an object in an outdoor search area–this requires the dog to locate the scent despite changing airflow patterns, weather conditions, and natural distractions.
Buried: The target odor is concealed within a small container and then buried underneath the ground.

Each element in the Odor Search Division, and the Handler Discrimination Division, has four difficulty levels: Novice, Advanced, Excellent, and Master. Dogs will begin with the Novice level classes and move up as they earn titles, and may progress through the elements at different speeds (i.e., a dog may compete in the Novice Interior class and the Advanced Container class). Factors such as the size of the search area, the number of hides, whether the number of hides is known or unknown to the handler, and the maximum height of the hides will change with the difficulty level.

There are lots of titles that can be earned in scent work because a dog can earn novice, advanced, excellent and master titles in container, interior, exterior and buried elements. Then there are other combinations that can be included.

Finally though, once the dog has reached the highest levels of scent work, he can compete to become a detective dog. The Detective Class is the highest level competition in AKC scent work. It offers an integrated search environment with an unknown number of hides in a variety of elements. The intent of the Detective Class is to emulate as closely as possible the work of a true detection dog. In the Detective Class, the dog is searching for one or more essential oil odors.

Rochester and Belle would like to keep you posted on their scent work training. Stay tuned for exciting news next year!! (Belle probably will do better, but don’t tell Rochester that.)

Do You Have A Dog That Likes to Escape?

No owner likes to get a call from the pound telling them that their dog has been picked up for roaming the streets, but even the best trained dog can escape and end up in places where it shouldn’t be.

In many towns you can find yourself in legal trouble if your dog is found to be wandering the streets.
And quite rightly so as a dog on the loose can do quite a lot of damage to other people’s property, pets, children and elderly folk.

Dogs that generally try to escape from their property are usually those that have not been trained or are bored.

Boredom is most often the case, and giving your dog suitable stimulation to ensure that he/she remains contented on the property can prevent this.

This can be as simple as leaving toys for your dog to play with, fresh water and a suitable place to sleep, shelter from the weather, and anything else that the dog might need while you aren’t in attendance.

Dogs are a lot like children. They need stimulation or they will get bored and we all know the trouble children can be when they get bored. Bored dogs are generally unhappy dogs and they are also the dogs that are most likely to get into trouble with other animals and humans.

Obviously a big fence and a locked gate will go a long way to deter your dog from escaping.

Consider the alternative of trying to catch your dog once it has escaped, and the damage that can be done, should it run out in front of a cyclist or a car.
Prevention is always best.

Giving your dog regular exercise will also reduce the likelihood of it wanting to escape. Even the fact that the dog knows it will be getting exercise when you arrive home will eliminate much of the possibility of having it escape during the time when you’re away.

If your dog gets this exercise before you go out you are less likely to have problems because it is more likely to sleep after having exercised.

Dogs love to be taken for walks or a run along the beach.
They get to look at a different environment and interact with strangers and other dogs.

This social interaction is very important for the overall well being of your dog and it is something that needs to be done on a regular basis.

The happiest dogs are often the working dogs as they not only have a purpose in life but they also get the praise and regular attention of their owners.

Even simply getting your dog some toys of it’s own to play with can add a lot of fun and happiness to it’s life, but more importantly getting the dog involved in family activities will have a positive effect on it’s mental state and happiness.

One of the benefits of dog training schools is the fact that your dog will get to interact with other dogs, however training your dog at home also has it’s benefits as you will be learning each others personalities when working closely together and your dog will still get the opportunity to socialize with other dogs when you take it for walks in the park and similar activities.

Any time spent with your dog, whether it is training or just enjoying playtime, is great for building a long and happy relationship.

Christmas Foods That Are Dangerous To Dogs

It can be tempting to share your food with your dog, but what we consider to be treats can be extremely dangerous. If your dog does get into mischief and consumes any of the things listed below then contact your local vet for advice or, out of hours, find your nearest pet emergency clinic. Often the quicker treatment is sought the easier and more successful it will be.

1. Grapes and raisins

Exactly why and how these are poisonous to dogs is unknown and the exact volume needed to cause symptoms is difficult to predict. Some dogs will eat one or two grapes and become seriously ill while others can eat lots of them with no ill-effects. The only way to be safe is to keep them out of reach of your dog.

Click here to read our comprehensive advice guide on grape and raisin toxicity.

2. Christmas pudding and mince pies

These Christmas fancies are bad for dogs for a number of reasons. Firstly, they’re jam-packed full of currants, raisins and sultanas, which are toxic to dogs. Secondly, they’re often full of fat and suet which can give them severe stomach troubles, but also, more worryingly, lead to pancreatitis. Finally, they’re usually laced with alcohol which is also poisonous to dogs.

Read our news story on the dangers of Christmas pudding and mince pies.

Dog-Friendly Christmas Recipes

3. Chocolate

Most pet owners are now aware of the dangers of chocolate to dogs and will avoid leaving any within reach. However, it’s not uncommon for people to forget about the chocolate coins or decorations that hang from Christmas trees, or indeed, chocolate presents that are wrapped up and left under trees. As well as the obvious chocolate dangers, the wrapping can also be a problem as its works its way through the dog’s system.

Worried your dog may have eaten chocolate. Find out more here.

4. Bones

At this time of year we often cook far more meat than usual and this normally results in more bones lying about. Once cooked all bones become brittle and splinter easily. This can lead to larger fragments getting ‘stuck’ causing obstructions. But smaller pieces can also cause gut irritation and perforation.

Many of these incidents occur when, rather than steal a bone from the kitchen work surface, the dog raids the bin for the carcass in the middle of the night. Also make sure you dispose of the string from any meat joints as this can be a tempting toy for your dogs and could be harmful if ingested. The best thing is to put the carcass outside into a sealed bin. It’s worth noting that birds such as turkeys, chickens and geese are all hollow-boned. Their bones splinter whether raw or cooked and so must never be given to your dog under any circumstances.

5. Macadamia nuts

Within 12 hours of ingestion macadamia nuts can cause dogs to experience weakness — especially in the hind limbs — depression, tremors, vomiting and hyperthermia, which is increased body temperature. These symptoms tend to last for approximately 12 to 48 hours. As with all the other food groups mentioned if you suspect your dog has consumed macadamia nuts contact your vet or, out of hours, find your nearest Vets Now pet emergency clinic or Vets Now 24/7 hospital.

6. Alcohol

We tend to use much more alcohol in our cooking at this time of year and so even normal titbits can be potentially problematic over the Christmas period. As it is for people, alcohol is also intoxicating for dogs and can cause similar unpleasant side effects.

(This information was provided by vets-now.com)

Other ingredients often found in holiday dishes are onions, garlic and chili. These also are dangerous to dogs.

For some reason, most dogs seem to like chocolate. If your dog does raid your stash, here’s what to look for.

The initial signs of theobromine and caffeine toxicity include sickness, diarrhea, frequent urination and restlessness.

These can progress to an irregular heart rhythm, seizures, internal bleeding and death if enough chocolate has been eaten. So get to the vet immediately.

And don’t forget the cat. They are often more susceptible to the bad effects of chocolate than dogs.

Even though a lot of the holiday treats we humans enjoy are dangerous to dogs, you can bake up a few treats that are safe and they are sure to enjoy. Just click the button below for a few of Rochester’s favorite recipes. They’re free.

Free Holiday Recipes f or Dogs

Christmas Treats For Your Dog

Baking during the Christmas season is always fun. But imagine how all those goo smells drive your dog crazy. Especially if he isn’t allowed any of the goodies your’re baking.

Well, his worries are over. Rochester has put together recipes of a few of his special holiday treats. And he wants to share them with you.

All you have to do is click the button below, give us your email address and you will have your recipes right away,

Happy Baking. And Rochester says “Merry Christmas!”

Get Your Dog Treats Recipes

Christmas Plants Can Be Dangerous To Your Pets

Did you know that some plants and greenery often used to decorate the home during the holiday season can be dangerous to your dogs and cats?

Let’s take a look at some of them

Poinsettias – Mildly toxic

Holly – Highly toxic

Mistletoe – Moderately toxic

Christmas trees – Toxic and dangerous to ingest

Christmas Cactus – Not toxic

Poinsettias have long been thought to be highly toxic, but that isn’t actually the case. They can, however, cause vomiting and diarrhea, so it’s best to keep them out of your pet’s reach. There is no antidote to the poison in this plant, so if your pooch does take a nibble, a trip to the vet won’t be necessary.

Holly is highly recognizable by it’s spiky green leaves and red berries. Often used as decoration on mantels and in wreaths, it is something you definitely want to keep away from the dog. Even in small doses, it can cause a lot of damage. It is highly poisonous and can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally, the plant contains caffeine, which cannot be digested by dogs and cats.

Here are some of the signs of poisoning in dogs. If you think your dog has been sampling the holly and you notice any of these signs, get him to the veterinarian immediately,

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Blood in stool
Seizures or tremors
Lethargy
Bruising
Loss of appetite
Nosebleeds
Inability to urinate
Irregular heartbeat

While mistletoe might bring on a romantic atmosphere for us humans, it’s not likely to start a love affair with your dog. Sometimes mistletoe gets a dog’s or cat’s attention because of the tiny white balls or berries. While ingesting the is not likely to be fatal, it can cause the dog to feel crappy.

Common mistletoe, or European mistletoe, is the kind we see most frequently. It contains a protein called viscumin that inhibits the animals natural protein synthesis process. American mistletoe has poisonous berries that lower the animal’s blood pressure and cause serious digestive issues.

Christmas trees can be dangerous to animals in several ways.

First, they can cause the tree to topple over. This not only can injure the dog, but you could end up losing some cherished heirloom decorations or see other damage in your house.

Also, the fir needles of a fresh tree can perforate an animal’s intestines if they are ingested. This is something that can be fatal at worst or quite expensive if caught in time.

It’s also dangerous if your dog eats any of the bark of the tree and swallows some of the sap. Drinking the water used to keep a live tree fresh isn’t a good idea either. If either of these happen, refer to your list of poisoning symptoms and go to the vet’s office.

Here are some ways to help make your tree safer.

Before you take it in the house, shake the tree well to remove any dead needles. Then check it frequently for any that have fallen and are lying on the floor waiting for someone to come along, pick them up and take a bite.
If you see any sap around the trunk, clean it off before putting the tree in its stand. Water will get it off just fine.
Cover the stand to keep the animals out of the water. Remember, this water could contain more than just water. Any pesticides used on the tree can get into the water. These could be highly poisonous.
Finally, the best way to keep your dog safe from the tree is to be sure he is never left alone with it and when he is with you enjoying the decorations of the season, keep an eye open to what he’s doing. It could save a lot of heartache in the end.

Finally, if you have any reason to believe your pet may have ingested something poisonous, get him to the veterinarian immediately.

If you want more information on items that are toxic to pets, check out petpoisoncontrol.com

Have a safe and happy holiday!

Your Dog Is Nose -y

We see the world through our eyes. Our dogs see the world through their noses.

It’s common knowledge that dog’s have a keen sense of smell, but did you know their brains process those smells that really makes the difference.

First off, a dog has more then 220 million smell receptors. People have a measly 5o million. In particular, a dachshund has 125 million, a fox terrier has 147 million and a bloodhound has 300 million.

Otherwise, however, their noses are very similar to ours.

Let’s talk a little about the anatomy of the nose.

A dog’s nose is divided into two parts. The divider is a structure of bone and cartilage called a septum. The human nose is much the same.

Inside the nose, both dogs and humans have bony, scroll-shaped plates called turbinates. The front area of the nasal cavity is called the nares. Air passes through these to be warmed and moistened. The turbinate bones are located farther back in the cavity. They are covered by olfactory mucosa, which is a thick, spongy membrane consisting of millions of thin, hair-like structures. These trap scent molocules that are then processed by odor-detecting cells on the tips of the cilia, or hair-like structures. All this is basically the same process we find in humans.

The difference starts with the Jacobson’s organ, scientifically known as the vomeronasal organ (VNO). It is an especially sensitive part of a dog’s sense of smell and is an elongated structure that consists of two small cigar-shaped sacs filled with receptor cells. These cells are sensitive to chemical messengers such as body scents.

Once these receptor cells pick up a scent molecule, a message is sent to the brain. The percentage of a dog’s brain devoted to analyzing smells is 40 times larger than the same area in a human.

The brain processes the information sent to it, identifies it and determines its significance. In other words, a dog uses its sense of smell to help it determine it’s view of the world.

One aspect of a dog’s nasal system that is different from ours is that he has two different air passages – one for inhaling/exhaling and another for smelling. People use the same passage for both. That means the scent molecules that are inhaled in our noses just get exhaled almost immediately. A dog, on the other hand, can store his while he exhales through a different passage.

Another unique characteristic is that a dog has the ability to smell independently with each nostril. This is how he is able to determine from which direction a scent is coming.

The power of a dog’s sense of smell is unique and remarkable. It can be trained to detect bombs, drugs and even disease. It helps him detect sadness and know to be there when he is needed.

And, of course, the dog uses his sense of smell to determine friend and foe in both the animal and human species. It helps him find a mate. Through his amazing sense of smell, he can learn a lot about his friends and neighbors – probably a lot more than we will ever learn about ours.

It truly is an amazing aspect of these wonderful animals

But the scent discriminating ability is not the only thing unique about your dog’s nose. Each nose has a pattern of ridges and dimples that, when combined with the outline of the nostril openings, make his nose print. These are believed by some to be as unique and individual as a person’s fingerprints.

Keep Your Dog Safe This Winter

Cold weather can be difficult for dogs just as it is for humans. Exposure to sleet and snow, chemicals used for melting ice and simply exposure to dry, cold air all can be dangerous if you don’t prepare ahead of time.

It’s important to adjust your dog’s daily routine when the temperatures start to drop, say the experts at PedMD. It requires some thought and preparation, but is well worth the effort.

Let’s start with making sure your dog is healthy.

All animals need annual medical check-ups the same as people. The start of the cold season may be a good time to get that done just to make sure he is as healthy as possible for the cold weather ahead, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Remember, certain conditions, such as arthritis, can give dogs more pain during winter just like it does us.

Protection from the cold and wet is a must. If it’s too cold outside for you, it’s too cold for your dog. So, stay inside as much as possible. Of course, there are times he will have to go out, but be sure he’s prepared. Limit the time he stays outside. That means you need to know a little about his cold tolerance. Just like people, some dogs tolerate the cold better than others. Long-haired breeds usually have more protection against the weather than short-haired breeds. And certainly don’t give his a haircut that leaves him naked.

You may need to shorten your walks. Dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia just like people. Especially those with short legs whose bodies are more likely to come in contact with the snow and slush.

Before your dog goes outside on cold winter days, dress him up. A sweater may be enough, but one of those jackets that adjust their warmth to the temperature may be a better idea, especially if you live in a colder climate.

It’s important to keep your dog dry. Wearing a wet coat or sweater can make him even colder. Dry him off good when you get back inside. And think about taking an extra coat along if you plan to be outside for a while and he is likely to get wet from playing in the snow.

And don’t forget about his paws. This may mean a pair (or more likely 2 pairs) of boots are in order. It’s important to check paws frequently to be sure they’re not damaged or cracked from the ice and snow. Ice can accumulate between the pads and cause damage, so check that out frequently if you’ve been outside. Also, the chemicals used to melt ice can be poisonous if the dog licks it off his feet.

Boots can help keep the feet warm as well as protect them from damage. You also can use petroleum jelly or a commercial paw balm to protect the pads and make them feel better.

Pets also burn more calories in winter as they try to keep warm. Feed your dog a little extra to help him get more calories. And be sure he has plenty of fresh water to drink so he can stay hydrated.

Having a warm place to sleep also is important. Of course, dogs shouldn’t have to sleep outside when the temperatures start to drop too low, but they also need a warn place to call their own inside as well. The bed should be off the floor and away from drafts. Make it soft and comfy.

Increasing time between baths may be a good idea in winter, and this is one tip your furry friend may actually enjoy. Bathing too often can remove oils from the skin and increase the likelihood that the skin will become dry and flaky. Look for a shampoo that’s moisturizing for those stinky times when a bath is a must. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation.

Because your dog will be spending more time inside during the winter, it’s a good idea to have plenty to keep him occupied. Consider his regular toys such as squeakies and balls, but toss in a few more challenging ones that will give his mind a workout. Several companies make toys that have a place to hide a treat. Figuring out how to get to it is a good cognitive activity.

And finally, if you live in a part of the country prone to blizzards, it’s always a good practice to keep a blizzard checklist handy. This will help you make certain your dog has everything he needs in an emergency just as you do. He will need blankets, food, water, medications and entertainment. Keep all these in one place where they’re easily reached. If you plan to get out of town before the storm hits, be sure to take all these necessities with you.

Now that you and your dog are all set for the winter, Rochester says, “Let It Snow.” Winter Weather Suggestions

10 reasons I’m thankful today…and everyday

I’m thankful

That I have a home where I’m loved.
For all those people out there who help little dogs who have no home

That I’m a dog who has the privilege of living in America
That I have a warm bed to sleep in and plenty of food in my tummy
That we who live in America have freedom of speech so I can bark any time I want
For my little friend who showed me the very first time almost a year ago. She knows who she is and she’s special
For my veterinarians….all four of them who work at my clinic
And for all the people who work there. They’re good to me.
For my friend Belle.
And, especially I’m thankful for all you out there who come to read what I write. I know sometimes it’s trivial and sometimes it gives you a little info to store away, but I enjoy writing to you and hope you enjoy your visits.

….Rochester

10 reasons to be thankful for your dog this Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving, as you gather around the table with your family and friends, you will be giving thanks for your health and successes this year. And that’s to be expected. You should be thankful for your friends, your health, your wealth, and so much more.

But you should never forget to say thank-you for that one important guy in your life who is always there, no matter what. You should always be thankful for your dog.

Why?

He loves you no matter what. If you come home tired and cranky, he loves you. If you’re sick, he comforts you. If you take your bad day out on him, he loves you. If you’re rich of poor, it doesn’t matter. He loves you.
He’s good for your health. According to WebMD, dog owners are less likely to get heart disease, have lower blood pressure, report decreased levels of stress and can have an increased immune system, among other benefits.
He’s always happy to see you. Nothing could be more exciting for your dog than when you come through the door from work every day. He’s there ready to treat you like a queen or king, giving you millions of kisses and ready to spend the evening doing whatever you want. It doesn’t matter to him as long as you’re there.
He knows how to have fun. Life will never be boring when you have a dog. They can find simple ways to have fun and entertain you at the same time – like running zoomies around the house or even just looking at your with a quizical expression when you same something wierd.
You will never be alone. No matter your mood, your behavior or what you may have done, your dog will always be there for you through thick and thin, sickness and health, joy and sorrow.
You can reduce your stress. Going for a run through the neighborhood or just cuddling on the couch, you can feel your stress melt away when you take the time to share it with your dog.
You can improve your social life. Dogs can be great conversation starters. You never know who you might meet out on your daily walk who will become a dear friend for life…all because of the dog.
They give emotional support. What better shoulder to cry on or friend to share your sorrows. I promise they will never tell.
They love to snuggle. It doesn’t matter if you pile up on the sofa together to watch a movie for the 10th time in a week, the dog will be right there and never complain.
You have your own personal watchdog. He may not have to protect you from danger, but he will if needed. Maybe he will just be there to watch over you unconditionally and all you have to give in return is a hug and a scratch behind the ears.

So, when you give thanks this year, remember us. And we’re thankful for you as well.

How to have Thanksgiving dinner without a dog begging at the table

Do you want to have Thanksgiving dinner without your canine kid begging at the table? I can’t imagine why, but here are some tips to stop your dog from begging at the table, if that is really want.

But, don’t get any ideas about putting us dogs in a crate or out in the back yard. We’re thankful for a lot of things, too. And we want to be part of the Thanksgiving festivities.

Just give us some delicious healthy, homemade dog treats and a puzzle and we will be fine. The begging at the table will go away. We will be happy. Our homemade dog treats will keep us busy for hours.

Here’s an idea that includes a healthy homemade dog treat as well as a puzzle to keep him occupied.

Fill a Kong toy with sweet potatoes and turkey mixed together. Stuff it inside the Kong really good. While you and the other humans are eating, we can entertain ourselves trying to get our delicious homemade treat out.

Another idea is to bake us some healthy, homemade dog treats using many of the ingredients you used for your own meal. Just be sure there’s nothing in there that we shouldn’t have.

Here’s a recipe or two for healthy, homemade dog treats you should try.

Healthy Homemade Turkey Dog Treats

2 cups cooked turkey — cut up

2 cloves garlic

4 teaspoons grated cheese

1 tablespoon parsley — freshly chopped

2 egg

2 cups whole wheat flour

2 tablespoons brewer’s yeast

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Combine turkey, garlic, cheese, parsley and mix well. Beat the eggs in a bowl and pour over turkey mixture. Add the flour, yeast, and oil. Stir until thoroughly mixed and all ingredients are coated. Drop into small lumps onto ungreased cookie sheet. Cook in a 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes, until brown and firm. Store in refrigerator.

Healthy Apple Cinnamon Doggie Biscuits

1 package apple, dried

1 teaspoon Cinnamon — (I usually just shake some in)

1 Tablespoon parsley, freeze-dried

1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder

1 cup ice water

1/2 cup Corn Oil

5 cups flour

1/2 cup powdered milk

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon corn oil

Put the apples in a food processor so that pieces are small. Combine in a bowl all of the ingredients — can add oil or water if dough is too dry. Using a rolling pin roll out dough to about 3/16″ thick (can make thinner or thicker). Using a cookie cutter — cut into shapes — place on cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for approx 20 -25 minutes (until golden).

Sounds like some good ideas, huh!

But I saved the best idea of all for last.

I’m thankful for my family. Be thankful for your dog. And grab this free cookbook of healthy, homemade dog treats so you can make him healthy treats all year long.

Get a free dog-treats cookbook