The Pet Friendly Newsletter
For Pets and The People Who Love Them!
www.petfriendly.ca - pet-friendly lodging in Canada
www.petfriendly.travel - pet-friendly hotels in the USA
www.pawfriendly.com - Pet Lovers Community

November 2006

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Often when we travel we ask our friends or family for recommendations on where to stay. Now YOU have a voice in our pet-friendly community! We've just added a "Vote" link to each accommodation in our directory so that you can recommend a place where you've stayed. Did they welcome your dog with open arms? Did they put you up in a nice non-smoking room, or let your 100-lb pooch stay with you? Maybe they gave you a pet welcome basket or some other goodies when you arrived. If you loved one of the hotels, cottages, resorts, or other lodging in our directory, let other travelling pet owners in on the secret! Please browse the directory and recommend your favourite pet-friendly accommodation. Thanks for being an active part of the community! Travel responsibly! See you next month.

PET QUOTES

"Dogs feel very strongly that they should always go with you in the car, in case the need should arise for them to bark violently at nothing right in your ear." (Dave Barry) "A cat isn't fussy - just so long as you remember he likes his milk in the shallow, rose-patterned saucer and his fish on the blue plate. From which he will take it, and eat it off the floor." (Arthur Bridges)

HAPPY DOGS & SMILES!
"The larger dog is Sam and the smaller dog is Vickie. They always have a big smile for me (especially when I come home from work)." - Jean C. of Alberta	"Maggie (Malti-Su) and Molly (Westie), playing outside." - Linda R.
"Sammy, our dog, with playmate Cosmo the hamster." - Linda C. of Abbotsford, BC	"Oki, our late Terrier companion, was a deaf and blind senior. He had been left to die in the middle of the road having been hit by a car. I rescued him on the spot and provided care. He chose us forever. Once he recovered from the accident he began to smile. This is one of his first smiles - broad, loving and full of life." [Read Oki's story here] - Carmen M. of Massachusetts, USA

ARE YOU A PROUD PET PARENT? Send your photo along with a brief caption and your location to newsletter@petfriendly.ca

CHOOSING A DOG TRAINING OR OBEDIENCE CLASS

We've all seen dogs gasping at the ends of their leads, lunging towards other animals, or knocking people over in their enthusiasm to greet them. Many pet owners say that this type of behavior annoys or embarasses them - and it can certainly make it a challenge to take the dog out in public. This is where obedience training can help dogs of all sizes and all ages. Dog training is important for many reasons. Dogs who are trained make better pets: walks become more enjoyable; they have "good manners" in the home and with other people and pets; and it helps to keep them safe. Yes, really - for instance, if your dog is running leash-free and spies a wild animal such as a coyote, his first instinct may be to chase it and "play" ... but a firm "Stay!" can keep him where he is and safe from harm. Friends or family who have first-hand experience with a trainer are a good source of recommendations. Look for a dog trainer who emphasizes humane and positive training methods, and reinforces appropriate behavior with rewards and praise (rather than punishing "bad" behavior). Here are a few other things to consider: Group setting or private training? Most people tend to join obedience or socialization classes, as it gives them the opportunity to observe how other people handle their dogs. It also gives their dogs a chance to learn appropriate interaction with other dogs and people. Sometimes, however, private training should be considered. One example is a dog that has specific behavior issues that require a lot of individual attention. Even then, the dog should be able to gradually integrate into a training class with other canines and people. How big are classes? Smaller class sizes allow for more individualized attention. Are dogs of different ages separated? Puppies tend to have different training and socialization needs than older dogs. Does the trainer require proof of up-to-date vaccinations? This is important since dogs can transmit diseases between one another. Can other members of the family attend the class? Everyone should attend, if possible, so that your dog learns to respond to each of you. It also helps to teach everyone how to communicate effectively with the canine member of the family, and strengthens the bond between them. Are training classes available for different needs? For example, there could be classes for puppy socialization, beginners, intermediate, advanced, and special needs (dog aggression, reactive dogs, etc). Ask if you can observe a class before signing up. Do the dog trainers have a good connection with their students, and do they use up-beat, positive, and humane training methods? Do the people and pets look like they're having fun? Do the trainers give everyone attention as needed, as well as encouragement? Participating in a dog training helps to improve communication between you and your pet, and makes your pet a well-mannered member of the household. Happy pets, happy people!

UPCOMING PET EVENTS

Calgary, Alberta - Nov 4-5, 2006: Calgary Pet Expo - Entertainment for everyone in the family! PetExpo is not limited to just dogs and cats – you are likely to see ferrets, fish, exotic birds, ponies, degus, chinchillas, guinea pigs and not to mention our growing reptile display. Also there is Safari Jeff & Shannon’s Great Green Adventure Show, dog agility and flyball demos, Show 'n Tell Theatre, the Thistle Hill Petting Zoo, and of course all sorts of pet products & services. More info Winnipeg, Manitoba - Nov 19 & 26, Dec 3, 2006: the Winnipeg Humane Society presents Pictures with Santa Paws - More info Does your Canadian non-profit organization have an upcoming event? We want to hear about it! Please contact us.

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