Much attention has been paid to texting while driving – a behind-the-wheel texting ban will soon go into effect in the Bay State – but feeding puppy treats to Fido while driving can also be risky and distracting.

So suggests a new survey from AAA and Kurgo, a maker of pet travel products. According to the survey, dog-owning drivers engage in all sorts of risky behind-the-wheel behaviors such as feeding and petting a dog or allowing a mutt to sit in a wheelman’s lap.

Of dog owners surveyed, 31 percent admitted to being distracted by their dog while driving, and 59 percent said they have participated in at least one distracting behavior while driving with their dog, AAA said.

“Restraining your pet when driving can not only help protect your pet, but you and other passengers in your vehicle as well,” Lloyd P. Albert, AAA Southern New England senior vice president of public and government affairs, said in a statement. “An unrestrained 10-pound dog in a crash at 50 mph will exert roughly 500 pounds of pressure, while an unrestrained 80-pound dog in a crash at only 30 mph will exert 2,400 pounds of pressure. Imagine the devastation that can cause to your pet and to anyone in its path.”

http://www.boston.com/business/ticker/2010/08/for_drivers_pet.html

The Story of Muttville is a great video about our favorite senior dog rescue organization.  Take a look!

We’re very happy to have Kristina and Malinda join our team as we continue to grow….

Kristina Stock moved out of the corporate realm to pursue her dream of working full time with animals. She received her Dog Trainer Certification through Animal Behavior College and spent several years fostering dogs and training them for adoption through a local non-profit in Portland. We are pleased Kristina has decided to transfer her animal expertise to our team as a crew leader. Beyond daily outings, Kristina will offer behavioral training for our dogs.

Malinda LaVelle is an animal lover who has worked locally at a doggy daycare center and currently volunteers with the SFSPCA. Malinda has a degree in dance and when not spending time with the pups, performs with a troupe in San Francisco.

Buddy the Hero Dog

I don’t need to tell anybody how great our canine companions are… but every once in awhile I come across a story that emphasizes that belief.   Recently on the blog, Dog Art Today, a tale about rescue, instinct, and just how amazing the bond between our two species was posted. It was an unusual story to be posted on a blog dedicated to dog related artwork, but after reading it I could see why blogger, Moira McLaughlin, did it.  I felt like I needed to share this tale with folks that would appreciate it and understand!

Below is the story from the Anchorage Daily News by James Halpin about a German Shepherd who saved his owners life. Like a tale from Lassie, he lead the lost policeman to the spontaneous fire that had broken out in his home, and saved his master’s life.

Alaska State Troopers plan to recognize a German shepherd named Buddy for what they say are his “valiant actions” guiding an officer to the scene of a fire earlier this month.

Buddy’s owner, 23-year-old Ben Heinrichs, was working on a vehicle in a shop outside the family’s home in the Caswell Lakes area the night of April 4 when a spark from a heater ignited gasoline and gave Heinrichs flash burns to his face and second-degree burns to his left hand, he said.

He went outside and rolled to put out the flames. Buddy, a 5-year-old companion Heinrichs has had since a puppy, had been shut in the shop, so Heinrichs let him out of the burning structure.

“I just told him, ‘We need to get help,’ and then that’s the last time I seen him,” Heinrichs said. “I didn’t train him or nothing. He just took off and went and did what he did. … He was just being a good dog.”

The sequence of events, as related by troopers, runs like an episode of “Lassie.”

An officer responding to a call about the fire, trooper Terrence Shanigan, was having trouble finding the scene because his global positioning device was on the fritz, troopers spokeswoman Beth Ipsen said.

Shanigan, who almost took the long way around the neighborhood, came across Buddy on Caswell Loop Road. The dog took off, and acting on a hunch, Shanigan followed the dog down a side road, she said.

A video shot by the trooper’s dashboard camera shows Buddy trotting along the side of the road coming toward the officer, then looking at the vehicle and breaking into a run as Shanigan follows. The dog runs ahead of the patrol vehicle and takes a left turn, ending up at the burning structure.

Troopers are convinced the dog was leading Shanigan to the fire, Ipsen said.

“Buddy’s a pretty shy dog, and he was several blocks away just kind of hanging out. By all accounts this is not normal behavior for him,” Ipsen said. “Buddy’s not trained. This is something he did pretty much on his own.”

The workshop, which was fully engulfed in flames, was destroyed, but Heinrichs said he thinks Buddy’s actions prevented the fire from spreading to the family’s home.

Troopers plan to recognize Buddy’s bravery at a ceremony today. The family will get a letter and Buddy will receive a metal dog bowl engraved with the troopers’ logo and Buddy’s name with the words, “In appreciation of your diligence and assistance to Alaska State Troopers.”

And THIS is why I love dogs so much, and it’s probably why you do, too!

Hello All! My name is Claude and I’m a member of the crew.  I’m lucky enough to go on adventures with Jana, Max, and now Jen (though that herding dog seems to think that she’s the walker… good thing she can’t drive)

I would like to take this moment to speak to all of our senior dogs.  This past week we went to Corona Heights… and let me tell you myself and my senior buddy, Henry, showed these whipper snappers something!  When we went to the park and had off-leash time, those youngin’s ran themselves silly!  But with our upcoming hike I kept myself steady and ready with the eye on the prize: Search for the bird!

Buddy the Puppy taking a break in the shade!

The Seniors leading the way....Whipper Snappers LOOK OUT!

At Corona Heights, I was able to get the best whiffs from the top of the hill.  I could smell the birds coming from every direction  - I think I even spotted a few squirrels in Oakland!

So for anybody that thinks all seniors want to do is sit on the sofa and watch the world go by from our windows, I tell ya we can go go GO! with the best of them!

1. Get outside.

   Most of us are aware of the vast benefits of spending time outside on a daily basis. If you have a dog yet lack a large yard, being outside becomes a requirement. So if you have to walk your dog several times a day, why not use the time to your benefit as well? Try to speed up your pace along your normal route. Try alternating your quick pace with some speed walking or a light jog. Find a route that includes some hills or other challenging terrain. Add some high knee lifts, butt kicks, or lateral skipping if you are not embarrassed by public displays of exercise. Or simply try adding 5 minutes onto your quick-paced walk every week, until you are up to an hour. The added calorie burn will be worth it.

   If you are a bit more daring, try hiking or running with your dog. There is the obvious increase in caloric expenditure for both of you, but also an increase in cardiovascular and muscular output that will definitely pay off. Look for soft surfaces—like a trail or dirt track—to help protect your joints, and remember that hot pavement is really painful for dogs’ paws. Also, there are special harness-type leashes out there that keep your hands free and make running with more than one dog much more bearable.

2. It’s all fun and games.

   Playing with your pet can be great exercise and fun for both of you. If you have a yard, or live near a local dog park, all of this is much easier. Of course, it can be done in your living room, but it might be a bit dangerous for the furniture. Try playing fetch, but race your dog for the ball. Just throw and start running. Or play tag by chasing your dog around the designated area. If your dog is on the strong side, grab a rope and try some tug-of-war. If you’re considerably stronger than your pooch, try tugging while standing on one leg, and using only one arm. Create an obstacle course, and run it with your dog. Find a ball and a wall, and play a version of handball mixed with “keep away”—from your dog. Practice your tennis swing and let your pup retrieve the ball.

   Just doing something playful can make a normal workout feel like you are back on the playground with your four-legged best friend. How can it get better than that?

3. Train the dog, or train the owner?

   This is not a section on teaching a dog to sit or training your spouse to get you a drink from the fridge. This is about using functional resistance training to manipulate your mutt’s musculature, along with your own. Try the following exercises with some help from Fido.

   Balance Challenge 
   Stand on both feet, hips-width apart, with your dog’s favorite toy in hand, but hidden from view. Shift your weight onto one foot, keeping the other foot’s toes just off the ground. Now show your pet a favorite toy. Try bending your standing leg and lowering the toy to touch the ground in front of you. Once you lose your balance, or your pup gets the toy, switch to the opposite leg.

   Squat and Toy Press 
   For this exercise, use your dog’s favorite toy or a small weighted medicine ball. Start with your feet hips-width apart, and in a parallel position. Bring the toy or ball to your chest. Squat down deeply with your butt going parallel to the floor, and your knees staying behind your toes. As you extend your knees to stand back up, throw the toy or ball into the air, and try to catch it before your mutt jumps up and grabs it! Repeat until one of you gives out.

   Sumo Squats for the Critter 
   This workout is similar to the Squat and Toy Press. Only this time, you start with your toes pointed slightly outward, making sure that your knees line up with your toes. Hold the toy or ball in both hands, with arms extended straight down toward the floor. As you bend both knees, bringing your seat parallel to the floor and keeping your arms straight, lift the toy directly over your head. As you straighten your knees, jump off the ground a few inches and return the toy to the down position. Hopefully, your mongrel will continue to jump for the toy until your quads have hit exhaustion.

   Fetching Push-Ups 
   The idea is to set yourself up in a push-up position, with whatever modifications you require to do many repetitions (on your knees, against a wall, etc.). Lift one hand and throw a ball. Do as many push-up repetitions as possible until your pet returns. Repeat the toss with the opposite arm.

   Laser Creature Crunch 
   Domesticated animals seem to be fascinated by laser pointers. Get into a comfortable crunch position on the ground, and hold the laser pointer in both hands. Begin doing 10 crunches with the laser on your chest, and of course, pointed away from you. Watch your pet go nuts trying to chase it in the process. Every 10 reps, alternate arm positions behind your head, above your head, and even to your knees. Your dog will go insane, and you will have abs of steel!

   Dog Curl/Dip/Press 
   These options depend completely on the level of stillness your pet can provide. For my two dogs, playing dumbbell just ain’t gonna happen. But I have many friends with extremely trusting animals that love to be bench-pressed. Should you try to press, curl, dip, or lunge your best friends, do it relatively close to the ground, just in case they change their minds.

There’s a study that shows people with terminal illnesses are three times less likely to suffer depression if they own a pet. Pets are amazing stress reducers and loneliness decreasers, and have actually been proven to lower blood pressure. They also make us more social creatures, as we meet new people on walks, at parks, etc. If you add a pet to your household, your life will be dramatically enriched. If you are unable to make a lifelong commitment, borrow a friend’s dog for a day, or look into a short-term fostering program. And there are hundreds of organizations out there that could use volunteers to walk the dogs they are sheltering. That way, you get some exercise, and make a difference at the same time. Whatever you do, integrate some canine or feline time into your exercise regimen, and watch the change occur. Now that is doggone good!

My name is Mattie and I wanted to introduce myself as the newest walker added to the Crew.

Meet Mattie the Dogwalker!

I am a true and tried PROFESSIONAL and started walking dogs at the young age of 1 1/2 years. I worked in Chicago for many, many years (with my mom- mostly because they wouldn’t give me a driver license! Something about not being able to reach the pedals… grrrrr).  Here we were like the Postman! Rain, Shine or SNOW – the doggies got their walks!

Walking dogs in Chicago

San Francisco has no snow, but boy howdy does it have some fierce hills we can conquer!

Top of the Hill in Bernal Heights

As a professional, I have spent countless hours exploring all of the doggie friendly areas here.  There are numerous rigorous tests that these areas need to pass in order for me to deem them usable. These include: Is there enough room to run? Can I catch the ball? Are the doggies friendly? Can I catch the ball? Is is nice on my paws? Can I catch the ball? and finally, most importantly – CAN I CATCH THE BALL?  These are all important factors when considering a place to roam and romp…

Catching the ball at Golden Gate Park

Herding the doggies with the ball-Corona Heights

Catching the ball at Crissy Fields

Do you think these guys need walking?-Golden Gate Park

Catching the ball at Fort Funston

Anyhow, I wanted to formally introduce myself to you all, and to make sure that you know when you are under my watch you will be sure to have SAFE & FRIENDLY FUN TIMES!  So tell your parents not to worry – because Mattie the Border Collie is BACK in BUSINESS! Bow Wow Ciao Ciao!

If these don’t make you jealous of the time these pups get to spend with each other outside, I don’t know what will!  Enjoy…

One of the best things we can do for our dogs is to try to understand how they communicate.  They are constantly trying to understand the messages we are sending.  By learning about them, we can help make the connection a two-way process.  Take a look…Cara

How To Read Your Dog’s Body Language

Body Language Basics

By Stanley Coren | Illustrations by Emma Trithart

www.moderndogmagazine.com

What is your dog trying to tell you? Dogs have a language that allows them to communicate their emotional state and their intentions to others around them. Although dogs do use sounds and signals, much of the information that they send is through their body language, specifically their facial expressions and body postures.

Understanding what your dog is saying can give you a lot of useful information, such as when your dog is spooked and nervous about what is going on, or when your dog is edgy and might be ready to snap at someone. You do have to look at the dog’s face and his whole body.

To help you, I have created a sort of visual version of a Berlitz phrase book to allow you to interpret the eight most important messages your dog is sending to you.

1. Relaxed Approachable

This dog is relaxed and reasonably content. Such a dog is unconcerned and unthreatened by any activities going on in his immediate environment and is usually approachable.

2. Alert- Checking Things Out

If the dog has detected something of interest, or something unknown, these signals communicate that he is now alert and paying attention while he is assessing the situation to determine if there is any threat or if any action should be taken.

3. Dominant Aggressive

This is a very dominant and confident animal. Here he is not only expressing his social dominance, but is also threatening that he will act aggressively if he is challenged.

4. Fearful and Aggressive

This dog is frightened but is not submissive and may attack if pressed. A dog will generally give these signals when he is directly facing the individual who is threatening him.

5. Stressed and Distressed

This dog is under either social or environmental stress. These signals, however, are a general “broadcast” of his state of mind and are not being specifically addressed to any other individual.

6. Fearful and Worried

This dog is somewhat fearful and is offering signs of submission. These signals are designed to pacify the individual who is of higher social status or whom the dog sees as potentially threatening, in order to avoid any further challenges and prevent conflict.

7. Extreme Fear- Total Submission

This dog is indicating total surrender and submission. He is trying to say that he accepts his lower status by groveling before a higher ranking or threatening individual in the hopes of avoiding a physical confrontation.

8. Playfulness

Here we have the basic invitation to play. It may be accompanied by excited barking or playful attacks and retreats. This set of signals may be used as a sort of “punctuation mark” to indicate that any previous rough behaviour was not meant as a threat or challenge.