Separation Anxiety

I came across a video on You Tube of a dog with anxiety issues. When the owner left, the dog would pace around, cry, and howl. He put a GO-PRO camera on his dog and that's when he learned he had a problem. He has a clever way of easing the dogs tension.
To see the video and learn his trick, go to :

http://www.sunnyskyz.com/happy-videos/1714/Owner-Puts-A-GoPro-On-His-Dog-When-He-Leaves-What-He-Found-Is-Heartbreaking

A Warm Bed For A Cold Night

Do you live in an area where the temperature drops below freezing often and especially at night?

Do you leave your dog in an outside kennel over night?
If so, here is a short list of things you can do to help insure that your dog is keeping dry, and warm enough to stay out for an extended period safely.

1. Make sure your dogs have a decent house to sleep in. It should not be big, or overly tall. It should be just big enough for your dog to stand up in, turn around in, and lay in comfortably. Being just enough room for your dog, will allow his body heat to become trapped inside, and will help to keep him warmer.
2. It should be insulated.  Even some of the plastic ones have insulation.
3. The house should be placed in a barn or outdoor building protecting it from the wind, rain, snow, etc., preferably with a eastern/southern exposure.
4. The house should be placed on a platform which will keep it off the damp ground.
5. Clean straw or hay should be used for bedding. It dries quickly and is soft for them to sleep on. Cloth bedding gets wet and stays wet, when outside in cold temps. It will get wet, then moldy and that's unhealthy for your dog.
6. If you can put a flap on the door to prevent drafts, that's a huge help.
7. And last, if you have really cold, sub-zero weather, you can buy heated pads that can be used outside, but not in the wet weather. 

Our old barn is our kennel. Inside the barn is the individual kennel runs,  which have a run leading to outside. There is a door for each that can be locked closed when it snows hard or temp drops. Each kennel has a heating pad for them when it is very cold, like  below 20 degrees. Dan has added countless "flaps" to the doors of the houses only to come out the next day and find them ripped to shreds. Yep, it seems that a Gordon Setter likes a room with a view! When it drops below about 10 degrees, we bring them up to the house where we have a "puppy whelping" room built off the side of the house. Inside, we can house 4 dogs in a heated room. Of course, as I said this is the "puppy whelping" room that doubles for emergency dog kennels.  We also have 2 kennels inside the house for 2 more dogs. Up here in Montana, it can drop to 20 or 30 degrees below zero in a day and that's dangerous weather for your dogs. With 5 dogs we have to be ready.

Make sure your dog has the protection he needs to stay warm and safe through these frosty cold nights of winter.

Possible Solution/Last Post/Snowballs Between Toes

This isn't a Gordon. I am using this picture for demonstration purposes only.

This dog has more snow balls on her chest than between her toes, but you get the picture.
Apparently this is a problem for a lot of dogs who either can't or won't wear booties. The snow builds up in the fur between their toes, freezes, and then rubs their toes raw. Booties work well, if you can keep them on. Losing them is a big problem, especially if your are hunting in snow deeper than a few inches.

I did a little research and came across this product called "Mushers Secret".  Mushers Secret was developed for the mushers in Alaska. It is safe and non toxic and made from 100% natural waxes.

Product Description: The only alternative to boots! No more burning from salt, chemicals, sand, sand burn, and hot pavement! No more sore cracked paws! 100% natural waxes do not stain. Apply a thin coat on pads and between toes. Use weekly or as needed. It also claims the wax won't stain.  (we'll see!)

Grouse season is pretty much over for us here in Montana, but I am going to order this and give it a test run. If you're still hunting and you'd like to try Mushers Secret, I have added it to our products list. Just scroll down and look for it in the right column and click on the link provided.  If you do try this product,  please let us know how it works for you and your dog in the areas you hunt. I will post a review as soon as we have a chance to get the product and try it.

Snowballs Between The Toes

I got a call from Justin  a few nights ago. Justin lives in  Colorado with his 9 mo. old Gordon,  Benelli. They hunt Blue Grouse on some of the highest ridges in the Rockie Mts. Up in the Stratosphere. Oxygen required. Benelli has a problem with ice and snow build up on his paws. It interferes with  hunting and can cause raw spots between the toes.

Booties are the obvious solution, but in snow the dog often leaves with 4 boots and returns with a lesser  number. My nylon dog boots have a slick bottom and would not do well on ice. I have heard of people using Vaseline or Pam non stick spray on the dogs feet [ especially between the toes] to prevent ice sticking, but have never tried it.  I always carry three dogs and rotate them. When dog #1 gets all balled up with snow, it goes into a crate to thaw out and #2 dog hits the ground. By the time dog #3 has hunted , dog #1 is ready to roll again.

Does anyone have a trick or advice for Justin to that would solve this problem?

Posted By: DWT

WOW! Look What Terry Scoville Did!

As you guys know, recently I posted a note about Terry Scoville at Women's Hunting Journal , and her quest to find quality hunting apparel in women's sizes.
She has written to Cabelas several times and asked them to address the issue. Frankly, Terry was pretty pissed off. And she got results!

Go to Women's Hunting Journal to read the story and find out how she became a Cabela's Field Tester.

If you're a woman hunter you'll want to sign up on Terry's web site. If ever you wanted any piece of hunting apparel that you can't get in women's sizes,  NOW is the time to speak up and ask for it. Terry is providing a wonderful opportunity for all of us girls.  It's going to be exciting to see what they will send her to test. She's got my attention!

Way to go Terry!

Can You Hear Us Now, Cabelas??

Ladies, this is your chance to speak out! Terry Scoville, at Womens Hunting Journal, is putting together a list of what we ladies would like to have in hunting apparel. Terry is fed up with the "tremendous inequities amongst what is offered to men and not women who participate in the same outdoor pursuits."

As a small woman, I agree totally. I am not "one size fits all". That's the worst size of all!  I know there are other small women out there (Leigh) and (Emily) but this isn't just about being small and not finding the right clothing for the hunt. It is about finding quality hunting clothing that is available and is actually made for a woman.

I don't understand why the market is so limited in women's hunting apparel. I've had my blog now for over a year and I've seen women involved in all kinds of hunting. There are bird hunters, deer hunters, elk, moose, antelope, bear and bore hunters. There are shooters,  bow hunters, and lots of women who fish. Including me. All that is a market in itself!.......for someone.

"Do you hear us Cabelas?"

Please got to Terry's blog,  Womens Hunting Journal, and lend her your support. If there is anything you want just comment on this post: Cabelas please return my call!   Terry will list your items.

If you're a guy, you probably don't have any problems finding what you need. But could you support Terry in her efforts? Just add your name to the list of supporters. Thanks a bunch guys! 

    .....and please, will you help spread the word?          

How To Remove a Tick

Do you have ticks in your area? Most people do and if you have dogs, you know your dog is going to pick one up eventually. Luckily for us, we don't see many ticks in our area. There is a short period in the spring when we may see one or two, then nothing for the rest of the year. Also, the last time we saw them around, I picked it up and I knew exactly where I had gotten it. So, I bought some stuff that  you spread around in the bushes. This kills the eggs that the ticks lay, before they can hatch out the next year. I'm sorry to say, I don't remember the name, but it was very effective.

This picture features American dig ticks (Dermacentor variablis) and black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis). To the right of the postage stamp is two stages of the black-legged tick. They are a female (largest) and male (intermediate). The two small specimens on the stamp itself are nymphal black-legged ticks. The two ticks to the left are male and female American dog ticks. Photo by Jim Occi.

               

To Remove a Tick:

Do Not Use Your Fingers! 

Use a pair of tweezers, or something similar, that will gently grip the head of the tick, then slowly pull it straight out. 
Do Not jerk or twist.

Do not apply anything like alcohol or a hot match to try to make the tick back out. This does not work and in fact, may cause the tick to release even more bacteria into the bloodstream of it's victim.

After removing the tick put it in a jar with a little alcohol and this will kill it. Have a container ready when you remove the tick so as to not drop it. Some ticks are very tiny and would be nearly impossible to find in carpet. Just look at the ones in the picture, on a postage stamp!
As a precaution, it's a good idea to apply a triple antibiotic cream to the area of the bite. A small bump will remain at the bite site for several weeks and may even leave a scar. Ticks carry bacteria and serious diseases like lime disease. Should the site become swollen, or infected see your doctor right away.

Especially in the spring, after working outside, it's a good idea to check your entire body for ticks. Give your dog a good going over and remove any ticks you find.

Information Source Drs. Foster and Smith:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?d=155&articleid=62

Pet Peek - The Window For Your Pet

PET PEEK

The Window For Your Pet

If I had a wooden fence, I would have a Pet Peek! I think it's a great idea for the dog who is stuck behind a wooden fence. They are very affordable, at $29.99 each and you do the installation, or hire someone to install it for you. It doesn't look to be too hard, if your a handy man type. 

I had trouble finding some place that actually have these for sale. So I wrote to Best Friends Care, where I found it advertised. Apparently they are on back order. Must be pretty popular. They expect shipment in late April. They are taking orders now. All you have to do is give them your name and tell them you want on the waiting list.

If you decide to get one, drop us a pic of your dog "peeking" through the window and I'll post it.

This is the contact info:

CR Best President. Best Friends Care LLC. Highlands Ranch, CO. 80129.Telephone: 303-220-0306. Fax: 303-220-0307 www.petpeek.info

No Affiliation

Racket Balls Great For Playing Fetch - In Winter Cold

Racket and Racket Balls

I play "Fetch" with my dogs to give them exercise during Montana's long cold winters. Problem is, tennis balls are as hard as a rock in below freezing temperatures. I have tried several types of rubber balls. Soft foam rubber that stays flexible in the cold is not durable. I stumbled upon a can of balls for Racquetball and they are the best thing I have found yet. Karen put one in the freezer for three hours and it was still flexible. I could throw it for the dogs with no fear of breaking teeth. I left one in Blackie's kennel overnight and it was in one piece the next day.

I have had surgery on one shoulder and injured the other. I cannot throw worth a darn and a racquetball racquet is just the ticket for launching a ball out through the woods. The balls come in orange and yellow, but our local Walmart only has blue. I'll have to get some brighter colored ones for next winter.

Got Old Phone Books Piled Up? - Shoot 'em!

Got old phone books piled up?


We get new phone books all the time. They get stacked up under the phone until they become a nuisance and then you get more. Use them to compare penetration of different loads and shot sizes. Shoot one with a load of #9 shot and another with #8 and another with 7 1/2 .......Count the pages the different sizes and loads penetrate for a comparison. You may want to document the results, depending on how many you are comparing.

It's best to set the books up in a way that keeps them from moving when hit. Like attached to a piece of 1/2 inch plywood. Movement can produce inaccurate results.

And as always, BE SAFE!

FREE E-BOOK How to Break Up A Dog Fight - Without Getting Hurt

I ran across this FREE E-Book on how to break up dog fights. Now not that Gordon Setter owners have to worry about this a lot, but it's good information to know and it's FREE.

Ed Frawley is the owner and trainer at Leerburg Kennel in Menomonie, WI. He has been a trainer and dog breeder for 45 years. He mainly breeds working German Shepards.

If you go to his website,  leerburg.com, you'll find over 35 E-Books on different subjects. Almost all of them are FREE. He also has a wide selection of DVD's and training equipment. You can sign up to receive a catalog.



NOTE: I have never met Mr. Frawley, and I am not affiliated with him or his kennel, what so ever. I simply ran across the website and really liked his way of thinking. At least what I have seen.


My attitude is, you learn everything you can, then apply it to your own situation and needs.

A Hunting Vest .........For Your Bird Dog? Do You Use One??

 

 

That's The Question! We want to know what you think of bird dog vests. 

Do you have one?  If so, what kind? Why do you use one with your bird dog?  Does it work well and hold up for more than a season? Tell us anything you'd like about your experience.

(Enquiring minds want to know!) hee hee

Official AKC Recommendations For Pet Preparedness List

According to the AKC, this is a list of items you should have packed together in a "Pet Preparedness Kit" for your pet, in case of emergency.

1. Leash and collar with ID tags attached
2.  Medical health records including a current vaccination record and
   rabies tag.....especially the rabies tag.
   
3. Photocopy of AKC® registration papers
4. Recent photo of your pet
5. At least a three-day supply of food, medication and water
6. Food and water dishes
7. Blankets or bedding 
8. Crate
9. Favorite toys 
10. Plastic “pick-up” bags   
    
    
    AKC also recommends that you have your dog implanted with a micro chip, or have him tattooed. If that's not possible, at least have a reliable collar with an I.D. tag securely attached.  Losing your beloved pets, can only add even more heartache to an already terrible situation. Be Prepared.
    

Preparing For Your Pets In Emergencies

In a poll done by the American Kennel Club, it was found that 99% of dog owners in the Northwest, keep their dogs vaccinations up to date.  That is a higher percentage than any other region in the U.S.

WAY TO GO NORTHWEST!! 

Now let me ask you this. Do you have an emergency preparedness kit for your animals? Most people don't.

With all the weather disasters happening at this time of year, it's a good idea to think about what you might need, depending on where you live, should there be a disaster. In the same survey, as above, it was concluded that 97% would not leave their pets behind should they have to evacuate. They would defy orders and take their pets with them. If you are in this 97%,  like us, you will need to be prepared with water, food, blanket or bedding, meds. if needed, paper work and Vet info, plus whatever else you may need depending on your dog or your disaster.

I guess for us, the worse thing would be forest fire. We get a lot of snow here, but that can be managed when one knows it's coming....year after year after year. Not too many ice storms. Few earthquakes.  But a fire? That's a real possibility. We have millions of acres of trees and forests and dry grassy fields.  We have had to prepare once before to leave due to a fast approaching forest fire. Luckily, the great firefighters who brave these fires to save us, did a great job of stopping it before it got too close.

I believe I need to update my kit. It's been a long while since I made copies  of pertinent info for an emergency kit on my Gordons.  Time to do it. How about you?

How To Safely Move Your Injured Dog

An injured pet can be unpredictable. When they suffer pain, they react instinctively. Even though you may be trying to help, you could get bit.

If you have to move an injured dog, you may consider making a muzzle to prevent your dog from biting out of fear or pain. Any strong material will do. Tear it in strips about 2" wide. Using the middle of the strip, wrap around your dogs muzzle. Bring the ends under his chin and tie snugly around the back of this head, just under his ears.  Be sure not to cover or seal off his nose. This will make it safer for you to handle your pet.

You can move him on a blanket, holding the sides securely, to a vehicle to transport. If you can, cover your dog to keep him warm. Covering can also sometimes help calm a frightened animal.

As soon as you have your dog stabilized,  call your vet and let him know you are on the way. This gives them the opportunity to prepare for his arrival. And do this BEFORE you are driving down the interstate at 75 mph! :+)

Taking these simple steps can prevent further injury to your dog and prevent any injury to you as well.

More On The Garmin Astro GPS Paths/Topo

Here's another GPS Map from ArtOC. Interesting, don't you think? Thanks Art!

This isn't the best photo but should give you an idea of what you can do.  Take the topo and click view in Google Earth and it transfers the info to the Google Earth photo.  I had to keep this fairly far away to see enough detail but you can zoom in and see the area in great detail.  It allows you to see the timber cover so if your looking for a particular detail, like a cleared area or a road, it should show up in the photo.  Provides a really nice printable map of the area that you can take with you!

Printout of Garmin Astro GPS Path

I was having trouble sleeping so I decided to get up and play on the computer. Sure is quiet here at 3:57 a.m. !

I received an email from ArtOC who just returned from a trip to Western Maryland. Art has a brand new Garmin Astro GPS he tried out for the first time. He was kind enough to send us the print out of his path. You guys may remember that I posted one from Tim Herring called, "Ever Seen the Path of a Gordon Setter on a GPS Unit?" (9/14/09).  These GPS Units are amazing little tools to have and apparently, a lot of fun too! Thanks for sharing Art! I think I'm going to have to put one on Dan's wish list!

E-Mail From ArtOC :

Karen, I attached a download from the Astro as a JPG so you can handle it as a picture.  I really love this device!  I saw the dog tracks on your Blog and I was impressed.  The more I use it the more I like it.  I have never been to this area and only had a rough idea of where I was going.  My goal was to find Turkey Ridge.  I marked my truck (camp) then headed off into the woods.  If I had checked this before I left home I would have been directed right to where I wanted to go.  Nevertheless, I think its a great asset and I highly recommend it.  I got a great price from Amazon on the unit and the topo map. I still haven't mastered all it can do but I'm getting better at it all the time.

Keep Your Micro Chip Information Current

Micro Chips are a great invention that allows us to keep track of our black and tans. If your dog gets lost, hopefully, he will end up in a place that has a scanner and will detect his micro chip. Then, the owner is called and owner and pet are reunited. Trouble is, 80% have outdated information and about 40% aren't even registered. Keep your info updated when you move, or get a new phone number, be sure to update the info with your register service. It could mean the difference between life and death for your pet.

Happy & The Stupid Kong With Cheese

Photos By: Karen Thomason














So, no one warned me about using soft, creamy, VELVEETA with the Kong Ball!! Wasn't my best idea. Since Happy couldn't have cared less, I had to get the cheese out of that stupid ball. Happy just stood by, watching to see if I could get the cheese out and where it might land when I did. I poked most of it out onto the counter with a can opener handle, then washed the rest out with hot water. I'm sure, had he been given the opportunity, Happy would have nabbed the cheese as soon as I turned my back, AFTER I got it out of the ball. Lazy Dog! If he thinks he can get me to work for his cheese...............oh......wait. Never mind.

So I Bought Some KONG Balls For My Gordons

Photo's By: Karen Thomason


Okay, so I bought my Gordon Setters, a couple of those KONG balls. You know, I have them listed in our favorite products list. Only, I got the round ball with the hole in the middle. My thinking was that the ball wouldn't be so heavy. A few of our Gordons like to catch them in the air. My husband was worry about them getting their teeth knocked out if he through it onto the kennel roof and let them catch it when it came rolling down. Which is what they do with the tennis balls. After the balls came in the mail, I realized that even with a hole through the middle, the ball was still to heavy for this "ball on the roof" game. So, then I gave one to Happy, inside the house. I threw it across the room and said, "get the ball". He pretended to look at the ball and then back at me. I threw it again. And again. And again. I bounced it and bounced it. Sit it in front of him. Teased him with it. NO REACTION. He could not have been any less interested! Can you see his excitement in the pictures? I guess it takes a particular taste for these balls and Kong toys. They LOOK good. They are better than tennis balls for your dog to chew. My dogs just don't seem to like them. Maybe a dog that really loves to chew, as opposed to one who just loves to run and fetch the ball, may enjoy it more. I'm thinking they will be useful for teething puppies.