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Rally obedience requires dog and handler teams to perform a wide variety of short exercises on a timed course and emphasizes teamwork between dog and handler.

The AKC introduced Rally Obedience as a titling class in 2005 as a stepping stone between the companion obedience necessary for a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) award and more formal obedience and more active agility competitions.

The new classes have been a huge success, with entries frequently hitting their numerical limits in the first year of competition. Rally exercises resemble competition obedience exercises only sliced, diced and re-combined into bite-size stations along a course which varies from trial to trial.

Unique Features of Rally Obedience

Rally is less formal, and for most competitors, more fun than traditional competition obedience. It offers a link between everyday companion obedience and more advanced competition obedience. Dogs are not required to hold stays at a distance from their owners or work in close proximity to other dogs. Handlers are allowed to talk and gesture to their dogs throughout the course and point deductions are not taken for minor errors, although errors deemed over 1 point in severity are scored. Handlers are allowed to re-perform stations if they are unhappy with the way they performed it the first time, although they do take a point deduction for doing so. The course is timed, but time only comes into play if it is necessary to break ties for the top four class placements.

How to Get Started in Rally

Your dog should have some knowledge of basic obedience before starting a Rally Class. He should be able to heel or walk reliably on a loose leash, come when called, and understand the sit, down, and stand commands. These commands will be used in many different permutations in Rally; a big part of the training is to teach the dog to perform each exercise correctly, but also to pay close attention so he can be ready for anything as he moves to the next station. Contact local AKC show and training clubs to find Rally-specific classes in your area.

The most important element to understand in learning Rally is for the handler to know the signs. All of the exercises are short and most are simple to perform, but with 50 different station possibilities, the nuances between exercises are important to understand! Subtle differences in exercise names make big differences in the way a station is performed and scored. Take time to discuss the exercises with experienced exhibitors, trainers, or judges to make sure you understand the nuances of each sign before you compete.

Levels of Rally Obedience Competition

There are a total of 50 different exercises that can be used in Rally and the course exercise selection and design for each trial is at the judge’s discretion. Thirty one of the exercises can be used at all levels, with the more difficult exercises and those requiring jumps reserved for the higher levels. The number of exercises increases at higher levels as well; the maximum number of stations in a Rally course is 15 for Novice, 17 for Advanced and 20 for an Excellent course.

Achieving AKC Rally Titles

A dog-handler team needs to receive 3 qualifying scores at each level in Rally to receive a title. Qualifying scores are 70 or more points out of a total of 100; all teams start with a perfect score and deductions are taken for errors in the performance.

Other Rally Organizations

In addition to AKC sponsored Rally competition, there are several other organizations that sponsor Rally competition and titles, including the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and Canine Work and Games (C-WAGS) organizations. The competitions are similar but each has some unique exercises and features to investigate.

Canine separation anxiety causes serious distress and suffering for your dog and can be resolved with appropriate medications coupled with behavioral modification.

Separation anxiety experienced by your dog can cause needless pain for your dog and emotional and financial harm for you.

According to behavioral specialist Dr. Mary Ann Vande Linde in March 2009 NAVC Clinician’s Brief, as many as “17% of dogs in the United States suffer from separation anxiety” and “more than half the dogs that have it go undiagnosed”.

Signs of Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Symptoms associated with separation anxiety typically occur when owners are absent, sometimes even for a few moments. Signs noted are:

• Destructive chewing
• Inappropriate elimination
• Excessive barking or whining
• Drooling
• Pacing
• Vomiting
• Trembling
• Withdrawal

In some cases, it may necessary to videotape your dog’s behavior when you leave your home to determine whether separation anxiety is the proper diagnosis.

Symptoms of canine separation anxiety may worsen over time if appropriate intervention does not occur. It is important to remember that your dog is not acting in anger or spite if he is experiencing signs of separation anxiety, but instead is in severe distress.

How is Separation Anxiety in Dogs Treated?

Treatment for dogs suffering from separation anxiety is two fold and involves:

• Behavioral modification techniques geared toward changing the relationship you have with your dog, creating more confidence for your dog with less dependence on your attention.
• Medication to decrease anxiety for your dog

Medications Used to Treat Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Currently, there are two drugs which are commonly used to help treat canine separation anxiety. These drugs are:

• Clomipramine, marketed for dogs under the brand name Clomicalm, and
• Fluoxetine, marketed for dogs under the brand name Reconcile. Fluoxetine is also marketed as Prozac in people and Prozac is the same drug as Reconcile for dogs.

Clomipramine and fluoxetine act to decrease your dog’s anxiety level, making successful behavioral modification training more achievable. They are not meant to be used without the aid of behavioral modification in treating separation anxiety for dogs. However, these drugs can make modifications to your dog’s behavior easier and faster to achieve.

Other drugs sometimes used when treating separation anxiety in dogs are alprozolam and diazepam. These are short-lived but rapid-acting drugs which may give your dog additional relief from anxiety at the start of a behavioral modification training program.

Behavioral Modification Training Techniques for Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Behavioral modification techniques are fairly simple to implement but patience and persistence is necessary. Separation anxiety is not a problem which can be resolved overnight.

Your dog will need to learn that only calm behavior will be rewarded. You must learn to ignore attention seeking behaviors initiated by your dog, such as exuberant greetings when you arrive home.

You don’t want to punish bad behavior which you discover on returning home after an absence. Refraining from punishment may be difficult if your dog has engaged in destructive behavior or urinated or defecated in the house. Try to remember that your dog behaved this way out of anxiety from being left alone, not out of malice. Punishing your dog will only make the anxiety worse and serve to confuse your dog.

Positive reinforcement will be much more effective in training your dog and modifying his behavior than punishment. However, you must be certain you are not reinforcing unwanted behavior. This is why you must ignore your dog on arriving home or when your dog is soliciting your attention. Only when your dog is calm and relaxed should you initiate any interactions with your dog. Calm, relaxed behavior should be rewarded with special food treats, toys or affection.

Another important part of behavior modification is decreasing the commotion which occurs when you leave your dog. Avoid long, drawn-out good-byes. Instead, provide your dog with a distraction, such as a treat or toy, when you leave the house and leave while your dog’s attention is not focused on you.

Veggies as a Source of Canine Nutrition

Dog owners are more concerned than ever about the ingredients in commercial dog foods – including preservatives and other harmful chemicals. Dogs are like members of the family which is why their human companions want them to eat well. Some dog owners take matters into their own hands and make homemade dog food to serve their faithful canine companion. Some even add fresh veggies to their dog bowl. Are vegetables for dogs healthy?

Vegetables for Dogs: The Pros

Vegetables are an excellent source of antioxidants – which isn’t a requirement for dogs, but their cells need protection from oxidative damage just like human cells do. Homemade dog food or organic commercial dog with added vegetables is a good way to give a dog extra antioxidants and nutrition. Surprisingly, many dogs enjoy the taste of vegetables – particularly if they’re lightly steamed to soften them. Some dogs may not readily accept vegetables at first, so it’s important to start with small quantities and mix them with their regular food.

Vegetables for Dogs: The Cons

Some dogs have problems digesting vegetables at first and could develop flatulence. Steaming them lightly before adding them to their food can make them easier to digest. Keep the vegetable content of a dog’s food no higher than twenty percent of their total food intake. Vegetables may be easier for a dog to accept if they’re pureed in a blender before mixing them with organic or homemade dog food. Since dogs are naturally carnivorous animals, they won’t respond well to a completely vegetarian diet – so offer them vegetables only in moderation.

Safe Vegetables for Dogs: Some Vegetables for Dogs are Harmful

Never give dogs onions or garlic since they can cause a condition called hemolytic anemia where red blood cells are destroyed. Other vegetables to avoid are tomatoes and avocados. Good veggie choices for dogs are carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and leafy vegetables such as spinach that’s been lightly cooked. Don’t cook them with oil or butter and don’t give dogs vegetables prepared for humans using spices, seasonings, or oils – particularly garlic.

Veggies as Food for Dogs: The Bottom Line?

Vegetables are a good way to add extra nutrition and antioxidants to a dog’s diet, but it’s important to introduce them slowly into a dog’s diet. Dogs are very sensitive to dietary changes and could end up with an upset stomach and diarrhea if they get too many vegetables too soon. Serve them in moderation and most dogs will eventually accept vegetables in their diet.

Searching for a good holiday gift idea for a dog? Check out these great gift ideas for a dog in your life this Christmas or Hanukkah. And don’t forget dog birthday gifts!

Many dog owners view their pet as a “child” or “family member” and so it’s not surprising that many of these dog lovers are looking for a great dog gift this holiday season. Many dog lovers also buy a birthday present for their dog.

But what do you get the dog who has everything? (Or so it seems!) Finding the perfect Hanukkah, birthday or Christmas present for a dog can be difficult, so consider some of these dog gift ideas for inspiration. Many of these items will also make a great gift idea for pet owners.

Dog Gift Idea 1: Homemade Dog Treats or a Homemade Dog Dinner

Some dogs are very food oriented. This type of dog will enjoy a pet gift in the form of some gourmet or homemade dog treats or a homemade dog meal. Pet treat recipes and recipes for homemade dog-friendly meals are available for free online and there are also a wide array of dog cookbooks and pet recipe books at the local Barnes and Noble. Giving a dog a gift of treats or a homemade meal also has the advantage of being healthy and preservative-free and recipes can also be altered to accommodate a dog that suffers from a specific food allergy or food sensitivity.

Homemade dog treats are also a great gift for pet owners.

Dog Gift Idea 2: A New Dog Toy

A playful dog will enjoy a new dog toy (or five) as a Christmas gift. Consider the type of toy that the dog appreciates and shop for similar toys. A dog who enjoys chewing on rubber Kong toys or compressed rawhide bones isn’t likely to enjoy a ball launcher and vice versa, so consider a dog’s preferred play style when shopping for a pet gift for the holidays or for the dog’s birthday.

Also check out some of the more unique dog toys, like treat-dispensing balls that can be filled with treats and then batted around (which encourages the treats to fall out when the alignment is just right) – this type of toy is great for a dog who enjoys to play alone.

Dog Gift Idea 3: A New Dog Bed

Just like some humans, some dogs are couch potatoes who don’t really appreciate toys. And many of these dogs’ waistlines really can’t afford a gourmet or homemade doggy meal! So instead, cater to the dog’s lazy side with a new dog bed.

There’s all sorts of dog beds that make a great dog gift – raised dog beds are great to get the dog up and off the cold floor, while orthopedic dog beds are great for dogs of all ages, especially those older dogs with arthritis. There are dog beds with warming and cooling mechanisms, for a dog who lives in a warm or cold climate. What dog won’t appreciate a comfortable new bed? It’s a great pet gift that the dog is sure to enjoy on a daily basis.

Dogs who enjoy the more simple things in life may also enjoy a new doggy water fountain or the gift of a dog couch – some can even be made with custom upholstery to match the home’s other furniture.

Dog Gift Idea 4: A Trip With the Dog or a Dog Party

Some dogs like adventure and exploring. For these dogs, consider a holiday gift or birthday gift in the form of a trip to the beach for a romp in the sand, or take the dog for a weekend hike or camping trip.

A dog party makes for a wonderful pet gift idea of sorts, whether it’s a holiday party for pets or a dog birthday party. Invite the dog’s friends from the dog park over for some homemade dog-friendly food and play. A social dog will love the gift of friendship and play.

Just like humans, each dog’s personality will determine what the best holiday gift will be for that individual dog. What appeals to one dog may not appeal to another. So when looking for a great gift for a pet this holiday season (or when the dog’s birthday rolls around), consider the dog’s personality and lifestyle – that’s the best way to find the perfect present for a dog.

Healthy dogs need a lot of care and attention to maintain their health. In order to have a happy and healthy dog there are guidelines that dog owners must follow.

Beware of Chemicals

The first step is to only use chemicals and cleaning products that are not harmful to dogs. Dogs can ingest these toxic ingredients very easily and this can be very bad for their immune system. An easy way to find cleaning products that are not dangerous to dogs is to perform an internet search for “pet friendly cleaning products” and then purchase them online. These products have become more and more popular in recent years and there is a growing number of companies that now produce these types pf cleaning products. This is an important and often overlooked aspect of having healthy dogs.

 

Buy Organic Dog Food

Just as chemicals and hormones can be harmful in food that people ingest, it can be bad for dogs as well. Only feed your dog food that is organic and all natural. Many dog foods are processed with additives and artificial ingredients which dogs should not be eating. People can find all natural organic dog food by asking for it at their local pet food store, or by performing an internet search for “organic dog food” and then purchasing it online. Organic dog food will greatly aid in having healthy dogs.

Keep a Clean Environment

Buy an air purifier for the house. The air in people’s homes can be very dirty if it is not purified, and a dog is breathing this air much more than people are (as most dogs are in the home close to 24 hours every single day). Invest in an air purifier so dogs are breathing clean air free of bacteria and toxins. This can boost a dog’s immune system just as it can boost people’s immune systems as well.

A Happy Dog is a Healthy Dog

Happy dogs are usually healthy dogs. A dog that is unhappy can have physical effects from the stress of depression. A dog that is left alone all day, doesn’t get enough exercise, or is not treated well is not going to be a healthy dog. When people are unhappy, lonely, or mistreated many times this can affect their physical health, and dogs are no different. For a healthy dog make sure they get enough attention, lots of exercise, and are treated as a part of the family.

A dog’s mouth can tell a whole lot about your dog’s health status if you learn how to interpret the gum’s color, feel and response to pressure. Indeed, in veterinary practice it is not unusual to see a veterinarian look at a dog’s gums before anything else. By looking attentively at your dog’s gums you may determine if your dog is sick and requires immediate veterinarian treatment.

Interpreting a Dog’s Gums

The first step in identifying potential problems is recognizing what your dog’s gums normally look like. By getting accustomed to how the gums appear under normal circumstances, you will readily recognize when something is potentially wrong. If you brush your dog’s teeth on a regular basis, you will learn what trouble may look like. Following are some possible indicators of potential problems you can identify by looking at the gums.

 

• Color 

A healthy dog’s gums are a normal bubble gum pink color. In some dog breeds however, the gums may be black, such as in the Chow Chow or Shar Pei. If you notice gums that appear a different color consult your veterinarian. Commonly, gums that appear pale such as light pink, grayish or whitish are indicators of trouble. Pale gums may be an indicator of decreased blood pressure, blood loss, anemia, dehydration, or shock, to name a few.

While pale gums are a pretty reliable sign that things may be very wrong, sometimes a dog’s gums may assume other interesting colors. Yellow gums may be indicative of liver problems, and therefore may suggest a dog may also be affected by jaundice. Bright red gums may be indicative of heat stroke, whereas blue gums indicate a lack of oxygen in the blood. All these are serious disorders that require prompt or emergency treatment.

• Texture

Get used to how your dog’s gums normally feel under your finger. Normal gums commonly are wet and slick, as they are covered in saliva. However, tacky, dry gums may be an indicator of dehydration, and this requires prompt veterinary attention.

• Response to Pressure

Place your finger on your dog’s gums for two to three seconds and then release. Healthy gums should turn whitish for a little bit and then resume their normal color within a second and a half. This indicates that the blood is flowing normally and refilling the capillaries promptly. A delay in refilling, and therefore a delay in resuming normal color, can be indicative of certain heart disorders or shock, explains veterinarian Holly Nash, in an article for Pet Education.