Dr. Marty Becker and his daughter, Mikkel Becker, both have a deep compassion for creatures large and small. The main difference in their careers is that Marty is a veterinarian who takes care of animals’ medical health and Mikkel is a trainer who focuses on behavior.

Both of them genuinely care for the well being of furry and feathered friends.

The Beckers were present for book signing and Q&A in the Paradise Pet Resort in Spokane Valley on March 24, 2012. Members of the public were welcome to bring their four-legged companions to meet Marty and Mikkel as well as check out the resort, where prizes were raffled every half-hour. Volunteers from the Spokane Humane Society and SCRAPS introduced a few to-be adopted canines and felines to visitors. Playful barks could be heard echoing through the venue as Marty and Mikkel chatted with attendees.

“It’s such a blessing for us to be able to work together,” Mikkel said. “It’s really neat in the line of work that we do. I just love what we get to do and it’s even more fun that we get to do it together.”

Dr. Marty Becker, known as “America’s Veterinarian,” is the author of 20 books. Mikkel co-wrote four books in the “Ultimate” series: “The Ultimate Dog Lover,” “The Ultimate Cat Lover,” “The Ultimate Horse Lover” and “The Ultimate Bird Lover.”

“He wrote ‘The Healing Power of Pets,’ which is the book that he’s probably the proudest of,” Mikkel said. The book discusses how humans bond with their pets. Mikkel explained that the bonding hormone oxytocin is released when people interact with dogs, cats, and even horses. She said that’s why people get that “feel good” feeling while petting a dog.

“An actual chemical is released when we’re petting them. That’s the neat thing about what we get to do, it’s helping us at the same time that we’re helping these pets,” she said.

The Becker passion for animals may have been sparked long ago on a small family ranch in the town of Castleford in southern Idaho, where Marty and his parents raised and cared for horses, beef cattle, dairy cattle, chickens, pigs, and sheep.

“We always joked that it’s like the Ark unloaded there,” he said. Marty said all the dairy cows had names. He said when he was young, one of his tasks was to collect the eggs from the laying hens.

“The faster you got the eggs, the faster you’d go in to eat,” he said. Gathering the eggs could be tricky sometimes when it came to getting the chickens to move off them, so he realized if he jumped out and scared them, they’d fly off the eggs and he could swoop in to grab them.

His dad caught him and offered him some advice that may have helped influence his current path. He said his father told him, “Efficient, yes, but that’s not the way we do things because we have got to treat the animals well. You treat them well and they’ll do well for you.”

This sense of respect and duty to the animal kingdom has been passed along to Mikkel, who is the head trainer on www.vetstreet.com. Also, Mikkel teaches classes at both the Coeur d’ Alene Pet Resort and the Paradise Pet Resort, is an evaluator for the National Search Dog Foundation, holds private consultations, and is a trainer with Pawsitive Works.

“She’s gifted,” Marty said. He recounted some of Mikkel’s childhood activities, including how she sometimes pretended to be a veterinarian and would use a stethoscope to listen to her stuffed animals. She even “practiced” on her wirehair fox terrier, Scooter.

“Scooter would have bandages and pretend blood on her,” he said. He explained that Mikkel’s talent for handling animals, such as dogs and horses, began at a young age. He said she always did quite well when it came to showing horses, no matter how average the animal. Mikkel said her dad told her he envisioned her working with pets because she’s “really good with them” and that she should “follow her heart.”

“I absolutely love what I do,” she said. “It feels like therapy when I get to go to work. It gives me the best feeling in my heart that I’m helping these dogs.”

The Beckers have roots in the Spud State, but Marty is known nationally as “America’s Veterinarian.” He is the popular veterinary contributor to ABC-TV’s “Good Morning America,” resident veterinarian on “The Dr. Oz Show,” pet expert for the American Association of Retired Persons, and featured columnist of Vetstreet.com. He said Dr. Oz is responsible for his nickname.

“Dr. Oz is such a rock star and a really nice guy,” Becker said. He said he and Oz have known each other for about seven years. “When he started going on ‘Oprah,’ they started calling him ‘America’s Doctor,’ and then when I started going on ‘The Dr. Oz Show,’ they started calling me ‘America’s Veterinarian,’ so I figured if he said it, it sounded pretty good. Once some people start calling you that, it just kind of picks up and gets started. I guess there are worse titles,” he said jovially.

Marty practices part-time in Lakewood Animal Hospital in Coeur d’Alene with Dr. Bruce King and North Idaho Animal Hospital in Sandpoint with Dr. Dawn Mahr and Dr. Robert Pierce, the owners of NIAH.

“Both really high-tech, high-touch facilities, where it’s both state-of-the-art and state-of-the-heart,” he said. “That’s the place I’ve got to practice, a place where you practice just like the pet owner is looking over your shoulder at all times, where safety, comfort and compassion are always at the forefront.”

Marty has four dogs he affectionately calls “canine cocktails:” Quixote, Quora, Shakira, and Gracie; four cats: Krissy, Colby, Tommy and Varmie; and three horses Sugar Babe, Pegasus and Brady. Mikkel has two pugs, Willy and Bruce, and a three-legged cat, Nemo.

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Written by Devin Heilman.

Devin is a life-long resident of Coeur d’Alene. She is the managing editor of NIC’s student-run newspaper, the Sentinel. She loves reading, writing and spending time with her three feline friends: Poe, Moxie Mayhem and Apollo. Her dream job is to be a journalist for a zoological or wildlife magazine. To Devin, every creature is special, from aardvarks to zebras!

In my experience, dog people are good people and that is what I found with this group of gals from Coeur d’ Alene. I wiggled myself into their pack on a lovely September morning and they welcomed me with open arms and paws.

Brook, Darlene, Kris, Kip, Linda, Pat, Jan, Daisy, Mitzi, Valerie,
Shirley, Ben, Cherry Pie and Tootie

Our walk was on the North Idaho Centennial Trial, 8 gals and 6 dogs ready for some exercise, camaraderie and dog loving for all. This pack started 5 years ago to help a new dog become better socialized.  Several dog socializations later, they’re still going strong. This group of bonded friends is no wimpy pack; they walk once a week, rain or shine, all year long. And if you think they go home and rest after their walk, think again. This pack is active in the community and always up to something - several visit an assisted living facility twice a month and most are members of the Audubon Society. Then there is book club, hiking, biking, Nordic skiing, swimming, traveling, card playing and on and on it goes. I was exhausted just listening to them.

One of the canines in the pack is Brook, a Kootenai Humane Society adoptee. She loves to ride in the car and check out the passing scenery. She also enjoys fine dining (or any kind of dining).

Kip is an agility pooch, like his big brother Ben. If you are on rollerblades or a skateboard, he wants to eat you. (Not really, it’s just a game he plays.)

Daisy (you will love this story) got her forever home when unexpected company showed up at Jan’s house. Jan sent her husband to the store for some hamburger and lettuce. As a good husband, he came home with hamburger, lettuce AND a little pre-named puppy called Daisy. He always wanted a dog named Daisy, so it was meant to be. Daisy loves to travel with her humans in their 5th wheel trailer; she has been from the Canadian border to the Mexican border.

Mitzi, the matriarch of the pack, determines where the “turn around “point are on the walks. At 15 years old she is still working hard as a service dog, visiting the elderly and giving her all.

Ben is so handsome and quite accomplished in his ranking as an agility dog, and working on “preferred” agility championship. He is just 2 double Q’s away, which is good. I just love him because he is so handsome (Did I say that already? Well, he is.)

Cherry Pie, you got to love her just for the name. Cherry Pie, let’s say it again. Cherry Pie was a rescue dog in need of a home and medical treatment after Hurricane Rita in Texas. Her foster family was caring for 15 dogs. Being 1 of 15 was not to her liking, so Tootie came to the rescue and now Miss Cherry Pie is 1 of 1. As you can see she is flourishing and loving it.

Blizzard (not pictured in group photo) is not able to make the walks any longer but he is all about being social. He loves the coffee/lunch hour after the walks and greets each pack member with love and adoration. He adores going to the nursing homes to visit and give love to the elderly. He is a beautiful majestic dog. Stay tuned for his adventures as a service dog.

After the walks, the pack heads off to find refreshment. Most of the time it is coffee and pastry at pet- friendly Bakery by the Lake, but on this day we went to Lucca’s Italian Restaurant for lunch. Lucca’s has a pet-friendly patio and wonderful food. I had peach ice tea and a Greek Italian pania…yummy - a perfect ending to a perfect morning. I’m looking forward to joining this pack again.

Written by by Nancy LaRose

Typically dogs aren’t allowed into military commissaries, but a poised Golden Retriever by the name of Barnsley had permission for his mission. He and his handler Lynn Engum were performing their duties as ambassadors for Canine Assistants, a non-profit organization that provides service dogs to people with physical disabilities. When I first met these two, they were on a mission of giving at a donation ceremony in which The Defense Commissary and Milk-Bone partnered to award a Canine Assistants service dog to a Coeur d’ Alene resident and former employee of the Fairchild Air Force Base commissary. Recipients do not have to pay for their dogs. Canine Assistants service dogs are paid for by individual and corporate donations.

The recipient’s service dog was not in attendance that day. (At a later date after a donation ceremony, a dog will be paired with the recipient, and the two will undergo a two-week training period together.) Barnsley is a spokesdog for his fellow Canine Assistants service dogs. He and Lynn were at the ceremony to show and explain how service dogs can assist children and adults with disabilities. Service dogs can assist in a variety of ways such as turning lights on and off, opening and closing doors, pulling wheelchairs, retrieving dropped objects, and summoning help. One of the things that Barnsley demonstrated that day was how service dogs can assist with unzipping a coat and pulling at the coat sleeves, helping to remove the garment. Also, he demonstrated, by way of his attentiveness and pleasing manner, how service dogs provide companionship to individuals who can face greater challenges with isolation and loneliness than many.

The next time I saw Barnsley and Lynn they were at the Coeur d’ Alene Casino Resort in Worley, Idaho. No, Barnesly is not allowed to gamble. Once again he was at work assisting Lynn with a presentation. This one was aimed to raise awareness and, possibly, funds. The presentation was for the participants of a regional Eastern Star conference. Canine Assistants Special Educators is the official title for the dynamic duo of Lynn and Barnsley. Along with other C.A.S.E. volunteers around the country, Lynn and Barnsley help to raise awareness about service dogs at community levels, as well as help to raise funds so that more are able to benefit from having the assistance of a service dog.

Lynn and Barnsley are based in Montana. In Barnsley’s free time, Lynn says he likes to play with his toys - tennis balls, stuffed animals, and squeaky toys. Also, he enjoys retrieving even when he is off the clock.

If you would like to know more about this organization, contact: www.canineassistants.org.

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Written by Chris Shafer

From a dog lover’s point of view, not to mention a dog’s, the highlight of Sandpoint, Idaho’s Winter Carnival season is the K-9 Keg Pull. 2012 marked the 6th year for this highly popular event. Throughout the event the snow-packed runway was lined with smiling spectators, many with cameras poised for photo shots of their favorite four-legged entrants. Some of the canine competitors scrambled to the finish line, while others sauntered. The crowd appreciated all whether the pups made a beeline to the end or made several stops along the way to meet and greet. It was impossible to tell who was having a better time, the dogs or the people.

Canines of all size competed. There were three categories: large, medium, and small. Large dogs pulled full-size (empty) kegs, medium dogs pulled “slim” kegs (also empty), and the petite pups pulled empty beer cans. The event sponsors were Eichartdt’s Pub where the event took place and EzyDog, who provided the harnesses. All proceeds went to the Panhandle Animal Shelter.

If you haven’t attended this event, don’t miss it next year either as a spectator or as a personal keg-pull coach for your dog. You’ll be hooked on the event and the dog-friendliness of this town: http://www.dogabouttownnw.com/sandpoint.html.

Photos provided by EzyDog; Alan Lemire photographer

Get a dog’s eye view of the K-9 Keg Pull by taking a look at Ezy Dog’s video taken with a doggy cam. For more images of 2012’s K-9 Keg Pull, check Dog About Town NW’s Facebook album.

Pooch Participant Profile - Miss Muppet

Muppet lives in Sandpoint with her owner Ed Bock and her miniature English Bulldog boyfriend One Eye Willie. Willie and Muppet have both run in the keg pull in past years. However, Willie preferred to stay on the couch this year to enjoy the sun.

Four-year-old Muppet was born in Spokane. She was the runt of her litter, and she is a registered English Bulldog. Also known as Dora to her family, she loves to wander around outside exploring everything. Miss Muppet loves people and cannot help approaching everyone on her walks (and races). During winter, she likes to cross-country ski, and snowshoe along Pend Orielle Lake, as well as compete in the annual k-9 keg pull in her hometown.

Ed and Muppet at K-9 Keg Pull 2012

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Written by Chris Shafer

Mikkel Becker in training session.

“Shaping both ends of the leash” is the motto for a program designed for youths on probation, ages 13-18, who learn behavior modification by teaching shelter dogs through reward based training.  The program is located in several locations, including Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint, and Bonners Ferry, and is looking to expand its borders to reach new locations.

Pawsitive Works is said to shape both ends of the leash, because not only are the shelter dogs learning new behaviors and better manners, but the young people participating in the program are learning how to influence and lead others in a gentle, hands-off manner which focuses on rewarding good behavior.  Each youth is assigned a project shelter dog that he or she works with specifically during a five week period,  teaching both good manners and fun tricks, and working towards the final day of a comprehensive canine and youth test, followed by graduation.  Programs at all locations are headed by dog trainers/instructors who lead classroom work, including the review of daily homework, and the daily dog training.

It is not uncommon for the adolescents to open up about how the program has changed their lives, with changes reaching far beyond the realm of dog training.  In dog trainer Mikkel Becker’s group, located in Rathdrum, one adolescent confessed that she had  been paralyzed by the fear of opening up and talking to people, and that even her school teachers couldn’t use good enough bribes to drag words out of her in class.  This particular Pawsitive Works’ participant shared that she is a changed person, not only is she more confident and happy, but also now she speaks up in class.  According to her, this transformation is due to the positive people she’s had around her in the Pawsitive Works training and from the hands-on work with her shelter dog.

The shelter dogs depend on their young handlers for their daily training and interaction.  “I’ve learned to be more responsible through the program. I realized that if I keep messing up and getting in trouble, I’m not just hurting myself anymore, but my dog is impacted by my actions, and he doesn’t get to do the training that day, which isn’t fair to him, and makes me want to be better,” said one Rathdrum youth.  The dogs have had the ability to engage their partners in profound ways.  “I came into the program making sure I had my guard up so that I wouldn’t get attached to the dog I was assigned to. I thought the class would only be about teaching the dog to sit, down, and do tricks, and I didn’t realize how much the program would affect these dogs’ lives and the lives of their future owners and how emotionally involved I’d get.  Now I’ve gotten so attached to my dog, and I don’t know what I will do when this is over and I don’t see him every day,” said a tearful program participant.

Although the instructors/dog trainers are not therapists, they utilize a standardized curriculum and training by the organization to lead the youths through lessons that bridge “dog” training with important life skills.  Staff and volunteers help the young program participants discuss loss, communication and frustration.  The dogs complete the job, reaffirming love and compassion that is so desperately needed.

Pawsitive Works is a non-profit, donation based program. To donate money towards the program or to apply for a volunteer position working with the youth and dogs, please go to www.pawsitiveworks.com.

Mikkel Becker is an honors graduate of the rigorous and prestigious Academy for Dog Trainers at the San Francisco SPCA with Jean Donalson. Mikkel is also a graduate of Purdue DOGS! and the Karen Pryor Training Academy.  To locate Mikkel’s contact information for dog training classes,  please check our online directory under “Pet Services - Groomers - Cd’A Pet Resort or Paradise Pet Resort.”

Man’s best friend is learning new tricks and building new friendships through The Ruff Revue, a Spokane-based doggie dance troupe.

The Ruff Revue provokes smiles, cheering applause and lots of tail-wagging as the canine performers and their handlers entertain audiences through the Inland Northwest. Dancing, twirling, jumping and other fun activities can be seen during a Ruff Revue show.

“The Ruff Revue was born to nurture that human-animal bond within our community and within our own group and within the lives that we touch,” said Diane Baker, coordinator and one of the founding members.

The freestyle dance group is a cleverly named offshoot of Diamonds in the Ruff, a dog academy established to train dogs and the people who love them. Located at 2925 N. Monroe, Diamonds in the Ruff encourages positive reinforcement and cooperative relationships between dogs and their humans while teaching dogs and people alike to be better to one another. All the canine members of the Ruff Revue have excelled as students of Diamonds in the Ruff.

A rich mixture of sizes and breeds can be found within Ruff Revue. Canine entertainers include Cinderella, Oliver, Murungu, Mia, Aspen, Dewey, Anna, Lexie, Mina, Dezzi, Sadie, Rio, Scout and Schuyler. These dynamic dogs range from Dachshunds and American Eskimo to larger varieties such as herding dog mixes, Australian Shepherds and Rottweilers.

Three-year-old Border Collie mix Scout belongs to Karen Jurasin. He’s the skateboarder of the bunch.

“We found out about Ruff Revue,” she said. “It’s a nice way to get out and show off what he can do.”

Teri Beeman, also a founding member and performing arts instructor, said Scout is a big crowd pleaser.

“He loves to show off,” Beeman said. “His energy just spills over.”

Beeman said she originally taught her Entlebucher (Swiss herding dog) Gretchen how to ride a skateboard seven years ago, but now Scout is the skateboard star. Beeman handles Lexie, a Decker Rat Terrier, and another Entlebucher, Anna, who is 12 and totally deaf. Anna is one of the last remaining original members. Beeman said Anna used to be afraid of people and other dogs, but after a while in the Ruff Revue, she loosened up and actually enjoys saying hi to everyone in the audience.

“The most important thing is enabling the dogs to interact with the audience,” Beeman said. “It makes you feel happy.”

Ruff Revue performs at a variety of venues, including retirement facilities and care centers, where the presence of the canines makes a huge impact.

“We come in and the dogs get to say hello to everybody,” Beeman said. She said the canines enjoy the love and attention they receive from the elderly, and those living in the retirement centers enjoy them just as much. They have a special place in their hearts for dogs, as many of them have had to give up their beloved four-legged friends.

“They always tell us stories, or say ‘I used to have a dog that looked like that,” Beeman said. The dogs of Ruff Revue offer entertainment as well as some pet therapy for their audiences. “It’s so good for them,” she said.

Baker and Beeman are trainers at Diamonds in the Ruff. They got the idea for Ruff Revue from a seminar they attended in Corvallis, Ore. They witnessed about 20-25 free and happy dogs engaging in dance routines and tricks with their handlers.

“We decided it would be fun to bring the joy we saw there to our community,” Beeman said.

Ten years after it was formed, The Ruff Revue is still extending the joy of music and canine companionship to the greater Spokane area.

So, can an old dog learn new tricks?

“If a dog still likes to eat, you can teach him to do anything!” Beeman said with a laugh.

The Ruff Revue’s homepage is www.ruffrevue.org. The group was featured on the KSPS program “Northwest Profiles” and can be viewed on www.youtube.com, search “KSPS NW Profiles Dancing with Dogs.”
Written by Devin Heilman
Devin is a life-long resident of Coeur d’Alene. She is the managing editor of NIC’s student-run newspaper, the Sentinel. She loves reading, writing and spending time with her three feline friends: Poe, Moxie Mayhem and Apollo. Her dream job is to be a journalist for a zoological or wildlife magazine. To Devin, every creature is special, from aardvarks to zebras! ]]> http://www.dogabouttownnw.com/wordpress/?feed=rss2&p=669 http://www.dogabouttownnw.com/wordpress/?p=663 http://www.dogabouttownnw.com/wordpress/?p=663#comments Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:35:23 +0000 Chris http://www.dogabouttownnw.com/wordpress/?p=663

Mugs

by Owner Shawn Hurst

I met my dog/best friend on August 9, 2009, at the Kootenai County Humane Society.  He had been there for a year or more and in a kennel by himself. His name was McGee but he is now Mugs.  My daughter was 12 and volunteering at the KHS when she met Mugs (McGee).  He was a 2 year old Red Heeler mix.  He was shut down, afraid of just about everything and on anxiety meds.  I went to find out if I could foster him as I was unable to come up with his adoption fee.
I was told that adult animals could not be fostered.  I said I was interested in adopting him.

Upon our first meeting McGee didn’t seem very impressed with me; as a matter of fact he only took about 20 steps into the walking park before putting on the brakes.  So I did what any mom who sees a hurting baby would do, I sat in the grass and talked to him for about 2 to 3 hours; he listened.  I went back the next day because, darn it, we needed each other he just didn’t know it yet.  It was another great bonding session.  He got up a little faster and we made it about halfway around the yard before he balked.  So then I sat down with him again and “we” talked for another few hours and I was awarded with a kiss.

We didn’t have money for his adoption fee so my wonderful daughter created a flyer and set up a cool aid stand at Sunset park.  She  raised $3, not quite the $42.50 we needed for his adoption.  Then she went to the little coffee stand in front of Inland Fence to ask about putting a donation box out.  She was sent into Inland Fence.  Darin, the owner, is an animal lover who even in a slow economy couldn’t resist helping out.  In a call I made to Darin expressing my gratitude, he told me he’d had to put his dog down recently.  Soon after Mugs adoption, I started taking him to visit at Inland Fence, and I know Darin and his crew have loved seeing the growth in Mugs and they are all aware that Darin’s help with the adoption fee has made all the difference in Mugs’ life.

More to come!

Inland Fence at 1295 E. Best Ave, Coeur D Alene, ID 83814
(208) 664-4050

Coeur d’ Alene dog parks:  http://www.kcdogpark.com/

Finding missing persons and saving lives are all in a day’s work for the pooches of Idaho Disaster Dogs.

The non-profit organization specializes in training canines to accompany their human colleagues on disaster and emergency missions. The Disaster Dogs are highly trained for many scenarios, ranging from sniffing out a drowning victim to digging people out of rubble piles.

“They’re the rock stars, they’re the ones that shine, as it should be, because that’s what they do,” said Jeff Sells, one of the founders and coordinators of Idaho Disaster Dogs.

About three weeks ago, IDD was contacted by the Post Falls Police Department to assist in finding a subject that had wandered off into the woods. Pete, a black lab and IDD’s first team-owned dog, found the missing person.

“Pete had that find,” Sells said. He said that accomplishing what they do is a team effort, from the canines to the humans. “What makes all that happen is all the work the entire team puts into it.”

Part of the training includes handlers posing as “victims” for the dogs to find. Sells said that practice is instrumental in the team’s success.

IDD has five canines that are trained in locating live victims and one that is trained in recovering human remains. All Disaster Dogs must pass frequent testing that indicates to IDD trainers that they are the right ones for the job. This includes obedience, agility and communication skills as well as nerve strength and ability to focus on the task at hand.

As early as seven weeks old, puppies that are potential candidates are tested using a ball. When a ball is thrown, trainers observe the young dog’s actions: chasing the ball, picking it up or actually retrieving it. Returning the ball to the trainer earns the puppy the most points. This assesses play drive and willingness to engage with people.

“Those are the traits we look for,” Sells said. “Most of the tests we do are meant to figure out those two particular traits. If they score high, it gives us an idea that these dogs have the potential to do well.”

All the dogs must exhibit the necessary aptitude for search work. Recovery dogs are especially in demand.

The IDD recovery and cadaver specialist on the team is Dax, a 6-year-old Australian shepherd/ Border collie mix. As well as completing all necessary tests to be a Disaster Dog, Dax had to perform a search to be certified in recovery. She had a limited amount of time to search a 10,000 square foot rubble pile and find all the human remains on it.

“Dax also will do water search because she loves to swim,” Sells said. “She’ll go out to look for drowning victims and will actually swim in circles where she senses human remains. The scent will percolate up through the water, just like any other medium. That’s how she works those types of missions.”

Recovery dogs go through the same testing of obedience and agility requirements as the other dogs (training with tunnels, ladders, rubble piles and more), but they also must have direct ability.

“Directability is being able to move your dog from one area to another, from a remote location,” Sells said. “The test is set up like a baseball diamond; the handler will stand where home plate would be, and depending on what the pattern is, they need to be able to move the dog to wherever the evaluator chooses.”

Obedience is one of the keys to a successful mission, but so is communication. All the Disaster Dogs are trained to have a vocal indication ability that alerts human members of the team when someone has been found. Sells said this is because a lot of the time, the dogs are working out of eyesight and need to be able to vocally communicate when they cannot be seen.

“What Dax does is lie down and bark,” he said. “When she has indicated human remains, she’ll lie down and bark at it.”

Sells said that fewer than 300 teams in the country are certified in Live Find and even less in recovery. “It’s a pretty valuable resource,” he said.

When the dogs aren’t working, they stay with their handlers. The handlers are educated to understand the behavior and vocabulary used in training these special canines. At first, a person who wishes to be a handler is placed on probation as they familiarize and work with the dogs. Once the probationary period is up, IDD purchases a dog to put in his/her care. The team owns the dogs and matches them with handlers of the best fit. IDD provides the care and training for all the dogs.

“Our purpose is to raise the money in order to provide the vet care, food and some of the training for the dogs because we don’t actually get any state or federal money for those types of activities.”

Idaho Disaster Dogs supports volunteerism through the United Way of Kootenai County. Information on how you can contribute to the organization can be found at idahodisasterdogs.org.

Love to walk your dog, but feel confined by the snow? Well, you don’t have to resign yourself to getting all of your exercise on the indoor treadmill during the winter months. You can strap on the snowshoes, grab the pooch, and go! It’s pretty simple, really. If you can walk, you can snowshoe, and, these days, snowshoes have come a long way from your grandfather’s snowshoes that resembled tennis racquets. Now they are made of materials such as lightweight aluminum, composite plastic, even titanium; they are high-tech and are well designed.

Snowshoeing is a low-impact, calorie burning exercise that allows you to get out in nature and stave off cabin fever. Add a dog or dogs and viola - the perfect snowy day activity! If you are new to this activity, you can keep your dog safe and healthy with a little common sense and some cold-weather know-how. (See “Some Things to Consider for your Outing” at end of article.)

Another outdoor exercise option for you and the pup is skijoring. Skijoring is simply connecting the skier and dog or dogs in harness together via a specially designed belt and tugline and dog harness(s). If you are a competent cross-country skier, consider bringing your pup along. It’s another great way to commune with nature and your four-legged friend. Generally, any breed of dog (35 lbs. and up) that loves to run can be trained. Oh, and it helps if the dog likes snow! Now you may think that the dog pulls the skier… ummm, no. Dogs are not supposed to drag the skier, just increase his speed. A skier can ski faster and/or farther with a dog, but it takes additional skill and effort to maintain control and balance when skiing with a dog or dogs. If you are new at cross-country, become competent before you invite Fido along. For more information on skijoring with your dog: www.sleddogcentral.com/skijoring.htm. (There may be a dog-friendly cross-country skiing class in your area; see below.)

Is your dog up to these kinds of workouts? Well, as with any new exercise, it’s always best to check in with your veterinarian. Most trim and fit dogs should do fine, but, remember, walking through deep snow is physically demanding for your dog, so be sure to start out with a short outing and gradually build up to longer ones. (You don’t want to end up with an exhausted pet that you have to carry back!) Also, take a daypack and carry plenty of water and snacks for you both. Don’t forget to check your dog’s paws for ice and snow that can clump between your dog’s pads, resulting in painful ice balls. You might consider getting protective booties. In addition, if your dog is not dressed in a heavy fur coat, like a Husky or Malamute, he might benefit from a man-made coat.

Before you start, make sure the place you are planning to visit is dog-friendly, and if so, what the rules are. Some places allow dogs only in certain areas and/or at certain times of day; there may be a charge. Also, your dog may be required to be on a leash or skijoring equipment, which includes a harness for the dog, a belt for the human and a towline to connect them. (See Ruff Wear’s Omni-Jore TM System below.) It’s important to be considerate of other trail users and keep your dog under control and out of the way. As for the “doo,” you know what to do. That’s right, pick it up. Good doggy etiquette helps to keep the trails dog-friendly.

Don’t let the winter weather keep you on the couch. Get out of the house and into open spaces filled with nature’s beauty. Whether you choose to snow shoe or cross-country ski with your dog, you will be spending quality time together that will, no doubt, result in happy tails and tales. Have fun out there!

(Cross-country skiing photos are courtesy of SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. and Amber Hanson.)
Dog-friendly Skijoring Class outside of Spokane, WA.

Skijoring Introduction - (Cross-country Skiing with your dog)
1 day Ages 12+ Skijoring, literally ski-driving in Norwegian, is a dog-powered sport where canine athletes pull you on cross country skis. It is a great sport for keeping you and your dog in shape during the winter. The class covers equipment, dog-training and fitness, and a chance to try it yourself. Must be comfortable on skis and bring your own ski gear. Skijoring equipment provided. Dogs need to be well behaved and on a leash.

19449 Su 2/5 1:00-3:00 PM Forty Nine Degrees North Ski Area Nordic Area $29
http://spokaneparks.org
Upcoming Event

“Bounder” Paws & Poles Race
March 3rd, 2012
49 Degrees North Nordic Ski Area, Chewela, WA
5K cross-country or 3K snowshoe with your dog
Proceeds benefit SpokAnimal C.A.R.E.
More details to come on our Calendar of Events.

Check out Ruff Wear’s joring system - Omnijore TM

Available at GoodDog for purchase or rent.
Links to Snow-filled and Dog-friendly Destinations:

Idaho

Priest Lake, ID

McCall, ID

Whoop-Um-Up Park N’ Ski, Idaho City Area

Washington

Spokane, WA

Chewela, WA (Dogs allowed on x-country trails after 2pm.)

Leavenworth, WA

Winthrop, WA

Montana

Near Missoula, MT

Whitefish, MT

Oregon

Bend, OR

North Powder, OR
Some Things to Consider for your Outing:

• Check out what area you will be going to and make sure that it is an area that accepts dogs.
• Check out the weather report and/or snow conditions before you head out.
• Make sure you have trained your dog to the commands that you will be using and that he can respond appropriately.
• Make sure you have appropriate snow gear - for you AND your dog - booties if needed.
• If the snow is frozen or it is going to be a particularly long and arduous trek, you may need to put booties on your dog’s feet.
• Check your dog’s paws to make sure that ice balls are not sticking between the pads and if they are, that is when booties would be needed.
• Make sure you have water for both you and your dog.
• Make sure you have food and snacks for your dog.
• Make sure you have appropriate winter gear - hat, gloves, goggles if snowing. Socks and gloves should be appropriate to snow and ice and fit comfortably, be waterproof. Gaiters over boots help keep snow out of your boots. Appropriate coat and snow pants are vital.
• Make sure you have appropriate boots.
• It’s a good idea to have something for your dog to lie on when taking a break.
• A compass is also handy and a whistle is never a bad idea.
• If you have more than one dog, you can use a chin strap and a towline, so that they do not fan out and will stay close together - neck and neck.

* While your canine may be furry, exposure to the elements can lead to problems like frostbite or hypothermia. Puppies and elderly dogs are especially susceptible; watch for shivering, slowed breathing or dilated pupils, signs of a dangerous drop in body temperature.

More about skiing with your dog:
http://www.xcski.org/ski_snowshoe_info.php?SubPage=8 ]]> http://www.dogabouttownnw.com/wordpress/?feed=rss2&p=644 http://www.dogabouttownnw.com/wordpress/?p=633 http://www.dogabouttownnw.com/wordpress/?p=633#comments Mon, 16 Jan 2012 03:12:03 +0000 Chris http://www.dogabouttownnw.com/wordpress/?p=633 Coeur d’Alene, Idaho was featured in Dog Fancy’s October issue. Dog Fancy editor Ernie Slone attended a Coeur d’Alene City Council meeting on August 16th to present a check for $5000 to the Kootenai County Dog Park Association and to present Mayor Sandi Bloem with a plaque honoring Coeur d’Alene as the Dog Town USA winner for 2011. In addition to the plaque and check, the Kootenai Humane Society was given 1000 meals, provided by Natural Balance dog food.

Factors that went into the decision to make Coeur d’Alene Dog Town USA, included the off-leash dog park, Tubbs Hill and area trails, dog friendly businesses, and events like Dog d’Alene. The Kootenai Humane Society’s no-kill policy and the number of rescue programs in the area were also contributing factors.

Dog Fancy Editor Ernie Slone at Central Bark Dog Park

Check out Dog Fancy editor Ernie Slone’s entry about his visit to Coeur d’ Alene on his blog Editor Off Leash, click here.

For a highlight of the DogTown USA article, click here.