Emergency Muzzling
(Submitted by Karen Quatman)

Unfortunately, there are occasions when no amount of planning can prevent a nervous snap. Any dog may lash out and snap if he is in pain and shock after an accident. In an emergency, you can make an effective muzzle using gauze tape, a nylon stocking, a man's tie, or a soft piece of rope. You will need a four-foot strip of the material. Put it under the dog's jaw and tie a half-knot on top of his nose. Bring the material back under his jaw and tie another half-knot. Finally, bring the two ends behind the dog's ears and tie in a bow at the back of his neck. If you practice this technique on a healthy dog, you'll be able to perform it smoothly should the need ever arise.

Helpful Training Tips
(Submitted by Teresa La Brie & Missy Dreyer)

How do I keep my dog from "counter cruising"?
How do I teach my dog not to steal food from the table?
How do I teach my dog to stop chewing on the cat?

Training Tip:

Get a rubber band (standard type, I prefer the slightly wider ones). Place the rubber band between your thumb and forefinger with the band looping around the two fingers. Now lift the bottom strand of the band (palm side) and pull up like a slingshot, forming a "Y" between the two fingers. You now have a very powerful tiny weapon! When used correctly this will cause a quick, sharp snap to the end of the dogs nose and/or hind end. In the dog world, they don't always understand a "slap on the wrist" like a child might. They can become hand shy and they associate the scolding more with you than the object in question. When dogs scold other dogs, the reprimand is very fast and usually consists of a sharp little bite and then it's over. The sting of the rubber band will not harm the dog but certainly does get their attention. When used correctly, they rarely know from whence it came and I have found they catch on to this method VERY quickly.

How to Train:

Place a tasty object on the corner of the table or counter top (meat or cheese). Stand close by and wait until the dog attempts to sniff and/or steal the treat. (Don't call the dog and ask it to sniff, just sort of wave the treat past them before you put it down so they can smell it.) Very quickly snap the band on the end of the dogs nose while immediately saying "leave it". Remove your hand as soon as you have snapped the dogs nose. Do not say anything more unless the dog attempts to sniff/take the treat again. If this happens, repeat the process until the dog walks away. Puppies may tempt fate a few times but adults rarely need to be snapped more than twice. I carry the band around my wrist when I am training a new dog. We also have bands around some of the door handles in the kitchen and dining room just in case. The "leave it" command works for a variety of situations (like... leave my dinner plate alone, leave the cat alone, leave the flower pot on the ledge, get your head out of the garbage can, etc.). It works equally well for puppies and adults. I do a lot of Dane rescue and many of these dogs come in already frightened of people and/or hands. Rolled newspaper can frighten them more and make some aggressive. Water bottles are out of the question when you have show dogs and pennies in cans only work if you have them handy to throw all the time. The dogs don't seem to associate the rubber band with any fear but do associate the voice command and the snap on the end of the nose with great respect. This method works so well that even my adults (long since spoiled rotten) will back away from the dinner table if I give the command.

Another Quick Training Tip:

NEVER call your dog when you intend to do something that they don't like such as nail trimming, pill time, or bathes. Simply go and get the dog and gently lead them to the "torture" area. Always make the recall a pleasant experience. You never want a dog to think twice about coming when it is called - it could be a matter of life and death.

Emergency/Shock Blankets
(Submitted by Karen Quatman)

Everyone should have an emergency/shock blanket in their car/van. I purchased my first one, 14 years ago, after I was certified in Animal CPR. It weighs all of 2 ounces and is the size of a deck of cards. It's a must have for the pet lover. If you cannot easily find a shock blanket, the Space (Brand) Emergency Blanket , listed below, is basically the same thing (maybe better?)

SPACE^R Brand EMERGENCY BLANKET is about the size of a package of cigarettes, but opens to a 56" (142cm) by 84" (214cm) tough and durable blanket. Manufactured by MPI since 1964 of the finest polyester material and purest vacuum deposited aluminum for the reflective surface, this product has helped to save countless lives, by providing protection from the elements. Used worldwide in disaster relief, rescue, and by militaries, this product is a 2 ounce life insurance policy. Will help prevent hypothermia by reflecting and retaining body heat, it is also very effective in preventing trauma shock, using the same reflective qualities. Available in Silver/Silver for regular use and Orange/Silver for greater visibility against a snow or water background. Registered FDA Medical Device No. 1220702. This is the"ORIGINAL SPACE^R BLANKET" made exclusively in America, since 1964. Do not be fooled by imitations without a reputation, or of suspect origin. When it's your life you want the "proven best".

Help Your Local Great Dane Rescue Organizations
(Submitted by Susan M. Hoke)

Your local Great Dane Rescue Organizations are always in need of donations of money. But, have you ever thought about asking how else you can help or if they have any other special needs? Contact them now for more information on how you can best fulfill their needs.