The Good Dog Pod

This week on the Good Dog Pod, host Laura Reeves is joined by Debra Hamilton, Esq. to talk about the power of mediation in resolving issues surrounding dogs. Debra is the owner of Hamilton Law and Mediation and has extensive experience helping breeders, owners, and vets foster peaceful solutions. 

What are the different ways to approach a legal dispute? There are three main ways to settle a legal issue. One, the two parties can choose to negotiate an agreement outside of court, which is done without a third party. Two, a party can choose to pursue litigation, in which both parties have lawyers representing them in a court trial. Finally, the two parties can choose mediation, in which both parties agree to settle the issue with the help of a neutral third party. 

Why is mediation oftentimes the best answer? Mediation allows for both parties to truly listen to each other and understand the other’s intentions. The neutral mediator facilitates the ability to listen, and helps both parties be more open and less defensive. Oftentimes, problems arise because someone was overwhelmed and said something they didn’t really intend to say. Mediation can help in these sorts of situations, including owner-veterinarian disputes, breeder-buyer disputes, owner-handler disputes, and more. If encountering a problem, do not jump to litigation or write a bad review online; that would immediately ruin mendable relationships. Debra has a book on mediation in conflict over animals called Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt. Always remember that no matter what the issue is, the most important thing is to keep the animal’s best interest in mind. 

If you have any questions for Debra, reach out to her here or send an email to [email protected].

This week on the Good Dog Pod, host Laura Reeves is joined by an attorney and a dog trainer to talk about common concerns with contracts between breeders and puppy buyers. Both of our guests are also involved in the dog world as breeders and exhibitors.

What is a “dog contract”? Oftentimes, a breeder will require prospective buyers to sign a basic contract before selling a puppy to them. The contract serves as the foundation of the relationship between the two parties; it lays out the details of the puppy, the price of the puppy, and in most cases, a clause that states the breeder will take back the puppy in the event that the buyer is no longer able to care for it. Good Breeders can access exclusive sample contracts here. 

What are some common concerns regarding contracts? One common issue is when the contract contains a clause that is unenforceable. For the breeder, including a clause that is overly specific and unenforceable, even if it is in the puppy’s best interest, can cause the buyer to stop communication with the breeder. In some instances, one unenforceable clause can also invalidate other clauses in the contract. An example of an unenforceable clause is one that states the buyer must feed the puppy a specific brand of food. There is no way for the breeder to monitor whether or not the owner is following this clause. Another common concern is that an owner is hesitant to go to the breeder with their questions in fear that they accidentally violated a part of the contract. The two parties should keep regular communication so that everything they do is in the dog’s best interest. 

How can I build a good breeder-owner relationship? There are several things both the breeder and owner can do to build a strong relationship. The contract is only a tool to start a connection; both people should be open and empathetic in their conversations about the puppy. The breeder has years of experience with the breed, so they will be the best judge of whether or not the buyer’s lifestyle is a good fit. If there is anything in the contract that the buyer is uncomfortable with, they should start a conversation with the breeder about it. Because the breeder-buyer relationship is for the dog’s entire life, the breeder should choose the buyer carefully, just like the buyer should choose the breeder carefully. 

If you are not yet a member of the Good Dog community, you can apply to join at gooddog.com/join.

In this week’s episode of the Good Dog Pod, host Laura Reeves is joined by Jaci Bowman to talk about the Poodle as a hunting dog. Jaci has been an owner, trainer, and handler of hunting Poodles for over two decades. 

How is the Poodle becoming more widely recognized as a hunting dog? The Poodle is well loved in the show ring, and in recent years, its popularity in the field has grown as well. The breed was originally bred to hunt in marshes for waterfowl, but they are new to field trials and certifications. In the 1990s many Poodle lovers pushed to get the breed involved in retriever and spaniel hunting tests, in which they now excel. The dog is very intelligent and is not hard wired to carry out any one hunting method, so they leverage their variety of skills to become master hunters. 

Can a dog excel in both the show ring and field trials? Jaci talks about having dogs go from the show ring to the field. The Poodle’s specialized haircuts make it relatively easy to have a dog compete in the field one day, and the show ring the next. Despite the notion that the Poodle’s cut is very ‘showy,’ it is actually very practical for hunting dogs to swim and retrieve waterfowl. There are many dogs that are exceptional at both tasks. 

Listen to this week’s episode to hear more about the Poodle’s history as a hunting dog, the differences between the Poodle sizes, and how the Poodle Club of America is advocating for the legacy of the breed to better reflect the latter’s origin. 

This episode of the Good Dog Pod is all about the companionable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel! Host Laura Reeves is joined by two long time breeders, owners, and showers of the breed to discuss breed history, grooming, health, and more.

What is it like to live with the Cavalier? The Cavalier is a toy breed with all the athletic ability and drive of a larger spaniel. They are very trainable and not too vocal, making them highly adaptable and fit for apartment dwelling. These dogs form strong, intuitive bonds with their owners, and thrive off of human interaction. Because of this, they are not fit owners who work long hours and would leave them alone at home all day. 

What are some grooming best practices for this breed? The Cavalier should be groomed several times a week and bathed once every two weeks to maintain a healthy, silky coat. Owners should pay extra attention to their ears and paws. Our guests offer other grooming tips, such as what conditioning spray to use for the best results. 

What are some health related topics all Cavalier owners should be aware of? A healthy Cavalier can expect to live 12+ years. However, there are some health issues that are commonly found in this breed, including those related to the heart, patella, hips, elbows, and eyes. Owners should be aware of the signs of these diseases and bring their dog to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. To keep your Cavalier healthy, practice preventative care such as keeping them at a healthy weight and regularly brushing their teeth. 

This week, Good Dog Pod’s host Laura Reeves is joined by three guests to discuss the extraordinary Clumber Spaniel. The guests have decades of Clumber experience between them in breeding, veterinary practice, and judging. 

What is it like to live with a Clumber Spaniel? The Clumber is a very affectionate, humorous, and loving family dog. They get along with children and other dogs, as well as cats if introduced early. However, any prospective owner should also be comfortable with a lot of shedding, slobbering, and snoring. 

How is the Clumber Spaniel as a hunting dog? While the Clumber is often misperceived as slow because of its stocky build, this is actually not true. When necessary, the Clumber can be surprisingly fast on the field. They are part of the flushing Spaniels group and are methodical and insistent, making them exceptional bird hunters.

What are some health issues every Clumber Spaniel owner should be aware of? Neck and back problems are the most prominent health issues, and there are other common concerns such as hip dysplasia, spleen tumors, entropion, and PDP1. The Clumber can be naughty and rambunctious, so the most common reason that this breed needs veterinary attention is if the dog accidentally ingests something inedible. Clumbers need to be supervised until they can be completely trusted. Pet insurance is highly recommended for this breed. 

What are some misconceptions about the Clumber Spaniel in the show ring? The Clumber Spaniel is long, low, and substantial. Because there are only 3000 Clumbers in the USA, there are misconceptions among judges around the eye shape, tail, and trot speed. Our guests are advocating for more public knowledge around this wonderful breed!

In this episode of the Good Dog Pod, host Laura Reeves is joined by Malena DeMartini to talk about separation anxiety in dogs. Malena is a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant who specializes in this topic, with over two decades of experience. 

How should I retrain my dog who has had previous experience with being left home alone? If you have had your dog since before the pandemic, it is likely that they know what it is like being left at home. Start by setting up a camera through which you can watch how your dog reacts to your absence. Give your dog a toy or treat so they associate you leaving with something positive. If your dog settles down after a little while, gradually build up the time you spent away from your dog. Randomize the time you leave your dog at home so they do not start noticing the pattern; leave for a short period of time on some days, and a long period of time on others. 

How should I train my newly acquired dog? Again, start with observing your dog’s reaction to being home alone through a camera. If you notice your dog becoming increasingly agitated - ie. howling, excessive panting and pacing, non stop pawing at the door or windows - go back inside your house. Next, determine how long the dog can handle being home alone with the help of the camera. With each time that you leave them at home, stay under their panic point; return home before they can become too anxious. If your dog needs to be confined when home alone, perform all training with them in the crate or gated room. 

How can I tell if my dog is simply upset at being left at home or actually experiencing separation anxiety? It is normal for dogs to be upset at being left at home alone; most dogs will whine or bark for the first few minutes. Separation anxiety is much more extreme, and over time can have psychological and even physiological effects. If you observe your dog through your camera acting extremely differently from how they usually do, to the point of being very destructive, learn how to best cope with separation anxiety and ensure the welfare of your dog. 

Malena offers a self-paced, online course called “Mission: Possible” on dealing with separation anxiety. She is offering listeners of this podcast a discount on the course using the code GOODDOG. 

This month the Good Dog Pod will focus on how to prepare our dogs as we transition to post-pandemic life. In this episode, host Laura Reeves and certified professional dog trainer Kristin Sandstede talk about latchkey puppies. Kristin has been teaching dog obedience for over two decades and is the founder of Big Moose Dog Training.

What is a latchkey puppy? A ‘latchkey puppy,’ a term derived from the more commonly known ‘latchkey child,’ is a dog who stays home for most of the day while his owner is at work. As more and more people return to working in the office, our dogs are being left at home for extended periods of time. It is crucial to train newly acquired puppies as well as existing dogs that have grown accustomed to our continuous presence to stay home comfortably and safely on their own. 

How should I start training my latchkey puppy? To Kristin, the best method is to utilize crate training and crate games. Measure out your dog’s kibble for a meal and sit down by your dog’s crate, throwing a few kibbles inside at a time. Gradually, your dog will poke his head in, then step his front paws in, and finally step all four paws in the crate. For most dogs, this first step only takes a few minutes! After your dog is comfortable stepping into the crate, practice closing the door, starting with a few seconds and moving up to an hour. The key to successful crate training is patience; don’t try to rush your dog to stay in the crate for an hour the first time. A great guiding principle is the five for five rule, in which if your dog performs perfectly five times in a row, you can raise the bar for training. Kristin has dog training videos on her social media channels, some of which can be found on her website here. 

How can I provide enrichment for my dog? After your dog is comfortable staying in the crate, provide enrichment to keep him entertained in the form of toys such as Kongs. Kristin emphasizes that mental exercise will keep your dog occupied and tired out for longer than physical exercise. This is also a great time to teach your dog new tricks!

By crate training your dog and providing mental stimulation, you can help your dog transition to staying home safely on their own. 

This week on the Good Dog Pod, host Laura Reeves is joined by Dr. Gayle Watkins to discuss how to prepare your dog as our cities reopen, whether you need to retrain your dog or train a new puppy. Gayle is Good Dog’s Head of Education and the founder of Avidog.

How should you start getting your dog accustomed to staying at home alone? Start training your dog a few weeks before you intend to leave them at home so you can start with a few minutes and work up to several hours. Every time you go outside, go through the motions of grabbing your keys, putting on your shoes, etc. so your dog understands that they will be home alone. Randomize your schedule as much as you can so your dog doesn’t start predicting the exact time you will be back, which can make them more anxious as they anticipate your return. Refrain from long and emotional goodbyes and hellos, which makes your dog think that it is a big deal every time you leave the house. As always, make sure to leave them with food, water, toys, and background noise. 

What are some supplies to retrain your dog? Gayle recommends getting lots of toys such as Kongs and marrow bones to keep your dog occupied while you are gone. Dogs feel comforted hearing human voices, so leave the TV or radio on if you can. Another great investment is a play pen if you do not want to give your dog run of the house; these work especially well for puppies or small dogs. Gayle notes the importance of a pet camera, which will allow you to see how your dog acts during the day.

Gayle and Laura agree that the key to retraining your dog and minimizing their separation anxiety is to randomize their schedule and randomize the cues you give them. As long as you cue your dog that you’re leaving, don’t let them predict how long you will be gone, and make sure that they feel safe when you’re gone, your dog will be happy and well adjusted at home alone. 

The 2021 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is happening this weekend, June 12-13, in Tarrytown, NY! On this week’s episode of the Good Dog Pod, host Laura Reeves is joined by Allison Alexander, who has been an All-Breed Professional Handler for over 30 years. She is also the founder of the Leading Edge Dog Show Academy. 

What has changed about Westminster this year? Westminster is usually held in February in New York City’s Madison Square Garden. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, it is being held in Tarrytown on the historic Lyndhurst Estate. In addition, the number of dog shows that usually happen across the country were reduced from several thousands to a few hundred. The new show date and scarcity of dog shows means that Westminster this year will be extra exciting because of the potential for surprise contenders! 

What are some reasons that this year’s show has the opportunity to be one of the best yet? The first reason that comes to mind for Allison and Laura is the Best in Show Judge, the renowned Patricia Craig Trotter. Trotter has been breeding, showing, and judging dogs for seven decades. Her presence in the show ring is highly anticipated, and is a sign that this will be an iconic year for Westminster. Another reason is that four new breeds have been introduced to Westminster - the Barbet, Biewer Terrier, Belgian Laekenois, and Dogo Argentino. Find out more information about them here. 

What breeds and dogs do Allison and Laura have their eyes on? Both believe that there are some exemplary dogs in the Samoyed, Irish Setter, English Springer Spaniel, and Lagotto Romagnolo breeds. They are also paying close attention to the Toy Group, namely the Pekingese and Havanese breeds. However, with so many changes this year, it’s hard even for the two experts to predict which dogs have the best shot at Best in Show.

What is the schedule for this weekend? On Saturday, June 12, we will see the Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding Groups. On Sunday, June 13, we will see the Sporting, Working, Terrier Groups, and finally Best in Show. This weekend will be broadcasted on the FOX network. Check out the Westminster website for more information on the schedule and broadcasting.

Despite all the changes to Westminster this year, Allison and Laura believe that the fact that the show is happening in June instead of the typical February poses a unique timeline for the world of dog shows, with Westminster now being an opportunity to say hello to new dogs instead of only bidding goodbye to retiring ones. 

*Allison mistakenly stated that the Pekingese is of Japanese origin; we recognize that the breed is actually of Chinese origin.

Will you be attending Westminster 2021? Join us for a Breeder Appreciation Party on Friday, June 11th. The event will be outdoors, at Hudson Anchor Rooftop in Tarrytown, NY. There will be free food, drinks, live music and giveaways. And better yet: dogs are welcome! Make sure to pre-register at: https://bit.ly/3f9fwGr and follow our Facebook Event for the latest updates!

This week on the Good Dog Pod, our very own Susan Patterson joins host Laura Reeves to talk about dog-proofing our homes. Susan is a breeder advisor here at Good Dog and runs the weekly advice column Straight from the Whelping Box. She is also a renowned breeder of Labrador Retrievers and Gordon Setters. 

As many of us return to the office, questions arise about dog-proofing our homes and addressing safety concerns. This is an especially important topic for owners who acquired new puppies during the pandemic. 

Where should I start in puppy-proofing my house? According to Susan, the first and best place to start is with crate training. When properly utilized, a crate can be a safe place for a dog - a warm and welcoming place with a bed, toys, and food. Susan recommends owners to start crate training their puppies at 8 weeks old, being mindful that puppies need to go outside often, and to stop giving water and food a few hours before bedtime.

How else should I dog-proof my house, outside of crate training? Start with supervising the puppy in a small, tiled space in the house. Puppies are inclined to chew anything in their reach, so be especially careful about electronics, house plants, clothing, etc. In addition, be mindful about the human foods that are harmful to dogs; the lists here and here are good starting points. 

What are some additional tips and reasons for crate training? Sometimes owners are more worried about leaving their dogs at home alone than the dogs themselves are worried! Understand that your dog most likely will appreciate a few hours to themselves to nap. Our host has some of her own tips, including covering the crate with a blanket for a sense of security, and serving meals in the crate for positive reinforcement. 

Remember, puppy-proofing is a form of pet insurance. It can prevent your puppy from needing blockage surgery after eating something indigestible. While thinking about good puppy-owning practices, make sure to get pet insurance at a young age and check out puppy socialization classes, including Good Dog’s Savvy Socialization Course. 

Will you be attending Westminster 2021? Join us for a Breeder Appreciation Party on Friday, June 11th. The event will be outdoors, at Hudson Anchor Rooftop in Tarrytown, NY. There will be free food, drinks, live music and giveaways. And better yet: dogs are welcome! Make sure to pre-register at: https://bit.ly/3f9fwGr and follow our Facebook Event for the latest updates!