Assistance dogs can help people with mobility limitations.

Assistance dogs are those animals who give differently-abled people the chance to be more independent in daily living.  The three main classes of assistance dogs are guide dogs for the visually impaired, hearing dogs for the hearing impaired, and service dogs for those with physical or mental / cognitive limitations.

Most assistance dogs are donated to a regional office of a training organization like Guide Dogs of America,   Dogs for the Deaf, Inc.,  or Freedom Service Dogs.  In some cases, these organizations rescue dogs from euthanasia at local shelters.

Guide dogs for the blind are most often large purebred dogs such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds.  Hearing assistance dogs are often small mixed-breed canines rescued from shelters.  Service dogs for the physically or mentally challenged may be small or large, purebred or mixed breeds, depending on the needs of the client.

In cooperation with local foster families, the regional offices of training organizations get started on socializing and training the puppies in basic manners and obedience. Once the dogs are old enough to begin formal training, they are brought back into the regional office and given enough training to meet the minimum standards required for all assistance dogs.

Once the dog achieves at least the minimum standards of proficiency, the dog is matched to a person and begins training for the specific needs of that person.  For example, a person who struggles with upper body strength might need a dog who can open doors and cupboards.  A person who has seizures might need an assistance dog who can sense an oncoming seizure and communicate to the person that he or she should sit down before the seizure hits.

Training Standards 

According to Assistance Dogs International, all assistance dogs must meet the following minimum standards:

• Respond to commands from the client 90% of the time on the first ask.
• Respond to voice and / or hand signals for basic obedience skills.
• Meet all behavior standards in public and the home environment.
• Meet the ADI standards and ethics, and be spayed or neutered and up-to-date on shots before placement with a client.

Depending on the purpose for which the dog will be used, there are also specific training standards to be met.  For example, guide dogs must be able to negotiate obstacles, overhangs, barriers, street crossings, and public transportation.

Hearing assistance dogs can be trained to alert someone when a doorbell or telephone rings.

Hearing assistance dogs must demonstrate sound awareness skills by being able to alert the client to at least three different sounds and leading the client to the source of the sound.  For example, when the doorbell rings, the dog might paw at the person’s leg, then walk to the door, while a crying baby might signal the dog to nudge the person’s hand and walk to the child’s cradle.

Service dogs may perform a wide variety of tasks to help their handlers.  They might retrieve dropped objects, pull a wheelchair, turn light switches on and off, provide a counterbalance for those who have mobility issues, or alert the person when his or her blood sugar drops.  They can also be very calming to a person who has autism or other mental challenges.  Each dog must be able to perform at least three tasks related to their partner’s disability.

Clients, or those who will use an assistance dog, also have some responsibilities, including knowing acceptable training methods for dogs and understanding canine care and health.  They must also be able to continue their dog’s training and use problem-solving abilities to add new skills to their dog’s repertoire.

Assistance dogs in public settings 

Although assistance dogs can be invaluable in a person’s home, they can also allow the person to experience greater freedom and independence in public.  When wearing a vest identifying the animal as a service dog, these animals are guaranteed access to nearly anyplace people can go including public transportation, hotels, restaurants, and the workplace.

In order to maintain this ability, it is important that the dogs meet certain standards such as being clean, stink-free, and well-groomed.  The dogs must learn where and when it is appropriate to relieve themselves, and must not be overly-annoying or disruptive to members of the public.  Assistance dogs cannot be table-surfers and may not show any type of aggression toward people or other animals.

If you see an assistance dog in public, you might notice he doesn’t stray far from his or her person.  In fact, they are trained to stay within two feet of the handler at all times unless a helper task requires a further distance.  Most of the time, an assistance dog can be found lying at his person’s feet or under the chair or desk when the person isn’t moving about.

When approaching an assistance dog, it’s very tempting to speak to the dog or interact with him in some way.  Not a good idea.  When these dogs are wearing their identifying vests or harnesses, they are working and shouldn’t be interrupted without permission from the person.

It’s also just plain good manners to talk to the person.  Many times, differently-abled people are overlooked; talked about instead of included in conversations.  If you want to talk to a person who is facing physical or mental challenges, at least have the courtesy to talk to the person first.

How can you help? 

It is extremely costly to procure and train an assistance dog and his or her human partner.  Find a training organization near you, and commit to helping them give someone a dog.

You can make a direct cash donation or provide needed supplies such as treats, toys, dishes, crates, paper towels, all-purpose cleaners, towels, or gift cards to pet supply stores.

If you live near a training center, consider fostering a puppy or volunteering at the facility.  If you’re a breeder, donate a puppy.

If you or someone you know is in need of an assistance dog, check out the state-by-state resource list from the American Dog Trainers Network.

Harbor and his world-record ears.

Harbor, an 8-year old Black-and-Tan Coonhound, lives with Jennifer Wert in Boulder, Colorado.  He was recently recognized as the living dog with the longest ears, in celebration of his 12.25 inch left ear and 13.5 inch right ear.  See the award winning video.

However, Harbor’s ears don’t surpass those of Tigger, an Illinois Bloodhound who died in 2009.  Tigger retains his title as the dog with the longest ears ever, with his two ears’ combined length totaling 27.25 inches.  See Tigger’s story.

The scent hound group includes Fox Hounds, Basenjis, Beagles, Bloodhounds, Coonhounds, Dachshunds, Norwegian Elkhounds and Lundehunds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and Basset Hounds.  Obviously, the taller dogs in the group are going to be the ones that win awards of this type because shorter dogs would be tripping over ears that long.  Shorter dogs like the Dachshound and Basset Hound have proportionately shorter ears, although they are longer than those found on other short dogs such as the Pomeranian or Miniature Poodle.

Why do some dogs need long ears? 

Long ears on a scent hound are not just for looks, the ears actually serve an important function.  As they drag along the ground, they gather in scents and hold them around the dog’s face, allowing him or her to more fully appreciate the odors so they can track prey more efficiently.  That’s why these breeds are known for their tracking ability.

In addition to the long ears, these breeds usually have loose, wet lips that trap scent particles near the nose, and large nasal cavities used to process scents.  This processing allows scent hounds to distinguish between a rabbit being hunted and a fox that happens to cross the same path.

How do scent hounds hunt? 

In contrast to sight hounds, scent hounds don’t have to be particularly fast to aid in hunting.  While sight hounds track prey by always keeping them in sight, scent hounds can simply follow their noses so it doesn’t matter if they lose sight of their quarry.  A well-trained scent hound can follow a trail that is several days old, even if the prey runs through water.  What scent hounds lack in speed, they make up for in endurance, often following prey for long periods of time.

Larger scent hounds, with their longer legs, are usually used for horse-mounted hunters, while the shorter, slower dogs allow hunters to follow on foot.  Some scent hounds will even “tree” the quarry, allowing the hunter time to catch up.  These dogs typically howl or bay in their deep voices, keeping the prey up the tree and calling for the hunter.

Do scent hounds make good pets? 

All of the scent hound breeds are extremely lovable companions, good with children and other dogs.  However, because they are bred to hunt, many of them chase cats and other small pets.

Also because of generations of being bred to hunt, a scent hound is pretty much just a nose with four feet attached.  These stubborn dogs are often hard to train and even after successful training, they must live in a fenced yard if you don’t want to be forever chasing them through the neighborhood, following a squirrel or chipmunk.

If you live in the city, you need to know that most scent hounds are very loud.  They may bark at anything that moves, although their delightful baying is truly a joyous sound.

What do scent hounds do besides hunt? 

Just as in the movie Cool Hand Luke, scent hounds can be used to track people who have escaped from jail, as well as to find lost children or others who have disappeared.  Bloodhounds are thought to have the absolute best noses in the dog kingdom, although other scent hounds are sometimes used for search and rescue missions.

Some scent hounds put their noses to good use at airports and sea ports, checking incoming passengers and packages for contraband.  Although you typically think of a German Shepherd performing such tasks, the US Department of Agriculture uses a Beagle Brigade to find fruits, vegetables, and meats that are banned in this country, as reported in National Geographic.

If you’re not a hunter, but you want your pet dog to participate in activities that put his or her tracking abilities to good use, you might get involved in Earth Dog trials where enthusiasts challenge their dogs to follow scents into tunnels to find the den of prey.  These events are sponsored by the AKC, so you must have an eligible breed to participate.

Best in Show Winner (Steven Donahue / See Spot Run Photography)

Presented by Purina, the show was actually held on November 19^th and 20^that the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA, although it wasn’t broadcast until Thanksgiving Day at noon, just after the Macy’s parade – a newish tradition for the holiday.

If you follow dog shows, you probably already know that a Wire Fox Terrier named Eira was the overall winner, named Best in Show.  Her formal name is Ch. Steele Your Heart, and she is four years old.  Eira (pronounced Ira) is a Welsh word meaning “snow”.  This is her 17^th Best in Show title, and she hopes to become only the third dog in history to win both the National Dog Show and Westminster in the same season.   Handler Gabriel Rangel is no slouch, either, having shown the 2009 winner, Scottish Terrier Sadie. See the Best in Show judging in this video:

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Group Winners

Among the Toy breeds, Affenpinscher GCH CH Banana Joe Van Tani Kazari took the honors as Best in Group.  Banana Joe is just one of several winners bred by Tani Kazari Affenpincher Kennel in The Netherlands.  In his first three months of showing, he won Best in Group 30 times and Best in Show 9 times.  He is America’s top Affenpinscher and the 5^th best toy in the country.  He was shown in America by the Greenteam, under the leadership of Mrs. Tina Truesdale.  He lives at Yarrows Kennel from Beth Sweigart.

In the Herding group, Australian Shepherd GCH CH Propwash Reckon was named Best in Group.  Called Reckon by her friends, this beautiful dog is owned by Judy Harrington and Leslie Frank of Propwash Farm in Kensington, New Hampshire.  Frank has been breeding Aussies for the past 44 years on her 45 acre farm, and was named the AKC Breeder of the Year in the herding category in 2010.

The winning Hound was a Whippet named GCH CH Starline’s Chanel, from Starline, LLC in Rancho Santa Fe, California.  This dog is amazing!  And she hasn’t even reached her fourth birthday yet.  According to her family, Lori, Carey, Kyle, and Nicole Lawrence, “Chanel embodies all that we strive for here at Starline; beautiful type, smoothness, impeccable movement, and a superb disposition.”  She has 60 All Breed Best in Shows, 241 Best in Groups, and has been the number one ranked Whippet for three years running.

Best in the Non-Sporting group was the Dalamatian, a happy dog named GCH CH Spotlight’s Ruffian from Spotlight Dalmatians in Ocala, Florida.  Breeder Connie Wagner says “Ian has a wonderful headpiece with nice, dark eyes.  He also is sweet and charming.”  He was named the 2008 Dalmatian Club of America’s Best in Futurity Winner when he was 13-months old, after winning Best of Breed twice.  According to the DCA, “Ian turned heads with his smooth, effortless side gait and outgoing attitude.”

For the Sporting Group, the English Springer Spaniel named GCH CH Cerise Tender Is the Night stole the show.  Known more informally as Zelda, this wonderful dog comes from a long line of champions, starting with Cleo (Sierra Femme Fatale), who was left to Dorothy Cherry by her husband a week before he died.  Cleo became the foundation stock for Dotti’s Cerise English Springer Spaniels in Sherman, Connecticut.

And finally, GCH CH Blumoon’s Tanzenite v Blackrock, a Bernese Mountain Dog was best in the Working group.  “Tanner Banner”, as he is known, was born in 2006 at Blue Moon Bernese in Boulder, Colorado.  He now lives with Dawn Cox in Hanover, PA, and has become the bull of their breeding stock, the only male in a family that includes Willow, Frieda, and Echo.  Dawn says that Tanner is “so full of himself and truly believes that we, the humans, are here on earth just to adore him.  (Which of course, we do.)”

What do the judges look for?

Did you ever wonder what it would be like to have to choose between so many beautiful dogs?  NBC Sports’ David Frei says it involves being both an “art critic and a bit of an engineer”.

Where breed clubs exist at the national level, they are linked below.  Coonhound clubs are being started, but are not yet organized at the national level.  The Finnish Lapphund Club of America’s website is under construction, but the Canadian club is linked below.

Norwegian Lundehund (photo from MSNBC.com)

Norwegian Lundehund

The Norwegian Lundehund, also known as the Puffin Dog, comes to us from arctic Norway, where he used to retrieve puffin birds before they became a protected species.  The Lundehund is one of the Spitz-type dogs, recognizable by a tail that curls up over the dog’s back like an Akita or Chow Chow.  These dogs have at least six toes on each foot because they need the extra stability on the nearly vertical cliffs where they hunt.  They have a flexible skeleton that helps them lie spread-eagled to prevent falls when they slip.  Their thick double coat protects from the freezing winds and is reddish-brown, usually with white on the collar, feet, and tip of the tail.  The Norwegian Lundehund competes in the non-sporting group.

Xoloitzcuintli (photo from MSNBC.com)

Xoloitzcuintli

The Xoloitzcuintli, pronounced show-low-eats-queen-tlee, is usually called simply “show-low”, and is the national dog of Mexico.  This breed is a descendant of the hairless dogs of the Aztecs and comes in three different sizes, defined as Toy (10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder), Miniature (14 to 18 inches tall) or Standard size (18 to 23 inches tall).  There is also a version that does have hair.  The breed standard is unique, in that its characteristics were not developed by humans, but rather as an adaptation to the dog’s natural environment.  They are highly intelligent and easy to train. The Xolo competes in the non-sporting group.

American English Coonhound (photo from MSNBC.com)

American English Coonhound

The American English Coonhound (which, being a hound is my favorite of the new breeds) is a descendant of English Foxhounds, by way of Virginia.  These athletic dogs originally hunted fox during the day and raccoons overnight, and today can be used to locate any number of hunting prey due to their speed, endurance, and loud howl.  The medium-length coat can be red and white ticked, blue and white ticked, tri-colored with ticking, red and white, or white and black.  The highly social dog makes an excellent companion when he is not hunting.

Cesky Terrier (photo from MSNBC.com)

Cesky Terrier

The Cesky Terrier ranges in color from charcoal to platinum.  The breed’s lean body and natural grace make them excellent hunters, both above and below ground.  They aren’t wild about strangers, but are very loyal to their families.  Their intelligence, sometimes interpreted as stubbornness, and their unbridled appreciation of food means they will find their prize no matter what.  Be sure to keep your food out of reach at all times in order to avoid the problems associated with obesity.  The Cesky competes in the terrier group.

Entlebucher Mountain Dog (photo from MSNBC.com)

Entlebucher Mountain Dog

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is the smallest of the four Swiss breeds.  The short tri-colored coat has the same beautiful symmetrical markings as his larger cousin, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.  The Entlebucher bonds well with humans, but he is protective to a fault, and requires thorough socialization to curb his guard dog tendencies.  This active and energetic dog makes a wonderful, if high-spirited, companion.  He is easy to train and has a great work ethic. The Entlebucher competes in the herding group.

Finnish Lapphund (photo from MSNBC.com)

Finnish Lapphund

Last but not least, the Finnish Lapphund  was bred to herd reindeer (a very important job this time of year!) in the northern parts of Scandinavia.  The native tribes of Finland made use of their strength and agility, probably for thousands of years.  These dogs make great family pets, both devoted to their families and friendly with everyone.  Lapphunds are very intelligent and love to learn.  They come in a wide variety of colors, and each of them includes a soft, expressive face.  The Lapphund competes in the herding group.

It may take a few years before judges feel comfortable enough with the new breeds for them to begin winning best in group or best in show awards, but in the meantime, we can enjoy seeing them at all-breed shows throughout the country.

Toys 

The most recent push in plush dog toys is to make them stuffing-free.  I’m not sure whether people just got tired of cleaning up all the stuffing from the carpet after the dog tore the toy apart, or if the stuffing really is toxic, but either way, I’m glad to see this trend.  My dogs still tear apart the animals to get the squeaker out, but at least it is now easier to clean up.  Sold primarily under the brand name of Skinneez, these stuffing free dog toys are available from Drs. Foster and Smith and Active Dog Supplies

Skineez are stuffing-free dog toys.

Always a favorite at my house, the Kong brand of dog toys are virtually indestructible and they give your dog a chance to use his brain.  For example, the Kong Wobbler can be filled with treats, and your dog must learn how tip the toy just right to make a treat come out.  Kong also makes the ever popular Wubba, a floating tug toy that can be used on land or water for training or just plain fun.  Some dogs will do just about anything for a chance to play Wubba.  (Kinda’ like the old Klondikebar commercials.)  Kong brand products are available at most major retailers, both in your community and online.

My favorite online store, Best Friends General Store, has been closed due to the retirement of owner Candy Blakeslee, so I’ll have to find another source for you for all of your toy needs.

Sit, Stay looks like it has a large selection and reasonable pricing.  They have a large selection of toys specifically for Christmas, including Orbee Tuff Brand chew toys that are made of recyclable, non-toxic rubber and are shaped for the season.  Their selection includes a giant candy mint, a snowball, and an old-fashioned (i.e. large) bulb from a string of Christmas lights.  Many of these toys also include a stuffable hole for treats.

Care-A-Lot Pet Supply also has a large selection of toys, most priced under $10.

Dog Beds 

Tired of sharing your bed with your dog?  Get him his own.  Fetch Dog carries a wide selection.  Before you buy your dog a bed, take a look at how he sleeps.  Does he like to have his head up on your pillow or on the chair of the couch?  Make sure his bed has a bolster on the rim so he’ll have all the comforts he wants.  Is he a snuggler under the covers?  Look for a “cave” bed that allows him to burrow in.

You will also want to consider whether the bed will go inside or outside when making a choice between the different types of covers.  Some are made for indoor use only, while others are more weather resistant for the great outdoors.

Dog Duvets from Bow Wow Beds can be customized with your dog's name.

Bow Wow Beds on home crafters’ site Etsy  sells pet duvets and covers, as featured on the Nate Berkus Show and HGTV.  The are available in many sizes for a variety of uses (in the car, in the crate, or just for lounging around the fireplace), and you get to choose the cover fabric.

If your dog is getting older, you might need an orthopedic bed, such as those shown on Chaz Hound.    These beds can help relieve your dog’s aches and pains from arthritis and other joint diseases.

Food and Water Bowls 

There’s nothing that says, “I love you” like a new set of dishes.  The Official Dog House has a great selection including ChowTime Productions Art Bowls, hand-crafted in theUSA to include your dog’s name.

Does your dog gobble his food so fast he spits it back up?  Check out the Brake Fast bowls that force him to slow down. 

These unique bowls are available from Dogs in Play  They also carry bowls that are resistant to ant infestation, a handy feature if your dog doesn’t finish his food all at one time.

And if you’re a fresh-water freak, wouldn’t your dog love an ever-fresh stream of water, too?  Pet Mountain offers the Healthy Pet Water Station and free shipping if you spend at least $49.99.

Dog Tag Art carries a wide range of stylish dog tags.

Dog Tags 

Keeping your dog safe and having a way for him to get returned to you if he runs away are part of the responsibility that goes with having a canine friend.  But nothing says that dog tags have to be unfashionable.  Check out Dog Tag Art or Pet Tags for some fun, fashionable identification tags.  And don’t forget, if your dog has a medical condition, to list his special needs on his tag.

Dog Books 

In addition to 101 Things You Should Know Before Getting a Dog  by our own doggies.com blog writer, Beth Philley a/k/a The Dog Lady, here’s what we have on our bookshelves this year.

A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron tells the story of one dog who is reincarnated several times in his quest to find his purpose.

101 Dog Tricks:  Step by Step Activities to Engage, Challenge, and Bond with Your Dog by Kyra Sundance with her dog, Chalcy, gives you full-color photos of each training step for every trick.  Many of the tricks shown will help you prepare your dog for competition in dog sports, dog dancing, and dog therapy work.

The Art of Raising a Puppy by The Monks of New Skete, draws on the religious order’s experience as long-time breeders of German Shepherds and features chapters on play, crating, adopting dogs from shelter, and canine behavioral theory.

Puppies for Dummies by Sarah Hodgson helps you work through the basics – housebreaking, feeding, training – as well as more advanced topics like traveling, doggie day care, and designer dog breeds.

A Dog’s Life:  Autobiography of a Stray by Ann M. Martin tells the story of Squirrel and her brother Bone as they make their way in the world after their mother is taken from them at a very young age.

And finally, Cracker!  The Best Dog in Vietnam by Cynthia Kadohata tells the fictional story of a German Shepherd trained to sniff out bombs, traps, and the enemy during the Vietnam war.

The argument for breed specific legislation

Legislators will tell you that the reason they feel so strongly about banning certain breeds of dogs is because their constituents insist that doing so keeps communities safer.  Whether because of any dangers the dogs themselves possess or because of the business interests of some owners of these breeds, the mere existence of the dogs indicates a hazardous condition.

It’s not just Pit Bulls in most cases.  Breed specific legislation often includes other breeds such as Cane Corsos, Doberman Pinscher, and even Rottweilers.  Some proponents of this type of legislation say that because drug lords, dog fighters, and other unsavory characters disproportionately own breeds which might be classified as vicious that all animals of these breeds should be banned.

The other main reason given for banning certain breeds is that the dogs themselves are classified as bad, vicious or incorrigible.  Because this is a hot-button issue, these allegedly dangerous breeds are often featured in news reports when they do something wrong.  Yes, it’s true that Pit Bulls sometimes attack, and when one does, it seems to make the news more often than when other dogs display the same behavior.

A big deal is often made of the fact that dogs of a certain breed can produce so many pounds of pressure per square inch when they clamp their jaws together.  Some even believe that Pit Bulls have locking jaws so that it becomes impossible to remove whatever body part becomes entrapped between the dog’s teeth.

The bottom line is that proponents of breed specific legislation believe that any dog that belongs to a specific breed presents a known hazard.  Even if the dog is of mixed heritage, the belief is that the aggression is such a strong trait that it will always surface and dominate any other tendencies which might be present in the other breeds making up a mutt-i-gree.

The argument against breed specific legislation

Activists who lobby against breed specific legislation put forth the opinion that just as we cannot judge an entire group of people (darker-skinned, gays, blondes) by the actions of a select few, we should not judge entire breeds by the actions of the minority.

For every “bad” Pit Bull, opponents of breed specific legislation can point to dozens of sweet, well-adjusted animals who have never hurt anyone.  Although any dog who has teeth has the potential to bite someone, these folks argue that Pit Bulls, Cane Corsos, Dobermans, and other often banned breeds are no more likely to bite than any other dog, all things being equal.

Opponents of breed-specific legislation point the finger of blame not at the dogs themselves, but rather at owners who may be inhumane or cruel to their dogs, in effect teaching them to be aggressive.  This line of argument goes that all dogs are born to be sweet, but bad owners (and bad breeding programs) cause certain dogs to become the type of dogs we see so often in the news.  Following this to its logical conclusion means that if drug owners and dog fighters owned Golden Retrievers, these lovable dogs would become vicious and dangerous as well.

The American Kennel Club opposes breed-specific legislation, stating “To provide communities with the most effective dangerous dog control possible, laws must not be breed specific. Instead of holding all dog owners accountable for their behavior, breed specific laws place restrictions only on the owners of certain breeds of dogs. If specific breeds are banned, owners of these breeds intent on using their dogs for malicious purposes, such as dog fighting or criminal activities, will simply change to another breed of dog and continue to jeopardize public safety. “

Other opponents of breed-specific legislation include the American Medical Veterinary Association, the American Dog Owners Association,  the Westminster Kennel Club, and the National Centers for Disease Control.

A reasonable compromise

There are grains of truth in both sides of the argument.  Not all Pit Bulls or other banned breeds of dogs are dangerous.  However, perhaps the reason why criminals own the dogs they do is because it is relatively easy to make these dogs into something dangerous.  Lacking the influence of cruelty, these dogs likely would remain sweet, calm, and loving.  As a dog lover, I agree with this.

However, as a parent, I can’t tell you that I wouldn’t be worried if a Pit Bull moved in next door.  For the most part, banned breeds are large, powerful, and capable of at least sounding very mean and aggressive.  I would have a hard time allowing my children to play near one of these dogs until I got to know it a little better.

Wherein lies the compromise.  Rather than banning all dogs of a particular breed, doesn’t it make more sense to regulate those who own the dogs?  I’m not advocating a “wait and see” approach, where every dog gets three strikes before being declared vicious or dangerous.  Even one person being harmed by an aggressive dog is one too many.

However, it seems to me that the sensible approach is to make owners who keep these breeds take precautions to make sure their animals don’t attack.  Mandate taller fences, enforce leash laws, require muzzles in close quarters.  Charge higher registration fees and mandate socialization training.  Award dogs of these breeds a “good citizenship” license (of a different color) once they have proven to be non-violent.

And these rules should be followed for any dog of any breed who has proven himself to be vicious or dangerous.  If that Golden Retriever begins attacking, he or she should be required to conform to the same policies as those dogs who are pre-supposed to be vicious by virtue of their breed.

These common sense approaches keep citizens (particularly children who suffer more dog bites than grown-ups) safe, while not getting rid of entire breeds.

Find out the laws in your state.

Cesar Canine Cuisine, the show’s presenter, donated $200,000 to the American Humane Association’s charity partners, including The Pine Street Foundation, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Dogs for the Deaf, National Fire Dog Monument, U.S. War Dog Association, National Search Dog Alliance, Canine Companions for Independence, and Paws & Effect.

Without further ado:  here are the eight finalists.

Sadie, an arson dog living in Westminster, CO, is competing for the National Fire Dog Monument fund in the category of Law Enforcement / Arson dogs.  Sadie is certified as an accelerant detection K-9 and works in the Major Crimes  Unit of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, where she has worked on over 400 fires.  She also does demonstrations to promote fire safety and prevention.  She was nominated by her partner.

Harley, a hearing assistance dog living in Fountain Hills, AZ, is competing for the Dogs for the Deaf charity in the category of Hearing Dogs.  The person Harley helps has been severely hearing-impaired for his whole life, but didn’t acquire Harley until he was 52.   After being diagnosed later in childhood than most, and was often seen as lacking in intelligence due to his undiagnosed and untreated problems communicating.   He credits Harley with giving him self-confidence and a feeling of equality with others, making him proud to nominate Harley for a Hero Dog award.

Sage, a 12-year old disaster and human remains specialist, lives in Hagerman, NM and is competing for the National Search Dog Alliance in the category of Search and Rescue Dogs.  Sage passed the FEMA Canine Readiness Evaluation at 18 months of age and participated in the 9/11 rescue efforts at the Pentagon, where she located the remains of one of the terrorists.  Sage also helped look for Natalee Holloway in Aruba and for numerous victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  Probably as a direct result of her work, she was diagnosed with two types of lung cancer at age 9.  Now cancer-free, she inspires cancer patients and survivors with her resilience, enthusiasm, and zest for life.

Bino, a 13-year old Dutch Shepherd from Las Cruces, NM, is competing for the US War Dog Association in the category of Military Dogs.  Bino served the 35th MP Detachment at Ft. Gordon, GA in narcotics detection and patrol, including 14 months in Iraq and several missions with the Border Patrol in the war on drugs.  Now retired from the military, Bino is the Official Mascot of  MWD Adoptions and works as a PTSD demo service dog.  He teaches Ft. Bliss Wounded Warriors and their shelter dog partners in Public Access, showing them how to navigate public places such as grocery stores, malls, and airports.

Roselle, a yellow lab from Novato, CA, competes for Guide Dogs for the Blind in the category of Guide Dogs.  Roselle’s human worked on the 78th floor of Tower One at the World Trade Center.  When American Airlines flight 11 crashed into the building 11 floors above their office, Roselle had to remain calm in order to guide her human down 1,463 stairs to the first floor.  After evacuating to safety, the pair were across the street from Tower Two when it collapsed.  In the midst of falling debris, Roselle stayed calm and took them to a subway entrance where they could find shelter from the ensuing dust cloud. Roselle’s human credits her with saving his life on that fateful September day in 2001.

Stacey Mae, a 4-year old Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, lives in Guffey, CO and is competing for Paws and Effect in the category of Therapy Dogs.  Her mission is collecting teddy bears and stuffed animals for hospitalized children.  Calling on friends around the world, Stacey Mae has collected nearly 2,000 toys for distribution.

Ricochet lives in Escondido, CA and is competing for the Pine Street Foundation (a Canine Cancer Detection organization) in the category of Emerging Hero Dogs.  Ricochet started out in life trying to be a therapy dog, but an intense interest in prey made that impossible.  Now she uses her surfing skills, Ricochet helps special needs kids and people with disabilities learn to surf without fear.A YouTube video chronicling her journey “From Service Dog to SURFice Dog” went viral, collecting over 3 million views.  Ricochet’s message is simple:  be who you truly are, focus on what you CAN do, and turn negatives into positives.

Zurich, a Labrador Retriever, lives with his human, Patti, in Des Plaines, IL, and is competing for Canine Companions for Independence in the Service Dogs category.  Patti has survived six years beyond what her doctors thought was possible, with Zurich by her side since 2004.  He was certified as a CCI service dog and helps Patti with her everyday living challenges.

So, there you have them.  The eight finalists.  Who will be the winner?  Tune in Friday, November 11, 2011 at 8 pm on the Hallmark Channel to find out.

If you have a hero dog:  Although this year’s competition is over, look for the 2012 competition to begin in mid-March.  Check our blog for details, which we’ll post as soon as they’re available.

Shedding

The best defense against shedding is a good offense.  Bathing and grooming your dog often will cut down on the amount of fur that ends up on your carpets, couches, and floors.  However, there are very few dogs that don’t end up losing at least some fur some of the time.

To remove fur from upholstery, you might try using a damp rubber glove and simply running your gloved hand over the cushions.  There are products on the market specifically made for this problem, such as the Pledge Fabric Sweeper or the Scotch Fur Fighter.  Of course, you can also simply vacuum the couch or chairs regularly when you vacuum your carpets.

Nearly every major manufacturer makes a vacuum specifically marketed as God’s gift to the home with pets.  To help you choose between them, check out consumer reviews before you buy.

Cleaning up muddy footprints

On hard surfaces like wood, vinyl, laminate, or stone, it’s relatively easy to simply mop up muddy footprints, but what if your dog insists on visiting carpeted rooms before his or her feet dry?

Although it’s tempting to break out the scrub brush and bucket immediately, remember that patience is a virtue.  It’s much easier to clean up dried dirt than wet mud.  If you simply allow the footprints to dry, you can easily vacuum them up.

If all of the dirt doesn’t come up, you might try applying a spot carpet cleaner.  Resolve® makes a really good deep cleaning powder that dries in 20 minutes.

Cleaning up after housebreaking accidents

Housebreaking a puppy is one of the most intense times when you’ll need to keep good cleaning products handy.

The sooner you can clean up urine, the better.  Once the urine soaks into the carpet padding, you will have a very difficult time getting rid of the odor.  The ShamWow®  towel can be your best friend because it soaks up as much as twelve times its weight in fluid.

Set the towel over the urine spot and stand on it for about 30 seconds.  With any luck, you will get all of the fluid soaked up, keeping it from soaking the padding.  Follow up with a spot carpet cleaner.  Resolve® makes a number of products with what they call Odor Stop Technology.

Feces can often simply be picked up with toilet paper and flushed down the commode.  However, loose stools tend to smear and leave a stain.  You may need to follow up with a spot carpet cleaner.  Vomit can be cleaned up in the same manner – remove the solids, then scrub the stain with a good spot cleaner.

E-how offers a video detailing the clean-up of housetraining accidents.

If your dog defecates inside the house frequently in spite of routine trips outside, you might want to take a look at the type of food you are giving him or her.  Some dogs are perfectly capable of holding their stool until let outside, as long as they are not overfed or given inappropriate snacks.

Don’t forget that outdoor bowel movements should be cleaned up promptly, even in your own yard.  Feces left in the yard can seep into the ground water, as noted by the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District’s Pick Up Poop (PUP) campaign.

You have lots of options for poop patrol.  The easiest, although also the most expensive, is to hire a service to take care of the problem for you.  For those of us who aren’t millionaires, however, the next easiest way is to simply turn a plastic grocery bag inside out over your hand, then use it to pick up the feces.  Pull the edges of the bag right-side-out, and tie the handles securely before you discard in a regular trash can.

If you don’t want to get quite so close to the mess, you can use a shovel or a specially designed pooper scooper.  GregRobert Pet Supplies offers several different styles from which to choose.

Once you have done the scooping, the next issue becomes how to dispose of the “package”.  Although you can simply throw the feces away, they do give a rather fragrant quality to your garbage can.  Alternatives include pet waste septic systems and composters such as the Doggie Dooley.

Make their job easy 

The first thing an animal control officer looks for is whether or not you are taking care of your animal.  That means you have to provide proper food, water, and shelter for the animal, particularly if you keep him or her outside.  You will also want to show that you have taken appropriate measures to keep your dog at home.  Do you have a sturdy fence?  Is it tall enough?  Are there escape routes under or around it?

The other thing the animal control officer will look for is the presence of identification tags on your dog.  No dog should ever be outside without some sort of identification, whether that’s an animal control registration tag, a rabies tag, or a custom-made name tag such as those offered by Dog Tag Art   

Even if your dog is micro-chipped or tattooed, you should still have a tag on the animal that includes your name, address, and cell phone number, making it easier for anyone who finds your dog to return him or her to you.

Follow the law 

Although your dog may be Houdini, you can show the dog warden you are at least trying to follow the law by being sure your dog is registered properly and that you are trying to keep the dog under your control, as required by most jurisdictions.

If your fence needs to be higher, get it fixed as soon as possible, and in the meantime, keep the dog tied up when he or she is outside.

If you have kids that leave doors open, put up a barrier that keeps the dog out of the room with the open door.  For example, you might put a baby gate across the door from the dining room into the kitchen if your kids forget to close the door going from the kitchen to the garage.

If you have a screen door that doesn’t close all of the way, allowing your dog to scratch his or her way out, try adding a hook-and-eye latch to back up the handle latch.

Train your dog to come if he or she is within earshot when called, even when he or she is distracted by a squirrel or other wildlife.  This is possible, even with your dog, but it takes consistency and patience from you.

It’s a tough job… 

When you talk to the dog warden or animal control officer, keep in mind that the officer has a difficult job.  Don’t rail away or be aggressive, giving them a reason to dislike you.  Instead, try to enlist the officer as an ally.  For example, you might show the warden how the dog is getting out, and ask for suggestions as to how you can keep the dog home.

If your dog is off of your property, always remember it is YOUR fault, not the dog warden’s.  It’s tempting to blame the entire problem on the dog or the warden, but in truth, you have likely broken the law if your dog is loose.  Think of it in the same way you do a traffic ticket.  Even though you might be incensed that you got caught, you likely realize you have made a mistake and you may even try to talk your way out of the expensive ticket.

If you treat the warden with the same respect you give the police officer who pulls you over, you may be able to avoid going to court or losing your dog.

Finally, make sure you know what the dog warden can and cannot do.  You might want to consult their website to find out what services they offer so you don’t ask them to do the impossible.  As an example, check out the Cuyahoga County (Cleveland, OH) site  for advice and information, or click on the mission statement page at the Franklin County (Columbus, OH) site.   If you can’t find your local warden’s office, look for a state association of dog wardens or animal control, which may contain a link to your local agency.

Offer to help 

Most animal control offices are charged with keeping the animals they pick up until they can be reunited with their families or adopted out to a new family.  This means they have certain needs, such as pet food, dishes, toys, towels, blankets, and veterinary care.  Not that you want to offer your help as a bribe, but you may want to donate supplies to the warden at some time other than when he is dealing with you and your dog.

If you see the warden in your neighborhood some time when your dog is not loose, flag him or her down and hand over a bag of food or other supplies.  Alternatively, go to the animal control office, thank the warden for helping you get your dog back last time, and make a donation.

Better yet, become a dog pound volunteer.  You obviously like dogs (or you wouldn’t have one) and the dogs at the pound need bathing, walking, and loving, just like your dog does.  Offer to spend one day each week or each month at the pound, caring for the dogs who are confined there.  Building that positive relationship with the warden can help them to see you as a caring person who wants the best for all dogs, which may help you out next time your own dog goes out for a little rendezvous with his or her friends.

The start of a great idea for dogs and humans alike

In 2003, King County (Seattle, WA) senior prosecuting attorney Ellen O’Neill Stephens took her son’s service dog, Jeter, with her to the courthouse and noticed the calming effect the dog had on traumatized people, particularly when the victims or witnesses were youngsters.  Jeter was soon joined by Ellie, another Labrador, in King County, and the program has since spread to areas of at least eleven states including Texas, Michigan, California, Missouri, and Florida.

The program has been endorsed by many prosecuting attorneys.   Keith Kaneshiro, Honolulu City Prosecutor and NDAA (National District Attorneys Association) Board Member says, “I am in favor of anything that helps victims, especially child victims, through the difficult process of testifying in court and presenting evidence at trial.”

Victim and witness advocates agree that having a dog present when their clients are interviewed makes it much easier for the traumatized person to tell his or her story, when it may be difficult for the person to talk about the crime to other humans.

As the program developed, they found that not all dogs are appropriate for the task.  For example, therapy dogs are trained to jump up on people who are distressed.  If this happens during the collection of evidence after a rape, the dog may contaminate the samples.  Therefore, dogs are trained specifically for courtroom tasks by organizations such as Canine Companions for Independence  in Santa Rosa, CA or Leader Dogs for the Blind in Rochester, NY.

Amos, Michigan’s Courthouse Dog

Famous Amos started life being trained as a guide dog for the blind, but his handlers at Leader Dogs could never break him of his habit of pulling against the leash when he was walked.  Because this would present a dangerous situation for a blind person, Amos underwent a career change.  District Judge Brian MacKenzie in Novi, Michigan brought Amos on-board to help calm victims as they prepared to testify.

Houston’s Paws and Order:  SDU

Borrowing from TV’s Law and Order:  SVU, Houston district attorneys started in 2009 as a means of assisting domestic violence victims feel safer while testifying.  The program has since been expanded to include child victims of abuse.  The six canine members of the “Special Dog Unit” were brought in at the request of the Bar Association, which co-sponsors the program.  This dual sponsorship highlights the fact that dogs are helpful not only to the prosecution, but to the defense as well, making cross-examinations more productive.

Some defense attorneys object to the use of facility support dogs, expressing concern that the dog might make the victim seem more likable in the eyes of the jury.  If the dog is introduced as a “therapy” or “victim support” dog, the argument goes, the jury will see the witness as a victim which prejudices the jury toward believing that a crime did indeed occur.

Courthouse Dogs recommends that existing laws regarding support people and support items be used to justify the presence of a support dog in the courthouse.  For example, as early as 1948, the US District Court in Washington, DC ruled that a 9-year old could sit on her mother’s lap as she testified.  (Holmes v. United States, 171F.2d 1022 )

In Houston, dogs are not yet used in the courtroom due to privacy concerns because each dog is accompanied by a volunteer handler.  In other locations, a member of the courthouse or district attorney’s office is designated as the dog’s handler, based on their living arrangements, financial ability to support the dog, previous dog handling experience, and interest in seeking continuing education to remain current in the dog handling field.

Missouri

Diane Silman, a therapist in Donaphin, Missouri, uses her 2-year old black Lab Simon to help abused children in their interviews with attorneys both in and outside of the courtroom.  Silman notes that the dogs are non-judgmental and soothe the children as they confront such difficult memories.

When is a courtroom dog a bad thing?

As a matter of practicality, there are some times when dogs shouldn’t be used, or should be used only after special precautions are taken.  For instance, most people who go to the courthouse don’t expect to see a dog there, unless it is a menacing police dog.  Due to previous experiences with dogs or maybe even long-held beliefs about dogs, many people have a fear of canines.  When a handler is moving through the courthouse with a dog, he or she must be aware of those around the dog.

If someone shows fear of the dog, the handler is encouraged to keep the dog on a short leash and take the time to introduce the dog into the situation slowly.

Another concern is people who may be allergic to dogs.  Facility dogs must be carefully and meticulously groomed to keep shedding to a minimum, and each facility where a dog is used should maintain a dog-free zone where allergic people can be assured they will not suffer an attack from dog hair and dander.  Areas where the dog roams should be uncarpeted, if possible, and should be swept daily with a vacuum containing a HEPA filter.  HEPA air filters should also be used to reduce the concentration of allergens in the air.  Courthouse dogs should be trained NOT to give kisses, as canine saliva contains a high concentration of allergens.

Watch the NBC Nightly News feature about Courthouse Dogs.