Traveling with an anxious pup? Thunderstorms
making your dog quite scared? We recommend trying out the Thundershirt
(endorsed by most veterinarians!)
ThunderShirt's patented
design applies a gentle, constant pressure that has a dramatic calming
effect for over 80% of dogs. No need for training or medication! http://www.thundershirt.com/
The
San Francisco area Petco 5k9 Walk Run Presented by Purina ProPlan will
be held at the Marin County Fairgrounds in San Rafael, CA. 5k - 8:00 am
1mile - 9:00 am
Expo - 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
The event starts and finishes at the Marin Center Fairgrounds and Lagoon Park -
10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael, CA 94903.
Who’s on my team?!
If you a 5k9 team captain you can see your other members by CLICKING HERE.
Refund & Transfer Policies
All participant entries are non-refundable.
Transfers will be allowed up to 14 days prior to an event by clicking HERE. After that time entry transfers will not be accommodated.
Dog Problem: Dog Terrified of Air Travel
Dear Cesar,
My dog is scared to death of flying on planes, and I'm trying to find a solution that doesn't involve drugging him.
When he was just a year old, we took him on his first flight. It was 5.5 hours long and he did beautifully. He was happy, calm, quiet, and he played with his kong and other people on the flight both going and coming. (He's certified as my Service Dog, so he gets to sit on my lap or on the floor -- he doesn't have to be in a carrier.)
Then, a couple months after that, I took him on a 2.5 hour flight and I expected he would do just as well, but he had a major panic/anxiety attack during the entire flight there and back. There was nothing I could do or say to calm him down or snap him out of it -- he was completely shut down. (I have no fear of flying, BTW, so I know it wasn't my energy he was picking up on.)
I was so gutted by seeing him in such a deep state of distress -- it seemed like his heart was going to stop or something! I travel a lot for both work and leisure, so it's pretty much not an option to stop flying or to leave him at home.
Last summer I took him on a 1-hour flight to San Francisco. I bought him a Thundershirt and Mutt Muffs to see if that would help. It took a little bit of the edge off, but he was still shaking and drooling uncontrollably and he was generally inconsolable.
I've spoken to his holistic vet about this dilemma (and about how I refuse to give him sedatives or other drugs.) I've tried every "natural" remedy I can think of, but nothing has worked thus far.
I have a couple of flights coming up soon, and I'm just trying to see if there's anything else out there that I can try.
Let me know if you have any suggestions.
- Lydia Zaki
Cesar's Tips to Help Dog Overcome Fear of Air Travel
Flying in a plane is an unnatural experience for most dogs. The air pressure alone can affect a dogs’ balance and cause anxiety or uneasiness. While your dog has flown peacefully before, he may be having a reaction now based on a variety of reasons, different smells, sounds, etc. In order to help ease him into the flying experience, I recommend that you try using an association by scent technique with lavender oil.
You can place a drop of lavender oil on your hands and let your dog pick up the scent. It is best to do this in association with pleasant experiences, such as feeding time and before walks. Do this as often as possible prior to the flight, and then once on the plane, allow your dog to smell the lavender scent again. The positive association will allow him to calm down and remain relaxed.
It is also important to keep yourself calm and relaxed during the flight. You may not fear flying, but the anxiety you feel FOR him is also affecting him. Your dog will pick up on your tension and manifest it into his own behavior. Your dog’s anxiety will pass and the flight will end, so it is crucial that you remain calm and assertive throughout.
When we hear the term “distracted driving,” most of us think of the obvious culprits - eating, putting on makeup, talking on the phone, texting, or rummaging for a dropped object on the car floor. However, few of us consider the driving distraction leaving our furry friends unsecured can cause.
This fact is underscored by a 2011 Kurgo and AAA survey of people who frequently drive with their pets. The survey found that, while 64 percent of drivers admitted to engaging in a potentially distracting pet-related activity, and 29 percent admitted to actually being distracted by their pets, a full 84 percent allowed their pets to ride unrestrained.
It’s easy to see how an unrestrained pet could be distracting. An anxious dog may cry uncontrollably, pace, or seek comfort from its owner. A dog or cat who becomes suddenly frightened might jump or run around unpredictably. A curious dog might burst into the front seat to get a better view of something interesting he spotted from the back window. A small dog or cat might try to burrow under your seat, or worse—into your lap.
In the survey, drivers admitted to doing everything from petting their dogs, carrying them on their laps, to playing with them and even giving them treats while driving. Three percent of drivers admitted to taking photos of their dogs as they drove.
Restraining pets in vehicles isn’t just about pets causing distracted driving. It’s about what can happen during an accident. Unrestrained pets can be seriously injured or killed if they are thrown from a vehicle. Pets carried on drivers’ laps can be crushed by the impact of an airbag. Frightened pets have been known to escape vehicles and run away in shock after accidents. And unsecured pets can actually put everyone in the car in danger; during an accident, a 60-pound dog can suddenly become the equivalent of a 2,700-pound projectile.
Keeping your pet and human passengers safe and secure is as easy as using the right safety restraint. From pet seatbelts or pet car seats, to crates or front seat pet barriers, there is an option out there that will suit your pet and your vehicle. Taking the time to find it may save you the hassle and danger of driving distracted. It may make trips with your pets more fun and worry-free. And it just may save the life your pet - or your own.
To learn more on properly restraining your pet in a vehicle, click here.
Bringing your dog on vacation with you just adds to the fun and alleviates the worry of not knowing what’s happening with your dog while you’re on the road. You need to do your homework on dog travel though. Planes and cars aren’t designed with dogs in mind, and you need to know what to expect when you reach your final destination. By planning your dog travel ahead of time, you can make the vacation a truly relaxing time for you and your dog. Here are my best dog travel tips to help make that happen:
Crating your dog for travel
It’s natural to feel bad about crating your dog. After all, you wouldn’t want to be crated. But don’t project your feelings onto your dog. They don’t mind the crate and some even feel safer in one.
The most important thing you can do is make sure your dog has been well exercised before he goes in the crate. If he’s burned off his excess energy, he’ll be more inclined to rest.
Make sure there’s nothing in the crate that can harm your dog. Leashes and loose collars are especially dangerous items that could present a strangling hazard.
Keep your energy positive. Don’t present the crate like it’s a prison. Show the dog the crate and open the door. Don’t shove the dog in the crate. Let him go into the crate on his own. When he’s inside and comfortable, you can close the door. Walk away with good energy and body language. If you affect a sad voice and say things like “Don’t be sad. Mommy and Daddy will be back soon,” your dog is going to think something’s wrong and get anxious.
Come back in 15 minutes. This will ease the dog’s separation anxiety next time you crate him. But don’t take him out of the crate. Remember that you’re not projecting that the crate is a bad thing. Just open the door and he can come out when he’s ready. See my training video on how to crate your dog for travel.
Driving with your dog
It’s usually a good idea to crate or harness your dog when riding in the car. You’ll be less distracted while driving which is safer for both of you. It also prevents your dog from becoming a projectile if you have to stop fast, also reducing the chance of injury for both of you. Speaking of projectiles, don’t feed your dog a lot before the trip as they are prone to motion sickness. Don’t feed your dog while you’re moving either. Wait until there’s a break and you can give her a small snack, preferably high in protein. It’s also good to spend a little time playing or walking during the break to get rid of some pent-up energy. And of course, don’t leave your dog in a parked car, especially when it’s warm out. Even with the window cracked open, the car can quickly turn into an oven, and your dog will get dehydrated. See article Dog Is My Co-Pilot (And Other Bad Ideas).
Taking your dog on an airplane
The first thing you need to do is check with the airline for their rules regarding pet travel. Many require a health certificate and may have other rules you haven’t thought of that you don’t want to be surprised with at the airport. Your dog will almost certainly be traveling in a crate and it will probably make everyone’s lives easier if you crate your dog before you enter the chaos of the airport.
As with car travel, it’s smart not to start the trip on a full stomach or bladder (dogs should fast for at least 6 hours before the trip) and to make a pit stop as close to the departure time as possible. However, make sure your dog has access to water—enough to keep hydrated but not full.
If your dog isn’t flying with you in the main cabin, don’t have a big goodbye scene. You’ll only upset your dog. If you’re calm, he’ll be calm.
To medicate or not to medicate your dog
With almost as large a selection of pharmaceuticals as humans, it may be tempting to medicate your dog with a sedative or calmative for the trip. I don’t recommend medicating your dog. You don’t want to start a pattern that ends with a reliance on pills for you or your pet. You possess all the tools to keep your pet calm with your voice, attitude, and body language.
Keeping your dog calm during travel
Make sure you bring your dog’s blankie or his favorite stuffed animal, toy, bone—any item which is familiar to your dog and will comfort and relax him.
For a little extra calm, try rubbing a little lavender oil between your hands and give your pet a little aromatherapy or deep tissue massage at the beginning of your dog’s spine or base of her head.
Staying in a hotel with your dog
As with flying, a little preemptive research is in order. Does the hotel you’re considering even allow pets? Better to find out before you arrive. Pet-welcoming hotels like Best Western will be prepared for your visit, and can even recommend parks, hikes, and other dog-friendly activities. At other hotels, the only thing fit for a dog is the Continental breakfast. It can also be embarrassing if your dog barks or howls in the new room. Don’t inadvertently encourage the barking with affection. Stay calm and assertive and take him out for some exercise to calm him.
A recently exercised dog will be in a more relaxed state during any long trip. Your dog may growl at strangers and that’s ok. It’s natural for your dog to be a little nervous around new people. She’s out of her element and may growl. This isn’t because she’s being aggressive, but because she’s a little freaked out and needs reassurance that everything’s under control. If you pull her away from the new person, you’re indicating that there is something wrong and she’ll freak out more. Again, be calm and assertive and show your dog that you’ve got it covered.
How to enter the hotel room with your dog
Now you are ready to go to your hotel room. Enter first. Get the dog to stay where he is. Don’t let him wander around or he’ll assume control of the situation. While you are unpacking, showering, or making phone calls, he is waiting. The only one who should move in the environment is you—until you are ready, then you initiate activity. It’s important that your scent is everywhere before the dog settles in.
Exploring a new place
You’re away from home and that means a lot of new sights, smells, sounds, and potential food items for your dog. Make sure you’re vigilant wherever you go about what’s around, especially in the area of things your dogs could ingest. Also, especially around the holidays, there may be a lot of lights, decorations, and snout-level treats that can be distracting or dangerous for your pooch. Keep an eye on him and the new place.
Can't bring your dog along?
Find a good substitute pack. In a kennel, your dog should be immediately adopted as a member of the pack. The staff should be able to get your dog focused on what is there for him – and not leave him mourning over the fact that you left. It is a big deal for a dog to detach himself from a pack. The new pack should equal or better the pack he just left. See Finding the Right Doggie Daycare.
Traveling with a dog can be a fun experience for both of you. Just remember to be as prepared as possible wherever you go. The more homework you do on dog travel, the fewer surprises there will be. Don’t forget to make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and above all, of course, be calm and assertive. A balanced dog makes the best travel companion.
Happy travels!
There's nothing more exciting than knowing that you're going on a vacation. Even a weekend away brings a big smile, that is, until you have to break it to your pet that you're going away -- without him.
These days travelers are saying no to the guilt, the droopy eyes, and the crying and bringing their pets with them.
Here are some pet-friendly travel tips that are sure to make traveling with your pet a good experience for the whole family.
Testing the Waters -- Try out day trips and overnighters before taking your pet on a full vacation or a long road trip. -- Get your pet used to his carrier as early as possible by putting him in it at night; that way he won't associate the carrier solely with trips to the vet.
Traveling by CarDogs love road trips! This is by far the most popular way of traveling with your pet. Here are some rules to live by: -- Fido can't call shot gun! The air-bag deployment could be dangerous for your dog; don't let her ride in the front seat. -- There are seatbelts for dogs: keeping your dog loose in the car is a danger to the driver because loose objects can become projectiles in the event of an accident. Just like people, dogs need to wear seat belts. -- Purchase a harness at your local pet store that attaches to the actual seat belts in your car. -- Cats should always be in a carrier. Restrain the carrier by pulling a seatbelt over the length of the carrier so it doesn't bounce around. -- For the well-being of the animal, stop every 2 hours for a bathroom break and a run. It's good to bring a Frisbee or a ball, as well as toys, treats and water.
Air travel
-- The Humane Society recommends that you do not use air travel unless absolutely necessary. -- Every airline has different rules about traveling with pets. If your dog is small enough to stand in a carrier that can go under the seat in front of you, you may be able to carry the dog on board, but there are no guarantees. -- Always call the airline first to make sure they will allow pets on your flight. Since the airline has a very limited number of animals, don't assume there will be enough space. -- There's a fee to fly your pet, even though they're not taking a seat. Costs are, on average, around $500 round-trip in the cabin.
An Even Better Option -- There's an airline JUST FOR PETS. Pet Airways! It's the only airline that flies pets exclusively -- or as they call them, pawsengers. -- They fly out of smaller, regional airports in a few US cities (NY, Chicago, LA). -- First Class Experience: You check them in at the Pet Lounge, they board in carriers, and ride in the cabin where they are checked on every 15 minutes -- Pricing examples: NY to Ft. Lauderdale is $250 each way, NY to Chicago is $99 each way. -- Frequent Flyer Miles: Pets can earn them on JetBlue, Virgin and Continental. Airline Tips-- Cargo Hold: the least-recommended. -- Take direct flights. Minimize the wear and tear on your pet. -- Travel on the same flight as your animal. -- Be aware of temperature extremes. In the fall and winter, travel in the afternoon when temps are at their highest. In summer months, travel in the morning or at night when it's no so hot.
Hotels-- "Pet-friendly" has a very broad definition in the hotel world. Call them directly and ask. -- What is the charge for bringing a pet? -- Will there be a cleaning fee that may or may not be refundable? -- Are there weight restrictions, breed restrictions? -- May I leave them unattended in the room while I'm gone for the day? General Travel Tips-- Make sure pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations. -- Have 2 ID tags on your pet's collar: the normal ID tag plus a tag with the information of where you are staying (hotel, friend's address, etc.). -- Keep an updated photo of your pet in case you do get separated, so you can locate him more easily. -- Imbedded microchips with all your pet's information are extremely popular with owners that travel consistently with their pet.
When we hear the term “distracted driving,” most of us think of the obvious culprits - eating, putting on makeup, talking on the phone, texting, or rummaging for a dropped object on the car floor. However, few of us consider the driving distraction leaving our furry friends unsecured can cause.
There's nothing more exciting than knowing that you're going on a vacation. Even a weekend away brings a big smile, that is, until you have to break it to your pet that you're going away -- without him.