Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/711540
52 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | AUGUST 2016 The summer weather is starting to warm up, therefore our Wednesday evening pack walks (with the exception of the third Wednesday of the month) have been moved to 7 pm at the Summit parking lot. We also meet every Saturday morning at 7 am in the parking lot in front of the Lodge Fitness Center until further notice. Walks last about 30 to 45 minutes on both sidewalks and the trail system. Everyone is welcome. Retractable leashes are not permitted. You must bring a line leash not greater than 6 feet. Even the most inexperienced dog usually settles into the fun of a pack walk within 10 minutes. Dogs of all sizes are welcome. Even those who don't currently have a dog are welcome to join us on our walks. Join us and have some fun. Some dog owners have asked for assistance with "reactive dogs." The following information is reprinted from The Dog Daily. Reactive dogs aren't hard to spot. Outdoors, such canines will lunge at people or dogs that get too close. They usually also bark loudly, growl forebodingly and may even bite anyone foolish enough to get close. In the home, the reactive dog can appear threatening to visitors as it jumps, barks and stares. Reactive dogs tend to stress out their owners as they try to keep visitors and passersby safe from their intimidating, if lovable, best friend. If your dog is reactive, the following five steps are recommended: 1. Buy a harness: Any tightening of a leash is restrictive to a dog's airway, which will only heighten its anxiety. A harness removes the possibility of pressure on the neck, and also helps to rebalance a dog that's lunging forward. 2. Have a plan: Knowing what you will do (e.g., turn and walk away, keeping the dog moving) when your furry friend responds to perceived threats will allow you to remain calm. Part of the plan should involve reminding yourself to relax. 3. Be familiar with the signals: When dogs begin to become uncomfortable, they may lick, yawn and sniff. As they get tense, they may exhibit changes in posture, such as becoming more upright, tucking their lower body backward or stiffening up. Staring is usually the last move before a more intense reaction. If you can get your dog out of a situation before the stare, you will nip the problem in the bud. 4. Retrain your dog: Walk away from the tense situation to a comfortable distance, keeping the object of the dog's discomfort in sight. Get your dog to glance at the other dog or person before it gets to the point of staring, and then give it a treat. Soon the dog will begin checking back with you when it sees things that make it tense. 5. Enlist help: If you can't handle the problem on your own, find a good trainer or behaviorist to work with. "A professional can observe your dog and possibly see a lot more about what it's doing." With some time, effort and training, you can turn your reactive dog into a companion that any roommate would feel comfortable taking for a stroll around the block If you would like more information email FSB.dogowners@gmail. com or contact Patrick at (951) 769-7626. ~ Patrick Gerety D.O.G.