FOURTH OF JULY Fireworks are a fact of

FOURTH OF JULY Fireworks are a fact of the holiday and very few other days of the year. They are big, beautiful, exciting, and loud. Remember, for your dog who has hearing ten times more sensitive than we do, the loud part can catch your dog unaware, disorient them, and create anxiety. In fact, often times fight or flight instincts kick in and dogs shelters will be inundated with dogs on the days following fireworks displays. While some dogs have little or no reaction, for others, fireworks can cause serious disturbances that can be emotionally scarring for them. Unfortunately, there is no way to tell which one any individual dog is or how any event may affect your dog. Here are some guidelines to consider prior to the festivities: Bringing Your Dog With You May we suggest you reconsider bringing your dog with you on your fourth adventures? These displays are not made for dogs. Often the aerial display is accompanied by sparklers and amateur displays which are lower and less predictable. Flashes of light, loud explosions, and crowds make for a confused and anxious dog with nowhere to go. Further, do not leave your dog in your car while you enjoy the show. This only reduces the "trapped" feeling to the confines of your vehicle which can result in destruction, soiling, and injury from exertion of anxious energies. Remember, a scared dog in a crowd is a danger to both itself and the people around it. Leashes and collars are not infallible. Leaving Your Dog Behind If you leave your dog at home and fireworks are being displayed nearby, make sure that they are in a place that is indoors where they have the least likelihood of causing damage to your home or themselves. Crates are strongly recommended if your dog has crating experience. Turn on, and up, your radio or television to mask the sound of the fireworks. Close your blinds or curtains to mask the flashing lights. Take away your dog's favorite toy a day or two before the festivities, and return it in time for the event. This way, they can be distracted by something you know that will give them happiness. In Either case Regardless of your canine's location, some basic steps should be taken to ensure their safety. Make sure that their tags are up to date, including one with your contact information, in the event that their fight or flight instinct gives them wings. To be doubly sure, make sure your dog is micro chipped and that that information is also correct in the event of a collar failure. Let your dog do its business prior to time for the fireworks displays. Play with them more than usual to ensure that they are tired and therefore less likely to have the energy to expend with nervousness. If your dog does react negatively to the fireworks, remember not to coddle them. If you coddle or hold them during this time, it will feel exactly the same as when you praise them. In other words, you'll be telling them: "Good job being nervous! That's what you should be doing! Keep it up!". In contrast, light massage style petting, if your dog will let you, when practiced without pity or nervousness can help calm both of you.
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OUTSIDE OF REALITY As we welcome the spring,

OUTSIDE OF REALITY As we welcome the spring, we look forward to warmer weather and more time outside. For dog owners, many feel that this is a time that the dog can experience more freedom. If done correctly, this can be a great experience. If not done correctly, mischief and mayhem can ensue. Here are some helpful hints to make your spring less stressful: Boredom can lead to big problems. If you leave your dog outside without helping them to release their physical and mental energies beforehand, you may find that they will become creative. Their projects can range from a small hole to a knocking over your prized barbeque to tearing down or redecorating your deck and lawn furniture. Alone time outside does not replace walking and heeling practice. It is not an automatic relief of stored up energy, at least not in a consistently positive manner. A nap underneath a tree outside will only result when the dog is exhausted. Make sure to not put your dog in a position to express their creative energies in a way that would not make you proud. A watched dog is a better dog. Do not leave your dog in your yard unsupervised, especially if you expect them to behave. If regularly attended, the dog will understand that outside is just like inside: you are the leader and they need to listen accordingly. New sights, new sounds, looser dirt, small animals beginning their springtime frolic, and increased daily sunlight are all invitations for a grand canine adventure. If you would rather your dog not partake in these activities, you need to be consistent with your training. Remember, a long line (30 feet) can give your dog an increased area to play while remaining able to be consistent with your corrections. Even if your dog is reliably off leash trained, it may take a couple of days to remind them how to behave in their changed environment. Without a leash, this becomes much more difficult. Do not use a remote collar without proper training. Canine-proof your yard as much as possible. Too much time outdoors unattended can result in housebreaking issues. If a dog never has to ask to go outside, then it never will. Designate one area of the yard for bathroom activities, and make sure that they have enough time indoors to remember to hold it when they are not in their "rest" area. Dogs are creatures of habit. Do not assume that your dog will be happy simply because it is outside. Banishing them to the great outdoors while you are away can create stress. Many dogs would be happier to remain surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds indoors that can remind them of their place in your home especially if you have already proofed your dog for inside unattended time. If they are used to being in a crate, it is most likely relaxing for them to remain in their routine.
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Mark Thompson started Dog Training In Your Home

Mark Thompson started Dog Training In Your Home in 1989. Mark and Leslie have now opened a Doggie Daycare and Boarding kennel. Offer large play areas and professional Boarding for your dog and Cats. Please see our website at Charlotte Better Dog Kennel We are experienced Charlotte NC dog trainers that will turn a "bad dog" into a well behaved house broken dog with our in home dog training courses. We can provide many services ranging from dog potty training to dog obedience training. We can start with puppy training in the Charlotte North Carolina area or adult dog training so that your dog can become a house broken dog. We train many breeds including but not limited to labradors, golden retriever, and german shepherds Offering dog training in the following areas: Charlotte, Matthews, Pineville, Ballentyne, Mint Hill, Indian Trail, Waxhaw. All of Mecklenburg and Union County. Dog Training Indian Trail Dog Training Pineville Dog Training Matthews Dog Training Waxhaw Dog Training Mint Hill Dog Training North-Charlotte Franchise mailing address: Dog Training In Your Home 4702 W. Hwy 74 Monroe, North Carolina 28110 Phone Number: (704) 573-3647 (704) 573-3647 Phone Number: (704) 296-0001 (704) 296-0001 Mark and Leslie Thompson are the owners of the Mecklenburg and Union County Franchise. They are personally involved in all aspects of business operations. Mark Thompson volunteers at Albemarle correctional facility as the training director for the new leash on life program. Rehabilitating Inmates and dogs, this program shows just one of the ways dogs give to the community
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INTRODUCTION TO HOUSEBREAKING Dogs are descendants of wild

INTRODUCTION TO HOUSEBREAKING Dogs are descendants of wild wolves, and although they are now domesticated, dogs and wolves still share many basic instincts. As young pups, both wild and domestic dogs are instinctively clean. Even in the wild, wolves are very reluctant to relieve themselves in or near their den. THE DEN: Wild and domestic dogs will typically establish a den. A den is a small area, normally with one opening, in which they feel safe and secure. Dogs spend lots of time in their dens: they will eat, sleep, play and whelp their puppies in there. Thus, a healthy dog will not relieve himself in his den. SCHEDULE: Your training instructor will custom design a feeding schedule for your dog. This will help you coordinate your dogs need to relieve himself with your schedule. To succeed in housebreaking your dog, it is critical that you adhere to your schedule. RELIEF STATION: You must establish a “relief station” that your dog can easily recognize. For example, you can create a 20x20 area marked by pine cones. Or if you have a natural area you’d like the dog to use, you may designate that his relief station. CORRECTION: Dogs will only learn from your correction if you catch them “red- handed”. If you don’t catch them in the act, you’re wasting your time correcting them. WATCH OR CONFINEMENT WATCH: Since after-the-fact corrections are not effective, it is sometimes necessary to watch your dog at all times. WATCH makes this practical. Your dog will be on his leash and by your side . This allows you to move about the house, catching your dog in the act of relieving himself. You will then be able to correct him -- effectively -- on the spot. Another benefit of the WATCH mode is that in forcing your dog to constantly follow your movements, you are asserting your leadership and ensuring his loyalty. CONFINEMENT: Achieves two goals: first, it establishes a den for your dog. Second, it forces your dog to rely on his instinctive desire NOT to soil his den. If your dog relieves himself in the den, he’ll quickly find this distasteful. He will learn to wait until being released from confinement to take care of his business. If, however, you do find that your dog has relieved himself in his den, leave him with the mess for 15 minutes. You want this behavior to have negative consequences for your dog. WATCH/CONFINEMENT procedures will be effective only if your housebreaking schedule is followed! PLEASE remember: it is very important to fill out your housebreaking logs completely.
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RULES OF THE ROAD If you are planning

RULES OF THE ROAD If you are planning on taking your dog on a road trip with you this summer, here are some things to remember: GET UP TO DATE: Check your dog's vaccinations and tags. Bring copies of your shot records with you. Make sure all relevant information is available on their tags. PREPARE TO PREVENT: Put on a fresh coat of flea and tick preventative, and make sure they've had their heartworm preventative for the month. Bring a veterinary first aid kit with you. These are available at most pet stores. STOCK UP: Make sure you have enough food, medications, and bottled water with you for your dog. Bringing bottled water can sometimes prevent dogs from getting stomach aches due to changes in water content. BUCKLE UP: Get a canine car harness. They help your dog stay in one seat and remain secure during any quick stopping. These are available at pet stores. CHECK OUT BEFORE YOU CHECK IN: There are many pet-friendly hotels for you to stop at along the way. Dogfriendly.com, petswelcome.com, bringfido.com, and doginmysuitcase.com are just a few of the many sites that the many list pet friendly accommodations available. Never leave your dog alone in the hotel room. This will prevent them coming in contact with unknowns and keep them secure. Always put out the do not disturb sign to prevent anyone from accidentally opening the door to a surprise when your dog greets them, or worse letting the dog out into the hotel unleashed. PLAN FOR PIT STOPS: Remember to plan a stop every two to three hours for your dog to go to the bathroom. Always clean up after your dog. Never leave a dog alone in a parked car because heat conditions may rapidly change. Regardless of location, always keep your dog on leash for both your security and theirs.
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Integrating Practice into Everyday Life In our training,

Integrating Practice into Everyday Life In our training, we often hear that people simply do not have time to practice with their dogs. While setting aside time to spend one on one with your dog is ideal, and should be pursued whenever possible, we understand that sometimes life can be busy. We are, after all, human. Even though life is busy, your dog still needs repetition and consistency in order to develop the habits that you desire. Often people do not realize that the time spent with your dog, whether set aside or not, is time spent training. Why not integrate your practice into your daily routines so that you can make the most of your time and bond with your dog? There are lots of ways to do it. Here are just a few: SIT and DOWN: Sit and down commands should be practiced whenever you need your dog to stop moving and freeze into position. While challenging your dog to a long stay session during a set-aside practice time is one way to do it, another is having him or her practice her down and/or sit stays while you answer the door, read a magazine, or brush your teeth. Whenever your dog is moving around and you would rather them not be, replace the negative behavior with a positive one. PLACE: Working on Place can be easily accomplished while you watch television or check your email! Start with short place challenges during commercial breaks and then when your dog gets better at it, extend out to actual show segments. Put them on place while you start reading your email, see how many you can get through before your dog tries to get up! While snuggling with your dog during your downtime is often a relaxing time for many owners, this is a way to get in your practice so that when guests come, they can be just as relaxed. Don't forget, if you don't practice, your dog is not going to remember what to do when you need it to. WAITING : Even the simple acts of going through a doorway to take your dog out or feeding them are great opportunities for integrated practice. Have your dog do a sit/stay or a down/stay and wait at doorways. You should always go through first. Have them sit/stay or down/stay while you put down their food. Release them from their stays with a "you're through". This way they understand that you own the food and they are motivated to listen!
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FRISBEE BASICS - Dog Training Watching a dog

FRISBEE BASICS - Dog Training Watching a dog launch through the air and catch a frisbee is a beautiful thing, but they don't start out at that point. Here are a few tips to get Your dog started playing a fun game of catch. Start off by sliding the Frisbee back and forth on the ground in front. Let your dog take it out of your hand. Always keep it fun and use lots of praise! Throw the disc on the ground, rolling it like a wheel. This will allow the dog to get used to chasing it without a bad experience of possibly getting hit by a flying disc. When your dog is interested in playing with the Frisbee, toss it and let them chase. Keep the tosses short so the Frisbee stays clearly visible as an attractive object to retrieve. Be careful not to throw the Frisbee directly at your dog. You do not want to make them afraid. Stand about three feet in front of your dog, gently toss the Frisbee in the air and say "Catch." If your dog catches it, give them lots of praise. If it is not caught, pick it up off the ground yourself. The catch should be the reward. When your dog accomplishes this, stand to the side of your dog, so they learn to go get it. Once your dog is comfortable catching short throws, make your tosses longer. Attach a long leash, so you can gently guide your dog back to you. Do not push the dog too hard. If your dog loses interest, then quit for now and start when you are both fresh. Put the discs away when you are not there. You dog should realize the disc is a special toy that is only available during your Frisbee tossing sessions. Supplements for Dogs? You take a Multi-Vitamin, but how about one for your dog? Just like people, dogs can have gaps in their nutrition as well. These holes in the dog's nutrition can be due to the organs, glands and tissues that may be compromised by disease, surgery, injury, etc. By increasing the amount of proper nutrition in your dog's diet, you can effectively help him with regards to faster healing times, tissue regeneration, and improved return in overall function. The goal of nutritional support is to provide complete nutrition to each cell, restoring normal metabolic function. Total Life Care not only addresses people nutrition, but they also carry a line of organic and whole food supplements especially formulated for dogs. These formulations range from a canine whole body support to more specific support for the dog's skin, liver, heart, digestion, immune system, kidneys, or thyroid. Total Life Care is offering a special discount for the Dog Training in Your Home clients. Bring in this newsletter for 10% off of any supplement products we carry. For more information about giving your dog a better quality of life in the form of proper nutrition, contact Total Life Care at 843.402.0310 843.402.0310 or at www.TLCCharleston.com.
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COME COMMAND When you tell your dog to

COME COMMAND When you tell your dog to COME, that’s his opportunity to run to the person he loves most. Therefore, the COME command is the most positive lesson your dog can learn. For this reason, we do not give corrections while teaching. Corrections are a part of enforcement, but in the initial stages of training, this command should be entirely positive and fun for your dog. That’s why you should not proceed with the formal COME command training until the dog associates COME with the games on the preceding page. c Put your dog in a SIT/STAY. Move 6-10 feet away, and face the dog. c With the leash in your hand, give the command “ __________, COME!" (command tone) Use your right hand to give him the hand signal: extend your arm straight out, palm facing the ground. Then, bend your arm sharply inward, palm facing the chest. c Holding the leash taut, guide the dog straight toward you, while simultaneously coaxing him with praise. Use pressure on the leash to encourage your dog to move quickly, but DON’T drag him. c As soon as your dog reaches you, give the command, "_________, SIT". As your right hand lifts his chin, simultaneously use your left hand to push his hips into a SIT. Remember to give your dog lots of praise! We recommend lifting his head, and rubbing under his chin while praising. This encourages excellent canine posture! Note: As you teach your dog the COME command, it’s very important that you never use the word “come” without executing the command. If he’s not on a leash, the command cannot be properly enforced. Your trainer will suggest alternate ways to call your dog during this very crucial training period. TRAINING GOAL:__________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ c Remember: If you have any questions, please call our office Monday-Friday, 8:30 am -5:00 pm c (704) 573-3647
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Toddler with knife: There's no need to fear! Wonderdog is here!

DIGGING CAN BE DANGEROUS Ruined landscaping, escape attempts, and dirty dogs: Digging can be a very destructive and expensive adventure for your dog to embark upon. First, you need to question why your dog is digging in the first place. Is it bored? We already spoke to the resolution of that issue in the above article. Second, do they dig and lay in the holes? Then your dog may be hot or cold and looking for some relief. Train your dog where to lay his head by finding a more suitable bed that satisfies their warmth or cooling requirements. Third and most tricky, is your dog trying to leave your yard by digging under a fence? To reverse this one, you will need to attach a long line to their collar and watch them. When you catch them in the act of digging, you need to correct them, while saying "NO!", and then replace their behavior with an obedience command. When you find holes, it is important to immediately refill them. Check to be sure that the dog has not buried anything in the hole to prevent them from re-digging the hole to retrieve their items. Do not allow your dog to take food, treats, or rawhides outside because this often can lead to an instinctive burying behavior to protect their leftovers. If the behaviors continue after consistent observing and training on your own, make sure to call us so that the behaviors do not become a solidified habit.
Toddler with knife: There's no need to fear! Wonderdog is here!
That is when an instinctive Ernie decided to save the day by sprinting and snatching the knife out of Ruth's hand and dropping it at his amazed owner Lou's feet. Those who saw Ernie the Wonderdog in action couldn't believe their eyes.
Source: www.twincities.com

Vancouver beaten-dog owner released from custody
Investigators with the SPCA say the dog was emaciated and badly injured, and despite attempts to save him, Captain died from injuries they don't actually distinguish between the life of a human, or a child or a dog." After a song and a prayer and
Source: ca.news.yahoo.com

Rich Kid, Poor Kid: How Mixed Neighborhoods Could Save America's Schools
At the same time, middle-class families were beginning to trickle into the neighborhood, and some were starting to send their kids to the school before meeting a violent end -- Diop thinks a dog crawled under the fence one night and attacked it
Source: news.yahoo.com

Brent Bankosky Supports A Dog for Kate, Fight Against Juvenile Diabetes
"A trained dog that can detect changes in a child's blood glucose levels will provide an important foundation of support for the child in the battle against diabetes, and potentially save the child's life," he affirms. "I support this important
Source: finance.yahoo.com

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Chen Kaige discusses 'Sacrifice' film
He almost pines for the days when making a film like "Farewell My Concubine" would get him banned - a more repressive time, to be sure, but one in which the full onslaught of dog-eat-dog capitalism In the effort to save the child, and possibly the
Source: www.sfgate.com

HARVIN COLUMN: Volunteer: Save the red wolves, build and obstacle course or clothe a child
Or how about starting a school clothes closet so families in need can send their kids to class properly dressed This isn’t a competitive course for your dog. This is a trail that challenges visitors to use the skills of animals to get
Source: www.postandcourier.com

Mauled girl's mother still has nightmares
Jacklin Ancaito held onto her terrified daughter, trying in vain to save her from a vicious pitbull mastiff. Four-year-old Ayen Chol clung on for protection, but Ms Ancaito was helpless as the dog grabbed hold of the child's face and dragged her away.
Source: au.news.yahoo.com

Attack victim urges action on 'dangerous dogs'
Leah now wants to help to change the law to save other children I just want to stop another child suffering the same fate I did”. Like Leah, who is a full-time mum, Keiron’s parents can’t prosecute the owners of the dog that savaged their son
Source: www.thesun.co.uk

Artists Sculpture Creation to Honor Hero Firefighters Has California Cities Going to the Dogs
Hero" the series of 6'-2" tall aluminum Dalmatian puppy dog sculptures, each executed in a differently working in and visiting a city. Also, the visually child friendly "R. Hero", draws attention to the powerful and beneficial relationship of animals
Source: news.yahoo.com

America's Organic Dairy- A Family Weathers the Drought and Economy

The summer of 2012, is on track to become one of the worst droughts in the U.S. for nearly 50 years. It could get worst. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has already designated nearly 80 counties in six states as primary natural disaster areas caused by prolonged drought and excessive heat. To see how the drought is affecting one Midwestern farm, this CNN iReporter decided to cover an organic dairy farm in Wisconsin for a week. The hope- to get a behind the scenes look of how a family dairy farm is coping with the weather and the economy.

 

The Hamburg Hills Farm is located in Hamburg Township on top of a ridge overlooking the Coulee region in western Wisconsin- an area marked with bluffs, and deep valleys of the Mississippi River Valley. The farm was started by Jim Servais who was born in 1938, around the time of the Dust Bowl era. Jim, a former Marine, provided a tour of the property which now extends about 1000 acres. With pride as he surveyed the land he said, “It really makes me feel good all my hard work didn’t go to waste. I was able to hand down the farm to my son.” “It’s really hard to start a farm from scratch today,” Jim lamented.

If you look at their corn, you would see much of it tattered and torn. When I asked Jim about it he said, “We had a hail storm a few days ago…..in between the drought and the heat.” Time will tell if this crop will recover. In another plot of land a few scattered small corn shots struggled up from the parched earth. The long drought and high temperatures had taken a toll, but the corn had started to grow thanks to recent rain. Jim explained on their organic dairy farm, they planted their corn later in the season, which for this summer may help them avoid the total effect of the drought. For much of the Midwest, field corn was planted much earlier and with the excessive heat and drought, many farmers are looking at a total crop loss. Their only option may be to cut their wilted corn early, and use some of it for silage. For the Servais farm, being organic may have saved them from a major crop loss.

 

Throughout the week I learned more about the concept of organic dairy farming. Tim Servais, is the now the manager of the entire dairy operation. In his mid-40’s, Tim grew up on the farm, and took 4 years off to drive a milk truck. Eventually he decided organic dairy farming was something he wanted to try. “Being an organic dairy is challenging,” said Tim. “There is not a lack of people wanting to work, but once they see what it’s like on the farm they say ‘ewww’ especially when they have to clean up after the cows.” Today they have a team of reliable farm hands. The challenge is finding new, reliable replacements.

When you ask Tim about why a dairy farm should be organic, without hesitation and with pride he tells his story. “With an organic dairy you don’t use chemicals in the feed or on the crops. It’s a very natural atmosphere. It’s easier on the cattle since we are not pushing the product.” His farm is listed as part of the Organic Valley “Family of Farms” and takes pride in pointing that out.

 

Dairy farming is physically and mentally demanding. The key to his success of the Servais farm is their family, everyone pitches in. As Tim points out, “The hardest part of dairy farming is the hours. You are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You have to know a lot about a lot of different things and you have to milk the cows twice a day.” Nearby two of Tim’s son are busy running around feeding the cows, carrying piles of minerals, or feeding the calves. Feeding the calves is one of Jackson’s jobs. He quickly ran to the milk house, gathered a large nipple bottle, filled it with fresh milk and was soon on his way to feed the calves. Grandpa Jim was nearby to show him the finer points of calf feeding. When asked what he wanted to do when he got older, Jackson without hesitation said, “I want to be a dairy farmer like my dad…I like being around the animals.”

Across the path, fourteen year old Zach was busy hauling heavy bags of lime around the cow building. He told me his friend was driving his car earlier this year and had an accident. Unfortunately for Zach, he was the recipient of a concussion. Zach said, “I have to take it easy for a while…but I can’t wait to get back to working. I want to be a dairy farmer and hope to go to UW-Madison for a degree in Dairy Science.”

 

Near the milk house, 12 year old daughter Sabrina played with her collection of farm kittens. She also helps with the farm duties and sometimes her friends come to visit to play with the farm animals. “It’s great to have my friends come up here, they love the kittens. But when they see the cow barn and the see the manure, they leave quickly.” Sabrina seems to handle that pretty well. She has a pet horse, the devoted family dog Kelly, and a calf to keep her company when visiting friends are in short supply.

 

Lisa is the mother of the Servais family. She used to work in a milk lab, and met her future husband Tim there. She said, “I hoped Tim would eventually ask me out on a date. Finally he did, but I couldn’t figure out why he was tired all the time. He was always seemed to fall asleep on our dates.” Once Lisa got on the dairy farm, she quickly realized what it took to operate one. Now she serves as the business manager for the farm which is an essential role, especially given the high cost to operate a dairy enterprise today.

 

Grandfather Jim can’t believe how expensive dairy farming has become. He said, “You know we spend about $100,000 on fuel and at least $250,000 on minerals and feed. With the drought and heat, we may wind up spending more. If we lose our late corn crop we will have to spend more money on feed. If the price of fuel goes up, we have to spend more than we have.” When you begin to add up the expenses, dairy farming today is a multi-million dollar operation- not an inexpensive proposition for someone starting up a small farm.

 

In talking with Jim, you get a sense of the hardships he has survived by looking at his hands. On his right hand he is missing his middle finger- caused by farming accident. On his left hand, he struggles with rheumatoid arthritis in his fingers, bent at the tips almost at right angles. He confided, “Ya the family doesn’t want me around to do too much. They want me to take it easy, but I still have the passion for farming.”

 

As he looked out over the fields he pointed out their contour farming, the pastoral view of the cows overlooking the valley, and the rich earth they grow their alfalfa and corn. U.S. corn farmers expected this to be a record year when they planted, sowing nearly 100 million acres, the most since 1937. The prolonged drought and scorching temperatures quickly changed the best laid plans.

 

Tim thinks the drought won’t be as big of an issue on his dairy farm, at least for now. He remembers past years when temperatures were in the 100’s, but this year it has been a little different since the duration of the heat has been longer. Tim continued, “You might have one perfect year…I don’t know when that was…”
I asked Tim if he ever thought of doing anything else. “I have thought about that off and on and I think I’d like to work in a restaurant someday.” He continued, “You know dairy farming isn’t much different than working on a dairy farm. We work with animals, and in a restaurant you work with people.”

 

For this organic dairy, it was family that has helped the farm survive the heat, the hail, and the drought. With nearly two-thirds of the continental U.S. in a moderate to exceptional drought, it’s hard to predict what the end of the summer will look like. On this farm however, it appears that an organic philosophy, along with a strong family has helped them “weather the drought and the economy.”

I'm Gay and I support Chick-fil-A

My name is Matt. I'm approaching 20 years old. I am a liberal and a supporter of Barack Obama in 2012. What's more is that I am gay and I support Chick-Fil-A.

 

Within the last two weeks the fast food chain has undergone renewed controversy for it's stance on same sex marriage. I've noted that many liberals frame the issue as Chick-Fil-A being a organization that supports anti-gay hate groups and the conservatives frame it as liberals and gays attacking a organizations' right to freedom of speech merely because the company doesn't share the same beliefs. In a sense both parties are wrong. Here's what happened: Dan Cathy, the CEO of Chick-Fil-A recently said his organization was "guilty as charged" in that they support the biblical definition of a marriage, between a man and a woman. This sparked many people to come out and call for the boycott of Chick-Fil-A. Numerous mayors of prominent cities in America announced that Chick-Fil-A was no longer allowed in their city because they didn't share their beliefs. Former Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee proclaimed August 1st a day of appreciation for the fast food chain.

 

The first issue to address is the First Amendment rights. Everyone these days is a constitutional scholar so I think it goes without saying that our constitution guarantee's us the freedom of speech and the freedom of religion in that section. The issue becomes, where do you draw the limits on the two. It is my strong belief that corporations are not people and thereby they do not have entitlements under the regular Constitution of the United States unless it specifically says this applies to businesses (which it doesn't). However, those running the corporations (like Dan Cathy CEO of Chick-Fil-A) have a right to express their beliefs. It has always been an area that causes me to respect Chick-Fil-A when they close on Sundays for the only purpose of retaining personal convictions over profit motives. Mr. Cathy has been unfairly attacked for his statement that he doesn't support same-sex marriage. As a gay man I say let him not support gays. When the gay community and gay activist groups push on anti-gay people and organizations to change their minds and opinions via bullying or forced involvement I fear it would make whatever accomplishments taste cheap like a greasy coin.Ultimately the acceptance of the gay community and the right of gays to marry will not be achieved through violent means, physical and verbal, but through peaceful and honest negotiations.

 

The term "marriage" holds a significant value to most people and is seen as sacred based on it's religious usage. The bible often refers to marriage as between a man and a woman. I think it would be fair to term the "marriage" between a man and a man or a woman and a woman as something different but also to ensure that they receive the same responsibilities and benefits. Sometimes we have to accept small gains so that ultimately larger ones can be made. The old argument of "If we allow gays to marry then there will be sex between people and animals and people will marry their dogs" has been exhausted and proven false.

 

Chick-Fil-A has a right to do business in any city they want. It is the right of the people of that city to boycott the company if they don't believe in it's practices. For example I don't agree with Wal-Mart's treatment of it's employees so I don't shop there, the same should be applied to Chick-Fil-A if people have a problem with them. I would ask this of my fellow gays, How would you feel if Governor Jan Brewer of Arizona, a well known Republican and Christian, told all gay business owners and workers that they could not get a job in the state because their beliefs did not match the beliefs of the state? We would call it unfair and a violation of our civil rights. Why then is it okay for a mayor to tell a company they cannot open business in the city simply because our beliefs differ?

 

No. I'm a gay man. I love Chick-Fil-A as a place to get good tasting food. I do not support their beliefs and disagree with their funding of groups that are well known to be anti-gay activists. Personally they have never treated me any different as a gay man and I will continue to do business with them so long as that holds true.

Dog Daycare matthews,NC

DOWN/STAY COMMAND c Begin with your dog in

DOWN/STAY COMMAND c Begin with your dog in a SIT/STAY position, on your left side. c Place your left hand palm down, pinkie toward your dog, around the leash. As you kneel on your right knee, slide leash through your hand until your hand is touching the dogs neck. c As you say "__________, DOWN" (command tone), begin to apply pressure on the dogs right shoulder with your left hand. Gently press down while pulling back simultaneously, as you give the DOWN hand signal with your other hand. You may also pat the ground as you give the command. c Once your dog is in the DOWN position say “STAY" (command tone) and begin to move away. When he breaks the STAY use a quick SNAP toward the ground as you say "NO!" (correction tone) Give the STAY command. Repeat until your dog remains in the DOWN position until you release him. c Your goal is to be able to step over your dog while he remains in the DOWN position. Note: The DOWN command is an act of submission for your dog. This is by far the most important command your dog can learn. It is mandatory that your dog master this. Remember: Make it fun! TRAINING GOAL:___________________________________ ___________________________________________________ c Remember: If you have any questions, please call our office Monday-Friday, 8:30 am -5:00 pm c (704) 573-3647
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Walking Your Dog in 2009 If you are

Walking Your Dog in 2009 If you are going to walk your dog, why not do it in a beautiful place? Why not change your routine and try different routes? Remember, it's not only you that will be bored if the walk is always the same! Check out the locations below to upgrade your walks in 2009! Trail Walking: The Lowcountry has many walking trails available to you and your dog. Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission offers you several options where trails through the woods are well marked, and welcome to the canine members of our community. Many of these trails are even paved! Your dog will enjoy the experience of the new smells and sounds, the new animals, and new sites just as much as you! Would you like an added challenge? Stop every so often and have your dog do an autosit. See how long you can sit still and just enjoy your moment. When the trail is wide, let your dog have some extra leash and go with a control walk. Where they narrow, call them in for a heel! By the end, you'll both be more relaxed and ready to go home for a quiet evening. Beach Walking: Many of our beaches allow dogs to be walked on leash. Some of them even have off leash hours! Why not take your dog to enjoy the coastline with you? Work on your control walk in the dunes to allow your dog to enjoy the feel of the loose sand between their toes. Work on heel in the packed sand. How close were you really keeping your dog? Turn around. Your footprints will tell you. Try to keep your dog within the width of a hand. Each time you try, remember to praise your dog when they do a good job! City Walking: Why not take your dog on a walk in the city? Each of the local towns and cities offer their own charm. You can explore their downtown areas with your four-legged friend. Try working on your autosit at street corners, and down stays while pausing on park benches. Downtown Charleston itself offers Battery Park with its views of both Rainbow Row and the harbor! Waterfront Park offers a seaside pier with swings to sit on to rest. Hampton Park has beautiful gazebos, shaded areas, and the paddock for the city police. Many local restaurants offer canine friendly eating, and many neighborhood parks offer proper canine clean up materials! If you would like to try something new, why not let your dog carry your water bottle, a ball, and other necessary goodies in a canine backpack? This adds to the physical and mental challenge to your dog while freeing your hands for easier leash work!
Charleston Dog Training

Allison Allen
Dog Training In Your Home

Clicker Training 101 What is a clicker? A

Clicker Training 101 What is a clicker? A time marker device. That marks a behavior and promises a reward. Any behavior clicked and rewarded enough with increase in frequency. Capturing Behavior - This is were a dog does a behavior induced or on his own and the trainer/owner clicks when the behavior occurs and then rewards the dog with a treat. examples would be barking, scatching, stretching, Shaping Behavior - This is were the trainer take the desired goal and breaks it in to small approamations then clicks and rewards the small appromations and slowly requires the dog to move from step to the next as you gear towards the goal. Example: Teaching adog to toucha target stick with thier nose. First the dog must look at the stick...click and treat then the dog must look and turn his head in the direction fo the stick...click and treat, then the dog must look turn his head and step towards the treat...
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Begging 101 Begging is defined in my mind

Begging 101 Begging is defined in my mind by any eye contact or starring at the food any closer to the owners or their guest form closer then 6 feet. First and foremost you need to have the owners be sure to stop feeding from the table or their hands when are they are eating or snacking. Some owners may not be feeding the dog from the table but the dog still hopes and give the eyes. I like to use a water bottle for begging. This is great if the dog does not like the water bottle. I like the fact that to correction can be done from the other side of the room and the dog sees you administer the correct from the direction that the begging occurs. 1. Start with the water bottle primed in the sink and tune the stream to a thin stream line. Then while eating at the table the owner has the bottle ready and give the dog a squirt in the forehead for coming and closer to the table then 6 feet and or starring at the plates. 2. If the water bottle does not work then you can use a shake can or put the dog into a down stay or place command. Please add your comments.... Mark Thompson
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