Upload
heritage-hills
View
217
Download
0
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Pet Set Horse Source is a magazine for the pet lovers of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It is published three times a year—spring, summer, fall—and is available (free) at veterinary offices, tack and feed stores, pet shops, grooming salons and other various businesses across the U.P.
Citation preview
Make the Connection.A child’s ride into the wonderful world of horses.
1-800-725-7136 www.blazekids.com
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS IN 2012!
Get Your Subscription Today! ONLY $19.95.
A ch h i ld ld A child wowonndderwonderA one-of-a for youth t horses wit and entert
d-Wwarrd-WAent-PParrent-Praised!
Educator
d ’ s ri rid id de i in to to th th e d’s ride into therfu fu l wo wo rl rld ld of f ho o rs rse ses. es. s.ful world of horses.rful world of horses.rful world of horses.rrful world of horses.
A one-of-a-kind discovery magazine for youth that connects kids and horses with a fun mix of education and entertainment.
inning!WWinning!ent-Praised!
-Endorsed!or-
TING 10 YEARS IN 2012!CELEBRA
TING 10 YEARS IN 2012!
Educator
Call 1-800-725-7136www.blaz
icirpkluBand event
our S Get Y Your Subscription YONLLY $19.95.
TING 10 YEARS IN 2012!
Endorsed!or
1-800-725-7136 t isivrowww.blazekids.com.
s marragorrop,sbulcroffognequest. s available upon r request.
our Subscription oday!TToday! $19.95.
Happy Holidaysfrom Pet Set Horse Source magazine!
Fall/Winter 2012/2013 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 1
Page 2 • Pet Set Horse Source • Fall/Winter 2012/2013
Pet Set Horse Source is a magazine for thepet lovers of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It is published twice yearly—spring/summer& fall/winter—and is available (free) at vet-erinary offices, tack and feed stores, petshops, grooming salons and other variousbusinesses across the U.P.
PUBLISHER & EDITOR-In-CHIEFJoni Gleason
GRAPHIC DESIGNJoni Gleason
COPY EDITORJacquelyn Laitala
Julie Savola
CONTRIBUTING WRITERSScott Jandron DVM, Josh Lyons,
Gretchen Preston, Julie Savola, Joy Smith
Questions? Comments?Advertising inquiries?
Or to submit an article or photos:Contact Joni Gleason
(906) 360-PETS (7387)[email protected]
Published by: Companion Publishing
255 W. Water St.Negaunee, MI 49866
Fall / Winter 2013 • Volume 13
Join us on Facebook!
To view this issue online go to:
www.heritagehillshorsebackriding.com
click on magazine
Fall/Winter 2012/2013 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 3
CANINE FIRST AID: “BE PREPARED”
BY SCOTT JANDRON, DVM
MOUSE IN THE HOUSEBY GRETCHEN PRESTON
AMERICAN COMPETITIVE TRAIL HORSE ASSOCIATION
8
12
6
COVER PHOTO: ‘Nic’ of Pond House
Ponies, patientlywaiting to get
harnessed to a sleigh.
CONTENTS
HAND PLACEMENT AND USEWHEN RIDINGBY JOSH LYONS
TALES FROM A DOG OBEDI-ENCE INSTRUCTOR • VOL. 5 BY JULIE SAVOLA
DID YOU KNOW? BY BLAZE MAGAZINE
RORY: HERITAGE HILL’SGUARDIAN RIDERBY JONI GLEASON
10 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURVET ABOUT CREMATIONARRANGEMENTSBY JOY SMITH
24
25
27
22
17
Photo
by G
ene D
ucharm
e
www.pondhouseponies.com
Page 4 • Pet Set Horse Source • Fall/Winter 2012/2013
To the fall/winter issue of Pet Set Horse Source! Do you realize this little pet magazine
has been in existence since 2004? With the exception of a two-and-a-half-year period
when I was working for a few national publications. It was hard to put it on the shelf
for awhile. Yet, my thoughts were, at the time, that I would gain knowledge of the publish-
ing world working with the ‘Big Boys’ to make this little U.P. magazine even better; and I
think I’ve accomplished that!
I am very proud to still be publishing the ONLY horse & pet magazine in the U.P., so many
people are familiar with it. Often, when I met readers, they hear comments like, Oh, that’s
your magazine - I love that!
I’m also very proud to showcase our regular contributors: Scott Jandron, DVM has shared
his knowledge of small animals here in the U.P. in every issue since 2004! Dog trainer, Julie
Savola is so very skilled at explaining step-by-step dog training that makes so much sense!
Joy Smith has taken on the delicate and heartbreaking issue of pet loss - we avoid talking
about it (I know I do) yet everyone of us as pet owners have to deal with it sooner or later.
Thank you Scott, Julie, and Joy, and all of our past writers for taking the time to share your
expertise with us and helping to make this magazine what it is today! Without meaningful
and informative substance we would have never lasted this long! And a huge thanks and
appreciation to Julie Savola and my daughter Jackie Laitala, our editors too!! Thank you for
inspecting every word and catching all of our spelling and grammar mistakes - for keeping
us all correct!
We’ve also had a few world renowned trainers who’ve tapped in with us too: Lynn Palm
for quite a while and now we have Josh Lyons. So we’ve been noticed by the ‘Big Boys’ too!
I’m very proud that they thought this little U.P. book is important and professional enough
to stir their interest!
Us ‘Yoopers’ may not be the biggest toad in the puddle, but we had the biggest turnout
at a recent focus group meeting conducted by the DNR & the ETS (see Equine Trails
Subcommittee, see article next page) in September at the Hiawatha Snowmobile Club House
in Marquette County. Twenty-six local trail riders were in attendance to make their opinion
known about U.P. horse trails and how to improve
them, compared to five or six at other meetings
held downstate!
It was a very positive meeting, and as the newly
appointed U.P. representative of the ETS, I am
looking to do all I can for our local trails - it’s not
going to happen overnight, but it’s a start. And I
know we have manpower, or the horse enthusi-
asts numbers, to make things happen. Stay in
touch - I’ll keep you posted of the progress
throughout the winter!
Welcome......
Happy fall & winter! Joni
Fall/Winter 2012/2013 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 5
Since September 2010, the Equine Trailways Subcommittee (ETS) has beenworking with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR ) and others tomaintain and improve horse trail riding in the state. The ETS reports to the
Michigan Snowmobile Trails Advisory Committee (MSTAC). Both the ETS and theMSTAC have legislative authority. As required by statute, the ETS produced a2011 Recommendations Report and this report was accepted by MSTAC.
The MSTAC is now developing a statewide trailway network plan for all typesof trails—motorized and nonmotorized. The ETS is providing information withrespect to horse trails and facilities to MSTAC. Recently the ETS and the DNR con-ducted five focus groups around the state collecting opinions of riders. In addi-tion, there have been over 500 surveys returned from riders as to their recom-mendations for the future development alternatives. A draft of that plan will beready for public comments sometime this fall as will the responses obtained fromthe focus groups and surveys. ETS also continues to actively address equine trailriding concerns, gaps, and opportunities.
As part of the MSTAC planning process, ETS (in partnership with the DNR) isalso developing an inventory of existing trails and facilities—with trail maps. Inaddition, an email list has been developed of riding association representatives—to improve communication about horse riding issues.
This is an exciting time for a statewide trails network plan. There is consider-able interest around the state about improved use of our trails and state lands—current and new—to promote recreation, tourism, businesses, healthy exercise,and enhanced sense of place. Governor Rick Snyder strongly supports Michiganbecoming the #1 trail state. Many towns are now interested in becoming “trailtowns” with connectors to motorized and nonmotorized trails. The ETS andmany other user groups—coordinated through MSTAC—will be working to movethe trail opportunities into realities.
Sandra S. Batie
Chair of ETS
September 12, 2012
Michigan’s Equine Trail Riding Update
Equine Trailways
Subcommittee
The ETS report and information aboutETS and MSTAC can be found on the DNR website:
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/2011RecReportETS_Final_030212._378261_7.pdf
Page 6 • Pet Set Horse Source • Fall/Winter 2012/2013
The Upper Peninsula is a beautiful place
to live. It offers all of us opportunities
to explore the great outdoors with our
families and pets. Many Yoopers live out of
the city limits or have camps “out in the
boonies.” While this allows us to enjoy what
the U.P. has to offer, it does come with some
dangers to our pet dogs. There are many sit-
uations that arise where our dogs can
become injured or placed in harm’s way. To
ensure the safety of our dogs, we all need to
remember the Boy Scout motto: “Be
Prepared.”
A proper plan needs to be in place to be
ready for an unexpected injury or illness. The
internet is a great place for first aid informa-
tion, but your veterinarian is the best source
for your pet. He or she knows your pet’s
medical history and a plan can be put in
place that is more specific for their needs.
There are so many types of emergency situa-
tions that I will not be able to cover them in
one article. I don’t expect pet owners to have
every possible technique memorized, but it is
a good idea to take the time to learn the
basics. What I will do is explain the impor-
tance of restraint during an emergency and
how to put together a first aid kit. Your ulti-
mate goal is to stabilize your dog so you can
get them to your veterinarian for treatment.
Proper restraint is absolutely essential for
the safety of the injured dog and for the peo-
ple involved during an emergency. Even a
family pet that you are certain would not bite
may bite if they are scared or in pain. There
are two types of restraint: physical and ver-
bal. It is important to verbally calm a dog
before making your approach. Your voice is a
powerful tool, as commands such as “sit,”
“stay,” and “good dog” can be utilized to
gain control of a fractious dog. Using a calm,
quiet, but firm tone to your voice will be
more effective than an excited or loud tone.
Continually speaking to an injured dog lets
him know that you do not intend to cause
harm.
Once you are certain you can safely make
your approach, it is time to use physical
restraint. This will allow you to apply the
needed first aid and transfer the dog to a vet-
erinary clinic. First, approach the dog slowly
and calmly. Then, place a leash around his
neck so that you have something to hold
onto. At this point, you need to place a cloth
muzzle over his mouth. Do this by making
your approach from the side, slipping the
muzzle over the mouth, and securing it
behind the ears. Do not use a muzzle on a
dog that has been vomiting, has trouble
breathing, has a mouth injury, or is uncon-
scious. You can purchase manufactured muz-
zles or make one out of a leash, rope, or even
a tie or a belt. You will have to adjust the
amount of restraint to the response of the
Canine First Aid:“Be Prepared”
by Scott Jandron, DVM
Fall/Winter 2012/2013 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 7
dog. Some dogs respond better to less
restraint, while others feel safer with more
restraint. Once you have gained control and
trust with the dog, you will then be able to
administer first aid. It is obviously better if
you have other people to help, but some-
times this is not an option. If at any time you
feel that you can’t do it by yourself, set the
dog up in a safe area and go find others to
help.
Dr. Scott Jandron has been practicingcompanion animal medicine in the
Ishpeming-Negaunee area since 1993,and is currently co-owner of NorthernVeterinary Associates in Ishpeming. He
is a regular contributor to Pet Set Horse
Source. He welcomes your pet-relatedquestions; send them to:
Scott Jandron, DVM 661 Palms Avenue
Ishpeming, MI 49849Or e-mail: [email protected]
First aid kits are easy to assemble and don’t have to be expensive. There are some very
important items to remember when making one:
l. List of important phone numbers – veterinarian, poison control
2. Your dog’s medical record
3. Leashes (at least two) – flat, lightweight nylon slip-leads are best
4. Muzzle – cloth muzzles available from most veterinary clinics
5. Bandaging material – roll gauze, gauze 4X4’s, non-stick pads,
- Coban or VetWrap, bandage scissors
6. Disinfectants – Betadine or chlorhexidine solution
7. Misc. medications – triple antibiotic ointment, Benadryl
- NSAID (*check with your veterinarian*)
8. Eye flush – can use human contact lens saline (labeled “for sensitive eyes”)
9. Hydrogen peroxide (3%) or Syrup of Ipecac (to induce vomiting)
10. Digital rectal thermometer
11. Folding stretcher or a heavy blanket
12. Space blanket
Now that we have covered the basics, it is important to educate yourself on how to deal
with various critical situations. It is always best to utilize your veterinarian when putting
together your first aid kit and emergency response plan. A well thought out plan allows you
to “Be Prepared” for your dog and ensure that you have the ability to provide the help your
pet needs, should the situation arise.
Page 8 • Pet Set Horse Source • Fall/Winter 2012/2013
Boonie and his kitten-sister Congo sat in
a pile of orange, red and yellow leaves
that Grace had raked earlier in the day.
The Valley Cats watched the chickadees at
Grace's feeder. The busy birds were flying
one seed at a time back and
forth, from the feeder to the
woods.
"What do the chickadees
do in the winter?" Congo
asked.
"They live on tree
branches. When it is very
cold, they huddle togeth-
er and fluff up their feath-
ers. This creates a feather
blanket to keep them
warm. The chickadees
eat when food is avail-
able. This is why Grace
keeps the feeder full of
birdseed and suet,"
Boonie explained. “All
of this talk about food is
making me hungry,” Congo reported. "Let's
go in the house!”
Boonie and Congo kicked at the fallen
autumn leaves as they walked to the porch.
"Well, hello you two," Grace greeted as she
opened the door. "How about I make you a
little snack? You adventurers need to eat a lit-
tle more. I would like you to gain a little
weight before winter."
Congo thought this sounded like a fabu-
lous excuse for a midday treat. She already
was looking forward to her first winter.
Grace held open the door and the cats
slipped into the warm kitchen. The air
smelled good. A pot of soup bubbled on the
stove.
"I don't think you would
like vegetable
soup," Grace gig-
gled as she caught
the cats lusting after
her dinner. She
opened the refrigera-
tor, pulled out a can
of cat food and
spooned a dab into a
pretty bowl for the sib-
lings to share.
Boonie and Congo
were enjoying their
lunch when out of the
corner of his eye Boonie
saw something, or some-
one scamper from behind
the fireplace and run
under the stove. Congo and Grace saw the
little brown mouse too.
"Looks like we have a visitor," Grace
remarked casually. "When it starts to get cold
at night the mice come inside looking for a
warm place to spend the winter. I am going
to crack the door open. I would appreciate it
if you cats could gently escort our mouse out
of the house. I’m going upstairs to read."
Mouse in the House
Sit back and enjoy another episode from Gretchen Preston's Valley Cat series!
"Mouse in the House" appears in More Valley Cats: Fun, Games and New Friends.
by Gretchen Preston
Fall/Winter 2012/2013 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 9
Boonie and Congo exchanged puzzled
glances as Grace pulled the kitchen door
open slightly. The cats watched as she
climbed the stairs, leaving them alone to
deal with the invader.
"I saw it go under the stove," Congo
reported. Boonie poked his head under the
oven. He could see the small mouse hud-
dled in the corner looking terrified.
"I can see it, but I don't think a mouse
will come out with two cats in the room,"
Boonie said as he stood up.
"Maybe it will come out if we ignore it,"
Congo suggested.
Agreeing that it was worth a try, the
Valley Cats took a perch on the ledge above
Grace's couch. They waited… and waited.
Nearly half an hour had passed when
the cats saw the small brown mouse poke
its head out from under the stove. It nib-
bled on a toast crumb and quickly darted
back to its hiding place.
"Our mouse is hungry," Boonie
observed.
“That gives me an idea!" Congo said
excitedly. She whispered her plan to her
big brother. Boonie grinned and nodded
his head in agreement.
Together the cats jumped down from
the ledge. They crept very quietly up the
stairs. Congo peeked around the corner.
She saw Grace sitting in her comfy chair
reading.
“Grace is busy,” Congo reported.
Boonie took a look, to make sure Grace
was not going to come down the stairs any-
time soon. Their mistress would not be
happy if she came in as they were execut-
ing Congo’s mischievous plan!
Boonie and Congo darted down the
stairs. The Valley Cats jumped up onto the
forbidden kitchen counter and dining table.
Boonie found three abandoned peanuts
lying beside the sink and a few leftover veg-
etables on the cutting board. Congo
brushed forgotten pizza crusts off a plate.
The morsels of food fell to the floor. In the
corner near the stove Boonie found a raisin
Page 10 • Pet Set Horse Source • Fall/Winter 2012/2013
and Congo pushed lost popcorn kernels off
of the chair near the door.
The Valley Cats worked quickly arrang-
ing the bits of food into a trail from the
stove to the partially open kitchen door.
"Now, let the fun begin!" Congo
exclaimed.
She scampered to the far end of the
room where she hid behind the arm of the
couch. Boonie tucked behind the kitchen
door. They peeked out from behind their
hiding places, waiting for the unsuspecting
mouse to take their bait.
It wasn't too long before the hungry
mouse came out from under the stove and
ate the fat juicy raisin. The Valley Cats
watched the little brown mouse move
along their food trail. It ate the veggies,
gobbled up the pizza crusts and smacked
its lips after devouring the peanuts. As the
mouse swallowed the last piece of pop-
corn… left near the open door…, it saw the
tricky cats!
The surprised mouse's belly was so full
that it could barely waddle out the door,
and onto the safe porch.
Boonie slammed the door shut with his
paw. “Good job!” he shouted. “I’m so
proud of you, Congo, for coming up with
such a good plan!”
"Thank you, big brother,” Congo said as
her face broke into a very big cat-smile.
Inside, there were two very satisfied cats.
Not only had the Valley Cats safely escort-
ed the mouse out of the house, they had
tidied up Grace's kitchen!
Fall/Winter 2012/2013 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 11
Find Dr. Tim’s Pet Foods at Mare-Z-Doats in Marquette, The StoneHouse in
Ishpeming & Erickson's Feed in Houghton
Page 12 • Pet Set Horse Source • Fall/Winter 2012/2013
Whether you are a mounted shooter,
team roper, barrel racer or a pleas-
ure rider, your horse will benefit
from time away from the stress and routine of
an arena. Keeping a horse mentally fresh is a
key part of success inside the arena, and the
American Competitive Trail Horse Association
(ACTHA) is a great way to do just that.
Carrie Scrima, along with Karen
VanGeston formed the Texas-originated
ACTHA as a way for families and friends to get
together and demonstrate their horseman-
ship skills out on the trail. This is not a speed,
‘extreme –type’ or endurance event, it’s a safe
casual pace which covers an average of six
miles and has a minimum of six judged obsta-
cles. Judged obstacles are as natural as possi-
ble and can range from crossing water, step-
ping over logs, opening gates to going up
and down embankments.
Any breed of horse is welcome and any
style of riding is welcome, whether it is
English or Western. Various divisions ensure
the riders are correctly classed according to
their abilities. Pleasure Division riders com-
plete less difficult obstacles. Open Division
riders complete the same obstacles but with a
slightly greater degree of difficulty. Junior
Division riders are between seven and fifteen
years of age, and they must be accompanied
by a guardian. The Buddy Division, is open to
any rider, over the age of seven, who would
like to ride the trail, say the friend of a com-
petitor, but they do not want to partake in the
American Competitive
Trail Horse Association
‘Not just a trail horse anymore…’
Fall/Winter 2012/2013 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 13
obstacles because they are either seasoning
a young horse, or simply gaining experience
out on the trail. Finally, the Scout division
permits ACTHA non-members to join any
ACTHA Competitive Trail Challenge.
ACTHA is committed to improving the
health and welfare of horses nationwide.
ACTHA Co-Founder, Karen Van Getson
states “ACTHA has a huge heart for the
horse and a huge heart for charity. We want
to welcome every trail rider across the
nation and show them the fun and enjoy-
ment of an ACTHA Competitive Trail
Challenge. Together we can ride for a pur-
pose, with a common goal of helping those
non-profit organizations who are in need of
funding.” Funds from every ACTHA ride are
donated to a charity selected by the Ride
Host.
For more information about the
American Competitive Trail Horse
Association, visit our website at
www.actha.us.
Page 14 • Pet Set Horse Source • Fall/Winter 2012/2013
Send us your photosor artwork and be partof this popular feature...
Birthday Party Girls!
‘Old Friend’ painting by Bette Rowe Pallos
www.betterowepallos.com
Madi RIP
Nicole driving Jes & Zee
Ally
Ollie
Joni, Grady, Phil, Big John
Union Park, Ishpeming
Rhea RIP
Fall/Winter 2012/2013 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 15
Send us your photosor artwork and be partof this popular feature...
Thank You Frenchie’s Farrier Servicefor sponsoring our Pet Set Horse Source
photo centerfold!
Elliot
Cami
Frodo withSergeant Marty Munger
Bath time
Lannie & Daisy
Lyn & Juan
Jen &
Leia
Mercedes
Page 16 • Pet Set Horse Source • Fall/Winter 2012/2013
Hand Placement & Use
When Riding
Fall/Winter 2012/2013 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 17
Ibelieve that hand placement has more to
do with the rider than the horse. A rider
can maintain control of the horse and him-
self better when his hands are in the proper
place.
Attention should be given as to where the
rider places his hands in order for him to
send a consistent clear signal. Proper hand
placement will also help the rider to main-
tain a balanced position in the saddle.
Your hand placement has little to do with
how the horse actually responds to the bit.
The horse responds to the pull of the rein
because he is concerned about getting a
release. So when you hear someone say,
"Hold your hands lower and the horse will
lower his head," your horse will not automat-
ically do so. You need to teach him a cue to
place his head at a desired elevation.
The rider should put his hands in a posi-
tion that gives him the best ability to stay
balanced and maintain the most control of
his own body, and therefore, send the clear-
est, most consistent signal to the horse.
These guidelines keep the rider’shands from getting too low or too high.The rider has a better opportunity to usenecessary strength in case he needs topull on the rein in an emergency. Thishand placement helps to keep therider's upper body from leaning.
by Josh Lyons
Hand Placement & Use
When Riding
There is an area where the rider'shands belong:
• The hands belong in a onesquare foot area directly in front ofhim/her.
• The hands belong no fartherback than just barely behind the backof the saddle horn or six inches infront of the saddle.
• The hands belong no further for-ward than he can reach without tak-ing his shoulder forward.
• The hands belong no farther upthan where the little finger is 4 incheshigher than the elbow or when thethumb is 4 inches below the elbow.
Page 18 • Pet Set Horse Source • Fall/Winter 2012/2013
Fall/Winter 2012/2013 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 19
Where the rider normally keeps his
hands will have a direct correlation as to
where he will put them in a crisis. If the
horse is moving smoothly and quietly and
the rider gets his hands five inches away
from where they should be, he will put his
hands two feet out of position if the horse
spooks and the rider becomes startled.
What the rider practices in a calm situation
will have an effect as to what he will do in a
crisis. Your ability to control your horse in a
crisis should be more effective if the correct
hand position is practiced.
Now that we have talked about where
your hands should be, let's look at how fast
you should take the slack out of the reins
when asking your horse to do something. I
refer to this as hand speed.
When asking your horse to respond to
your signal from the rein you should do so
without bumping his mouth. It is important
that you do not cause pain to the horse's
mouth. Think of the rein as a telephone line
and you are making a call to the horse. If
you were to make the call uncomfortable,
after a while the horse may hesitate or not
answer the phone at all.
Here are some "speed" guidelines for
asking your horse to respond to your sig-
nals with the bit.
The rider's hand speed should be natural
and deliberate but not hurried.
If the hand speed is too slow, the horse
has too much time to respond and will not
be able to connect the cue with the
response you are looking for. On the other
hand, if the hand speed is too fast, you will
never give the horse a chance to learn the
cue and then eventually respond from a
light signal from you.
Many handlers think that the faster you
cue the horse, the more responsive he will
become. It is natural for handlers to speed
up the cue, hoping that the response will
happen more quickly. This is exactly the
opposite of what the handler should be
doing. continued on page 20
Page 20 • Pet Set Horse Source • Fall/Winter 2012/2013
Most times when a horse is not respond-
ing to your cue it is because he does not
know what you are asking of him. He is not
solid with the cue. Speeding up the cue,
"demanding" that the horse responds faster,
may only confuse the horse and adverse
reactions can develop. When you slow down
your request, you give the horse more time
to think and then respond. The horse has
more of a chance to respond on his own,
using his own thought process. As learning
takes place, he will actually respond quicker
because he understands the cue. The key to
getting a lighter more responsive horse is to
give him a chance to respond on less of a
signal. A medium hand speed gives the
horse that opportunity.
Hand placement and hand speed are two
fundamental riding practices that when used
with consistency will become a habit. These
two items will help in your pursuit to make
your communication process are clear as
possible.
Two young cowboys enjoy watching ‘birthday party’ riders at
Heritage Hills Horseback Riding in Ishpeming.
Fall/Winter 2012/2013 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 21
Page 22 • Pet Set Horse Source • Fall/Winter 2012/2013
You may have heard
about clicker training
and wondered what all
the hype was. Is this just
another new gadget that
promises to work a miracle
with your not so well-behaved
dog? Are you going to have to
add it to the boxful of instant
training thingamajigs that have failed you in
the past? You decide to take a chance and
buy the interesting little tool. You get it
home, aim it at Fido like a TV remote, click it
a few times and… nothing happens. Fido
looks puzzled and walks away. Great, another
failed magic training tool.
Let me ask you this: Does just having a
leash make your dog heel? Of course not.
Proper use of the leash does. It is important to
understand how a dog thinks, why the clicker
works and to learn how to use it properly.
Dogs tend to live in the moment. When
using the traditional posi-
tive reinforcement
method with a food
reward, by the time Fido
even realizes you have a
treat and you deliver it, it
is likely the magic
moment has passed. He is
left to figure out which of
the 15 or 20 things he did in the last 90 sec-
onds was the one you liked.
How and why does a clicker work? First
you must make sure your dog understands
that when he hears the click, (added a
comma here) a treat will follow. So in his
mind ‘click’ means ‘treat.’ This is a very
important step you must not skip. This is
referred to as “loading the clicker.” After this
step is complete, when your dog offers the
correct behavior, you simply click at the
moment it happens and treat as soon as pos-
sible. The clicker can precisely mark the
Tales from a DogObedience Instructor
Vol 5 –Click Marks the Spot
by Julie Savola
Fall/Winter 2012/2013 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 23
behavior you want instead of you trying to
deliver a food reward quickly enough for the
dog to connect it with the behavior you
intended. This concept of immediate praise
is why clicker training is so effective. It moti-
vates the dog because he is successful very
quickly and more often. His success moti-
vates him, and in turn it will motivate you
too. Make sure you understand the process
before you begin to optimize your results.
There are plenty of clicker training books.
You can look it up on the internet or seek a
professional to get you started. Using this
powerful training tool can be one of the best
kept secret shortcuts.
Julie Savola operates her dog obedienceinstruction under the name K9 Basic O andhas been helping UP dog owners train theirdogs for over 20 years. She lives in Munisingwith her husband, Jerry, her Doberman, Doc,TBear, a miniature horse she is training fortherapy work and two riding horses; Moe, aTennessee Walking Horse and Byrd, a QuarterHorse she purchased for Team Penning.
Page 24 • Pet Set Horse Source • Fall/Winter 2012/2013
Gwinn author/sled dog musher Jackie Winkowski has published a new book,
Promise of the White Dog. While a work of fiction, the photo-illustrated book was
inspired by a true story.
For ages 8 and up, the story begins with a mysterious musher and team of white
dogs spotted on a moonlit winter night. Hearing a friend’s account of the sighting
causes main character Jeanne to reflect on the birth, years before, of a white puppy
at her sled dog kennel: she had always wanted a white dog but soon encountered
someone who needed one. Readers will learn of Jeanne’s decision and the surprising
events that follow. The tale has been described at heartwarming and filled with pos-
itive life lessons.
Photos of winter scenes, puppies, and sled dogs throughout the book are the work
of Winkowski, local professional photographer Aladino Mandoli, and NMU student
Lisa Dietzen.
New Children's Sled Dog Book
The keepsake hardcover edition is available at Marquette andIshpeming book stores and gift shops or throughwww.snowyplains.com. Softcovers of the new book, as well asMiki's Challenge and Miki's Race, are available locally as well ason Amazon.com.
Fall/Winter 2012/2013 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 25
Most of us can’t see Rory, but some can. One lady who ridesoften with us at Heritage Hills has even spoken with him.
I’m told he likes us being here; he’s glad to have horses backin this area again. He’s actually watching over our trail rides!He’s even pointed out a few dangerous spots to stay awayfrom.
And he wants us to know he’s here - to acknowledge him -so we do! We are working on a sign to post near the beginningof our trail that looks something like this:
Rory: Our Guardian Riderat Heritage Hills
You Are Entering Rory’s Territory
Please say hello to him and his horse
And thank him for watching over our rides!
The photo above is actually Tin Can Sullivan, a trapper in the Big Bay / Huron
Mountain area in the early 1920s. I’m told Rory looks very similar.
Page 26 • Pet Set Horse Source • Fall/Winter 2012/2013
Fall/Winter 2012/2013 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 27
1) If I choose and pay for a private cremation what assurance do you givethat my pet will be cremated individually (ONE-AT-A-TIME) and will I receivesome type of identification ensuring so? What other industry practices does thecompany perform to assure me?
2) Where is the facility located and may I inspect the facility?
3) Will my pet be placed in a plastic bag and stacked on top of other pets ina chest freezer and cargo transported in mass, sometimes along with medicalwaste at a later time? Will it leave the state?
4) Will I have direct contact with the crematory operators? How do I knowmy pet is handled with dignity and respect?
5) Is the vet clinic using a mass pet cremation corporation with a businessmodel that caters to the clinic and NOT the owners?
6) Will my pets remains be available with in 3-5 days? Is there 24 hr serviceoffered?
7) If I choose a group cremation how am I assured my pets remains are beingscattered respectfully and not sold to a fertilizing plant or thrown in thegarbage or landfill? May I inspect the facilities?
8) Is there one set price? Or is my vet getting one price from the corpora-tion and then marking it up to me the pet owner?
9) Is there grief support available?
10) Is the facility state monitored? Or is my pet going to a waste manage-ment city site? Or animal control facility?
10 Questions to ask
Your Vet About
Cremation
Arrangements
by Joy Smith
Page 28 • Pet Set Horse Source • Fall/Winter 2012/2013
Joy Smith is the owner & operater of Rivers Edge Pet Crematory, LLC.
She lives on 38 acres along the Black Riverwith her 3 English labradors. Joy has been inthe pet industry for over 15 years. Contacther at 906-663-4811 or 906-364-2309
or email [email protected] look for Rivers Edge Pet Crematory
on facebook too!
If the service you are using has only some
or part of the answers to these questions,
why should you trust them with your pet?
Unfortunately, there are different cremation
industry practices among providers. Rivers
Edge uses the same identification process as
with human and cremate ONE-AT-A-TIME
for private cremations and do not cater to
the clinics. For other providers, it may mean
three to five pets are placed in the chamber
in different areas and incinerated all at once.
If more than one is placed in the retort the
chance of commingling exists because of the
turbulence in the chamber that takes place. If
you are offered individual, separate, and/or
private services by the cremation provider or
your vet, be sure to ask exactly what those
terms mean. You should not have to pay a
premium price for any of the latter type of
services.
Nobody wants to think of the death of
their beloved pet but making pre arrange-
ments and asking questions ahead of time is
a good idea. For the past 20 years or so, mass
corporations have dominated the market
and now more and more privately owned
and operated LLC businesses have been
swinging their doors open across the United
States. Pets are our family members and
should be treated as one. I believe you
should be well informed of the facts when
your vet offers you cremation services. Just
like with humans at the time of death, you
have a choice.
Fall/Winter 2012/2013 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 29