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Hi Gang!

I'm not sure how many of you will remember when I wrote my article about the Humane Society of the United States. (HSUS) I make no bones in admitting I was critical about several things about the organization, ideology and financial practices. If you missed the article, you can read it at:

master-dog-training.com/archive/082704.htm

Not long afterwards, I received a call from an individual inside HSUS who concurred with my article and was also concerned with the direction the organization was heading under its current leadership. He informed me that Kathy Bauch, of HSUS, had sent out an email about me and another individual as the result of my article and the emails my readers wrote to them. Here is what she wrote verbatim:

From:   Kathy Bauch      Sent: Thu 9/2/2004 10:45 AM
To:   Everyone List
Cc:
Subject:   anti-HSUS rant
Attachments:

There's a new one making the rounds written by Christopher Aust. He started out by objecting to the show we are doing with Animal Planet (which is why I talked to him a couple of weeks ago and why my name is in this email) and it's being cross-posted by Randy Warner, no friend of HSUS. Please don't bother to send them to me – they're all the same and it will do no good to respond to them either of them. It will just perpetuate the problem. Left alone, it will die down on its own. Thanks.

Kathy Bauch
Senior Director of Promotions and Advertising
The Humane Society of the United States
301-258-3060
fax 301-258-3074

Now, when I first heard about this, and later received a hard copy, I thought it was hilarious. It simply showed that many of you were doing as I had asked and writing to HSUS and objecting about the show. I also found it amusing that I, who have dedicated my life to the humane education and treatment of animals, had been “black listed” by one of the nation's, if not world's, largest non-profit animal organizations.

Then, I got a little pissed. This is a non-profit organization that seems to take the position that if the public, who provides the organization their money, doesn't agree with what they do with those funds, then just ignore them and it will “die out on its own.” I would think if there were concerns or criticisms from the contributing public, they would want to openly discuss their agenda.

Okay, so why is this important? I'm gonna tell ya. Before I do though, I need to make something clear. There is a major difference between Animal Rights (AR) and Animal Welfare (AW).

The core belief of most, if not all, AR groups is that animals should be afforded all the rights of humans. They promote vegen lifestyles, won't use leather or fur products, target children with information that isn't age appropriate and would like to see an end come to domesticated animals. Some of these groups use violence to promote those issues and those that don't can often be linked to groups that do. In fact, here is a quote made by the new CEO of HSUS, Wayne Pacelle, to Animal People in 1993.

“We have no problem with the extinction of domestic animals. They are creations of human selective breeding.”

AW groups believe in the humane treatment of all animals whether they are pets, used for food or other products or even for scientific purposes. They promote spay/neuter programs rather than the eradication of pets. They believe the answer to pet over population lies in responsible ownership and age appropriate education of children.

A few years ago, I started telling everybody to watch out for Breed Specific Legislation (BSL). Most people thought I was a little crazy because anyone with a lick of sense knew BSL not only doesn't work, but also believed it could never happen to them. Well, here we are now and almost every state and many countries have cities that have either instituted BSL, have legislation pending, or, are exploring it. Just like I said.

BSL has gotten to this point because many of the animal rights whackos out there have tremendous lobbying power and use it to push such legislation. BSL is just the beginning too and if you didn't believe me before, I would strongly recommend you listen now.

Step two has begun. It is being done by passing strict legislation against legitimate breeders. Now, I have no problem with regulating breeding to ensure the animals are well cared for, but in my opinion, this isn't what is being done. What is being done is imposing fees and licenses that are so expensive the average conscientious breeders can't afford to breed their dogs anymore.

Now, they are saying this is to stop puppy milling but, lets face it, people operating mills aren't going to pay the fees or get the permits. They are going to do just what they always have and ignore the law. It is the conscientious breeders who are going to get screwed here. Most will be forced to quit, and these are the ones doing it responsibly!

Eventually, and I think in the near future, they are going to start targeting the dog owner. You all may think I'm crazy, but just hide and watch. Again, I have no problem with making owners be responsible for their pets, but this is not what is going to happen. That is what they will tell you they are doing, but believe me, that's not the real agenda.

It is things like this that have me constantly saying we not only need to stay informed but also be active when we see something going on that endangers our rights as pet owners. We can't just speak out once, either, or complain amongst ourselves. We have to contact our legislators and protect ourselves.

These organizations like PETA, HSUS, Fund for Animals and the Animal Liberation Front, just to name a few, are well organized and have lots of your cash donations to lobby for these types of legislation that suit their agenda. They are relying on us to be inactive because they know our complaints if, left alone, it will die out on their own.

Okay ... let me jump off the soap box.

I am rerunning an article I did over a year ago because it fits in with the last few week's articles. Next week we will be back on training and behavior.

The Paws for Change calendar is still available and we have quite a few orders. If you haven't seen them yet, they are very high quality filled with pictures of rescued dogs that are just incredible. Lets face it, we all need a calendar so why not get one that helps the furkids. Go check them out at:

cafepress.com/pawsforchange.12923344

Keep those letters and suggestions coming. They are greatly appreciated.

Okay, that's it for now. I'm outta here!

Cheers!

Christopher

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Before I joined the service I was pretty physically active. Both my parents were professional dancers and, naturally, I took classes until just before I joined the service. Having spent six plus hours a week in class, I never worried about what I ate as I was active enough to stay slim. In fact, I was able to eat twice what everybody else did. After Boot Camp, I went to the Police Academy and after that Army Ranger Training.

During those days, I was able to be up at 5:00 AM, eat three biscuits with gravy, two eggs and mounds of sausage, only to go out and run three miles in military formation during PT. (That's physical training for all you civilian pukes.) ;-)

When I snapped my knee and was forced into early retirement, at the ripe old age of 27, I didn't see the old secretarial spread for a few years, despite the fact I could no longer go jogging. I just sort of maintained my weight, although not as rock hard, and never gave it much thought.

About three years ago, I noticed I was feeling sluggish and unmotivated. I didn't have the strong drive to work or play. This was very unusual, as I have been a borderline candidate for Ritalin my entire life. Up at 5:00 AM and down to bed at 10:00 PM. That was me.

One morning, as I was in the bathroom preparing for the day, I realized what was up. I was getting fat. I hadn't seriously exercised in a few years and had pulled the old "five to seven pounds a year" trick on myself. I had put on over 30 pounds in a few years. No wonder I had no energy and a piss-poor disposition!

As our dogs get older, they face many of the same issues we do with regard to aging. As a result their bodies, just like ours, have changing nutritional needs as they go through life. Since dogs instinctively know when their physical condition is not optimal, it's no wonder their behavior has been proven to be directly linked to their physical condition.

Canine obesity is one of the biggest health issues facing our dogs today. It can lead to canine diabetes, heart disease, stroke and gastrol torsion just to name a few. The thing about canine obesity - it is 100% avoidable. There's really no excuse for an overweight dog.

Overfeeding

This is one of the biggest contributors to canine obesity. I'm always amazed at how much food some people feed their dogs. In a study conducted at Texas A&M University, it was found that 83% of dog owners are feeding their dogs over twice what they actually need to maintain proper health. Of that 83%, over half were feeding their dog three times the necessary food. Three times!

My male Basset Hound weighed eighty pounds. He was a very active dog with tons of energy. His food intake was determined between my veterinarian and me, based on his daily activity and monitoring his behavior. I gave him a mixture of premium kibble and cooked human food. He was fed 1-1/2 cups of food a day. That's it. He was given fifteen minutes to eat each day and if he walked away without finishing his food, his pan was pulled, washed and put away.

My female Basset was fed 2-1/4 cups of food a day and given the same fifteen minutes to eat. She got more food because she required more food in order to maintain her weight and energy level. With the exception of the amount, she had the same diet as my male. Listen. Dogs don't need their meal “super sized.” Gluttony is a human condition and not one that is natural to dogs. You will never see an overweight dog in the wild. They eat what they need and nothing more. Enough said.

Exercise

When I restored my girlish figure a few years ago, I didn't do it by simply changing what I ate. I had to get off my butt and hit the gym. We all know that losing or maintaining weight takes a combination of diet and exercise. Whether we like it or not, that's just the way it is.

In the study I mentioned above, it was determined that 65% of dog owners gave their dogs no regular exercise. It was also found that the same 65% spent more time, and money, at their veterinarian as a result of injuries and illness. It just doesn't make any sense to not take your dog out for daily walks, a game of fetch or for a little swim.

I have also found that increasing a dog's daily exercise greatly reduces/eliminates aggression, chewing behaviors, and it aids in housebreaking. It increases your dog's confidence, grows a stronger bond between you and the dog and will reduce nervous energy.

Diet

I'm not referring to the amount of food given to our dogs here, rather the quality. We have all been in the store and seen the multitude of dog foods, kibble and canned, that are out there. Some are quite good, and others, I wouldn't feed a rat.

When choosing commercial foods, you want to look for one that is made of human quality ingredients and is also low in fillers and preservatives. These tend to be a little more expensive but are well worth the cost. You also want to ensure the formula is appropriate for your dog. If your dog is a working dog or competes in agility competitions, you may want a food with higher protein content.

This link has an excellent comparison chart for commercially made foods and is a good aid for deciding on the food that will best suit you and your dog:

naturapet.com/display.php?d=comp-wiz

There is also the B.A.R.F. diet, which has been around a while, but has recently gained in popularity. B.A.R.F. stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food.  The diet is designed to reduce the incidence of bone and joint disease, promote healthy growth and maintain the dog's health throughout its life.  Dr. Ian Billinghurst, a veterinarian from Australia, details the diet in two books, "Give Your Dog A Bone" and "Grow Your Pups With Bones."

The diet consists of 60-80% raw meaty bones.  This includes chicken, turkey, lamb, venison, beef and pork bones.  The remaining balance of the diet is made up of raw crushed vegetables, organ meats, dairy products (yogurt and cottage cheese), raw eggs, flax oil and/or seed and nutritional/vitamin supplements. Whole grains can also be used in the diet as long as they are sprouted or soaked and then crushed.

Whether you choose to buy your food at the store, cook it at home or use the B.A.R.F diet, it is important to make sure it meets the nutritional needs of your dog. Be sure it's fresh and made of the highest-grade ingredients.

Over one million dogs in the US will die this year as a direct result of obesity and obesity related disease. It doesn't have to be yours. Establish a diet and exercise plan when you first get your dog and stay on top of it. Monitor their weight and consult your veterinarian if you notice any unexpected changes. You will not only make your dogs much happier, but extend their life as well.

This article may be republished using the following attribution box:
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Copyright ©2004 Christopher Aust, Master Dog Trainer & Creator:
The Natural Cooperative Training System (NCTS) for Dogs
The Instinctual Development System (IDS) for Puppies
Subscribe to the BARK 'n' SCRATCH Newsletter: subscribe@Master-Dog-Training.com
VISIT NOW: http://www.Master-Dog-Training.com
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Christopher,

There is something about Missy, which I believe the new diet is helping.  She's one of those dogs that like to eat feces - disgusting, and it causes bad breath as well.  This third week on the diet, I've taken her out a few times without her little muzzle on, and those few times she has not shown any interest in eating any poop out in our fields (she never ate her own, only the cat's or the other dogs', by the way).  I swear that this new diet is providing her nutrients that obviously she was missing and was trying to get from the feces, therefore, she no longer has the need for that crap.  Thank goodness.  Just thought you might want to tuck that away as another good thing about the diet.

Patty

Christopher,

My dog has always been a finicky eater even with the foods she likes. For the last three years, all she would eat is canned food (which I didn't like) and even then she picked at it over several hours. In the summer this has been a real problem because she eats outside and ants and other bugs would get into it over time.

Since I tried the cooked food diet, she gobbles it all right up. In fact, if I head for the kitchen anytime near feeding time, she runs in and looks at me as if to say, “Is it time to eat yet?” Thanks so much. I have subscribed to numerous dog newsletters over the years and never found anything close to yours. You're the best.

God Bless,

Missy R.
Tulsa OK

Dog arthritis is one of the most common diseases that affect canines, especially large breed dogs (60-90 lbs). The best thing you can do is to prevent the occurrence of this disease with the appropriate supplements when your dog is 4 or 5 years old and not wait until symptoms show. But, if your dog is already presenting symptoms and/or pain you should consider the option of natural treatment for your pet's condition.

Osteoarthritis in dogs (or just dog arthritis) can be treated effectively with natural supplements that are as effective as commonly prescribed drugs and much safer because of the less risk of side effects. Prescribed drugs may relieve pain, but they also can cause further degeneration of your dog's joints and health, which could include, damage to the liver, kidneys, muscles and gastrointestinal bleeding, among others.

Just as human arthritis, dog arthritis tends to get worse with age, and you can find some senior dog food formulas that claim to contain glucosamine and chondroitin. Both of them are supplements used to prevent and treat dog arthritis, but, in the majority of cases, the amount included is not enough to do any difference in your dog's symptoms. So, probably the best option is to feed your dog regular dog food and back that up with a supplement. Below you will find some of the most effective supplements used for the treatment of arthritis in dogs.

Herbal Glucosamine Blend

One of the most comprehensive canine muscle and joint support formulations available today, Herbal Glucosamine Blend includes Glucosamine HCl, MSM and Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C, along with a proprietary herbal blend of Yucca, Devil's Claw, White Willow, Meadowsweet and Alfalfa. Glucosamine is essential for the formation of joint cartilage and synovial fluid; MSM, has an anti-inflammatory effect slows the progression of arthritis and relieves pain.

Alfalfa and Yucca

A combination of five time-honored herbs for chronic rheumatic conditions, it also includes Burdock, Licorice, and Shepherd's Purse. This extract is designed to help the body cope with the pain, swelling, and stiffness of arthritis and rheumatism while it maintains the tone of the liver and kidneys to help eliminate excess waste materials and water from the joints.

Chondroitin Sulfate

This formula is a supplement for muscle, ligament, tendon, cartilage, and bone problems. It not only helps in the relief of pain, but to also treat the underlying problem. It really helps older animals.

The benefits of using natural, organic pet products are the preventive measure. You want a healthy pet with a longer lifespan, but also an enhanced quality of life. There's no use in living longer if the quality of life is not good Holistic pet care, will provide a better quality of life for your pet, and ultimately, will save you money with less visits to the veterinarian, bills and prescriptions.

About the Author

Mariangie Gonzalez is an Agronomist with a major in Animal Science & Pre-Veterinary and runs the day-to-day operations of her home-based business and website which carries pet aromatherapy, pet natural remedies, pet herbal supplements and much more. She can also help you start your own home-based 100% natural pet supplies business. You can visit online at:

MindBodyAndPaw.com

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Joke of the Week

Signs Your Dog Owns You

You believe every dog is a lap dog.

If you are cold, you put a sweater on your dog.

You have a picture of your dog in your wallet, but not one of your kids.

You often claim that it was love at first sight with you and your dog.

You have your dog talk to your friends on the phone.

You can't fully enjoy yourself without your dog.

No matter how large your bed is, it is not large enough for you and your dog(s).

You spend more on clothes and food for your dog than you do for yourself.

You have no reservations about kissing your dog on the lips, even when you know where his lips have been.

You believe it is your duty to talk to, pat, and even feed, every dog in the neighborhood - and know their names.

You let the neighbor dog sleep over.

You believe there is no such thing as a naughty dog.

Your vet and grooming bills exceed your rent.

When you need someone to talk to, your dog is your first choice.

You sit on the floor if the dog got in the chair first.

You talk to your dog when you are driving.

He answers.

* To submit your joke to us: Joke@Master-Dog-Training.com

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Thank You For Reading!  Have a Terrific Week!

Don't forget to send your comments, questions and suggestions on the BARK 'n' SCRATCH Newsletter to:

BnS-comments@Master-Dog-Training.com

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Newsletter Archive:  Master-Dog-Training.com/archive/

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The Legal Mumbo-Jumbo

The BARK 'n' SCRATCH Newsletter is published by Christopher Aust Copyright © 2005 All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the express written consent of the publisher or contributors.

We accept no responsibility for your use of any contributed information contained herein. All of the information presented in BARK 'n' SCRATCH is published in good faith. Any comments stated in this newsletter are strictly the opinion of the writer or publisher.

We reserve the right to edit and make suitable for publication, if necessary, any articles published in this newsletter. We reserve the right to publish all reader comments, including the name of the writer.

Christopher Aust, Master Dog Trainer & Creator: The Natural Cooperative Training System (NCTS) for Dogs The Instinctual Development System (IDS) for Puppies http://www.Master-Dog-Training.com

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