Check out the dogs from group class last night! Sit Means Sit students pictured with trainers Kim (left) and Kristin (right)
Pit Bulls Terriers are so often misrepresented and misunderstood by our society that when this photo op presented itself at class last Saturday, I HAD to post it on the blog!
Below are: 6 year old Sarah, 10 month old “Mojo” (Pit Bull Terrier), and 4 year old “Grace” (Shihtzu mix)
On June 27, 2009, Kristin Zimmerman of Sit Means Sit Southern NJ , along with her German Shepherd “Xanya”, brightened the day of residents at the Voorhees Senior Center. Check out the pictures below of the afternoon..especially the one of Kristin and “Xanya” with Kristin’s dad Ken and his 1929 Model A!
On May 17, 2009, Castor and I took part in the Paws and Feet 5K to benefit the Animal Welfare Association. The event was held at Cooper River Park and is always a fun morning had by all who came out to support this fantastic cause. There were many vendors, including Clayton Veterinary Hospital , Nutro Pet Foods, with entertainment provided by Radio 104.5.
Thanks to Dawn and Sue for bringing Maddie and Kody to hang out with us!
Kristin Zimmerman’s 2 year old German Shepherd “Xanya” at search and rescue training in Maryland. “Xanya” is trained to search an area for people who are alive but trapped and to alert by barking. During training, her reward for locating the victim is a game of tug.
Kristin Zimmerman and Lisa Myers have been out and about the South Jersey area this holiday season…enjoy our holiday shopping pictures!
Below: Lisa’s Belgian Malinois “Ajax” and Kristin’s Pit Bull “Castor” taking a break at The Promenade:
Below: Lisa and Kristin take “Ajax” and “Xanya” to the Cherry Hill Mall for Search and Rescue Training:
Here are some tips for keeping your pets out of danger during the holiday season.
AVOID Holiday Food Items That Could Cause Problems For Your Pet
Alcoholic beverages
Chocolate (baker’s, semi-sweet, milk chocolate)
Coffee (grounds, beans, chocolate covered espresso beans)
Moldy or spoiled foods
Onions, onion powder
Fatty foods
Salt
Yeast dough
PLANTS
Lilies that may be found in holiday flower arrangements could be deadly to your cat. Many types of lily, such as Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Easter, Stargazer, and the Casa Blanca, can cause kidney failure in cats.
Poinsettias are generally over-rated in toxicity. If ingested, poinsettias can be irritating to the mouth and stomach, and may cause mild vomiting or nausea.
Mistletoe has the potential to cause cardiovascular problems. However, mistletoe ingestion usually only causes gastrointestinal upset.
Holly ingestion could cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and lethargy.
HAZARDS AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE
Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers, which, if ingested, can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water can be breeding grounds for bacteria, which can also lead to vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea, if ingested.
Electric cords- Avoid animal exposure to electric cords. If they were chewed, they could electrocute your pet. Cover up or hide electric cords, never let your pet chew on them.
Ribbons or tinsel can get caught up in the intestines and cause intestinal obstruction.
Batteries contain corrosives. If ingested they can cause ulceration to the mouth, tongue, and the rest of the gastrointestinal tract.
Glass ornaments can cut the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract if ingested.
MEDICATIONS
Keep all prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs out of the reach of your pets, preferably in closed cabinets. Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer, drugs, antidepressants, vitamins, and diet pills are common examples of human medication that could be potentially lethal even in small dosages. One
regular-strength ibuprofen tablet (200mg) can cause stomach ulcers in a 10-pound dog. Remind holiday guests to store their medications safely as well.
During the holidays, many veterinary clinics have limited office hours. In some cases, pet owners try to medicate their animals without their veterinarian’s advice. Never give your animal any medications unless under the directions of veterinarian. Many medications that are used safely in humans can be deadly when used inappropriately. Less than one regular strength acetaminophen tablet (325mg) can be dangerous to a cat weighing 7lbs.
OTHER WINTER HAZARDS
Antifreeze has a pleasant taste. Unfortunately, very small amounts can be lethal. As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze can be deadly to a cat; less than four teaspoons can be dangerous to a 10-pound dog. Thoroughly clean up any spills, store antifreeze in tightly closed containers and store in secured cabinets. Automotive products such as gasoline, oil and antifreeze should be stored in areas that are inaccessible to your pets. Propylene glycol is a safer form of antifreeze. Low Tox™ brand antifreeze contains propylene glycol and is recommended to use in pet households.
If you think your pet has consumed antifreeze, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-4-ANI-HELP) right away!
Liquid potpourris are popular household fragrances commonly used during the holiday season. Pets are often exposed to liquid potpourri by direct ingestion from simmer pots or spills, or by rubbing against leaky bottles or simmer pots containing the potpourri, or from spilling the containers upon themselves. Oral exposures result following grooming. Exposure of pets to some types of liquid potpourris can result in severe oral, dermal and ocular damage.
Ice melting products can be irritating to skin and mouth. Depending on the actual ingredient of the ice melt and the quantity, signs of ingestion would include excessive drooling, depression, vomiting or even electrolyte imbalances.
Rat and mouse killers are used more commonly during colder weather. When using rat and mouse bait, place the products in areas that are inaccessible to your companion animals.
ALWAYS Be Prepared !!!!
Your animal may become poisoned in spite of your best efforts to prevent it. You should keep telephone numbers for your veterinarian, a local emergency veterinary service, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-4 ANI-HELP) in a convenient location. If you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous, seek medical attention immediately.
.” Kirby is doing much better. We had my sister’s dog here for the day. Kirby did great. He also is getting better with the PLACE command. He is easier to walk and not pulling on his chain. He is also ignoring some of the bigger dogs with the OFF command. Thanks so much .”
Kirby- a dog aggressive Bichon Frise
“I do see a marked improvement, and I can’t wait to work with him in the group classes with more distractions. He’s now even seeming to realize where his ‘place’ is! I also appreciate your help when I was running into trouble after the first session – the fact that I have a private coach is really great to rely on. ”
Tucker- 6 year old Golden Retriever
“My dog (Sky: American Eskimo and Poodle mix) was very aggressive and would nip at strangers if they went near my grandchildren or made any sudden moves. Compared to how he was before and now, I would say he is much calmer and easily controlled.”
Sky- People aggressive American Eskimo/Poodle Mix
“I learned an a lot about the proper use of an e-collar from you guys…it has helped me tremendously in certain areas. I don’t think we would have ever gotten the directionals down without it !!!”
Sirus- Lab Mix (Search and Rescue Dog: NJTF-1)
“I have a recycled Weimaraner and an Irish wolfhound that are enrolled in classes. I run every day with these dogs and my goal was to not get dragged. I can run with both dogs off lead and not worry about them running off..even when we scare up some deer. Thank you!”
Sapphire (Rescued Weimareiner) & Murphy (Irish Wolfhound)
“When we first got our Miniature Pinscher Max, Lisa came and worked with us, as well as him. He became a very loving and well behaved dog. After our older dog Angel passed away, Max was besdsie himself. He started making messes in his kennel and not behaving very well. We immediately called and Kristin came out to help. Since then Max has been better behaved, is not leaving us any presents in his kennel, and is much more content being by himself instead of having Angel with him.
Kudos to both Lisa and Kristin, you can see how they help any dog no matter what the issue may be.”
Max (Min Pin)
“I found it very helpful with the assistance I received with the training of my Westie, Winston. I have two Westie’s and had no trouble training my first one, but when I got the second one the disposition was so different that I required help and the help I received was very beneficial.”
Winston (Westie)
“You know my St Bernard Lizzy was kind of routy and did not listen very well…Your Sit Means Sit training has changed that and as you know, she is very good and obedient now. I have told many dog owners about Sit Means Sit because it works…”
Lizzy (St. Bernard)
On July 30th, Kristin Zimmerman of Sit Means Sit Southern NJ took two of her dogs, “Xanya” and “Pollux” to perform a demonstration at The Gymnastics and Cheerleading Academy in Cherry Hill NJ. “Xanya” made a splash with her retrieval skills in the camp pool, while “Pollux” showed off his gymnastic skills with some freestyle dance moves….and of course, both dogs showed off their obedience skills! Here are some pictures from the event:
Kristin with “Pollux” and “Xanya” on place
“Xanya” jumping over a chair
“Xanya” retrieving her toy
Retrieving again….one of her favorite games!
Kristin sending “Xanya” onto the playground equipment
“Pollux” weaving under Kristin’s legs
“Pollux” getting loved on by the kids
“Pollux” doing dance moves
Kristin talking to the kids poolside while “Xanya” waits for the go…
