• (208) 721-7221
    • Emotional Support Dog, Therapy Dogs and Service Dogs

    Emotional Support Dog, Therapy Dogs and Service Dogs

    November 24, 2024 Fran Jewell
    Off
    Wood River Weekly A-M

    A while back, a flight attendant was bitten by an Emotional Support Dog (ESA) and required 5 stitches.  This is a travesty for all dogs, service dogs, the flight attendant, as well as the general public. Being exposed to - with nowhere to escape inside a plane – an aggressive dog is a horrible experience.  Yet, consistently, people claim their pet dog to be an ESA by buying a doctor’s prescription online, and a vest. Anyone who does this is not only being fraudulent,

    + Read More
    Double the Fun or Double the Trouble?

    Double the Fun or Double the Trouble?

    November 24, 2024 Fran Jewell
    Off
    Wood River Weekly A-M

    If you have ever visited my website, you will find a page called “No Bones About It” which is my two bits of free advice and how I arrived at this newspaper column title.  This is where I tell it like it is without any sugar coating. I talk about having two puppies, especially from the same litter: “Two puppies (especially siblings) are not better than one, unless you don't want to have any relationship at all with your dogs.

    + Read More
    Dominance!! That Evil Word

    Dominance!! That Evil Word

    November 24, 2024 Fran Jewell
    Off
    Wood River Weekly A-M

    Never has there been a more highly debated conflict in opinion among dog trainers in the history of time. Either one purports the “Dominance Myth” or you are just wrong.  How difficult does this make finding a dog trainer for the everyday dog owner?  In my experience, “dominance” has been equated with harsh punishment. In my humble opinion it should not be.

    + Read More
    Dog Bullies – It Begins at Home

    Dog Bullies – It Begins at Home

    November 24, 2024 Fran Jewell
    Off
    Wood River Weekly A-M

    We all remember that kid in school with a gang behind him that bullied someone who was a bookworm, or wore glasses, or even just didn’t have the cool clothes.  The bully had to prove he or she was stronger, cooler, or just wanted a good laugh.  We are all aware of the cyber bullying going on in schools now with the proliferation of cell phones resulting in the emotional devastation to the victims.  Well, in the dog world things are not much different. 

    + Read More
    Do’s and Don’ts of Owning a Fearful dog

    Do’s and Don’ts of Owning a Fearful dog

    November 24, 2024 Fran Jewell
    Off
    Wood River Weekly A-M

    Our hearts go out to the dog that is shy or even fearful about life.  We are drawn to the dog in the back of the kennel at the shelter that appears to have had a rough life and is afraid to even come visit you.  We instinctually want to nurture this dog back to a happy dog.  Or we are drawn to the puppy that crawls into your lap seeking shelter from the other puppies.  As humans, we have big hearts and want nothing more than to help!

    + Read More
    Why Should I DNA Test My Dog?

    Why Should I DNA Test My Dog?

    November 24, 2024 Fran Jewell
    Off
    Wood River Weekly A-M

    Today, DNA testing for breed is a common place and easy thing to do.  There are many companies that offer testing at very reasonable prices that are more and more correct.  I have even DNA tested my pure bred dog for breeding purposes to ensure identity.  But, why would I DNA test a mutt or mixed breed dog?  Since the beginning of domestication of the wolf to a dog, we humans have sought to breed for certain characteristics from the wolf to help us improve our everyday lives.

    + Read More
    Creating a Dominant or Aggressive Dog

    Creating a Dominant or Aggressive Dog

    November 24, 2024 Fran Jewell
    Off
    Wood River Weekly A-M

    Many people don’t even believe in dog “dominance.”  It has now become an evil word if you are a modern dog training enthusiast.  Merrium-Webster dictionary defines it as “more important, powerful, or successful than most or all others.”  I watch dog behavior day after day and see one dog that pushes another around, or one that controls all the interactions.  Social hierarchy is EXTREMELY important to dogs even though it might not be how we humans like to view our sweet, adorable companions.

    + Read More
    Socialization – It’s NOT What You Think

    Socialization – It’s NOT What You Think

    November 24, 2024 Fran Jewell
    Off
    Wood River Weekly A-M

    Years ago, most people never bothered with socializing their dogs.  As a kid, we never did and yet our family dog was friendly with people and never ran off to play with other dogs.  In fact, we were the only people on our block that had a dog!  Now, dog owners have clearly gotten the message that socialization is extremely important to the development of their puppies.

    + Read More
    “Come as the Cure”

    “Come as the Cure”

    November 24, 2024 Fran Jewell
    Off
    Wood River Weekly A-M

    Most of us realize that teaching our dog to “come” is extremely important, especially in areas where dogs are allowed many times of the year to run free on Forest Service land (except during the summer) and on many trails.  Due to an active lifestyle, people take their dogs everywhere. Contrary to popular belief, a dog running free is not a God-given right of every dog.  As a responsible dog owner, we need to understand that for the safety of other people and dogs, and the safety of our own dog, he must have a 100% recall.  An 80% “come” command is not acceptable if your dog is going to be off-leash.

    + Read More
    Collars and Harnesses

    Collars and Harnesses

    November 24, 2024 Fran Jewell
    Off
    Wood River Weekly A-M

    I don’t usually write much about equipment for dogs because I have always believed that equipment should be discussed and recommended for the individual dog.  I also believe there is a time and place for the use of almost every piece of equipment. However, I recently spent some time with many of my NADOI colleagues.  I had a few eye-openers and reinforcements for feelings I have had about some equipment. I am not a veterinarian, but I am confronted with harnesses on a daily basis. 

    + Read More