News: Chongqing (China) lets guide dogs for blind in public

CHONGQING - Blind residents will be able to take their guide dogs on public transportation in Chongqing as the municipal legislature revised a draft regulation on the protection of the disabled on Friday.
The regulation will take effect on Jan 1.
When a third draft of the regulation was delivered for discussion at the meeting of the municipal people's congress standing committee on Wednesday, a stipulation that "blind people can take their guide dogs to public venues and public transportation", which appeared in the second draft, had been removed.
The reason given for the removal was that it conflicted with the local regulations on the management of rail traffic, which say: "No pets and other animals are allowed to be brought on the rail transport system and violators will be fined 20 yuan to 100 yuan ($3 to $15.4)".Read More

Upcoming Service Dog Training Seminars

PREVENTING PROBLEMS in Puppyhood: a 3-day seminar

Preventing Problems in Puppyhood 2011

A three day seminar for Puppy Class Instructors & Service Puppy Raisers

November 11, 12, 13, 2011



www.regonline.com/preventingproblemsinpuppyhood2011
<http://www.regonline.com/preventingproblemsinpuppyhood2011>

The majority of behaviour problems that are seen in adult dogs can be
easily prevented during puppyhood. Understanding the developmental
stages that pups go through and what they need in each stage will help
you to understand and address puppy needs to prevent problems in adult
dogs. We will discuss the pros and cons of puppy play, how to structure
object play to get the best results for individual pups, scheduling of
the puppy's day and week and spay and neuter. We will even have live
puppies on site for you to interact with during our socialization lab.
Join us this fall to get your puppy fix!


Featured speakers include: Sue Alexander CPDT CDBC, John Alexander "The
Puppy Guy" BA CPDT.

For more information or to register:

www.regonline.com/preventingproblemsinpuppyhood2011
<http://www.regonline.com/preventingproblemsinpuppyhood2011>


EARLY BIRD pricing available
Bring a friend and you get a $25 Discount (some conditions apply)
All three days include lunch and refreshments.
IAABC and CPDT CEUs pending!

This is a fragrance free event, held in beautiful Guelph, Ontario,
CANADA
________________________________________

SERVICE DOG SEMINAR 2012

Come join in North America's only 5th Annual SERVICE DOG SEMINAR.

June 1, 2 & 3, 2012

www.regonline.com/servicedogseminar2012
<http://www.regonline.com/servicedogseminar2012>



Learn about the world of service dogs and how they help people with
disabilities. Whether you are already partnered with a dog, looking for
a promising prospect or interested in how service dogs are trained,
everyone will take something new away from this seminar! Core sessions
include preparing for a service dog, operant conditioning, classical
conditioning, and people training. 2012 includes Carting with your
service dog, Successful Access and much more.



Service Dogs are encouraged to attend; friendly service dog candidates
are welcome.

TRAINING LABS and GUEST SPEAKERS including Sue Alexander CPDT CDBC, John
Alexander "The Puppy Guy" BA CPDT, Linda Alberda MBA, Brent Alberda MA,
Sharon Palmer, Melanie Woolley RVT


For more information or to register:

www.regonline.com/servicedogseminar2012
<http://www.regonline.com/servicedogseminar2012>


EARLY BIRD pricing available
Bring a friend and you get a $25 Discount (some conditions apply)
All three days include lunch and refreshments.
IAABC and CPDT CEUs pending!

This is a fragrance free event, held in beautiful Guelph, Ontario,
CANADA
________________________________________

Good Dog Seminar 2012

A three day seminar to help you meet the needs of your client's Good
Dogs with Big Problems!

Fall 2012 (Date to be determined)



Sue Alexander, CPDT, CDBC (featured speaker at the 2009 Canadian
Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers conference) will be sharing
information about learning theory, canine aggression, fear, reactivity,
adaptive and mal-adaptive behaviours, working co-operatively with the
veterinary and training communities, building support groups and
ensuring the safety of those who participate in a GOOD DOG program.



For more information or to register:

Email jen at dogsinthepark dot ca



EARLY BIRD pricing available

Bring a friend and you get a $25 Discount (some conditions apply)

All three days include lunch and refreshments.

IAABC and CPDT CEUs pending!



This is a fragrance free event, held in beautiful Guelph, Ontario,
CANADA

Happy International Assistance Dog Week!

Happy International Assistance Dog Week! All this week events  are taking place globally to celebrate the work assistance/service dogs and educate people about what a service dog does. The Willamette Valley Assistance Dog Club is celebrating with a Facebook post-a-thon and community information tables.

International Day of People with Disabilities: Service Dogs Around the World

Happy International Day of People with Disabilities!

International Day of People with Disabilities This Friday

 So, this Friday is International Day of People with Disabilities and as a part of my day job we are encouraging everyone to show their pride and support of people with disabilities by wearing purple. This a day to be seen and heard around the world letting people see through a sea of purple how many of us live and support people with disabilities  enjoying all basic human rights. How about it, will you wear purple?

The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December was established by the International Year for Disabled Persons (1981). The Day aims to promote a better understanding of disability issues with a focus on the rights of persons with disabilities and gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life of their communities. The goal of full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in society and development was established by the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1982. Read More about International Day of People with Disabilities.

News: Celebrate World Animal Day all week with Walgreens and Delta Society!

For one week starting Monday, October 4th, you'll be able to put your pet on the cover of a magazine, save money and support Delta Society all at the same time!

From October 4th thru 9th, Walgreen's Photo Centers will be offering their 8x10 "magazine cover" templates for $3.99 (regular price $5.99) when you use their coupon code MAGSALE. Choose from dozens of options including "Dog Fancy," "Cat Fancy," "Bird Talk," "Pet Scene" and many more. Either bring your photo into one of the many photo centers or upload your photo online and pick it up at the store.

Half the proceeds from the promotion will support Delta Society's work to promote the human-animal bond. All over the world, Delta Society's 10,000 Pet Partners® therapy animal teams bring comfort and healing to people who most need it.

So get out that camera and make your pet a star!

To get started, visit www.walgreens.com/deltasociety and follow these steps:

· Click on "Create"

· Click on the magazine cover you want to print

· You'll be prompted to login. If you don't already have a Walgreens account, you'll need to create one at this time

· Click the "Upload" button then click the "Browse" button to select the picture from your computer. Click the "Upload Now" button

· Drag your photo onto the template (If you see an orange triangle that means your photo is too low of a resolution to print & you'll need to pick a different picture)

· To edit the picture, hover your mouse over the picture, then click on the pencil

· When you're all done, click on "Continue"

· Review your order and click on "Add to Cart"

· Input the coupon code and click "Update Total"

· Click on "Checkout". Here you can choose to pick up the picture or have it shipped. Click "Continue"

· Select payment options (either pay now or at the store). Click "Continue"

· Review your order and click on "Submit Order"

More About World Animal Day

World Animal Day is celebrated each year on October 4th on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. Started in 1931 as a way of highlighting the plight of endangered species, the number of World Animal Day events taking place throughout the world has grown year upon year. Take this special day to commemorate your love of your own animal companions by creating a magazine cover with your pet and supporting Delta Society!

*Coupon code MAGSALE valid for up to 5 uses per account thru October 9, 2010. Code must be entered at time of checkout to apply discount. Discount does not apply to prints (any size), scrapbook pages, previous purchases, taxes or shipping charges. Orders must be placed by logged-in customer by October 9, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time to qualify. Timing will be determined by Walgreens server clock. Multiple coupon codes may or may not be used based on cart contents. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Exciting scholarship opportunity for 2010 IAADP conference

Come Join Us in Seattle!

     IAADP is looking for the future leaders of the assistance dog
movement. Thanks to our generous sponsor, Nutramax Laboratories,
IAADP will be able to provide two scholarships for IAADP members in
2010 where participants can learn more about issues of importance to
consumers in the assistance dog field.

The $500 scholarships will help to cover travel, hotel and
registration for the IAADP and Assistance Dog Club of Puget Sound
joint conferences.  The place: Seattle, Washington Embassy Suites;
the dates: Sept.25th (IAADP) and Sept. 26th (ADCPS)

Please provide the following background information:

1. Name
2. Address
3. Telephone
4. E-mail address
5. Name and breed of assistance dog
6. Type of assistance dog (guide, hearing or service)
7. IAADP member number

Please give us your thoughts on the following four questions: (No
more than 500 words per question)

1. What has been your involvement with the assistance dog movement?
2. What do you hope to get out of attending the conferences?
3. What do you see as the major issues confronting the assistance dog
movement in the next few years?
4. What role do you see yourself playing in addressing these issues?

Please provide three references, not family members.

For details about the conferences, check out
http://www.iaadp.org/conference.html
and
http://www.dogsaver.org/adc/conference2010.html




Please e-mail your completed application to Toni Eames at
eeames at csufresno.edu or send it in print, braille or on cassette to
3376 North Wishon, Fresno, CA 93704. Applications must be received by
July 20, 2010.

The IAADP Board looks forward to meeting you and your dog in
Seattle.  Of course, everyone with an interest in the assistance dog
field, including assistance dog partners, puppy raisers, trainers and
administrators are encouraged to register and attend the conferences.

Celebrating Earth Day: Earth Friendly Products for Service Dogs

From Shiloh, Summit Assistance Dog

I try to be as environmentally conscience as I can with the supplies and gear I use and buy for Shiloh, while keeping in mind my very real budget concerns. I recently had to switch from Organix, an organic (definition of organic from the USDA) dog food made locally in my home state to a natural (the USDA does not currently have a definition for "natural products" ) dog food because Organix--much as I and Shiloh love it-- just became too expensive for the budget.   AACFO that regulates the pet food industry defines "natural" as, "For the most part, "natural" can be construed as equivalent to a lack of artificial flavors, artificial colors, or artificial preservatives in the product. As mentioned above, artificial flavors are rarely employed anyway. Artificial colors are not really necessary, except to please the pet owner's eye. If used, they must be from approved sources, the same as for human foods. Especially for high-fat dry products, some form of preservative must be used to prevent rancidity. Natural-source preservatives, such as mixed tocopherols (a source of vitamin E), can be used in place of artificial preservatives. However, they may not be as effective" (taken from AACFO/FDA page on Pet Food Labeling). 

Food is just one area one can use to reduce the carbon foot print of a service dog. The pet product market is awash with biodegradable, sustainable, recyclable, and products made of reclaimed materials and according to The American Pet Products Association Survey of Pet owners in 2008/2009 the industry expects to see a continued demand for eco-friendly pet products of all kinds.

Examples of Eco-Friendly Products for the Busy Service Dog:

• Biodegradable waste bags
• Collars/Leashes/ Harnesses/ Beds made from recycled or sustainable materials such as recycled plastic, rubber, polyester; hemp; or bamboo to name a few.
• Organic or Natural food  (I hear all you Barf and Raw Diet people yelling at me to include you:))  

 * Note: I haven't linked to any specific Eco-Friendly pet products or companies because there are just too many and I do not want to offend you, my loyal readers, by leaving out your favorite company. Free free to discuss you favorites by leaving a comment on this article.

Examples of Eco- Friendly Practices for Life with Service Dog

• Bring Reusable traveling gear in your bag such as refillable water bottles, and reusable water bowl
• Save and/ or Trade outgrown vests/harnesses/collars. I cannot tell you how much money my friends with service dogs and I have saved by trading/loaning gear that does fit or is not being used. Not to mention we don't throw away things we otherwise might this way.
• Use biodegradable grooming products
• Turn the water off while soaping up your service dog in the bath
• Take your Service Dog in the Shower with you... Really, Seriously. I've done it and I know others who do this too.
• Turn those warn out towels and blankets into dog towels/bedding

Do you have other eco-friendly practices and tips you use in life with your service dog? Share them in the comments section!

Resources and More Information on Topics in this article:

1. FDA Pet Food Labels - General -Updated March 2010
2. Appendix: USDA-NOP Organic Pet Food Task Force Initial Report April 7, 2006 DRAFT GUIDANCE DOCUMENT FOR DISCUSSION ONLY Examples of Labeling Terms Allowed for Pet Food Compliant with State Regulations and Proposed Organic Regulations 
3. American Pet Products Association Survey of Pet owners in 2008/2009

News: IAADP and ADC Bring Joint Conference to the OuGet Sound

The International Association of Assistance Dog Partners and The Assistance Dog
Club of Puget Sound (IAADP/ADC)will be holding a joint conference on September
25 and 26, 2010 at the Embassy suites Hotel,
Seattle, WA

Information will be posted on the ADC website www.dogsaver.org/adc and the
IAADP website www.iaadp.org shortly.

The ADC presenters on Sunday September 26th will be:

• Karen Overall DVM speaking on Treating Aggression in the Working Assistance Dog

• Don Brandon Project Director DBTAC

Northwest Center for Continuing Ed in Rehabilitation
who will be speaking on Assistance Dogs in the Workplace: Rights and
Responsibilities

ADC will have round table topics at lunch.

News:New Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009 starts today

From today, all guide, hearing and assistance dogs will have access to public places and public passenger vehicles, including planes, under new Queensland legislation. Minister for Disability Services Annastacia Palaszczuk said the new Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009 will take effect from today with the tougher fines commencing fromSemptember 1st. Fines for denial of access will increase from $100 for an individual to up to $10,000 and from $500 to $50, 000 for a business. These rights and not with out increase requirements for the standards recognised assistance dogs and their partners must meet. Read more http://media-newswire.com/release_1094180.html.
The most interesting thing about this, though is currently there are no assistance dog programs approved under the act. See Queensland Government pages.
Handlers will also need to apply for a government ID card.

Shiloh Meets the ILEAD Delegation

Today, Shiloh and I had the pleasure of speaking with the delegates of the International Leadership Employment and Disability Exchange(I-LEAD) about service dogs for people with disabilities other than blindness, since most of them already knew about dog guides even if they did not have them available in their countries. While the discussion started off with the simple this is what Shiloh does for me the conversation quickly moved to how the dogs are trained, how people become service dog trainers, methods of training and working with dogs, and how dogs are chosen to become service dogs.
Shiloh and I spoke to three gentlemen, though I only caught two their home countries: Argentina and Brazil. Argentina does not yet have dog guides or service dogs. Brazil has two dog guide schools:

• Centro Integra de Treinamento de Cães-Guia
• IRIS Guide Dogs

However, Brazil does not have service dogs for other people with other disabilities. One of the men had been a veterinarian losing his sight. They were all amazed that my dog does not wear a slip collar (aka a choke chain) and that I did not punish her in any way physically, since they were most familiar with traditional correction based dog guide training. They wanted to know how I "controlled her" to, so I took off her light nylon buckle collar and her light cotton lead and handed to them to inspect up close.
They were also very interested in where trainers for service dogs come from. I explained that many people who become service dog trainers come from either dog training, veterinary, or health care backgrounds. The people gain their experience by apprenticing to established programs and working their way up for the most part. I also mentioned the Assistance Dog Institute as an option.
I also did a little show and tell with the clicker treats and Shiloh picking up the noisiest item I had with me, my keys. The delegates are focused on improving employment and independence for people with disabilities in their countries and see service dogs as a possible tool to help meet those goals. I really enjoyed talking with the delegates and hope Shiloh and I are invited to speak to future groups.