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(C) N2Paws
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 N2Paws Newsletter -- March/April 2008 Download Word Document Do Dogs Smile? Do Cats Grin?
Our animal companions have emotion, just like we do, and their facial expressions show the signs. This topic has been covered by several animal behaviorists. One of my favorites is Patricia McConnell; her latest book For the Love of a Dog, Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend, discusses how our pets show emotion. My greatest enjoyment is to help people enhance the emotional bond between themselves and their animal companions. This can be accomplished through a better understanding of animal language so that you will effectively and respectfully communicate with your furry or feathered friend. I recommend engaging in positive methods of training, providing environment enrichment, offering your companion tools to enhance physical, mental and emotional health (be that through nutrition, touch, supplements, energy or communication). I urge you to explore the different ways that you can make your animal companion smile :-).
We can even find smiles in wildlife, as this photo captured a Ruby Crowned Kinglet who seems to be quite content.
Top Ten Ways to make your Animal Companion Smile:
1. A tasty treat
For those pets that get concerned about storms, we can offer them comforting and holistic choices for reducing their stress levels. TTouch body wraps are a great technique for calming your anxious dog. An alternative to the body wrap is a t-shirt. The effect is like swaddling a baby. If your companion needs an extra boost, the Amazon Herb called Calmazon is a nice supplement (www.n2paws.amazonherb.net) or flower essences such as Rescue Remedy. As we nourish our lawns and gardens and enjoy the renewed life that comes with Spring, let us be mindful of our animal companions’ obstacles and help them enjoy the season with us.
N2paws made another TV appearance, this time on the KMBC local news. The news story featured Doga, yoga for dogs, where a class of dogs and their human companions enjoyed a relaxing and bonding experience. Doga is good for the mind, body & spirit and a NY class was featured on the ABC World News recently. Check out the event list below for future classes.
Tip:
Focus on the positive: If your dog or cat displays a behavior that you don’t want, choose a behavior that is acceptable or desired, redirect them, and reward the new behavior. You can’t train away from what you don’t want but you can train toward what you do want
Quote
"After scolding one's cat one looks into its face and is seized by the ugly suspicion that it understood every word and has filed it for reference."- Charlotte Gray
Sam was one of 5 dogs that attended a TTouch workshop in March. He has anxiety around people, new environments, loud noises, etc., but worst of all he vomits in the car. He is a perfect candidate for TTouch. The workshop allowed him the experience of a new environment and new people in a safe place to learn. He definitely gained confidence throughout the workshop taking treats from people and carrying himself with his head high and wanting to explore. The best transition occurred on his way home, wearing a new t-shirt, he made it all the way without throwing up (even after eating all those treats). He has since been able to make a couple of short rides without throwing up. The beauty of TTouch is giving the body a successful experience on which it can grow confidence!
Ginger Pye was another one who has anxiety in new situations and is nervous in the car. She decided to sport a t-shirt on her way home as well.
Indy is a seven month old purebred red and white pup that came into rescue after his owner became ill. Indy was left in a back yard with his sibling and they had little human contact or opportunity to learn about the world past that small back yard.
He is playful, loves other dogs and adores cuddling with his foster mom, however, he is trying to overcome many fears of people and the world. On meeting new people he will back away and hide. He can be fearful of leaving his crate to go outside. Indy needs a guardian who understands his fears and will help him overcome them through patience and positive exposure. A little TTouch wouldn’t hurt either. The lucky adopter of Indy may contact me for discounted services.
You may check out Indy or any of his peers at MOKAN Border Collie Rescue www.mokanbcrescue.org.
April – Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month
If you would like to learn more about TTouch, you may contact N2paws by email: pat@n2paws.com or 816-522-7005, for a private session, group workshop or a public speaking engagement for your club or organization. Also, visit our website www.n2paws.com, for interesting links and current workshop schedule.
You may contact Pat for any questions:
Email: pat@n2paws.com
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