Honoring Animal Control Professionals

In this blog, I am continuously exploring and suggesting new approaches to capturing and handling dogs.  The most proficient individuals who do this are animal control officers and I wish to make it very clear that I honor their skills, knowledge, and experience. It is common around the world for the village or city or [...]

A Double Standard in How We View Aggressive Dogs. – Part 2

So what kind of double standard is their in how we view dogs?  Just think about the warm cuddly Cockapoo or the goofy black lab with a tail that knocks everything over in the house.  It is easy to have compassion for them.  If we see them suffering we quickly wish to help them and [...]

Dog Handling Courses are THREE Days!

I am very excited about the humane dog capture and handling courses.   There has never been an animal control course such as this.    Not only is there thorough instruction on chemical immobilization, I will cover a variety of approaches for physical restraint, boxtrapping, and the use of the Y pole.  Unlike the other courses, I [...]

Is This an Aggressive Wolf? – A Double Standard in How We View Aggressive Dogs – Part 1

In 1995-96, I was honored to be the Project Veterinarian for the  Gray Wolf Reintroduction Program.   Over a two-year period we captured wolves in Canada and relocated 66 wolves into Yellowstone Park and central Idaho.  It was awesome having touched and handled every one of those wolves.  I have since handled hundreds of captive and [...]

Dog Handling is Not Just Physical (Part 2 Dogs)

In my previous blog entry I described having a connection with the wild animals I work with and how I saw zoo caretakers asking their animal to cooperate with procedures such as blood collection and nail trims.  This is not  physically forcing an animal to do anything.   There is give and take between the animal [...]

Dog Handling is Not Just Physical (Part 1 Wildlife)

In my wildlife chemical immobilization courses (see my Seminar Schedule) I teach about connecting with the animals.  Even when I approach a black or grizzly bear in a Culvert trap, administer immobilizing drugs, radio-collar them and release them, I still create and feel a connection with the animal which improves how well I can care [...]

Have You Rescued Dogs in the Wake of A Disaster?

Have you captured or gathered dogs in a disaster response? I would like to hear from you. I made three trips to Louisiana and Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina at the request of the Humane Society of the US and have great respect for those who respond to disaster situations. I remember working in the city [...]

Headcovers for Dogs

The dog family, Canidae, which includes dogs, wolves, and coyotes love to hide.  They feel very safe hidden away in their dens.   Whenever you are working with dogs, cover their heads with a towel, or cover their trap or crate when you move them.  And some people will really like using this headcover. Over the [...]