Holding pets from recent puppy mill rescues, adoption staff members and President Kathy Warnick told Martha's audience about the pet's progress. The segment was pretaped in our Headquarters Adoption Mall on February 26.
 

Bark in the Park is just around the corner. Have you signed up? The Midwest's largest dog walk and country fair will happen in Cricket Field at Forest Park on May 16. Proceeds benefit the Dr. Doolittle Fund which provides veterinary care for homeless animals.

Exciting Features this Year:

Purina® Incredible Dog Team will have talented dogs performing thrilling stunts!

Clydesdale Returns!- Get your photo taken with the Anheuser Busch Clydesdale while marveling at its beauty and size!

Radio Disney Crew will host games and dancing. Check it out near the kids activity area.

Penquins and other creatures from SeaWorld and Busch Gardens!

All of this and more! Don't miss out on the fun while helping homeless animals! Register today at hsmo.org/bark.

 

Rescue Update February Rescues Keep HSMO Busy

Two substandard puppy mill rescues occurring a week apart in February have kept the Humane Society of Missouri staff very busy.

On Feb. 13, working with the Greene Co., Mo. Sheriff’s office, Humane Society of Missouri staff removed nearly 100 Yorkshire Terriers from a propert near Seneca. Before their rescue, the dogs had been confined outside in wire cages, exposed to harsh winter conditions. Television icon Oprah Winfrey took an interest in the dogs, and invited the Humane Society of Missouri to visit the show on Feb. 20 to raise awareness about substandard puppy mills.

On the 19th, just one day before Oprah’s audience was sighing over the Yorkies, the determined Animal Cruelty Task Force removed 208 small- and large-breed dogs from freezing temperatures and filthy cages on the site of an unlicensed, substandard facility in Newton Co., Mo. Rescued breeds included Chihuahuas, Boston Terriers, Miniature Pinschers, Lhasa Apsos, Pomeranians, West Highland Terriers, Huskies, Chow Chows, and Shar-Peis. Approximately 30 were puppies; four were pregnant.

The Newton Co. rescue was precipitated by a woman who became suspicious when she was not allowed to see the parents of the puppy she bought. The sheriff investigated her tip and found evidence leading to the warrant and the rescue.

Both owners have been charged with animal abuse but, tragically, that often does not stop them from setting up another operation. For example, the Newton County owner was cited at least two other times according to public records. In January 2006, the USDA levied $10,000 in fines for multiple violations. In July 2007, the state seized 150 dogs from the property but no charges were filed at that time. Soon after, she had set up a new operation, this time without a license.

Adoption Update: We have thousands of interested adopters and plan to start placing some of the dogs with loving homes in late March.

We are no longer accepting adoption applications for the Yorkshire Terriers from Greene County.

Persons interested in adopting animals from the Newton County Rescue may fill out an Adoption Information form.
 

Our next training dates are Tuesday, March 31 and Tuesday, April 7th from 9am-Noon at our Headquarters location on Macklind Ave. To find out more and to reserve a limited spot, contact Jo Klepacki at 314-951-1572 or joellyn.klepacki@hsmo.org

Golden Retriever Murphy is more than an affectionate companion. Like Lassie the famous Collie, Murphy barks only when he has a good reason.

“Murphy seems to have this keen sense when there is trouble,” said Leslie Beck. Within three weeks after she and her son Sean Deckard adopted the Golden Retriever, Murphy’s incessant barking brought about the rescue of 

“We had recently adopted Murphy, and he was still adjusting to everything new,” explained Sean. “One day he was outside after that terrible snow and ice storm we had, and all of a sudden he started barking and would not quit. Some would not find this strange; however, in the short time we’d had him he never barked, not once.”

When Sean opened the back door, he saw the dog jumping on the wooden fence separating his house from apartments next door. Lying on the ice was an elderly neighbor, unable to right herself. “I rushed to get my boots on and helped her get to her apartment,” said Sean.

“Not a lot of people are in the apartments during the day,” added mom Leslie Beck. “It was very lucky for her that Murphy sensed something wrong.”

Two weeks later, Leslie let Murphy out late at night to go to the bathroom. “He started barking as in an attack mode,” said Leslie. She repeatedly corrected Murphy, but the dog would stop only a few minutes before resuming. “Murphy woke up my husband Larry, who looked out the back window and saw an intruder in the vacant home next door. We called the police, who recovered the copper pipes that the thief was taking.”

“Now, when Murphy barks, we pay attention,” added Leslie. Murphy the Marvel shares the family home with Honey, also adopted from the Humane Society of Missouri.

Classes to Help Dogs with Behavior Problems

We receive calls and emails on a daily basis about pets with problem behaviors that could threaten the animal’s happy home.  Many times the problems are unrelated to traditional training, but instead address behaviors such as these…

We adopted a Cocker Spaniel from a local shelter.  Mickey seems to be okay with women, but barks, growls and sometimes tries to bite men he sees, especially if they are wearing hats. We think he was abused by a man.   Mickey also goes crazy whenever we pass other dogs on walks.  We correct him by saying, “No” and pulling him away, but it doesn’t work.  In his last obedience class we flunked out because Mickey wouldn’t stop acting up.  In fact, when we used a special collar the instructor suggested to help stop this behavior, he even snapped at us.  We love him but worry that we may not be able to handle his barking and growling.  

Another email:

Last month we brought home an adorable toy poodle we named Tootsie.  We were told that Tootsie was part of a rescue and did not have any socialization. However, we were not prepared for what we faced.  Tootsie is petrified of anything that is new or different in our house.  She is very good with me, but won’t allow my husband to pet her and she hides under the sofa or bed when visitors come over.   Loud noises make her tremble and we cannot get her to walk on a leash.  Can you give us an idea on how to turn our fraidy cat into a social butterfly? 

I have great news for both of you! The Humane Society of Missouri offers classes for special needs pets that can help with both of these situations.

Our behavior classes are specialized programs for dogs showing fearful or aggressive behavior.  These are usually dogs that would not learn well in the typical Family Dog training class.  The program is designed to greatly reduce your dog’s fearful or threatening behavior. 

The program is designed for:
People with “reactive” dogs that

• Bark and/or lunge uncontrollably toward other dogs or unfamiliar people while on leash
• Bite the leash when they see others dogs or unfamiliar people.
• Growl when other dogs or unfamiliar people approach
• Show other disruptive behavior in group situations
  

People with shy or fearful dogs that

• Show fearful responses toward unfamiliar people, dogs, sounds, objects
• Hide, tremble, try to escape, or freeze in place when unfamiliar people or dogs approach

Once you complete the Dogs With Issues class, you will take your dog to either the Shy Dog or the Reactive Dog class.  The class that will be most beneficial for your dog will be determined when you complete two background questionnaires and bring your dog in for a 30 minute private evaluation of your dog’s behavior. 

The Shy and Fearful Dog classes are appropriate for dogs afraid of unfamiliar dogs, people, places or noises.

In Level 1 owners learn techniques to help their shy dogs relax and gain confidence. Once dogs have accomplished the skills necessary to become comfortable in the classroom setting, they can move on to the next levels.

In Levels 2 and 3 there is more focus on gradual and controlled introduction to unfamiliar people or dogs to continue building your dog’s self-confidence. Dogs that complete the necessary skills for these levels are often ready to move into the regular Family Dog Classes.

For dogs that may be reactive or overly rowdy, we have a Reactive Dog Class.  This class is for dogs that bark, growl or lunge at other dogs or people.  We teach owners how to safely manage the dog's behavior, how to build their dog's confidence (when that is the underlying issue) and how to teach the dog new behaviors, including self-restraint.

Level 1 focuses on building the basic skills you and your dog need to successfully change your dog's old behavior. You and your dog will move up to Level 2 when you can complete all the required skills taught in Level 1.

Level 2 focuses on increased real-world situations you and your dog may encounter. You work on implementing your dog's new skills in these situations. Both levels of the class can be repeated until you achieve competency with all the skills. Upon completion of both class levels, some dogs may be eligible to attend Family Dog classes or specialized advanced classes for Dogs With Issues.

These classes follow the guidelines provided by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. These classes will not address severe behavior issues and they are not designed to take the place of a thorough behavior consultation with a certified veterinary behaviorist.  We always recommend that an owner experiencing behavior issues such as the ones we describe here first consult with their veterinarian to ensure there are not medical issues underlying the problem.  We also refer owners to a certified veterinary behaviorist if the issues cannot be addressed in our classes.

Former and current students:
“If I haven't said it already, can I just tell you "thank you" for the difference you have made in our lives?  A year ago, I was crying in the bathroom, thinking the only solution was to give Spidey a new home--  My husband couldn't stand his barking at the other dogs and I didn't know what to do to make it better.  The trainer I hired to come to our home took us in a totally wrong direction and only made things worse.  Now, even though Spidey still barks, I see a big improvement in him and certainly feel more confident in my ability to manage his behavior.  I know I have the right tools and am building the right skills to change his behavior over time.  So thank you!” Angie F.

“Being around other dogs & people in a controlled situation [has been the most helpful part of these classes]” anonymous evaluation

“Thanks again -- you do such an amazing job and I know [we] feel so lucky to have had the growly dog class.” - Former student

“The clicker helps, period, any time, any way.  I did not like it at first, and it is not an easy skill.  I was a bit hesitant to make noise in a Shy Dog class, but …the clicker was well worth it.  It is a skill that you taught me was worth figuring out.  I thoroughly support and use the clicker now.” anonymous evaluation

“The visitors to the class have been a diverse group … These classroom surprises are key encounters for shy dogs.  I’m sure they’re hard to manage, and I for one appreciated the effort that went into arranging this, and very much appreciated the time and trouble of each visitor that came.” anonymous evaluation

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