We are certainly in the dog days of summer, and the temperatures are climbing! As dogs pant primarily rather than sweat, they are more susceptible to overheating. Follow the tips below to help keep your pet cool and safe this summer!
 Click on the photo to watch a tutorial on how to properly use a flirt pole
When summer hits and the days get super hot, we face the challenge of providing our pooches with appropriate mental and physical exercise without overheating them. To beat the heat, we have to get creative, and that is where the flirt pole comes in! Utilizing a flirt pole allows you to play with your dog in a way that they will find engaging, provide ample exercise in a short period of time, and has the added benefit of teaching impulse control, all while having a great time with your dog!
Benefits of Flirt Pole:
- Tucker out your dog without exhausting yourself
- Can be done in short bursts, great for hot or super busy days
- Engage in training while still having fun
- Teach valuable skills: sit, wait, drop it, and impulse control
All games have to have rules, and flirt pole is no different. For a safe and fun time, click the photo above to access the video and follow the guidelines listed below.
Flirt Pole Rules:
- Your dog must sit and wait before being allowed to play. If your dog is super excited/jumpy, keep the pole and toy close to your body and wait for them to calm down before playing.
- As you drop the toy and begin rotations give your dog a release cue such as "Free" so they know they may begin the chase.
- Let your dog win! It is okay for them to catch the toy. Let your dog catch the toy after 1-2 rotations to avoid overarousal and/or frustration.
- Engage in a short bout of tug-of-war if your dog is interested and then cue "Drop It" to have your dog release the toy. Provide a treat on the ground to entice your dog to release the toy.
- Gather the toy and pole close to your body and repeat play.
- Have fun!
The year 2020 has brought us many new challenges to overcome. Unfortunately, Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV), a highly contagious disease caused by a calicivirus, is one of them. For the first time, RHDV has been documented in both wild and domestic rabbits in North America. While we have not seen this virus in Illinois yet, we may. Preparation is the best prevention! Follow the tips above to protect your household buns. For more information, please visit the House Rabbit Society website.
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Meet Tim!
A retired high school teacher, Tim has been a DCAS volunteer since 2015! Tim is indeed a jack of all trades and can be seen at the shelter weeding playpens, emptying poop bins (our least glorious task), and doing what he loves most, working with the shelter dogs! Tim is a true dog lover; he committed to the shelter's Orange Paw program so that he could learn all he could to influence even the most challenging dogs positively. He puts his knowledge and compassion in action with the shelter dogs (particularly those that need a little extra TLC) and can often be found taking shelter dogs out for a car ride or facilitating playgroups. Tim has often said that teaching was his life's passion, and he is so grateful that he found something after retirement that brings him just as much joy and fulfillment. We are thankful that he chose us!
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Join DCAS Humane Educator, Andy, for a Zoom Educational Event! Upcoming dates are listed below. All presentations are free to attend. Click on the links and join us for an evening of animals and education!
- Friday, June 26th, 7-8pm: Bearded Buddies:Preparing For Bearded Dragon Ownership
- Wednesday, July 1st, 7-8pm: Animal Shelter Careers
- Wednesday, July 8th, 7-8pm: Choosing A Vegan Diet
- Wednesday, July 15th, 7-8pm: Positive Not Punitive: Scientifically Supported Training
- Wednesday, July 22nd, 7-8pm: It's Hip To Snip: Understanding Pet Overpopulation
- Wednesday, July 29th, 7-8pm: Cooperative Care: Building A Better Relationship
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