Drool School by Amy Robinson

News and timely tips for you and your dog from Amy L. Robinson, CPDT. Contact Amy for an interview at amy@droolschool.com or call (772) 696-2032. Amy has appeared live on television news programs in Chicago and Palm Beach, Florida and in the Chicago Tribune, Business Week magazine, the San Francisco Chronicle and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Her article, “Kids and Dogs, Turning Promises Into Practice” was published in BARK magazine.

July 29, 2008
For Immediate Release:
Hurricane Preparedness for your pets

(contact Amy Robinson at amy@droolschool.com )

Peak hurricane season is fast approaching, and while you may be ready with hurricane shutters and supplies laid in, are you thinking about an evacuation plan that includes your pets?

Dog trainer Amy Robinson knows first-hand of the nightmare scenarios that can occur during hurricanes. She participated in animal rescue on the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina. “It’s so important to include your pets in evacuation plans. Far from being a hassle, your pets will be a comfort to you when you are away from home,” says Robinson.

Robinson supplies these tips to plan an evacuation with pets;

If a relative’s or friends’ house off the coast is your destination, don’t assume it’s OK to bring pets, ask ahead of time.

List things you’ll need and have them on hand, including vet’s name and phone #, ID tags on your pet’s collar (many pets could not go home after Hurricane Katrina because they had no ID)

On your essential list: get a crate for your dog and your cat. Start acclimating your pets to it now, especially cats that may only use a crate when they are going to the vet. Toss delicious treats in the crate and allow your pet to discover them. You can even do a trial trip for a few hours or an overnight to practice. Whether you are going to a friend’s, relative’s, shelter or hotel, the crate will tell your hosts that you are responsible and careful with their property, and you’ll be welcomed back.

Have a back-up or second choice: hotels are good options and many will accept pets during hurricanes, but you’ll need to pre-register and make a deposit. Get your rate quote now, so you won’t be surprised when you arrive.

The Loews chain is pet-friendly and has only a modest fee for pets ($25), unlike some that will charge in excess of $100 for pets (3 hotels in Orlando) Loews provides your pet with a gift bag and welcome letter!

Check out county shelter options:

Florida is ahead of the curve in helping people with pets, after lessons learned in Katrina. Every state is now required by law to have a shelter where pets are welcome, in order to qualify for emergency funds from the federal government. Check with your local county (we’ll cite examples for a couple of larger FL counties)

Another option: consider signing up as an on-call volunteer at your local humane society. Many of these facilities will house volunteers and their pets during a hurricane, in exchange for your hard work at the shelter during and immediately following the storm. Establish this relationship early, and you’ll have to go through volunteer training, but what a great way to stay safe and give back to your community.

July 27, 2008 - Press Release
Stay-cations with your dog

Airline hassles and high gas prices are keeping people close to home this summer. One member of the family is thrilled about this: your dog!

There are lots of fun things to do in South Florida and along the Treasure coast that include your best furry friend. “There are benefits to hanging out with your dog this summer” says dog trainer Amy Robinson. “Dog owners burn more calories than non-dog owners, and your dog is a social equalizer.”

For day trips, Robinson recommends taking your dog for a window-shopping walk in town to see and be seen. “Citiplace walk in West Palm Beach is a good choice. A walk in a social environment stimulates your dog’s mind, and that is just as satisfying as a run for him”, says Robinson. If it’s not too hot, a cool drink for you and a bowl of water for your dog can be enjoyed at Field of Greens’ sidewalk tables.

Dog parks are great if your dog plays well with others, and most county and state parks allow dogs on leashes on marked trails and selected campsites. There are dog-friendly beaches along the east coast where you can dip a toe, and a paw in the water with other dog lovers. Check with your county animal control to find the legal spots. In St. Lucie County, check out Walton Rocks beach, where you and your pooch can enjoy the cool breeze off the ocean. There is also

If you are looking for pampering, the Loews hotels in Orlando, Miami Beach and St. Pete Beach will be happy to show you and your pet the good life. Your dog will be welcomed with a gift bag and bowls, along with a letter from the concierge. If Disney is in your future, keep in mind new kennels are being planned at the parks featuring nature walks and play groups.

RRobinson, creator of the family dog training DVD, “Drool School”, suggests all this together time requires some advance planning, especially if kids are part of the package. “Set yourself and your dog up for success by taking a class to brush up on commands and socialization. This stimulates your dog’s brain and gives you the confidence and leadership skills to get out in public areas together. You’ll both enjoy your outings a lot more.”

July 4, 2008 - Press Release
Fear of Fireworks? Keep Your Dog Safe and Relaxed on July 4th

For most of us, the Fourth of July holiday brings up happy memories of barbeques, family get-togethers and best of all, fireworks. While we may enjoy this noisy holiday, many of our dogs are traumatized by the fireworks. Dog trainer Amy Robinson has first-hand experience with fear responses in dogs. “It is very common for dogs to be fearful of noises from sources unknown to the dog, such as cars backfiring, thunder and especially fireworks. In fact, rather than getting used to noises over time, as dogs age, the fear usually increases.”

It can be a pitiful sight: your dog worried and cowering from the fireworks noise, but Robinson advises refraining from comforting him. “Our natural response is to pet and soothe our dogs, but from the dog’s point of view, it is interpreted as approval of his fear reaction.” Robinson suggests ignoring the noise completely, because your dog is a good study of body language and will be watching your reaction closely. “My dog, Bella, was always afraid of any popping noise, such as fireworks make, so we would draw the blinds, put on soft music, and talk normally to put her more at ease.” Robinson tells clients to give your dog a safe and secure hiding place, such as an interior bathroom with no windows or a walk-in closet, but leave the door open so the dog doesn’t feel too isolated.

IIf you are heading out to a backyard barbeque, resist the temptation to bring your dog. “People start blowing off their firecrackers in the early afternoon, and sometimes the day before, so you are almost certain to have a frightened dog on your hands. Instead, counsels Robinson, take your dog out well before dark for a quality walk, and make them comfortable for the night.

July 1, 2008 - Press Release
School’s Out- Time to Get a Dog?

Timing is everything, and summer vacation is the time many families will consider taking the plunge; not into the deep end of the pool, but into dog ownership.

Certified dog trainer Amy Robinson specializes in helping families with children smooth out the rough spots with a new dog or puppy. “I call the first 30 days the honeymoon period. That’s when the dog is new and the novelty hasn’t worn off yet.” Robinson suggests establishing a sensible routine right away and setting ground rules everyone in the family can follow.

Here are some of her tips for success:

Set up a job chart for dog chores- Family members can sign up for one chore a day, like feeding breakfast or walking after school. Chores get divided fairly and the dog gets used to a routine.
Encourage productive play- Practicing retrieving skills with a ball and teaching your dog to come to you using a squeaky toy cleverly combine play with training. Avoid overly stimulating chasing games that can cause the dog to jump and nip.
Set rules everyone can follow- If the dog is not allowed on furniture when parents are home, but is lounging on the sofa with the kids after school, the dog becomes confused.
Go for a walk- The dog loves to investigate the neighborhood, which exercises his mind and his body, and the dog-owner bond is strengthened through this shared activity.

March 13, 2008
“Spring Break Can Be Dog Days"
An entire week off from school and homework is a rite of Spring most children anticipate with glee. They make plans and play dates, often forgetting about the wet, black nose pressed to the window as they ride by on bikes and skateboards. Dog trainer Amy Robinson knows the dog often gets the short end of the stick during Spring break. “Including the dog in some family activities and social time can be very rewarding, and help to teach the kids responsibility lessons,” says Robinson, creator of the “Drool School” DVD for kids and dogs. Robinson’s tips for including Fido in the fun:

1. Get moving: Round up the kids and the dog and take a walk sans cell phones and music players. This is physically and mentally stimulating for the dog, and a great opportunity to connect with the kids

2. A walk in the park: Get out of your neighborhood and see some new sights (and smells). Check out local parks that allow leashed dogs and get a fresh outlook. Park districts will have nature trails suitable for walking your dog.

3. Take your dog to lunch: In Florida, March is sidewalk café weather. Many forward-thinking municipalities are now allowing dogs at outdoor eateries, where your dog can sit at your feet and await a tidbit.

44. Teach some tricks: Local libraries have books on dog care, training and teaching easy tricks. Kids don’t want to do dog chores, but teaching a trick doesn’t seem like work. Both the kids and the dog will enjoy the sense of accomplishment.

September 28, 2007 - Press Release
“Drool School” earns Parents’ Choice Award

“Drool School”, a family dog-training guide from Vero Beach dog trainer Amy Robinson, has earned the “Recommended” award from the Parents’ Choice Foundation. “It is so important for kids and dogs to coexist safely”, says Robinson. “I’m thrilled that the Parents’ Choice Foundation has recognized “Drool School” as a valuable tool for families”

Reviewer Ann Oldenburg for Parents’ Choice writes: “In the 45-minute video, she offers valuable tips to parents in teaching kids how to act around dogs. Anyone watching the video could easily try what she recommends to accomplish basic dog training, and that’s sure to lead to a happier life for owner and dog”. The Parents’ Choice Foundation is the nation’s oldest, nonprofit guide to children’s media and toys. According to their website, a good DVD should entertain and teach, stimulate imagination, and lead a child to reading.

Safety for kids and dogs is an increasing concern for parents. The Center for Disease Control reports that odds are 3.2 to 1 that a bite victim is a child and 70% of those bites are to the face. “Family dogs can be reliable and productive family members if properly prepared,” according to Robinson. “Dogs will respect a leader, so we teach parents how to lead and make training fun for the kids so they’ll stay involved.”

Amy Robinson has been training dogs since 1989, and has lived in Vero Beach since 2000, where she does private dog training and teaches classes. The DVD is available at The Barkery in downtown Ft. Pierce, the Vero Beach Book Center, and through her website, www.droolschool.com..

October 22, 2007 - Press Release
Pet Picks for a Safe Halloween

Halloween can be loads of fun for the whole family, but pets need to be considered. Every year, parents are warned to protect and supervise their children but sometimes families forget to safeguard pets on this noisy and unpredictable night. Dog trainer Amy Robinson, author of “Drool School” award-winning DVD for kids and dogs, has some tips to keep pets and kids safe and happy.

Dogs- All that doorbell ringing and funny-looking children can really agitate even a well-mannered dog. Your dog should not be allowed access to the door during this active time. Dogs are often frightened by the strange costumes and chants of “Trick or Treat”. Some dogs will react with fear and try to dart out the door and look for a place to hide. A loose dog can become lost at night very quickly and find his way to a busy street.

Cats- Many people have cats that go outside on a daily basis, often at night when cats are most active. While this is not an ideal situation for a cat, Halloween makes it especially dangerous for your cat to be out. Keep your cat indoors not just on Halloween, but the day before as well. Pranksters have been known to steal cats for their own sinister purposes, putting your cat right in harm's way. If your cat is unaccustomed to being indoors for a long period, try making a nice, homey area for your cat in a bedroom or other area you can close. A porch is a possibility is it locks. Spend time in that area with your cat, using toys and treats to interact in a positive way, so your cat doesn't feel trapped. Keep a clean litter box in the room, and allow the cat access to looking out the window. The two days of confinement may be an inconvenience, but could very well save your cat's life.

KKids and Dogs- Trick or treaters need to be told to keep on the sidewalks and avoid cutting across lawns and through unfenced yards. Many people have underground fencing and a dog could be outside, ready to defend his perceived territory. Just about any dog witnessing a bunch of strangely dressed kids running through the yard is going to react to that. Most bite victims are children and the dog involved is usually the family dog or a dog known to the child. To the dog, kids look very different on Halloween when it is dark, and a preventable biting incident could occur. Once kids arrive home with their bounty, remind them not to share with the dog or cat. Chocolate can be deadly for dogs and cats may play with and ingest harmful wrappers. Put the uneaten candy away in a secure location where curious pets can’t reach it.

May 7, 2007 - Press Release
Vero Beach Book Center Hosts Kids and Dogs Expert Amy L. Robinson
Contact Amy Robinson (772) 696-2032 Or Vero Beach Book Center (772) 569-6650

Nationally recognized and certified dog trainer Amy Robinson will be appearing at the Vero Beach Book Center on May 12th at 2:00PM. “The Book Center is delighted to host an interactive program from the creator of “Drool School” said Cynthia rabenbauer of the Vero Beach Book Center. Robinson will bring a puppy and an adult dog to demonstrate training and safe practices hands-on. “It will be interactive” confirms Robinson. “Kids will get a chance to try some training techniques and learn the right ways to approach, pet and play with a dog.” Bite prevention will also be addressed, with practical tips for parents to help keep their children safe. The program will follow the training and safety tips from her new DVD, “Drool School”, which was filmed and produced entirely in Vero Beach.

TThe Vero Beach Book Center is located at 2145 Indian River Boulevard in Vero Beach. The DVD “Drool School” is available for purchase at the Book Center for $23.95 plus tax.

May 6, 2007 - Press Release
Dog Trainer Teaches Kids and Dogs to Be Safe; Behave

Most of us remember growing up with a dog in the family. Childhood dogs played the role of babysitter, guard dog, dress-up mannequin, ottoman, confidant, and all-around angel, complete with glowing halo. Perhaps we remember only the best about our early years with the family dog, and forget about that time the dog used his teeth to express his displeasure when we tried to taste his food while he was eating. You may be surprised to learn that kids are the most frequent dog bite victims, with boys aged five through nine most at risk (Center for Disease Control). Certified Pet Dog Trainer Amy Robinson specializes in helping families enhance their relationship with their dog, and shares some tips:

Read the body language- You recognize when your kids are over-stimulated and primed for the Mother-Of-All-Tantrums. Keep an eye on your dog for similar signs. Is she very wide-eyed and panting rapidly? Constantly circling the children, or even bumping them with her head or shoulder? Jumping up and grabbing at sleeves? Use diplomacy and re-directing skills to turn the dog’s attention away from the kids and back to you. Put the leash on the dog and allow her to watch the kids play a game she would normally interrupt. When she tries to get in the middle, just say, “Come” and bend your knees, extend your hand outward holding a tasty treat, and take two steps backward. This body language is a clear invitation to your dog to come straight to you. Offer the prize and praise the dog. You have successfully rehearsed the dog to perform a preferred behavior, and turned the dog’s focus back to you. With practice, you’ll soon see your dog glance over her shoulder at you instead of going to the kids.

Play with a purpose- When kids and dogs get together outdoors, play can really escalate. As a parent, you can keep it from getting out of hand by coordinating a game they can play together. Try the old Red Light, Green Light, with a twist. Give one of the children a large, plush toy to carry. Keep your dog on a leash and hold a couple of tasty treats in your free hand. Yell “Green Light” and have the kids start running slowly. Now ask your dog to sit by putting that treat directly in front of his nose, and lifting slightly up and back over his head. You may need to help him further by cupping your hand behind his tail. Once he sits, give the treat and release him by saying, “OK”. Now yell “Red Light” so the kids stop, and allow your dog to “find” the child with the plush toy, and have the child drop it on the ground for your dog to claim. Big praise all around! Now try it again, asking the kids to run a little faster. Give the plush toy to a different child, and do it all over. After 3 or 4 repetitions, your dog will have satisfied his chasing urge safely, and the kids will have spent some of their excess energy. The dog sees you are in control, and begins to look to you for guidance in stimulating situations. The kids learn that when the dog is chasing them, they need to freeze. Offer a prize for the fastest freeze when you yell “Red Light” to get your point across.

Teach your children well- Preschoolers are not too young to learn how and when to approach and pet the dog. Bites occur usually as a result of hugging or grabbing the dog for a kiss, or invading the dog’s space while eating or sleeping. Many young children approach dogs in an exuberant manner, wanting to hug them or hold the dog’s head in both hands and ask for a kiss. As cute as this may seem to humans, dogs see only a gross invasion of their space and no means of escape. Children are the most frequent bite victims, and it is often due to this kind of over-the-top greeting. The good news is, your preschoolers can learn how and when to approach and pet the dog. Hold your child’s hand and have him imitate you. Reach out with a flat hand, staying at least two feet away from the dog, giving him the option to close the distance and complete the greeting in a relaxed manner. Now touch the dog under the chin and on the shoulder, and encourage your child to pet in these places in slow motion, gently praising your dog for remaining calm. Children go right for the top of the dog’s head. This is a dominant move that will cause most dogs to turn and sniff or mouth the hand, startling your child into a hasty retreat. Once you’ve shown your children the preferred places to pet, have them point to their own shoulders and under their chins to demonstrate how to pet the dog. Again, the dog sees you are in control and enjoys the interaction. Give your dog his own sanctuary in which to eat and sleep, and make those areas off limits to the kids.

As a parent, you can help manage the situation and improve the relationship between your children and your dog. The beautiful thing about dogs is they crave your leadership, and are looking for instructions. Show the dog what to do, and he’ll be happy to oblige. At the same time, the dog will recognize if you are not in charge of your kids (a petulant child yelling “No” at you is the dog’s first clue). Get a little alone time with the dog to reinforce simple commands like “Come” and “Watch”. These two commands will be your “go to” commands to redirect the dog away from the kids and bring him back to you.

Younger children sometimes have a “just push play” button in their heads when, during certain times of the day, chaos reigns. The same can be true of your dog. Owners will nervously describe their dogs as “just going crazy”, usually after the family is through with dinner. If your dog rips around the house like a missile, tail tucked and tongue flapping, you are not alone. Those cartoon-like scrambles represent a joyful outburst, and are perfectly healthy. From the dog’s point of view, it’s perfect timing: the family “pack” is together and well fed, and now it’s playtime. Think of the public television specials you’ve seen on wolves or coyotes, and how playful they get after the hunt is over and all have eaten. You can coordinate this desire to play with the establishment of a new family tradition: taking a short walk after dinner. Leave the dishes, cell phones and I-pods behind and give each other, the dog included, your undivided attention. This has mental and physical health benefits for the human members of the family (older kids may gripe at first, but will thank you years later for this memory), and the dog has satisfied at least some of that rowdy play urge. A 20-minute walk can be a great way to reconnect with family members and get some light exercise before the nightly plop in front of the TV.

When kids and dogs get together outdoors, play can really escalate. As a parent, you can keep it from getting out of hand by coordinating a game they can play together. Try the old Red Light, Green Light, with a twist. Give one of the children a large, plush toy to carry. Keep your dog on a leash and hold a couple of tasty treats in your free hand. Yell “Green Light” and have the kids start running slowly. Now ask your dog to sit by putting that treat directly in front of his nose, and lifting slightly up and back over his head. You may need to help him further by cupping your hand behind his tail. Once he sits, give the treat and release him by saying, “OK”. Now yell “Red Light” so the kids stop, and allow your dog to “find” the child with the plush toy, and have the child drop it on the ground for your dog to claim. Big praise all around! Now try it again, asking the kids to run a little faster. Give the plush toy to a different child, and do it all over. After 3 or 4 repetitions, your dog will have satisfied his chasing urge safely, and the kids will have spent some of their excess energy. The dog sees you are in control, and begins to look to you for guidance in stimulating situations. The kids learn that when the dog is chasing them, they need to freeze. Offer a prize for the fastest freeze when you yell “Red Light” to get your point across.

Another way to discourage chasing and nipping behavior is to re-direct the dog using the Come command. Put the leash on the dog and allow her to watch the kids play a game she would normally interrupt. When she tries to get in the middle, just say, “Come” and bend your knees, extend your hand outward holding a treat or fabulous toy, and take two steps backward. This body language is a clear invitation to your dog to come straight to you. Offer the prize and repeat this a few times. You’ll soon see your dog glance over her shoulder at you instead of going to the kids. Again, you have conditioned her to check with you before she acts inappropriately. Now try the “Watch” command to achieve the same re-directing goal. Just show the dog a tasty treat in your hand, then bring that hand up to your face, stand up straight and point to your nose, cheerfully saying “Watch”. Praise must be timed for eye contact, and then the treat is offered. Look for opportunities to interrupt undesirable behavior with “Watch” or “Come”, and praise and treat the dog for turning her attention back to you.

We’ve all seen the hypnotizing images of idyllic scenes in both print and television advertising of dog and child peacefully resting together, or the dog dutifully watching over playing toddlers. Chances are, you are seeing something a bit less perfect and more like real life. Many young children approach dogs in an exuberant manner, wanting to hug them or hold the dog’s head in both hands and ask for a kiss. As cute as this may seem to humans, dogs see only a gross invasion of their space and no means of escape. Children are the most frequent bite victims, and it is often due to this kind of over-the-top greeting. The good news is, your preschoolers can learn how and when to approach and pet the dog. Hold your child’s hand and have him imitate you. Reach out with a flat hand, staying at least two feet away from the dog, giving him the option to close the distance and complete the greeting in a relaxed manner. Now touch the dog under the chin and on the shoulder, and encourage your child to pet in these places in slow motion, gently praising your dog for remaining calm. Children go right for the top of the dog’s head. This is a dominant move that will cause most dogs to turn and sniff or mouth the hand, startling your child into a hasty retreat. Once you’ve shown your children the preferred places to pet, have them point to their own shoulders and under their chins to demonstrate how to pet the dog. Again, the dog sees you are in control and enjoys the interaction. Give your dog his own sanctuary in which to eat and sleep, and make those areas off limits to the kids.

Dogs crave leadership and can learn to look to you for guidance around the kids, instead of making inappropriate decisions. Set up situations you can work through and rehearse the good behavior you’d like your dog to exhibit.
WWith some practice, you will create those beautiful moments between your children and your dog that sweeten your early childhood memories.

November 13, 2006 - Press Release
Fido Helps Families Burn Fat

Families have an unlikely personal trainer to help them fight fat this holiday season: their dog. A recent study by the University of Victoria, BC indicates that dog owners burn more calories and get nearly double the exercise than non-dog owners. Dog trainer Amy Robinson agrees, and has released a new DVD entitled “Drool School” designed to get parents and kids off the couch. “Instead of delegating the dog’s care and training into chores, families can share duties and enjoy some quality time together, getting physical and mental exercise at the same time,” says Robinson. “Families can see direct health benefits from interacting with their dog. Spending time walking and playing productively with the dog promotes family togetherness and burns calories.”

In addition to increased exercise, playing with the family dog can help kids and parents connect. Robinson outlines games the family can play with the dog to encourage good canine behavior while developing memory and coordination skills in the children. “Kids as young as four can begin to play interactive games with the dog with parent’s help, and older kids can gain confidence by giving simple commands and teaching tricks. “Once the dog knows a cute trick, kids will show off for their parents and siblings, getting everyone together having fun.”

TTeaching commands and playing games with the dog can have the effect of better behavior in the dog as well as the child. Dogs that know basic commands are better companions around the children and their friends. Children develop patience and learn responsibility walking and playing with the dog and stay active in the process.

July 26, 2006 - Press Release
New DVD Highlights Safe Play and Good Manners for the Family Dog

Nationally recognized dog trainer Amy Robinson has released a new DVD entitled “Drool School”, a family dog training guide featuring children aged 3 to 13. “Often parents will get a dog for the kids, but end up doing all of the care and training when the dog’s newness wears off,” said Robinson. “Drool School" is a fun guide to get kids and dogs together safely and productively”. Comedic, real-life situations are depicted and practical solutions are shown. Kid-friendly graphics and original animation were created for entertainment and to highlight important points.

Parents are increasingly concerned about news reports of children involved in dog attacks. The Center for Disease Control reports that odds are 3.2 to 1 that a bite victim is a child and 70% of those bites are to the face. “Family dogs can be productive and reliable family members if properly prepared,” according to Robinson. “Dogs will respect a leader, so we teach parents how to lead and make training fun for the kids so they’ll stay involved.”

The DVD extra scene documents Robinson’s experience in Mississippi with pet rescue after Hurricane Katrina. She spent a week in Hattiesburg at a facility run by the Humane Society of the United States caring for and socializing dogs in 100-plus degree heat. “It was the hardest work I’ve ever done, and also the most important.” Robinson was impressed by the scope of the operation, which held 900 dogs and 150 cats at peak occupancy, along with 20 horses, a pig and a goat. “People would show up looking for their lost pets and tell us the most harrowing stories,” she said. “The will to live was so strong in these people and their animals, they just didn’t give up. It was a great lesson”.

Amy Robinson has been training dogs since 1989, and founded A Dog’s Life training school in Chicago. She has been featured on PBS, WGN Morning News, NBC 5 News, in the San Francisco Chronicle and in Business Week magazine. She now resides in Vero Beach, Florida, where she does private dog training and teaches classes at all levels.
The DVD is available through her website, www.droolschool.com.

Suggested interview questions for Amy:

Q. What should parents do to try and keep their kids safe around the dog?

A. Supervision is key. Even if your kids are polite with the dog, their visiting friends may not be. If the dog respects the parent as a leader, the parent will be in a better position to re-direct any inappropriate behavior.

Q. Do you recommend certain breeds of dogs for families with children?

A. Each dog is an individual, so there is no perfect breed. If a dog comes from a breeder, it is ideal to meet both the puppy’s parents first, as you’ll get a good idea of the puppy’s personality by meeting the parents. Shelter dogs can really make great family pets. Most shelters do a good job of matching dogs with families and carefully test the temperament of their dogs. Once the dog comes into the home, making rules and guidelines for kids and teaching the dog manners and basic commands will go a long way toward having a reliable pet.

Q. Is there one command that is more important than all the rest?

A. Yes, the Come command. This simple direction can turn your dog’s attention away from naughty behavior and bring him right back to you. If the kids are running and playing in the yard and the dog begins to chase, kids can get frightened. The parent can call the dog back with Come and diffuse the situation.

Q. What prompted you to focus on kids and dogs?

A. When my clients see me bringing out good behavior in their dogs, they often say, “Will you train my kids, too?” It’s great to see kids’ eyes light up when they can successfully get the dog to work for them.

Q. Was it hard to get the kids to act naturally?

A. Kids and dogs are a natural combination, so they enjoyed being together. We used “real” kids, not actors, so the challenging part was getting the training points across in a fun and upbeat way to keep their attention. Basically, I set up a situation, like allowing a puppy to jump up on a child, a common problem, and worked the dog and child through the solution together, very much like a kids and dogs reality show.

Q. What part of the filming did kids enjoy most?

A. Teaching tricks. Dogs need to know a few basic commands to learn tricks, so kids learn to give commands successfully and gain confidence by seeing the dog work for them. Once the dog knows a cute trick, kids will show off to their parents and their friends.

Hurricane Katrina pet rescue questions:

Q. What were conditions like in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina?

A. We were at a large fairgrounds facility in Hattiesburg leased by the Humane Society of the United States. It was one of two large holding facilities for animals picked up from the floodwaters and destroyed building and homes on the coast. It was like a small city, with Red Cross workers, timber cutters and army and National Guard staging areas. The heat was terrible, but everyone was motivated by our mission.

Q. What was your day like there?

A. Our work days were about 15 hours. We had to start feeding, watering and taking dogs for walks before the sun rose, because daytime temperatures were 100 and above. In the hot midday hours we kept them in the barns and set up supplies like fans, ice in coolers, set up cages for the incoming, acted as veterinary assistants, scrounged supplies for special needs dogs, helped people locate their lost pets and then at 5:00 started over with feeding, watering and walking.

Q. Were there many happy reunions of lost pets with their owners?

A. That was the best part. One day, I say two friendly, young rottweilers in a stall together. I looked at their chart and it said they were found in Pass Christian, one of the hardest hit communities. As I was petting one of them on the neck, I felt something under the collar. It was a piece of duct tape with a smudged phone number. I alerted the supervisor, who asked me to call and try to find the owner. It took a couple of days, because people did not have working phones and no internet access, but I located a relative who got word to the owners. They called me on my cell phone the next day, and came from Memphis where they had evacuated to claim their overjoyed dogs. Whenever a reunion happened, a cowbell was rung and volunteers would come running to see which pet was going home. That made it all worthwhile.

Q. How many dogs were you taking care of yourself?

A. I was responsible for one row in my barn, so about 100 dogs

Q. Were the dogs traumatized?

A. A few were, but most were friendly and happy to have care and attention. Two dogs came in as a pair and were so frightened; they would not move and had to be carried in and out of their stall. When they were in their barn stall together, they huddled close and were very depressed. It took us 4 days to cheer them up enough so they would walk outside and relieve themselves.

Q. Were donations coming in?

A. Donations were generous and timely. The HSUS did a great job of securing all the supplies we needed like cages, food, medicine and they even hired a catering truck to feed the volunteers. They also set up a misting tent to help us cool off on the worst days. Private donations were appreciated, too. A local fencing company came and set up four large, fenced in play areas for the dogs. This greatly improved morale of both the dogs and the volunteers. It was great to see the dogs relaxing and playing again.

Amy’s Hurricane Katrina pet rescue journal and photos can be viewed at her gallery: www.droolschool.com