Hey! Notice anything different? Color! Ive been whining and begging our publisher for color for quite some time, and Im thrilled that the powers that be recently agreed that pictures of dogs (and even dog-care products and foods!) are just way more interesting when they can be seen in color. And stay tuned for another exciting development one that will powerfully reward subscribers who register for access to the digital edition of Whole Dog Journal.
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My enthusiasm over its color notwithstanding, this is a great issue. Starting on the facing page, Pat Miller describes where and how to best conduct a search for a new dog. She promotes shelter dogs, of course, but also offers tips on buying a pup from that rare creature, the responsible breeder. They do exist, and can be distinguished from frauds, if you know what to look for.
I recently met a young couple who had an amazing experience with a highly responsible breeder. The couple resides in the Bay Area, but learned about a litter of Shiba Inu puppies in Oregon. They drove 10 hours to meet the breeder, the dam, and the puppies, and answered countless questions from the breeder about their home and intentions for the pup they fell in love with. Most breeders would have been satisfied with this couple (and their money). This breeder insisted on driving the 10 hours back to the Bay Area to make sure the couples home and yard was suitable for safely raising one of her puppies! Only then did she complete the sale. She has called the pups new owners to check in and answer questions, and reminds them frequently that shell take the pup back, no questions asked, if they ever decide not to keep her. Thats a responsible breeder.
Starting on page 8, agility enthusiast and occasional contributor Lorie Long explains everything you need to know about pet health insurance. After editing the article, I asked for and received price quotes for various insurance plans for my dog, Otto. Im still wading through the responses, and though Im not yet sure which plan will best suit Ottos needs, I do know Ill be signing up for one of them.
Did you know that not all dogs know how to doggie paddle, and many need to be taught to swim? Our resident triathlete/dog trainer/writer, Susan Sarubin, describes the best way to introduce your dog to the sport of swimming, starting on page 18.
Pat Miller pulls double duty in this issue, explaining (on page 19) how to train your dog to wait and stay and teaching us the difference between these behaviors. Otto and I frequently use Pats techniques when we practice wait and stay at my local post office. (We pick up the mail at night, when no one else is around.) Otto has advanced to staying even when the motion-activated front doors open or close as he holds a sit outside, craning his head to try to see me without moving from his spot. These techniques really work, folks! Give them a try with your dog!
