Editorial

thanks! But consider giving the lure/reward method of teaching your new puppy to sit and lie down

Sometimes I complain that I don’t get out from behind my computer enough. So fall is my favorite season, because I get to get...

About once a week, I spend an hour or two perusing letters and notes from participants of the various electronic “discussion groups” I have joined. I have a favorite canine health and feeding group and a favorite dog training group that I like to eavesdrop on. Mostly, I’m what they call a “lurker,” someone who reads other people’s letters and rarely contributes. I feel like I contribute enough in this forum! A couple of weeks ago, on the health and feeding list, I was skimming through comments from people on opposite sides of the “raw feeding” issue when I saw a simple but profound comment that made me catch my breath.

Regular readers of Whole Dog Journal know that my dog, Rupert (who is usually pictured here with me), is pretty much perfect. Aside from very occasional, very minor infractions of the rules (such as sneaking the cat’s food), he is a total joy to be around: affectionate, obedient, fun-loving, and well-mannered in every environment.

running down the sidewalk in the opposite direction. The only reason we ended up catching her (for the dog proved to be a sweet little female) was because she stopped to vomit – clearly out of great distress. I made a grab for her and Eli stepped up with a leash. Once she was captured

Recently, I attended the annual conference for the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. Our lead writer on training, Pat Miller, has been an active member of the Association for some time, and the founder of the organization, Dr. Ian Dunbar, has been a generous contributor to Whole Dog Journal. Both Pat and Ian have encouraged me to attend the conference; they said it would be right up Whole Dog Journal’s alley.

For me, one of the best things about working for Belvoir Publications (WDJ’s publisher) is that the company has a long history of and a dedication to consumer-oriented, advocacy journalism. In other words, because Belvoir magazines accept no advertising, Belvoir editors are free to examine and truthfully critique products without fear of losing income from offended advertisers. We are allowed to take informed but subjective editorial positions (and defend them!) on any subject that is of concern to our readers.

I mean infinitesimal; I have never noticed anything missing from the food we dutifully place before the crab each day. He must be eating something