Be a Buddy Not a Bully

New Book Coming out June 1, 2013

Toby the Pet Therapy Dog Says Be a Buddy NOT a Bully is the second book in the Toby the Pet Therapy Dog children's series. The book will be released June 1, 2013.

When Toby the dog steps into the path of another dog who bullies him, and shreds his beloved stuffed teddy-bear toy, we see the hurt feelings it creates.  This book teaches children about the importance of kindness, respect, acceptance, and being considerate of others, including pets.

I am looking forward to talking about the book, and bully prevention tips on the air on Wednesday at 10 a.m. EST (8 am MDT).  To tune in, please follow this link:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/grandmassecrets/2013/05/29/the-business-of-writing

To learn more about the book, please visit:




The book also has classroom discussion questions at the end of the book, as well as activities for children. 

The Canine Insight

Love Dogs? 

 Imagine what it would be like if you suddenly understood how to communicate more effectively with your dog. If you better understood behavior and training techniques. What difference would it make to both your lives if you learned more about how to keep your dog healthier and happier? 

Learn all this and so much more! 

I was delighted to be invited to be a guest on the Canine Insight tele class with Bernie Browne and a team of incredible experts including:

•  Anna Bettina from Happy Healthy Pup
•  Barbara Brunner, Author of Dog-ma, the zen of slobber 
•  Dr Ian Dunbar, Vet, Behaviourist and Puppy Training Guru
•  Judy Fridono trainer and guardian of Ricochet the SURFice dog
•  Amy Burkert of Gopetfriendly.com
•  Linda Tellington-Jones, Founder of the Tellington TTouch Method
•  Sheryl Matthys, the Dog Expert
•  Debbie Jacobs from Fearfuldogs.com
•  Alecia Evans is America’s Animal Heeler
•  Val Heart talks about saving on vet bills

 I'll be sharing stories about how animals have impacted my life, and in Toby's case, became a teacher for me...teaching lessons of life, love and purpose.  My interview is May 21, 2013.

Join us for some Pawmazing doggy insights and find out what 21 Leading Canine Experts have to give you for Free! Register here: http://thecanineinsight.com/CharmaineHammond

Team Toby- PAWsitively improving lives by teaching kindness, acceptance and respect!

Have you puppy trained your kids?

photo credit: CritterKin
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1633520401/critterkin-puppy-train-your-kids

 

Can we Pleaseeeeeeee get a puppy?  Have you had that question posed in your family yet? I am certain my parents heard that question repeatedly when we were children. Our dreams were answered... I remember our first dog, Duchess. She was a beautiful mixed breed dog who loved us girls unconditionally. We learned how to care for a dog, how to travel with a dog, how to be consistent with the "dog" rules and most importantly, the gifts of unconditional love that Duchess gave us every day. 

 

When I met the CritterKin pack, I knew this would be a walk in the dog park!  I am delighted to share CritterKin with you.  CritterKin is creating an app for children, and has partnered with the humane educator at the SPCA of Wake County North Carolina "to make sure that kids aren't just entertained, they're educated. Kids will be excited about owning a puppy, and the CritterKin app will ensure that they're ready." 

 

Here's a quick sample of the more than 30 lessons CritterKin has developed:
 http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1633520401/critterkin-puppy-train-your-kids
Meet and Greet - How to safely meet an animal
Socialization and Manners - How to teach your dog to play well with others
What’s a Dog Made of? - Basic dog anatomy
Good Treat/Bad Treat - Why dogs shouldn't eat chocolate!
Poop and Scoop – What goes in must come out
Zap the Fleas – What are common pests that can harm your dog? 
What’s in a Crate - The benefits of crate training
Visit to the Vet – Why vet care is so important
Looking Good – Grooming for good looks and health
Doggy Fashion – types of collars, leashes, clothes and accessories
Give a Dog a Job - The importance of exercise and mental stimulation
Lost and Found - How to avoid losing your dog...and what to do when you do
Cool! - The physiology of how dogs regulate their temperature
Play - How do dogs play? What kind of play do dogs need?
Special Needs – The importance of difference
As Long As You Both Shall Live - What it means to give a dog a forever home
Animal Sheltering 101 - How kids can help your local shelter
(Credit: CritterKin Kickstarter page) 

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1633520401/critterkin-puppy-train-your-kids

 

 

What lessons do you hope your children will learn?

 

What lessons has your family learned from a pet?

 

Will you join the pack? 

 

Together we CAN make a difference and create forever homes for animals.