| The Dog Spot

Barking in the New Year

Posted on 26 December 2019 by LeslieM

By Jo Jo Harder

It is hard to believe the holidays are almost over! But there is still time to celebrate, spend quality time with loved ones and to believe in the magic of the season.

But it would only be fair to say it’s that time of the year when people enjoy gifts! I firmly believe the biggest gift you can receive is to give.

Let’s keep in mind that not all gifts can be bought. Some of the best gifts … the ones that make life richer and brighter … cost next to nothing. For example, drop off baked goods at a local food shelter; offer to walk a neighbor’s dog; help a busy friend with errands; write a note of gratitude to someone who has made a difference in your life or organize a fundraising event for a local animal shelter.

America’s Top Dog Model ® recently had the honor of presenting a fundraising event for Awesome Greyhound Adoptions, Inc. of South Florida, while launching our 2020 Calendar and Contest.

If you are not familiar with Awesome Greyhound Adoptions, this wonderful 501c3 corporation founded by Barbara Masi is completely run by volunteers who are dedicated to finding responsible, loving homes for retired racing greyhounds.

Another program under the umbrella of Awesome Greyhound Adoptions is Hounds & Heroes. These highly-trained greyhounds are given the chance to find placement as pets, as therapy dogs or as fully-trained service dogs for veterans with PTSD or who need mobile assistance.

Join the party live on America’s Top Dog Model YouTube Channel to meet our 2020 top dog calendar models and learn more about Awesome Greyhound Adoptions. Check out these photos (below) of the fabulous fashionistas from this amazing charity event!

Sadly, this is my last column due to the closing of the Observer newspaper. I have enjoyed writing this column; and, if you enjoyed reading it, let’s stay connected! Visit americastopdogmodel.com to read my “top dog blog.” Sign up for my newsletter and follow America’s Top Dog Model on social media.

May the good times and treasures of the present become wonderful memories of tomorrow. Wishing you lots of love, peace, and happiness and may your New Year be merry and bright!

Jo Jo Harder, is a Boca Raton based author, stylist, producer, pet lifestyle expert, CEO and creator of America’s Top Dog Model Contest. Jo Jo has been at the helm of America’s Top Dog Model ® brand since 2005, and her unique approach to discovering, developing and managing top dog models has gained international attention. America’s Top Dog Model’s new reality series “How to Get to the Top” Season One, can be viewed on YouTube. www.americastopdogmodel.com.

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Thanksgiving Dinner with your dog

Posted on 09 December 2019 by JLusk

 

Romeo is ready to celebrate Thanksgiving.

By Jo Jo Harder

Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season. There are a lot of guests to host and plenty of food to prepare, and your dog wants to be a part of it. Many of us share this special holiday with our canine family members. Here are some helpful tips on how to have a happy and safe Thanksgiving with your dog!

Give your dog a special meal before everyone else sits down at the table. This way your dog’s tummy will be full, and he’ll be less likely to beg for scraps. Also, ask your guests not to sneak your dog food from the table.

It’s no secret that dogs love turkey, carrots and sweet potatoes, but how it is prepared is the key for keeping them healthy, happy and safe. Feel free to give your dog limited options from the Thanksgiving table that are good for him, including cooked turkey meat, minus skin and bones. Skin is fatty food that can lead to gastric distress, and turkey bones should never be fed to dogs.

To avoid a sudden change in diet, add a few pieces of boneless, skinless turkey meat to your dog’s regular food. Save portions of mashed sweet potatoes, carrots and green beans before they have been buttered and creamed.

Onions are toxic to dogs. Make sure your dog stays away from the pearly whites, yellows and reds! Sage and nutmeg have essential oils that can cause tummy upsets. Avoid serving your dog food with these seasonings. Grapes, raisins and nuts are also not safe for dogs to eat. Chocolate is a no no. If you want your pooch to have a special Thanksgiving dessert, bake homemade pup cakes or doggie biscuits.

If you need some inspiration, check out America’s Top Dog Model’s Pinterest page for yummy dog treat recipes that will keep your pooch’s tail wagging!

Remember to keep your dog entertained while everyone else is feasting. Provide him with a toy, a food-filled KONG, or a long-lasting bone.

If you follow these precautions, your dog will enjoy his Thanksgiving dinner as much as you will enjoy yours. And he’ll have one more reason to be eternally grateful that you’ve given him a wonderful forever home.

 

 

 

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Howl-o-ween safety

Posted on 24 October 2019 by LeslieM

Presley, America’s Top Dog Model 2019 finalist, is ready to celebrate Howl-o-ween in South Florida. Photo by mom Rebecca Shelton.

By Jo Jo Harder

Halloween can be a fun time for the entire family, but there can be potential dangers and sources of stress for the canine family member. If your pooch considers the All Hallows Eve a “fright night,” follow these five tips for an enjoyable and safe Howl-o-ween:

It’s fun to decorate for Halloween, but curious dogs might not understand that your cute decorations are only for looking at and not eating. Remember to place decorations out of your pup’s reach.

Watch for signs of stress. If your dog is prone to anxiety, he/she will appreciate the security of spending the evening at home. Make sure your dog has safe space away from loud noises. Soothing music, fun games and chew toys can be welcome distractions.

When selecting a costume, the most important thing to keep in mind is a good fit. A canine costume should fit well and remain securely in place. DIY costumes are the trend. Homemade Halloween costumes are fun to create, and they don’t have to take a lot of time and effort.

If your plans include trick or treating, keep your dog on a leash at all times and carry a flashlight. Decorate treat bags with reflective tape, and avoid crossing lawns and yards where furniture and ornaments present danger. Additionally, go only to homes where residents are known and have a welcome light on.

Keep candy out of your dog’s reach. Sugar, chocolate, raisins and candy wrappers can all cause problems. Should your dog get into these treats or candy wrappers, call your veterinarian right away.

Looking for paw-some Halloween events in South Florida? Check out this agenda!

The 5th Annual Paws for a Cause benefitting local animal rescues will be held at Baja Café Dos, 1310 S. Federal Hwy., in Deerfield Beach, on Sunday, Oct. 27 from 3 to 8 p.m. Sponsored by GFWC Woman’s Club of Deerfield Beach. Dog and cat adoptions, food specials, raffle baskets, Halloween pet/person contest. For more information, call 954-596-1304.

10th Annual Howl-O-Ween Fundraiser, Oct. 29, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Max’s Grille, 404 Plaza Real, in Boca Raton benefiting Tri-County Humane Society. Dress your pets to impress for the Halloween costume contest. Entry fee $20, includes passed hors d’oeuvres and two select cocktails, sponsored by Tito’s Vodka. Raffle tickets are available for purchase for a chance to win a variety of prizes! Pre-register by calling Tri County: 561-482-8110.

Howl-o-ween Festival, Friday, Oct. 25, from 5 to 7 p.m. Humane Society of Broward County, 2070 Griffin Rd., in Ft. Lauderdale. Celebrate Halloween with the furry friends! Food trucks, games for prizes, face painting, fall photo booths, costume contests, puppy playtime, and more!

Jo Jo Harder, is a Boca Raton based author, stylist, producer, pet lifestyle expert, CEO and creator of America’s Top Dog Model Contest. Jo Jo has been at the helm of America’s Top Dog Model ® brand since 2005, and her unique approach to discovering, developing, and managing top dog models has gained international attention. America’s Top Dog Model’s new reality series “How to Get to the Top” season one, can be viewed on YouTube. www.americastopdogmodel.com.

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Honoring Service Dogs

Posted on 26 September 2019 by LeslieM

September is National Service Dog Month, which is all about honoring the hardworking dogs that live to assist individuals with varying degrees of disabilities, and who want to achieve as much independence as possible. It’s the perfect time to reflect on the many roles that service dogs play in people’s lives.

This month, once known as National Guide Dog Month, was established in 2008 by Dick Van Patten, an animal advocate, who was “inspired by what he experienced during a life-changing visit to the Guide Dogs of the Desert facility in Palm Springs, CA,” and, as a result, he launched a fundraising drive to benefit guide and service dog training schools throughout the country.

Service dogs can be any breed. Although Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds are some of the most commonly seen service dogs, absolutely any dog with the proper temperament, good health and the physical capability to assist with their human’s needs can be a service dog.

There are many distinct varieties of service dogs, including, but not limited to: Allergy alert, Autism assistance, Diabetic alert, emergency medical response, guide dogs, hearing dogs, seizure alert and wheelchair assistance.

In the United States, there is no required gear for service dogs. Vests, harnesses and jackets are commonly seen on working service dogs; but, by law, the dog isn’t required to wear anything in order to work in public. However, there are many reasons why service dogs should wear vests.

The single most important reason is that vests mark the dog so there is less confusion in public. This will help save time and effort in many situations, and will keep the dog ready to help if need be. Wearing a vest is also a way many service dogs distinguish working and playing/relaxing. When a service dog is wearing a vest, they are more alert and ready to take action, if necessary.

Additionally, there is no required documentation, registration, certification or paperwork required in order for a dog to be a service dog. While all of the above may be offered by service dog programs, it is not necessary by law.

There are two questions that may be asked to determine whether an animal qualifies as a service animal:

• Is the animal required because of a disability?

• What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?

According to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), the definition of service animal excludes animals that provide comfort and emotional support, but that are not otherwise trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability. Public places remain obligated under both federal and state law to allow service animals to be present.

According to Florida Statute 413.08, “A person who knowingly and willfully misrepresents herself or himself, through conduct or verbal or written notice, as using a service animal and being qualified to use a service animal or as a trainer of a service animal commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.”

People with a disability have a right to have their service dog accompany them, but businesses and other places where service dogs are allowed, have a right to not have their operations interrupted by a dog who isn’t properly trained. Service dogs must exhibit excellent manners and behavior in public.

Thank you to all service dogs for your hard-work and dedication!

Jo Jo Harder, is a Boca Raton based author, stylist, producer, pet lifestyle expert, CEO and creator of America’s Top Dog Model Contest. Jo Jo has been at the helm of America’s Top Dog Model ® brand since 2005, and her unique approach to discovering, developing, and managing top dog models has gained international attention. America’s Top Dog Model’s new reality series “How to Get to the Top” season one, can be viewed on YouTube. www.americastopdogmodel.com.

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Celebrate National Dog Day

Posted on 22 August 2019 by LeslieM

Jonathan Swift once said “Every dog must have his day.” National Dog Day stands as one of our favorite canine holidays, so I have made a guide of fun things to do and a list of some of our favorite dog quotes. Our furry family members deserve to be celebrated every day of the year, so let’s take time to appreciate the love and value that dogs bring to our daily lives.

National Dog Day is celebrated Aug. 26 annually and was founded in 2004 by pet & family lifestyle expert and animal advocate Colleen Paige. www.nationaldogday.com.

This special day honors all breeds, pure and mixed and serves to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year, either from public shelters, rescues and/or pure breed rescues.

During these steamy dog days of summer, there is still plenty of ways to have fun while staying cool and celebrating this observational holiday. Here are eight ways to celebrate National Dog Day:

Host a National Dog Day party: Invite your friends and their dogs for fun in the backyard or dog park. Create a memorable day full of celebrating, games, food and treats!

Pamper your dog: Spend quality time bonding with your dog. Create an “at home” spa, complete with bath, pet-icure, teeth brushing, massage and plenty of hugs.

Picture day: Spend the day taking photos of your dog and post on social media, or hire a professional pet photographer for a fun photo shoot.

Go swimming: Head for the beach or your pool. Dogs love to splash around in the water and to fetch toys. Before you let your dog jump into that lake to cool off this summer, pay heed! Blue-green algae, also called cyanobacteria, is a microscopic bacteria found in freshwater ponds, lakes and streams. Not all types of algae are poisonous, but some types of blue-green algae produce toxins that are dangerous to dogs. You can’t tell simply by looking at them whether or not they are dangerous, so it is best not to run the risk of allowing your dog to come into contact with water where the algae may be present.

Outdoor fun: If you and your dog enjoy the outdoors, there are lots of options. In the morning hours before it gets too hot, go for a walk, hike or jog. Off the leash parks are also fun, especially when you bring along a canine buddy. Remember to bring plenty of water, treats and pick-up bags.

Volunteer: There are many volunteer opportunities if your dog is friendly and well-behaved. A growing number of libraries and schools invite canine volunteers to help children improve their reading skills. You and your dog can also visit people at nursing homes and hospitals. Keep in mind that most organizations will typically screen you and your dog before you start your volunteer work.

Teach your dog a new trick: Don’t believe the saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Learning new tricks will keep your dog’s mind sharp, and it’s something you can do to celebrate together.

Adopt a dog from a local shelter: If you are considering adding a new pup to your family, head over to your local shelter and see what they have to offer. What better way to celebrate National Dog Day than by giving a forever home to a dog in need?

Here is a list of some our favorite dog quotes that put the love we have for our dogs into words:

A dog is the only thing on Earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”– Josh Billings

Everything I know I learned from dogs.” – Nora Roberts

Dogs’ lives are too short — their only fault, really.” – Agnes Sligh Turnbull

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” – Roger Caras

Happiness is a warm puppy.” – Charles Shultz

I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me, they are the role model for being alive.” – Gilda Radner

Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them, and filling an emptiness we didn’t ever know we had.” – Thom Jones

The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this Earth will ever be.” – Konrad Lorenz

Jo Jo Harder, is a Boca Raton based author, stylist, producer, pet lifestyle expert, CEO and creator of America’s Top Dog Model Contest. Jo Jo has been at the helm of America’s Top Dog Model ® brand since 2005, and her unique approach to discovering, developing, and managing top dog models has gained international attention. America’s Top Dog Model’s new weekly reality series “How to Get to the Top” is currently showing on YouTube through Sept. 4. www.americastopdogmodel.com.

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Top tips for traveling with your dog

Posted on 01 August 2019 by LeslieM

Moto Girl is off on a cross-county road trip making special appearances as America’s Top Dog Model 2019.

Travel season is here and families will be taking road trips to exciting destinations across the country. Dog friendly vacations make a fun time for the entire family, and traveling with pets is easier than ever. But bringing pets along for the ride, takes some advance planning and attention to detail while on the trip. Here are my top tips for an enjoyable road trip with your dog.

Make sure your dog is fully acclimated to and has a positive association with car travel and adventure. This can be accomplished by taking your dog on short car trips and errands around town. You may also want to take them to the park and other areas where they will be introduced to different environments as well as be around new dogs and people. End these trips with playtime, praise and a reward for good behavior in the car.

Prepare for the trip by making a folder with your packing lists, hotels, restaurants, activities and all the fun things you can do with your dog.

Pet’s Packing List

Food/treats

Medication

Water

Water and food bowls

Bedding and towels

Car seat cover

Vaccination records

Flea and tick prevention

Favorite toys

Car harness/carrier

Leash + extension

Pet first aid kit

Pick up bags

Medical

Is your pet healthy and able to travel? Visit your veterinarian for a check-up.

If all is well, get them up-to-date on vaccines.

Get copies of paperwork with proof of vaccines and medical care.

If your dog requires medication, bring enough for the trip plus a few days extra for the unexpected.

Identification

Make sure your dog is micro chipped and has a collar with identification attached.

Bring photos of your dog with contact information on the back, kept in your purse or wallet.

Car Trip

Map out pet friendly stops with the help of GoPetFriendly.com.

Add markers for possible restaurants, attractions, landmarks and shops. Also, research highly rated emergency veterinarian offices in or near cities you will be driving through.

Plan to make frequent short stops to exercise, provide water and give your dog appropriate bathroom breaks.

Learn your dog’s stress signals and make sure to take a break when needed.

Practice good etiquette while out and about.

Make sure your pet is restrained for safety via a booster seat, carrier or harness.

Do not leave your dog in the car at any time.

Lodging & Food

Make a list of pet friendly accommodations along your route.

Bringfido.com helps you search for dog-friendly lodging, and it’s available as a mobile app so you can easily find hotels.

Bring your dog’s own bedding.

Check hotels pet rules and places to walk pets for potty breaks and exercise.

Eat out at dog friendly restaurants.

Bring containers with your dog’s food.

Activities

Enjoy your time together in your new surroundings. After a long day on the road, your dog will likely want to be close to what’s familiar and, if you’re in a new location, the most familiar thing for them will be you. Be prepared to spend the majority of time outdoors. Here are some fun things to do:

Picnic at a dog park

Relax on a pet friendly beach

Take a dog friendly hike

Go kayaking

Attend an outdoor music concert

Visit a state park (Check state parks pet regulations).

Jo Jo Harder, is an author, stylist, producer, and pet lifestyle expert, as well as CEO and creator of America’s Top Dog Model contest. Jo Jo has been at the helm of America’s Top Dog Model ® brand since 2005, and her unique approach to discovering, developing and managing top dog models has gained international attention. America’s Top Dog Model’s new reality series “How to Get to the Top” will launch on YouTube in August. www.americastopdogmodel.com.

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Get back to nature with your precious pet

Posted on 05 July 2019 by LeslieM

Nevada, America’s Top Dog Model 2019 contest finalist, celebrating nature on South Beach. Photo by Terry St. Angelo.

By Jo Jo Harder

Earth Day happened back on April 22. But every day should be a day to celebrate nature and the beauty of the world. Here are six fun ways to taking care of your four-legged family member while being sustainable and celebrating the Earth.

1. Off to the Park

Summertime is calling. Get outdoors and explore nature with your dog. Many celebrations take place in parks, where you can be close to nature. But before you head out, check to make sure the event is dog friendly. As with any fun outing, bring plenty of water, healthy treats (in reusable containers) and biodegradable pick-up bags.

2. Prepare a Healthy Meal

Dogs are a lot like people when it comes to nutrition. Prepare healthy meals for your dog by avoiding dog food with low-grade animal by-products and preservatives. For a better understanding of canine nutrition and other dog food questions, check out PetMD.com.

3. Groom Green

Create an at home spa for your dog. Grooming provides an opportunity to spend quality time pampering and bonding. Choose earth friendly pet shampoos, conditioners and other grooming products that do not contain phosphates, sulfates, and other chemicals that can be harmful to pets and to the planet.

4. Reuse

Give new life to gently used pet toys, beds, old blankets and towels by donating them to a local shelter or rescue group. There’s a saying: one dog’s trash is another dog’s treasure!

5. Plant

Plant dog-friendly flowers and other plants. Not only is it good for the environment, but gardening can also be relaxing. A dog-friendly garden can also be a wonderfully stimulating space for your pup. If you don’t have a backyard, consider container gardening on your deck.

6. Adopt

If you’re thinking of adding a new pup to the family, giving a home to a dog in need is earth-friendly and heart-friendly, too.

Jo Jo Harder, is an author, stylist, producer and pet lifestyle expert, as well as CEO and creator of America’s Top Dog Model contest. Jo Jo has been at the helm of America’s Top Dog Model ® brand since 2005, and her unique approach to discovering, developing and managing top dog models has gained international attention. America’s Top Dog Model’s new reality series “How to Get to the Top” will launch on YouTube in August. www.americastopdogmodel.com.

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