Social and sporting events for dogs are on the rise. Just like their human counterparts, the more dogs interact, the more at risk they are for contracting illnesses in public places. To help dog owners and event organizers better understand and prevent transmission of infectious diseases in dogs, the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), in collaboration with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), announces a newly funded study that will provide practical guidelines to reduce the risk of disease spread in the canine population. Rather than generate new data, researchers will do a retrospective analysis of existing information to provide recommendations for managing infectious disease at the level of both the dog and the environment.

Dr. Jason Stull, VMD, MPVM, PhD, DACVPM (Public Health, Epidemiology) of The Ohio State University is the principal researcher on the project. His OSU team includes: Armando Hoet, DVM, PhD, DACVPM (Public Health, Epidemiology); Jeanette OQuin, DVM, MPH (Public Health, Epidemiology); and Mary Jo Burkhard, DVM, PhD, DACVP (Immunology/Infectious Disease, Clinical Pathology). We are excited to have this stellar team of veterinary infectious disease experts work with CHF and OFA to produce up-to-date recommendations that will have real world implications, said Dr. Shila Nordone, CHF Chief Scientific Officer.

Fully funded by OFA, the grant aims to equip the dog loving community with information and an understanding of how to keep their dogs healthy in locations where disease spread is more likely. According to Eddie Dziuk, Chief Operating Officer of OFA, Whether participating in various dog sports, attending training classes, or simply visiting the local dog park, mitigating the risk of infectious disease transmission should be of concern to all responsible dog owners whose dogs are regularly in contact with other dogs. Dziuk goes on to state, The Ohio State University has assembled an outstanding team to review the existing literature, engage stakeholder groups in the process, and develop consensus recommendations from key opinion leaders. The end result will be safer, healthier environments for our dogs through education, prevention, and guidelines of best practices to prevent the outbreak of infectious disease.

The outcome of the study will be a peer-reviewed publication defining up-to-date risk assessment and management recommendations, and most importantly, a white paper that can be used by dog owners and organizers of canine events and facilities. CHF anticipates that the recommendations will be released to the public by early 2016. Researchers also hope to create an open-access, interactive website that can be used by all involved with dogs to help reduce the risk and spread of infectious disease where dogs meet and compete.

CHF is a non-profit organization dedicated to funding research to prevent, treat and cure canine disease. Visit CHF online at http://www.akcchf.org for more information about the Foundation. Like CHF on Facebook, follow CHF on Twitter @CanineHealthFnd, or connect with CHF on LinkedIn.

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About CHF The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping dogs live longer, healthier lives by funding research that helps prevent, treat, and cure canine disease. Established in 1995, CHFs mission is to advance the health of all dogs and their owners by funding sound, scientific research and supporting the dissemination of canine health information. Through the generous support of the American Kennel Club, Nestl Purina PetCare, Zoetis (formerly Pfizer Animal Health), dog clubs, and dog owners worldwide, CHF has dedicated more than $ 40 million to canine health research projects and education programs. Visit CHF online at http://www.akcchf.org for more information.

First Responders of 31 local Armstrong County Fire Departments are now best-equipped to save pets lives during a fire thanks to two local Invisible Fence Brand dealers.

This donation is just a small part of Invisible Fence Brands Project Breathe program, which was established with the goal of equipping every fire station in America and Canada with pet oxygen masks. The Invisible Fence Company of Pittsburgh, located in Greensburg and the Invisible Fence Company of Western PA have both been very active in their efforts to gain awareness and fulfill the program for this part of Pennsylvania. To date, through these two dealers, over 200 masks have been donated and nationally, over 10,000 are now on first responder vehicles ready for use.

When a family suffers the tragedy of a fire, lives are turned upside down, said Albert Lee, Director of Invisible Fence Brand. Pets are valued family members, so we want families to know that their pet can be cared for if tragedy strikes.

These masks truly are blessings for the Armstrong County area, said Lt. Luke Linnon Weve seen residents run back into burning homes to save a pet. Its understandable, but extremely dangerous. These masks will give residents comfort in knowing that we can save their pets if they are suffering from smoke inhalation.

The donation event was held at the Manor Township Volunteer Fire Department and included instruction on how to recover a frightened pet, first aid and pet CPR demonstration and Pet Oxygen Mask training. We are honored to be working with pet professionals like CART, Pet Emergency Training and Learning to Lead to fully equip and train first responders. said Carolyn Mento co-owner of Invisible Fence of Pittsburgh. It is not easy to find, rescue and treat a pet during the randomness of a fire. But this training gives first responders the tools to make a difference when they are out there. A reported 120+ pets have been saved by the nationally donated masks so far, including a number of dogs and cats in our area.

Armstrong County is now joining the ranks of cities like Pittsburgh, Denver, Chicago and Memphis, who have all received donated pet oxygen masks from Project Breathe program.

We still have a long way to go, says Mento of the efforts to succeed in the programs mission, But every donation takes us a step further.

Invisible Fence Brand has set up a website, http://www.invisiblefence.com/O2 where people or companies can assist with contributions.

About Invisible Fence Brand Invisible Fence Brand is the original electronic pet containment system and offers a comprehensive family of containment, avoidance, and access products to keep pets out of harm’s way and prevent unwanted behaviors throughout both the home and yard. Owned by Radio Systems Corporation in Knoxville, Tenn., Invisible Fence Brand solutions are sold nationwide by professional, authorized dealers who provide Perfect Start Pet training and custom installation that have safely contained over 2 million pets. Invisible Fence Brand has taken pet care beyond the home and started the Project Breathe program, which has donated more than 10,000 pet oxygen masks to fire departments and first responders. For more information on Invisible Fence Brand or to find a local dealer, visit http://www.invisiblefence.com.

Ashley Starling of Canine Tutors in San Luis Obispo County

When it comes time to search for the best dog obedience training in San Luis Obispo, the choices can sometimes be overwhelming for a dog owner. Thanks to an exclusive offer by Ashley Starling, owner of Canine Tutors Dog Training, residents looking for a San Luis Obispo dog trainer now have the opportunity to take advantage of a free evaluation and consultation before making a decision to enroll in classes. In addition, Starling extends an invitation to enjoy the very first dog obedience training lesson at no cost to the pet owner.

Many dog owners wonder how they can get their untrained dog to interact in the real world. I find by making this free offer, dog owners are able to see for themselves what is possible, says Starling. I can train any dog, but for most people they just have to see it to believe it.

Starling uses advanced training techniques and presents them in a simple fashion for the average dog owner to understand and utilize. Canine Tutors Dog Training specializes in getting dog off leash and under control even when experiencing severe distractions all while helping the dog maintain a happy and positive demeanor. In fact, Starling and his fellow trainers at Canine Tutors have long been considered San Luis Obispos off-leash specialists.

I have a no-conflict policy, says Starling. I never argue with the dog; I give them the tools they need in order to live with people. I work from the wow factor I keep their spirits up high and I keep them super motivated.

With years of experience in the industry, Canine Tutors Dog Training has been helping dog owners throughout San Luis Obispo County handle their pets most frustrating and challenging behavior issues with guaranteed results. Taking methods learned from dog trainers such as Bart Bellon, Ivan Balanov, Michael Ellis and Ed Frawley, Starling and his friendly, patient, and skilled team of dog trainers use positive, innovative techniques to deliver commands in a clear, concise manner. From getting a dog to come when called, sit and lay down to helping dogs break habits such as dashing out the door and jumping on guests and family members, Starling and his professional crew have provided guidance to hundreds of dog owners.

Summer in San Luis Obispo County means spending more time outside with one lesson from Canine Tutors Dog Training, owners will learn how the possibility of taking a leisurely, stress-free walk on the beach or hike along local trails with their dog can become a reality. Just in time for the summer months, Canine Tutors Dog Training is offering some warm weather tips for dog owners:

Dogs should not be shaved during the hot summer months; fur helps to protect dogs from the heat and provides insulation. Instead, opt for a good grooming session. Purchase an inexpensive hard plastic kiddy pool for dogs to splash around in. Be sure to place large containers of water within dogs reach & take extra water along when traveling or venturing outdoors. Use training tips several times daily for short periods of time 3-5 minutes at a time for a total of around 15 minutes is ideal. Keep in mind that a dogs energy level drops when temperatures reach about 70 degrees dont be alarmed if your dog is not as active during warmer weather.

For more information on private training and upcoming seminars and to take advantage of a complimentary first lesson, call Ashley Starling of Canine Tutors Dog Training at (805) 400-8309 or submit an online contact form at http://caninetutors.com. See Canine Tutors Dog Training on Google+.