GM News - February 2025

Hi

Thank you for opening this newsletter! (We don't take your interest and time for granted :-)

Kate responded to our call in the last newsletter for dog pics: here's Remi looking sharp.

Amanda, David, & Ruth
Gentle Modern School of Dog Training

Top Tip - Emergency Preparedness

Sadly, it seems like natural disasters are increasing in frequency and impact.
You may have to evacuate, you may have to shelter in place - how can you prepare?
Sources
Tips for Dog Owners Near a Disaster Zone by Nancy Kerns (quotes below from this article)
Pet Disaster Preparedness by Bethany W. Adams, US Humane Society

> When you receive the very first report of a disaster near you, ensure your pets are wearing their collars and ID tags (Are those tags still legible? Details can wear off. Is the address on your pets' microchip record up-to-date?) and put their harnesses on. "Immediately contain your most skittish pet and work your way to the calmest one."

> Do you have a back-up carer? If you're stuck somewhere and can't return home, is there someone with a set of keys to your house who your pets know, who can get your pet/s, their food and meds?

> What would need to go into your pet emergency go-bag?: pet medication(it may be difficult to get prescriptions filled, so make sure you have plenty to hand), spare leads & collars, poo disposal bags, food (and tin opener if food is canned), may be small favourite toy, maybe bedding (the familiar can be comforting), four litres of water (not only for drinking; the US Humane Society highlighted that if your pet has been exposed to chemicals or flood waters they may need to be rinsed). What shape is your first aid kit in? With some additions, your kit for humans should be able to cover pets.

Items for Pet First Aid Kit https://www.petmd.com/general-health/must-have-items-for-pet-first-aid-kit
Booklet on pet first aid https://www.rspcansw.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/RN0949_PetFirstAidGuide_2023_highres.pdf

> Do a dry run. Set a timer: prepare the go-bag and load all your pets and your supplies in your vehicle. (Does it all fit?) How much time did it take?

"When the disaster gets real, know ahead of time that you won’t be thinking very well."

Body Language - the Lean

Naomi Andrews, UK Trainer and Behaviourist, highlights the subtle lean away signal of discomfort. You'll probably notice a happy, content lean into you, but the lean away - the movement may be small - can be missed. Keep an eye out for it - your dog might be telling you, another human or another dog that they're uncomfortable and reluctant.

Your Reward for Reading to the End . . .

Emily O’Leary makes amazingly realistic hooked rugs of dogs sleeping. You won't be sorry you clicked on the link!