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Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor Recently, I read a disturbing post on social media. In it, a broken-hearted dog owner bemoaned the fact that her puppy had been given over to a training facility which insisted on keeping the pup for eight weeks in order to train the dog properly. During that period of time the owner was not allowed to have any contact with the dog and all correspondence was via email messages. I expressed my disapproval and was promptly told by a representative of the training program that "nobody cares what you think." I would like to make myself... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor Your dog looks to you for guidance. As a pack animal, he searches for your leadership as the Alpha. If that leadership is lacking he may assert himself, growling when you sit in "his" chair, snarling when you disturb him in the middle of "his" bed, and generally taking over your household. If you are noticing the above-mentioned behaviors it's time to reassess your position in the pack. Be firm but compassionate and show Fido that he is not a decision-maker. If he is on the furniture and shows possessiveness, place a lead around his neck... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor Whether you’ve had your dog for a long time or he’s a recent addition the new year can bring about some wonderful changes in attitude and behavior for your entire family! A dog reacts by instinct—he does not understand “spiteful behavior”, nor does he have the capacity for anger. If you bear this philosophy in mind you will not be so upset when he seems to display these signs. When you assign human emotions to an animal you are practicing anthropomorphism. That is, you are treating your pet as though he were a human with all... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor Some dogs seem to take up all your time. They cry for attention, interrupt your daily activities by pawing, staring, and even being destructive. If these behaviors occur on a regular basis it may be time to set some boundaries. Be gentle but firm when attention-seeking behaviors are unwarranted. Call a time out by putting a distance between you and Fido, either by crating him or sending him to another area of the room. When he calms down you can call him back, praise him, and resume your interrupted activities. Make sure your dog gets enough... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor On average, a middle-income American will change his place of residence 11.7 times. The family pet will likely be involved in several of those moves! You can ease Fido's anxiety about moving by taking him to the "new place" and allowing him to sniff and explore all the nooks and crannies. Take along an old towel or tee shirt and drop it on the floor so it will smell like the new places and bring it along to the house from which you currently reside. In that way your dog will associate the smells and feel... Read more →

Gloucestercitynews.net files EDITOR'S NOTE: In the coming weeks on Monday local author Dawn Watson will be posting a short story exclusively for readers of CNBNews and perhaps a private site or two on Facebook. The stories will eventually be part of an anthology, available on Amazon as an eBook and paperback. My eleventh novel, The Factory, will be available by Christmas. Warning: Some are very dark and not for the faint of heart! ****** The Extra Mile ((1999) by Dawn O Watson "Amazing what you see, you walk far enough," the old man cackled. "It's all different than it used... Read more →

A Very Old Man By Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor Written in 1993. Winner of several literary awards. He shuffled along the street trying to make out the forms moving about him through his thick glasses. The bag he carried was heavy but too precious to set down, even for a moment. He waited for the light to change, suspicious of every movement around him. The old man trudged on, head down. Only a few more breathless feet ahead lay the familiar outline of his tiny row house. He set the bag of day-old bread and dented cans of vegetables down... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor Jeffrey and Jason tiptoed quietly into the house, thankful that their parents were still sleeping soundly. They climbed into their bunks, exhausted. “We never should have gone trick or treating on our own,” Jeffrey said softly. “I wish we had stayed with Erin,” Jason whispered. “She was only trying to help us.” “Do you think we’ll ever find her?” Jeffrey asked. “Mom and Dad won’t rest until she’s home. Even when the three of us fight we still love each other. That’s how families are.” “I hope wherever she is she’s warm enough.” “I hope wherever... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBnews Contributor Dogs bark for many reasons—because they are excited, anxious, or feel the need to warn. However, some dogs bark for no reason at all. It’s frustrating when Fido is constantly barking and shouting over the noise does nothing to calm him. What can you do to correct his behavior in a gentle yet effective manner? If your dog will accept a gentle touch when she is in the midst of a barking session a simple “No” with a touch to the top of her head may help. Do not confuse a “touch” with anything more aggressive!... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor Part III The door slammed behind the boys and they hugged one another, terrified as their eyes adjusted to the darkened room. CNBNews files “Would you like some cookies?” the old woman asked. “I just made them.” “No thank you,” Jeffrey said. “We just want our sister.” “Let me see,” she said thoughtfully. “I know she’s here somewhere.” “Is that her on the couch?” Jason asked. He walked over to a covered form on the ragged old sofa and reached for it. But the woman stepped in front of him, blocking his movement. A metallic flash... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor “Jeffrey! Wake up!” Jason whispered to his brother. “What time is it? Why are you dressed?” Jeffrey asked sleepily. “It’s midnight. I couldn’t sleep. Put your clothes on. You’re going with me to find Erin!” After Jeffrey scrambled into his clothes, he was handed a flashlight and a butter knife. “The flashlight is good but why do I need a butter knife?” he asked. “We might need to fight with someone,” Jason told him. “And mom would murder us if we took one of the steak knives!” Jeffrey nodded. When they reached the back door, Jason... Read more →

By Dawn O Watson CNBNews Contributor Each Monday for four consecutive weeks the continuing saga of A Halloween Adventure will be posted for our readers’ enjoyment. (Gloucester City, NJ)(CNBNews)(Oct. 5, 2020)--The children dressed excitedly—finally, Halloween eve had arrived! And this year they were old enough to go trick-or-treating on their own, without a parent following behind them, nagging about safety. Ten-year-old Erin and her younger twin brothers Jason and Jeffrey were dressed and out the door by five PM, meeting many of their school friends as they traversed the area near their homes. “Let’s go further,” Jeffrey said. “If we... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor When you adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue you may be given information about his or her past. It may be a sad or disturbing story that will make you vow to make up for all of your dog’s past suffering. However, if you approach the training of your new best buddy in this manner you may be doing him a disservice. After a period of allowing Fido to become acquainted with you and your family, you should begin gently teaching him the rules of your home. A professional trainer can give you tips... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor Your puppy has been a member of your family for several months, or even a year. She’s been friendly with your kids and your other pets, housebroken, and has been taught not to chew the furniture. But suddenly, she’s like a different dog—barking, nipping, being rude in day camp. Why did this happen and what can you do to correct it? Dogs, like children go through stages. The Terrible Twos might just be followed by the Rebellious Teens! Their bodies and thought processes are changing and sometimes that means their behavior will change, too. This is your... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor Many dog owners go to great lengths to fence in their yards to permit the family dog to exercise. However, that isn’t all that Fido needs to stay healthy and happy. Walking is a social exercise. It stimulates your dog into being social and allows him to acquaint himself to find his way home. In the event that he accidentally slips out the front door he will smell his own pathway and recognize landmarks and be more likely to return. In addition, your neighbors may recognize him and bring him back. Another reason to walk your... Read more →

Your dog is aging. He has slowed down, he struggles to walk or sit, and you suspect his joints ache, he’s developed cataracts, and no longer seems to engage with the family. Is it time to gently ease him from this world and onto the next? There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Many times, your best buddy will let you know when it’s time to go. When a dog stops eating that may be a sign that he is ready. However, there are many medications and positive actions that may give him back his will to... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor The “new normal” of the pandemic offers a great opportunity for your family to work on Fido’s social skills. There are many tutorials on YouTube and elsewhere that can greatly add to learning, grooming, and generally caring for your family’s pets. When viewing these tutorials keep in mind that your dog deserves gentle and respectful treatment. That means no physical corrections of any kind including the use of electronic collars which can cause fear and injury, or choke collars which can cause a multitude of injuries to the neck and throat of your dog. Take five... Read more →

Local columnist Dawn O Watson recently announced the arrival of her new novel, Blue Earth. (Gloucestercitynews.net)(September 2, 2020)--Blue Earth is the story of a dystopian society that struggles to survive under a protective dome. Outside, the world is irradiated and desolate, inhabited by the outcasts of society who are afflicted with burns and disfigurement as they attempt to survive in a world filled with mutated animals. The atmosphere has turned everything it touches a drab shade of blue. “Independent writers are at a disadvantage. We must market our own work and do our own advertising, which is difficult because of... Read more →

I often view videos that show a toddler ‘playing’ with an adult dog. The video is supposed to depict the love the child has for the dog or vice versa. It’s likely that nothing could be further from the truth. Toddlers must be constantly observed if they are near a dog. It only takes a second for a tragedy and a life-long fear of dogs to occur. In addition, any reactivity on the part of the dog who is being mauled is a no-win situation for everyone. There are many dogs that lose their lives every year because an adult... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor Obesity in dogs is a serious problem. It will shorten a dog’s life and decrease his enjoyment of life. You are not doing him any favors by over-feeding your dog! There are many ways to slim down an overweight dog. Most of them are simple and fun for both you and Fido! Taking him for a walk twice a day will be a great bonding experience. Start by going around the block, then gradually build up to a half-mile hike. Go slowly at first and reward your dog by brushing or petting him—food treats are far... Read more →

CNBNews Gloucesterite Dawn O Watson, a columnist for Gloucester City News has announced the publication of her eleventh novel, Blue Earth. Blue Earth is the story of a future world where the government decides the fate of humanity and life is lived within a protective dome. The outside world is filled with toxins and as a result, all living matter loses its original color and is dangerously irradiated. "Being an independent writer it's up to me to get the word out," Mrs. Watson said. "I have a publicist but because of the pandemic she cannot promote my work as she... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor Previously, a dog’s age was calculated by multiplying his age by seven. A new theory has been discovered that adjusts that timeline. When a dog is a year old, his aging factors can be compared to that of a thirty-year old human. The new theory suggests that when dogs are young, they age rapidly. A four-year-old dog is the equivalent of a fifty-two-year-old human. Then, when a dog is seven years old, dog aging slows. The changes are referred to as epigenetic changes. Research is ongoing—this particular timeline measures only the aging factors of medium to... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor There are thousands of animal rescue groups in the US. Every type of animal is represented, from ferrets to donkeys. It is fortunate that there are so many caring groups concerned with providing homes for abandoned or unwanted animals! . You may wonder why it is so expensive to adopt a dog, and why the rescues seem to want you to “jump through hoops” before bringing your new best buddy home. There are quite a few breed-specific rescues out there, but some simply go by size. Here are the steps involved in bringing a dog into... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor My husband used to ask me, “Don’t you just love an adventure?” The answer was always an enthusiastic, “Yes!” But now, my brain can’t keep up with my age. Inside, I’m still a kid. Outside, I’m pushing seventy. My face still breaks out when I’m nervous. Only now my pimples are on top of my wrinkles. I don’t know which product to use, Retinol or Clearasil. One product is supposed to plump up the area, the other is made to dry it. It’s confusing. A couple of weeks ago I tried to sashay. You know, the... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor Dogs are social animals. That means introducing humans and other animals is an important part of creating a well-rounded life for your dog. Take your dog to parks, on hiking trails, and to dog-friendly neighborhoods. Introduce him to lots of people and observe his interaction with them. Does he seem anxious? Is he panting or trembling, giving off warning growls? If so, go slowly and allow him to take his time in new situations. Never leave Fido alone with children. Some dogs become nervous around the chaos of active toddlers. Always reward episodes of calmness with... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor Your dog has grown accustomed to your company because of the pandemic. If this is the case and you are now contemplating going back to the office Fido may show signs of anxiety. Please be patient with him as he relearns spending time alone! One way to lessen the blow of separation is to spend some time ‘practicing’. Leave your home for an hour or so each day. That will reassure your buddy that inevitably, you will return! Don’t make a big deal about leaving. Calmly grab your car keys, put him inside his crate if... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor The American Kennel Club has been around for one hundred thirty-five years. During this time the organization has grown and prospered, offering many services for dog owners, trainers, and breeders. One of the many services they offer is the Canine Good Citizen evaluation, where trained evaluators assess each dog for their obedience, composure, and knowledge of commands. Any dog, no matter if he is a pure bred or a mix, can qualify for this achievement. Canine Good Citizens are recognized throughout the United States and are given top priority at dog shows, agility trials, and other... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor My hair hates me. If I make plans to go out with a friend or I have an appointment with a doctor or even if I decide to take a walk, my hair senses it and reacts. I get a hair bump. In the greater scheme of things this isn’t a big deal. However, my personal hair bumps look toxic. “What happened?” I am asked. “Are you all right?” “Just a hair bump,” I say as I try to flatten it. My bump reacts by growing larger as if in retaliation for the pressure of my... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor It’s allergy time and that means Fido spends the better part of his day scratching! He’s being driven mad by bug bites, pollen, and his arch enemy, the flea! There are plenty of topical and oral medications on the market that boast about their power to get rid of fleas and other summer pests. But be sure to research these products before you purchase them! Some can be harmful to your dog! The best tool to find out about a medicine’s effectiveness is the Internet. Be sure to look on a site that is not paid... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor It’s that time again. Summer, when my dogs get in my face, panting their hot breath on me, raising the temperature at least ten degrees. As if I wasn’t already sweating. Summer, when kids are outside my window, screaming bloody murder by eight in the morning, continuing until about nine at night. Why are they screaming? Because that’s what kids do. Not my kids, of course. My kids were perfect. At least that’s how I remember it. Summer, when folks ask me to go to the beach and I’m forced to explain that I don’t need... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor Many dogs are fearful of loud, sudden noises. Thunder and fireworks can reduce a dog to a quivering, whining wreck who does not calm down until the noise has gone away. There is hope, however! One way to help your dog calm down is to purchase a Thundershirt. The idea behind this product resulted from the work of Temple Grandin, an autistic scientist. The Thundershirt will wrap your dog snugly which will reduce his anxiety, somewhat. This product can be emulated by wrapping him snugly in an old tee shirt, preferably one that has your smell... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor Owning a dog can be expensive but there are ways to give your pet a great but economical lifestyle! Pet insurance plans are a great idea. Research them first, however—there are big differences in benefits and price! Research veterinarian practices, too as some offer discounted services under special circumstances. Shelters often offer vet services at greatly discounted costs and spaying and neutering is included in the adoption fee. You don’t need to buy a pricey bed for Fido. He’ll be happy to sleep on some soft tee shirts, especially if they smell like you, his favorite... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor I read that the life expectancy of a female in the U.S. is now eighty-one years and one month. That’s good to know. Makes planning easier. Barring illness or being hit by a bus I’m letting everyone know to set April of 2032 aside. I’m saying the entire month because I’m not good at math, so I’m forced to estimate. I’d like to keep things economical by being cremated. An urn is an unnecessary expense so unless my kids want more clutter in their homes, I suggest dividing the ashes into two plastic storage bags—that way... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor You love your little dog and she loves you. She is quiet, housebroken, and obedient. There’s only one thing she does that upsets you. She bites. She bites other dogs. She bites humans (except you). If she slips her harness, she will bite anyone or anything she can catch. Short of euthanasia, what are your alternatives? You can muzzle her with a box muzzle which will allow her to breathe and pant. Tie a yellow ribbon or scarf around her leash and/or harness to alert others to danger. Walk her early in the morning so there... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor Generations ago people believed that pet dogs were to be kept outside to guard the homestead. Often, these guard dogs had no shelter and lived their lives at the end of a chain. Fortunately, this is no longer the case. In fact, in most states it is unlawful and stiff fines or jail time for this offense is the norm. Domesticated dogs are social animals. They crave the companionship of humans and are most often viewed as part of the family. Thankfully, the era of the outside dog has passed. If you see a dog on... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor In the past I was a gifted sleeper. I slept gloriously all night long and napped most of the day. I’d fall asleep anywhere—on a bus, in a car, on a straight-backed chair. Once, when I was called upon to testify in Court, I had to be nudged awake to make my statement. When the judge asked sarcastically if he’d interrupted my nap I answered honestly. He was not happy. I slept through most of high school and college and napped through labor, waking only long enough to scream with every contraction. The staff called their... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor When you bring a puppy home he is likely to "mouth". That term describes a young dog's habit of chewing on everything--including you! Usually, this behavior stems from the pup being removed from his mother's care before she has taught him essential manners. When a puppy is born (whelped is the technical term) she seeks her mother for everything from milk to protection. As the puppy grows older she will roughhouse with her litter mates. It is at this time, between the ages of four to eight weeks of age, that the mother teaches her puppies... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNewsnet I have addressed the steps to take if you have lost your dog. But what should a responsible person do if he or she finds a dog? If the dog is friendly check to see if he has tags. There may be an address and/or phone number listed. If he is wearing a license tag, there is probably a veterinarian’s number on it. If he is wearing a rabies tag it will usually list the county from which the rabies shot was issued. You can call your county animal shelter or animal control officer (often a police... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor I’m social distancing. I’ve been at it for sixty-nine years. As a child I was always the tallest among my friends. That made it awkward when one of them insisted on hugging me. Most of them didn’t quite reach my chin. Some of them were chest-height. If I bent down to hug one of them my behind stuck out. If I stood up, I’d lift them off their feet. Either option could cause trouble, so I usually just kept my distance. In high school we weren’t allowed physical contact except in gym class. I was tall... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor I am often asked how to make a dog stop exhibiting inappropriate behavior. In my years of teaching, training, and mentoring I have only used a physical correction one time, and only because I was attacked by a dog during a training session. There are many methods of dog training. I use and recommend a combination of positive and negative reinforcement. That is, the dog is rewarded (reinforced) when he responds appropriately and given a frown or denied attention when he does not. The reward is not necessarily a treat—it can merely be a positive verbal... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor I hate waiting in lines. I was waiting at Dunkin’ Donuts and the people behind me were sharing a joke, laughing uproariously. I enjoy a good joke, so I turned around and asked what was so funny. A lady pointed at my behind. Seems I’d torn the seat of my slacks and everything was hanging out there for their viewing pleasure. I did not buy coffee. I did not buy donuts. Another time I accidentally made folks laugh was after an outdoor dog-training session, during which I had worked in a kennel that hadn’t been recently... Read more →

When I was a kid my relatives told me some interesting stories. As I grew older, I realized there wasn’t much truth to them. There was the story about the panther statue that graced my grandparent’s coffee table. My grandfather told me that a Chinese nobleman gave it to his great-grandfather as a symbol of their friendship. To prove this, I was shown the bottom of the statue where “Made in China” was printed. The panther had green jewels for eyes. “Chinese jade”, Grampa told me. “Very valuable”. It wasn’t until I saw the same statue at the Goodwill store... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor Pet Tip of the Week Puppies Puppies are fun! They are cute and cuddly, and nothing can make you laugh harder than a baby dog’s antics! There are certain things to consider before bringing Baby Fido into your family, however. With strict adherence to a schedule a twelve-week-old puppy can be taught to go ‘potty’ outside or on a puppy pad within four weeks. If you are unsure about the housebreaking technique my book, Training Your Dog With Love and Compassion, is available on Amazon.com or can be ordered at any bookstore. While the steps are... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor As your dog ages he may show signs of age-related maladies. It is heartbreaking to witness and can be expensive to cure. Your best buddy could suffer silently or cry from pain. Look for signs of discomfort—panting, lethargy, lack of appetite—and deal with each issue as it presents itself. Ask your veterinarian for a plan of action. Take out pet insurance if you have not already done so. Discuss the end of his life with your family. I have been doing small dog hospice services for many years and have known of people that have given... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor My knees don’t bend the way they used to. I discovered this when I was attempting to sit down in a bathtub. I usually shower. But this time I decided to treat myself to a good, long soak. Soon, the bathroom was filled with steam and the air smelled like the rosewood bubble concoction I’d dumped in. I shut off the water and prepared to be indulged. Since the tub seemed to be narrower than my lower body, I shifted to the side so I could wedge myself in. It would have worked just fine but my... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor Maybe you and Fido have been munching out during this time of quarantine and now you are both a little ‘rounder’. There is an easy fix for getting rid of that extra weight—take a hike! Walking around your neighborhood is a good way to enrich the bond you share with your family. And keeping a safe distance is easy if you keep moving! Keep a mask handy in case someone breaches the six-foot restriction, but most folks are compliant with the ‘new normal’ and will not approach you. Keep mealtimes pleasant and simple. Feed your dog... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor Easter was a big deal when I was a kid. We went to the church in which my mom was baptized, confirmed and married, and in which my brother and I followed suit. We were obligated to go to church and Sunday School every week. Since our house was directly across the street, we couldn’t exactly tell folks we were sick when all they had to do was look through our windows and see us watching television. Anyway, Mother awakened us on Easter morning at 4:30 AM so we could be the first family to get... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor There are many theories on training dogs. Some folks like to think they can get their dogs to do anything they train them to do. Conversely, they believe they can make their dogs stop behaviors that are unacceptable. While that may be true, most dogs will revert to instinct if given the opportunity. A good example of instinctual behavior is allowing a dog with a known, high prey drive access to a rabbit. Sure, the dog may seem friendly toward the rabbit but do not take for granted that he will overcome his instincts if left... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor The other day I saw a neighbor putting a piece of paper on the windshield of my truck. Curious, I waited until she’d gone back inside and nonchalantly walked over to see what she’d written. I was excited, thinking it was an invitation to a party! Or perhaps the neighborhood was having a scavenger hunt I wasn’t aware of and this was her way of letting me know! Much to my disappointment it was a note that said, “Parking on this street is limited to the owners of the houses. Please move your vehicle.” Hmph. If... Read more →