Sometimes we get so caught up in our day-to-day that we forget to value everything that we might take for granted. This week, a very special gift came to our practice in the way of a request from the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Our Director of Pet Behavior Services, Brad Phifer was approached at Bark Tutor by the Make-A-Wish Foundation on behalf of Peyton Medlin and her family. Peyton is a four-year-old little girl with Mitochondrial Disease- Complex 1 and III, with 22q 11.2 Deletion Syndrome. Her wish is to have a dog.

Peyton’s condition has prevented her from a childhood of playing with girlfriends, trips to the park, and everything we take for granted in our lives. To Peyton, having a dog means having a best friend—a companion to keep her company when she’s not feeling well, or someone to play with when she’s having a really good day.

Brad met with Peyton and her family and the first thing he did was determine what kind of dog would be best for Peyton. He used the Canine Colorsmodel to determine the personality types of Peyton’s parents, and then to determine the personality of their family’s ideal dog. After much discussion about Peyton’s needs, as well as the timeliness that was needed for selection, socialization, and training, the Medlin family decided that Peyton’s puppy should be a standard poodle.

As soon as Brad told us Peyton’s story, we knew we could “rally the troops” to make a difference for this little girl. Brad had already approached the owner of Pet Supplies Plus Indy, who agreed to feed Peyton’s new dog for a year. Between Broad Ripple Animal Clinic and Wellness Center and Bark Tutor School for Dogs, we knew we would be able to provide veterinary care for a year, as well as provide the training and socialization. Brad’s plan is to work with Peyton’s family to train the dog to be a Delta certified therapy dog. That way, with Peyton’s doctor’s permission, her dog will be able to accompany Peyton to the hospital for extended stays as her condition worsens. Down the road, Peyton’s parents plan to continue to volunteer at Children’s Hospitals with therapy dog programs, in Peyton’s memory.

Wednesday at our weekly staff meeting, we told the team at Broad Ripple Animal Clinic and Wellness Center and Bark Tutor School for Dogs about Peyton and the cost of purchasing a young standard poodle, with time being of the essence. In less than an hour the employees had pledged and raised more than $1200!!  Additionally, we were able to reach out to Embrace Pet Insurance and the company has generously donated a pet insurance policy for the puppy’s first year with Peyton, to cover accidents and illnesses.

Yesterday, Brad took Peyton and her family to meet potential puppies. They have found her ideal companion—a little 3-month-old male standard poodle! Peyton has named him Manning and he will spend the next two months being socialized and trained by living with Brad and attending Bark Tutor. At Christmas, Manning will go to his furr-ever home with little Peyton! We are looking forward to sharing Peyton and Manning’s story in the coming months.

In the meantime, if you found Peyton’s story as touching as we have, please consider making a donation to Peyton’s medical costs, as her family lives on one income and we’re sure the medical expenses can be overwhelming. To help, please send your donations to: 5/3 Bank of Westfield, Mike Cadenhead , Branch Manager; 3443 E St Rd 32, MD868111, Westfield, IN 46074. You can make the donation payable to: Peyton A. Medlin Account Number: 9653255092

Why does your dog bark?

*Dogs bark to warn other dogs of their territory.

*Dogs may bark when separated from their family.

*Dogs sometimes bark when anxious, afraid or frustrated.

*Medical problems, especially as your dog ages could also contribute to barking.

In many cases, we inadvertently make our barking dog problem worse, by yelling or constantly telling them to be quiet when this happens. There are several ways to prevent a barking problem, as well as methods to correct unwanted barking.

Prevention

Socialization, socialization, socialization! By exposing your young dog to a variety of people, animals, places, unfamiliar situations and other dogs early in life, you can prevent anxiety and fear from taking control later in life. Frequenting dog parks, play groups, meeting neighbors, or utilizing training programs that focus on socialization are great ways to accomplish this.

The trainers at Bark Tutor know how valuable socialization can be in preventing problems. They frequently dress-up in costumes, employ the use of canes, strollers, walkers and other objects to expose their students to a variety of situations. Their play groups also focus on controlled socialization so that no one gets “bullied”.

Correction

There are several methods for working on correcting your dog’s barking problem. The key to all of them is consistency and patience. It is important to always redirect your dog’s attention to what you want them to do, rather than bring attention to what you don’t want them to continue doing. Using a doorbell to trigger the barking behavior, with treat in hand, offer the treat to “sniff” when the dog barks. Dogs can’t bark and smell at the same time, so when your dog “quiets” to smell the treat, praise them for being quiet and reward them when they remain quiet for a few seconds. Continue this pattern, alternating different “barking triggers” until you get longer and longer periods of “quiet”. It’s also important to be very quiet and calm yourself in your praises. You want your dog to understand you are looking for “quiet and calm”.

If you have an out-of-control barking problem, you may need expert assistance. Our Director of Pet Behavior Services, Brad Phifer has extensive experience with the “barking dog blues”. Give him a call at 317-257-5334 or email him at b.phifer@bracpet.com for real solutions!