##################################################
Volume 4, Number 2
Publisher: Guerrero Ink
Online: http://www.guerreroink.com
Copyright © 2006 Diana L. Guerrero. All rights reserved.
Content may not be reproduced without permission.
#################################################
February News & Tips
===============================================
IN THIS ISSUE
===============================================
1. Tales from the Trips (Latest News)
2. Question(s) for the Month
3. Critter Chronicles: Declawing Cats
4. Schedule of Upcoming Events & Appearances
===============================================
1. Tales from the Trips (Latest News)
===============================================
May this month bring you love and joy, especially since Valentine’s Day is around the corner.

I took a quick jaunt down the hill to film a cable segment (which was Cancelled) and then did an interview with someone who had many Years of photos from the Olvera Street’s Blessing of the Animals.

The book is taking a new direction based on feedback from my editor. I am moving through the grief process slowly. Six losses in three months is a bit overwhelming but there has been little loss for me
over many, many years and so it may be just the time for such things—but it does not make life any easier.

My local animal training business is keeping me busy with PUPPIES! I love starting puppies at eight weeks so they grow up without problems and are educated for good behavior including veterinarians and groomers. Puppy training is very short and sweet since they have no attention span. All the puppy owners are doing just great and they are to be commended for their great insight into establishing better doggie behavior.

A big surprise this month was that one of my editor’s decided to pull my column. This was a first for her and a first for me in ten years of writing for magazines.

However, I actually made several suggestions of alternatives (including pulling the piece) after she expressed that she did not agree with it and wanted to include other commentary.

I invited her to do so but also stressed that it was my
professional opinion gleaned after thirty years in my
industry. I’ve included it below—let me know what
you think.

Finally, thanks to all of you who took advantage of the
Promotional offer of my author pal, Lee Fodi. You helped
his book move to the top of amazon.com!

Have a great month and thanks for your continued support!
===============================================
2. Question(s) for the Month
===============================================
My question(s) for you for this month: Are you doing anything special for your pet for Valentine’s Day?

According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) 2003-2004 National Pet Owners Survey, more than nine million Americans will purchase a Valentine's gift for their pet this February 14th. Behind Christmas and Halloween, Valentine's Day is the third-busiest time of the year for specialty designers who design and distribute pet products to pet boutique shops and mass retailers.

The other day I teased some visitors about preparing for Valentine’s Day and one of the men jokingly said, “My wife gets more mileage out of it when I forget…”

The comment made me laugh and ponder the idea. Perhaps that is the true reason many men procrastinate but I digress.

In today’s changing demographics many urbanites chose to live alone or are remaining single longer. Others are waiting to have children and these individuals are inviting pets into their lives. The unconditional love, affection and loyalty of companion animals has sparked new services and businesses. Even pet friendly dating sites are springing up online.

This Valentine’s Day focus on your fabulous feline, delightful dog and cherished pets with a few unique ideas submitted by some of my subscribers.

Quality Time vs Quantity of Time
I have to remind people that it is the quality of time that you spend with your pet that makes the most difference for those with schedule challenges. Yes, they want to be with you but there is nothing like
quality attention. It impacts any living creature because it conveys that they are cherished and it elevates your bonding that much more.

Pets don’t really need a romantic walk but you can take them for a special amble to the park, plan an outing to the mountains, pack a pet picnic, visit a dog park or dog beach, or have a snack with your precious pet at an outdoor café, pet friendly place, or pet boutique.

Some pet owners sing or serenade their pets! If you have kids get them to help you write Valentine poems to their furry and feathered friends, buy pet safe Valentine Day treats, bowls and other items.

On the human side, send Valentine messages to fellow pet lovers and their pals. This year I found some cute little stuffed dogs and cats holding hearts.

If you are single and hoping to find a Valentine. Animals can be great magnets for attracting the opposite sex. When I teased a client about how
his puppy helped him meet women, he said, “If I had known what a chick magnet a puppy could be, I would have adopted one sooner!”

On the opposite side, I hiked with my stout canine daily and every man I met was always attracted to him. The guys I worked with were always amazed at all the tricks he could perform and the breadth of understanding he had for the human language. Both of us never lacked social invitations as a result!

Interesting enough I have heard that over 58 per cent of pet owners say they met and made friends simply by pet interactions. Pets make you more approachable. I suspect that those who are affectionate with animals may also be more affectionate with humans, too

Holiday gifts for your pet might include pet jewelry or charms but a new heart shaped ID tag is a fabulous and practical idea. Heart shaped squeaky toys or fleece are another idea. You can also get heart shaped pet treats for both Fluffy the feline and Muttley the dog.

If you have any tips or hints to share on this topic please email them!

Thanks! I look forward to hearing from you.
===============================================
3. Critter Chronicles: Declawing Cats
===============================================
Cat clawing issues can be prevented through early training or corrected through good behavior modification strategies. Declawing is an
uncomfortable and painful experience and is unnecessary. The amputation and mutilation is similar to ripping the nail and quick from your finger or removing the tip of your finger back to the joint.

Behavior problems such as scratching or clawing, can be addressed quickly and easily by simple strategies, or by a combination of different methods. Unfortunately, pet owners often avoid dealing with situations that involve behavior problems. They mistakenly think that the problems will just disappear or solve themselves.

The reality is that most problems get worse and escalate in their intensity. These issues then become much harder to address and this is when some people opt for the surgical removal of the claws.

Most animal behavior problems, even in severe cases, can be addressed in an eight to twelve week period. Faster progress is made with professional assistance from an animal behaviorist or coach. To solve behavior problems it is necessary to target the contributing
cause. Once the reason underlying the symptom (problem) is determined, the situation can be resolved.

There are a variety of reasons why a cat will begin to engage in clawing and scratching behavior. A behaviorist can pinpoint the problem and understand the motivation behind the behavior so you can pick the right solution.

Some reasons that cats and kittens claw or scratch include:
--Improper learning or training
--Lack of environmental needs
--Physical need
--Marking territory or display
--Boredom or attention seeking
--New home or furnishings
--New animal introduction

Consistent and persistent application of behavior modification techniques solves the problem and redirects the animal into other activities or more appropriate actions. If dealt with in the early
stages, behavior problems can be eliminated quickly and easily—usually within a few days. It seems that often, rather than deal with these situations early, pet owners will wait and then, in desperation, take drastic measures that may hurt, maim, or psychologically
impact their animals for life.

Consultants in animal behavior see the negative repercussions of such extreme actions such as declawing. Other behavior problems often follow the procedure and many declawed felines suffer from
litterbox avoidance, psychological trauma, and day-to-day frustrations that prevent them from marking territory, protecting themselves, and helping them to align their spines. Many declawed cats bite more—as it is their only line of defense. They have a difficult time with other animals because they feel vulnerable and aggression often escalates.

Is there a time I would recommend declawing? Not really—and I never have. Pet owners who are unwilling to work to make sure that their pet is properly schooled and trained or who are unwilling to keep an animal in the home for the duration of his or her lifespan are
not the type of clients I see.

Let me just say that this is not an ideal world and some exceptions may come up. (But they have not arisen during my thirty years in behavior.) So, in an extreme case where it is necessary to insure an animal stays in
the home, I might ponder it. However, that type of suggestion might be made only if the owners have spent the necessary time working on the issue with a qualified animal behaviorist without success. There are also nail covers and other more palatable options to try before pondering such a recommendation.

It is important that you understand that declawing a feline will make that animal unsuitable for other homes making placement or adoption nearly impossible. The procedure would also put the animal at great risk if it
escapes or meanders outdoors.

Finally, like my editor, you might not agree with my professional opinion and that is your prerogative but I thought I would attach some links to the commentaries of some of the larger professional groups and clubs so
you could read other commentary on the topic. Feel free to email me with your thoughts.

Good article describing the process and facts surrounding the process.
http://maxshouse.com/facts_about_declawing.htm

Cats International Website Commentary
http://www.catsinternational.org/articles/scratching_and_declawing/declawing.html

Cat Fancier’s Association
http://www.cfainc.org/health/declawing.html

American Veterinary Medical Association’s Position
http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/apr03/030415c.asp

===============================================
4. Schedule of Upcoming Events & Appearances
===============================================
Here are the teleseminar titles for the year with dates. Just click on the link below to enroll. We will also have audio files for sale shortly. Don’t forget to tell a friend!

February 7, 2006 (Tuesday) Noon PST
Secrets of Successful Animal Trainers
In this cutting-edge teleseminar course you will learn about behavior and reinforcement. Learn animal training secrets for use with pets and other critters (even children). Discover the secrets of animal trainers including how to recognize what your pet is telling you and how to get better behavior immediately! Enrollment invitations are via veterinary and pet business referral only. You must have a referral code to enroll in this course.

February 14, 2006 (Tuesday) 6:00pm PST
Animal Disaster Preparedness Teleseminar
Do you know what needs to be in your pet's evacuation kit? What are the behaviors animal exhibit prior to and post disasters? What threats face pets and how can you help them adjust after a disaster? If you don't know the answers to these questions--you won't want to miss this seminar with animal behavior and disaster preparedness expert, Diana L. Guerrero. Join the author of the essential, "Animal Disaster Preparedness
for Pet Owners & Pet Professionals" and contributing editor to "Resources for Crisis Management in Zoos and Other Animals Facilities" for to learn what steps you should take and what resources are available to protect
your precious pets.

February 28, 2006 (Tuesday) 6:00pm PST
Introductory Career Teleseminar
Do you dream of working with animals or becoming a pet professional? Then you won't want to miss this seminar with animal career expert, Diana L. Guerrero. Join the author of the popular series, "Unusual Animal Careers" to learn what steps you should take and what educational pursuits you can take to make your wish come true.

Toileting Terrors: Cats & Kittens
Learn the causes and solutions for toileting terrors! Your cat or kitten can transform from the litterbox lawbreaker to the fabulous feline with help from
animal behaviorist, Diana L. Guerrero. Join this teleseminar and get the information you need from the comfort of your own home or office.

Clawing and Scratching: Cats & Kittens
Learn the causes and solutions for cat clawing capers! Your cat or kitten can transform from a cat criminal to a fabulous feline with help from animal behaviorist, Diana L. Guerrero. Join this teleseminar and get the information you need from the comfort of your own home or office.

Pet Bird Screaming or Squawking
Learn the causes and solutions for pet bird screaming and squawking. Your parrot problems can be addressed in many different ways. Join this teleseminar and get the information you need from the comfort of your own home or office.

Pet Bird Feather Plucking
Learn the causes and solutions for feather plucking, often called feather picking. Your bare bird or plucked parrot problems can be addressed in many different
ways. Join this teleseminar and get the information you need from the comfort of your own home or office.

House Training Horrors: Dogs & Puppies
Learn the causes and solutions for house training horrors! Your dog or puppy can transform from the doggie delinquent to the perfect pooch with help from
animal behaviorist, Diana L. Guerrero. Join this teleseminar and get the information you need from the comfort of your own home or office.

Chewing: Dogs & Puppies
Learn the causes and solutions for that chomping canine! Your dog or puppy can transform from the doggie delinquent to the perfect pooch with help from animal behaviorist, Diana L. Guerrero. Join this teleseminar and get the information you need from the comfort of your own home or office.

Destructive Digging: Dogs & Puppies
Learn the causes and solutions for that darn digging dog! Your dog or puppy can transform from the doggie delinquent to the perfect pooch with help from animal behaviorist, Diana L. Guerrero. Join this teleseminar and get the information you need from the comfort of your own home or office.

Excessive Barking: Dogs & Puppies
Learn the causes and solutions for barking bowser! Your dog or puppy can transform from the doggie delinquent to the perfect pooch with help from animal behaviorist, Diana L. Guerrero. Join this teleseminar and get the information you need from the comfort of your own home or office.

Pet Nosie Phobia: Thunderstorm, Fireworks & Traumas
Learn how to address noise phobia prior to July 4th. Join this teleseminar and get the information you need from the comfort of your own home or office.

For more teleseminar information, to view summaries of topics, enroll, or check for changes and updates please visit: http://www.arkanimals.com/Teleseminars/teleseminars_telecourses_index.htm

Thanks for your continued support and suggestions.
=============================================
=============================================
Have a great month and stay tuned!
***************************************************
Please feel free to share this newsletter with anyone who is on the lookout for new books, speakers, and courses related to animals or writing.

Don’t forget to tell your friends about this newsletter. Recommend that they sign up! To subscribe to this newsletter enroll at www.arkanimals.com or www.allianceofwriters.com.

PRIVACY STATEMENT: Subscriber information will not be distributed to anyone.

Subscribe/Unsubscribe: If you subscribed electronically, you may unsubscribe
by following the information (or clicking on the link) included in your verification email (or the bottom of this email). If you signed up at an event, you were entered into the private database and can be removed by following the same instructions.

Direct access: www.authorsden.com/dianalguerrero
***************************************************
Thanks for joining me. If you have a topic you would like to see covered in this newsletter, please visit our online form at http://www.arkanimals.com/ark/contact.html

Want to advertise or sponsor an event? Contact me below.

###########################
ARK ANIMAL TRACKS
***************************
***************************
Copyright © 2006 by Diana L. Guerrero
PO Box 1989 PMB 215
40729 Village Drive Suite 8
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Web Email Form: http://www.arkanimals.com/ark/contact.html
www.guerreroink.com
www.dianalguerrero.com
www.arkanimals.com
www.allianceofwriters.com

(760) 875-6874 Office Line
(800) 818-7387 Events & Media
(800) 962-4544 Book Wholesale