January 2024

New Tricks for
a New Year!

This month’s issue is supported in part by SF Animal Medical Center and dog lovers like you.

Welcome to Bay Woof, January 2024

New Tricks for a New Year!

“It’s 2024!” says the Labrador. And just like that, a brand new year comes strolling in, along with a bevy of refreshed hopes and dreams. May we greet it all with peace, love, and rolled-up sleeves, determined to work for a better world around us. After all, with dogs by our side, anything is possible.

Welcoming the new year with tails wagging, we present Bay Woof’s annual training issue. Whether you're a seasoned dog enthusiast or a newcomer wanting better communication with your canine pal, this edition promises practical insights, training tips, and engaging tales from local dog pros. As always, we celebrate training that focuses on the dog’s point of view, deepening the connection between you and your pup.

Finally, here’s a big furry thanks to everyone who contributed to Bay Woof’s end-of-year fundraiser (it’s never too late to do so here). We’re honored to be able to continue this work with such a talented pool of writers, trainers, and animal advocates, not to mention our dedicated readers. It’s through your shared experiences and support that Bay Woof remains the go-to source for community dog news in the Bay Area and beyond. We can’t thank you enough.

Best wishes for a wonderful 2024,
M Rocket
Publisher, Bay Woof

About the cover: AdobeStock

This Month’s Bones to Chew

January Feature Stories

Featured

Ren Volpe

If It Didn’t Hurt, It Wouldn’t Work: The Truth About Choke, Prong, and Shock Collars

Ren Volpe

Our understanding of animal behavior has evolved significantly in the last few decades (thanks, science). Yet outdated ideas about the best way to train dogs persist.

Ren Volpe

Angela Gardner

What It Takes: Training Your Own Service Dog

Angela Gardner

How do you know if your dog is capable of becoming a service animal? And how do you prepare your dog for such a big leap in responsibilities?

Angela Gardner

Columns from the January Pack

Nose for News

S. Emerson Moffat

FDA Warns Against Untested Pet Antibiotics, Researchers Explore Life-Extending Drugs for Dogs, Cash Hound Gives New Meaning to ‘Money Laundering,’ and More!

S. Emerson Moffat

The U.S. FDA recently warned Chewy and eight other companies that they are violating federal law.

S. Emerson Moffat

The Monthly Woof

Sara Scott

Paws for Thought: How Dogs Help Us Cope With Post-Holiday Blues

Sara Scott

As the festive lights dim and the holiday cheer subsides, many of us find ourselves grappling with the post-holiday blues.

Sara Scott

Shelter Zone

Karen Zamel

Heart and Hands Make Rescue a Reality: Meet SVPP’s Foster Care Manager

Karen Zamel

As SVPP foster care manager, Andrea coordinates everything from rescue to adoption with the help of other SVPP volunteers.

Karen Zamel

Good Dog!

Alisha Ardiana

Want to Freshen Up Your Training Treats? Your Pup’s Palate May Surprise You

Alisha Ardiana

When you consider training treats, I encourage you to start thinking about what novel smells and textures could appeal to your dog.

Alisha Ardiana

Ask Dr. Dog

Becca Dunagan

Is Your Dog Injured? Consider Shockwave Therapy

Becca Dunagan

My dog avoided a leg amputation thanks to a newer modality called extracorporeal shockwave therapy - or Shockwave for short.

Becca Dunagan

Commission Tails

Jane Tobin

Make Sure Your New Year is a Healthy One!

Jane Tobin

Luckily, Halley's anti-dog, slightly smelly, pro-vaccine status means she's a low risk for the mysterious and alarming new respiratory illness now plaguing the dog community.

Jane Tobin

Mr. Smarty Pants Knows