PHONE:7736978848 FAX:3128032030 ADDRESS: 5272N.ELSTON CHI CAGO,I L60630 Congratulations! Welcome to the Chicago Canine Rescue Foundation Family! Thank you for opening your heart and your home to a homeless pet by adopting from the Chicago Canine Rescue Foundation (CCRF). To help you start off on the right paw, we have created this packet to assist you in your new role as a dog guardian. The Chicago Canine Rescue Foundation does its very best to ensure that the dogs adopted from CCRF are healthy and happy. When a new dog arrives, we evaluate his/her health and temperament. By the time a dog is adopted, s/he has been screened for heartworm disease (if 8 months old or older), given vaccinations against deadly diseases, microchipped and dewormed.* Dogs of all ages are also spayed or neutered to bring an end to the tragedy of unwanted pets in this country. Although, we have attended to some of your new pet’s health needs, it is essential that you make an appointment for your new pet with your own veterinarian as soon as possible. This first vet visit is an opportunity to introduce your pet and discuss preventative health care with your veterinarian such as routine vaccinations, parasite preventatives, diet, exercise and grooming (brush those teeth!). Further, you have been given 30 days of FREE pet insurance that covers some basic health issues, so bring your new pet in as soon as you can and take advantage of this great coverage while you can! We hope that this packet will be a useful resource for you. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your pet’s well-being or behavior, please fell free to call us at 773.697.8848 or e-mail us at info@chicagocaninerescue.com. We will do our best to help you and your pets live in harmony! THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING TO ADOPT YOUR DOG! Sincerely, The Chicago Canine Rescue Foundation * Please note that your new pet has only been given the procedures corresponding to your pet’s age and medical condition as recommended by a veterinarian. You are responsible for your pet’s future medical care and adhering to the necessary vaccine protocols and monthly heartworm preventative required to maintain your pet’s health. Updated May 18th, 2007 How much does a dog license cost? The cost to register a neutered dog is $5.00; the cost for a dog that is not neutered is $50.00 (effective January 11, 2007). If you are 65 years of age or older, you are entitled to a discount. That means a neutered dog license would cost $2.50 with a cost of $5.00 for a dog that is not neutered. There is no charge for guide dogs for the blind and disabled. Unsterilized dog fees are higher because thousands of dogs are euthanized annually or suffer as strays because of unwanted, unplanned litters that could have been prevented by spaying or neutering. One unspayed female and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in just six years. Also, sterilized dogs are healthier and have fewer medical problems. In addition, spaying and neutering can make pets less likely to run away or fight with other animals. What do I need to bring in order to license my dog? Owners of dogs must enclose the most recent rabies certificate, which is provided by vets at the time of inoculation. Proof of sterilization (e.g., proof of adoption from an animal shelter) and proof of age are needed for discounted fees. Where do I register my dog? License application forms are available at the following locations: Office of the Chicago City Clerk City Hall, Room 107 121 N. La Salle St. Chicago, IL 60602 312-744-6861 (Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.) Office of the Chicago City Clerk - Satellite Office 5301 S. Cicero Ave., Suite 104 Chicago, IL 60638 312-745-1100 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Wednesday, 8 a.m. 7 p.m.) Most Chicago veterinarian offices and clinics. When does the license expire? The dog license expires one year from the date of your pet's rabies vaccination. What are the benefits of licensing my dog? One major benefit of having a licensed dog is that the owner whose pet wears the license can be notified if a lost or stray dog ends in the care of the city's Animal Care and Control Center. New this year, the tags also carry the City Clerk's office phone number to aid in the search and retrieval of your pet. Urban Dog Etiquette and Street Sense How to properly promenade your pooch in public City-dwelling dogkeepers are faced with greater challenges than their suburban and rural counterparts. Without a large, fenced yard for exercise, the city dweller must take to the streets three or more times a day with Fido or Fifi in tow. Crowded sidewalks replete with joggers, construction scaffolding and double-wide strollers turn each outing into an obstacle course. The following tips will make walks safer and more enjoyable for you, your dog and your neighbors. ETIQUETTE LESSONS AND SAFETY TIPS IT’S THE LAW The command “Leave it” is employed when it is necessary for Fido to avert his gaze. Whether he’s being tantalized by chicken bones or a jogger, getting your dog to break eye contact with “forbidden fruit” before he acts enables you to draw his attention to safer rewards and pursuits. Or, should the dog slip his collar or break his leash, a recall command (“Come”) could save his life. Most, if not all, of these commands are taught in basic obedience/manners class. Contact your local shelter for a referral to a class near you. Most cities and counties have some form of leash, license and pick-up-after-your-dog laws. These ordinances are designed to protect both the dog and the community at large. When leashed, a dog is safe from traffic and unable to follow his instincts to chase children, investigate garbage cans or dig up landscaping. Whether a dog is friendly or aggressive, a leash keeps him in check and allows the public to pass undisturbed. Some communities have leash-length restrictions. Whether it's the law or not, keep leashes to six feet or less on public sidewalks. Retractable leashes should not be used in areas frequented by joggers, skaters or cyclists; the thin line blends into the background and, all too often, athlete and dog collide. Licensing a dog enables an animal control agency to return a lost pet to his rightful owner. Also, licensing fees often support local animal control efforts. In addition, the number of licenses issued gives government officials an idea of how many dogs are in the community, statistics that are very helpful when planning dog runs, shelter expansions and the like. Pooper-scooper laws are essential for both the health and beautification of the community. Canine diseases and parasites are often shed in feces, which puts other dogs and children at risk. And no one enjoys maneuvering through unsightly piles of dog waste when out for a stroll. Pick up feces using a plastic bag, and knot the top to control odor and flies before disposing of it in a waste receptacle. Train your dog to urinate in gutters or on nonliving vertical surfaces, such as lampposts or hydrants. Avoid trees and flowerbeds. The well-trained city dog needs to respond to a minimum of four basic commands: “SitStay,” “Heel,” “Leave it” and “Come.” When you’re waiting at a traffic light, a dog in a sitstay is out of harm’s way. And while walking nicely on a loose leash is enough for most forays, there are times when your dog will need to be at heel position, which keeps her under control at your side. Remember that dogs can be frightened by sudden loud noises, such as running children, motorcycles, skateboarders and in-line skaters, to name a few. Be aware that such situations may demand quick and complete control on your part to prevent your dog from lunging or biting. Before leaving home to run errands with your dog by your side, take a moment to consider which places permit dogs and which do not. For your pet’s safety, leave him at home when he is not allowed to go into an establishment with you. A dog left tied to a post or parking meter is an easy target for teasing or theft. REMEMBER THE GOOD NEIGHBOR POLICY Keep in mind that not everyone loves dogs, so it’s up to the urban dogkeeper to present a dog who is well-socialized and under control. When riding in an elevator, sit your dog in a far corner to avoid door-dashing each time the elevator makes a stop. Do not allow Fido to jump up on other riders, even when the greeting is friendly. Hurry through lobbies or take freight elevators and back exits if the building rules mandate it. Never allow your dog to soil in front of the building’s entrance. If you have a young pup or dog-in-training who can’t control himself, be sure to carry paper towels and odor neutralizer. Many dogs enjoy the company of other canines, but always ask before allowing your animal to launch himself at another dog— for both their sakes. The same is true regarding children. First ask the child or her parent, “May my dog say hello to you?” before allowing physical contact. The greeting should not include jumping, bouncing off or grabbing at the child—even if it is done in the spirit of friendliness. If your dog is physically challenging, consider using a head halter for better control. When we choose to keep dogs in crowded urban areas, we take on additional responsibilities. Unfortunately, when little consideration is shown for the neighbors, more doors close to dogkeepers. On the other hand, with a little training and thoughtfulness, more businesses and public areas will begin to put out the welcome mat for both you and your dog. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals National Headquarters • 424 E. 92nd St. • New York, NY 10128-6804 • (212) 876-7700 • www.aspca.org Midwestern Regional Office • 1717 South Philo Road, Suite 36 • Urbana, IL 61802 • (217) 337-5030 • www.aspca.org/apcc TM and ® are protected by The ASPCA. ©2003 The ASPCA Reading Canine Body Postures While dogs cannot speak, they do display their state of mind via their body language. By taking careful note of ear position, pupil dilation, facial tension (particularly around the muzzle and forehead), tail carriage and body weight distribution, an observer can detect whether a dog is relaxed or fearful, or acting in a submissive or dominant manner toward the observer. head erect ears up tail relaxed, wagging mouth relaxed, slightly open weight evenly distributed over all four feet eyes large, hard staring ears up, forward NEUTRAL RELAXED muzzle tense, lips lifted to display teeth tail up, bristled, stiff wag hackle may be up stiff legged, weight over front legs ears erect, tilted forward eyes staring tail stiff, raised lips curled teeth bared, snarling charging, weight forward The dog has been stimulated by something in his enviroment. When the dog is excited by something pleasurable, the hackles will be down and the tail will be carried a little lower and will loosely wag. The muzzle will be relaxed and the tongue may be seen. This posture may be displayed to subordinates in order to express higher ranking pack position. AGGRESSIVE ATTACK This threatening posture is used to chase another away or, if need be, to attack in order to protect possessions, pack or self. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals National Headquarters - 424 E. 92nd St. - New York, NY 10128-6804 - (212) 876-7700 - www.aspca.org Midwestern Regional Office - 1717 South Philo Road, Suite 36 - Urbana, IL 61802 - (217) 337-5030 - www.napcc.aspca.org Companion Animal Care AROUSAL ears back eyes half closed, blinking mouth nearly closed, tongue tip darts out tail hangs low, slow wag raised paw ACTIVE SUBMISSION This pacifying posture is used when a dog acknowledges another dog or human’s higher social ranking, or to inhibit another’s aggression. on back, belly exposed tail tucked, release of urine droplets ears back head turned away, indirect gaze PASSIVE SUBMISSION Bellying up indicates surrender, a pacifying gesture offered to a more dominant or aggressive individual. Companion Animal Care ears back, pupils dilated hackles may be up tail down and tensed muzzle tense, wrinkled and snarling, teeth exposed posture mildly crouched, weight over rear legs DEFENSIVE AGGRESSION When fearful, a dog will give warning signals to indicate he does not wish to be approached. If, unheeded, he will bite to protect himself. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals National Headquarters - 424 E. 92nd St. - New York, NY 10128-6804 - (212) 876-7700 - www.aspca.org Midwestern Regional Office - 1717 South Philo Road, Suite 36 - Urbana, IL 61802 - (217) 337-5030 - www.napcc.aspca.org Dog-to-Dog Communication When dog meets dog, they signal their status in relation to each other. Actions like raising a forepaw, looking away, licking or nudging at the other’s muzzle or bowing with the forelegs are submissive gestures. Mounting, raising up stiffly on one’s toes, or placing one’s head over another’s withers (the place where the neck meets the back) indicate the more dominate individual of that interaction. mother quickly snarls and places mouth around muzzle or head of puppy puppy submits by flattening to the ground and whimpering tail tucked paw raised tail up, loosely wagging MATERNAL CORRECTION A mother dog will discipline a pup with a quick muzzle grasp. The pup learns to offer submissive body postures. ears up mouth open and relaxed, tongue exposed front end lowered, ready to leap forward PLAY SOLICITATION The play bow is a combination of dominant and submissive gestures. It is offered to invite another to play or as part of courtship behavior. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals National Headquarters - 424 E. 92nd St. - New York, NY 10128-6804 - (212) 876-7700 - www.aspca.org Midwestern Regional Office - 1717 South Philo Road, Suite 36 - Urbana, IL 61802 - (217) 337-5030 - www.napcc.aspca.org Companion Animal Care eyes soft eyes semi-closed, soft ears back tail down nudges mouth area of dominant dog, may lick or tongue flick raised front paw GREETING BEHAVIOR A submissive dog may greet a more dominant dog with a muzzle nudge as an appeasement (pacifying) gesture. Companion Animal Care ears and tail up forward and alert in the more dominant dog ears back on more submissive dog GREETING POSTURE Dogs sniff each other’s genital region when greeting to gather information on sexual status. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals National Headquarters - 424 E. 92nd St. - New York, NY 10128-6804 - (212) 876-7700 - www.aspca.org Midwestern Regional Office - 1717 South Philo Road, Suite 36 - Urbana, IL 61802 - (217) 337-5030 - www.napcc.aspca.org