1. Dog Fighting Operation Busted in Alabama
Investigators and ASPCA forensic veterinarian, Dr. Melinda Merck, discovered 45 dogs on two separate properties in Randolph County, AL. Two men have been formally charged.
Read more about the raid and watch video from the scene... 

2. Popular Flea Products Can Hurt Your Cat
New data shows that cats are much more susceptible to severe illness from the misuse of spot-on flea products. Read More

3. Not Guilty Plea for Founder of Raided Sanctuary
Additional charges are pending for Jennifer Petkus, who appeared in a Wisconsin court last week. Read More

4. ASPCA Happy Tails: Picture Perfect
An online photo led to true love for the Michaeli family, who couldn’t resist Jack the Pit Bull’s canine charms. Read More

http://www.aspca.org/blog/dog-fighting-video.html

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How to Implement Distract Proofing in Your Dog Training

Distractions are stimuli that may entice your dog to break from command. "Proofing" is exposing your dog to distractions. The purpose is to teach your dog-- in a controlled
setting-- that he must obey your commands despite whatever is happening nearby.
Taking your dog through every step is mandatory. 

But your dog should already be properly socialized to the environment that you
expect him to work in.  Always condition at a dog's real-world level.
During initial exposure to distractions, begin with familiar basics. Using the Down-Stay as an example, start with brief, short-distances, on-leash and not prolonged. 
Gradually, work out-of-sight, as your dog progresses.

As conditioning implies higher-stress situations than those to which your dog is accustomed, start with work in which he's confident. Complicated obedience can be added as you progress together, but only after your dog has demonstrated that he
thoroughly understands the commands in a distraction-free environment, first.

No distraction should appear threatening. And lastly, please recognize that during distraction training, you know what's coming-- as well as what's expected-- but your
dog doesn't.  

Use this to your advantage!

*DOG TIP*

Avoid leather collars if you have a canine swimmer. Leather gets moldy when wet. Metal choke chains, still popular with disciplinarian obedience trainers, really have no place on dogs. Half-check collars, on the other hand, designed to control a dog without causing discomfort or danger, are excellent for big, boiterous dogs.

*CAT TIP*

Because the ears are a primary collecting point of dirt and debris, it is important to check your cat's ears once every other week. If your cat's ears need cleaning, use a cotton swab dipped in baby oil or another product suggested by your veterinarian. Remember to be gentle and never go deeper into the canal than you can see. It is a good idea to ask your veterinarian for a demonstration on how to properly and safely clean your cat's ears.