Fear Factor

Here's a great article comparing The Dog Whisperer to Fear Factor. I love the analogy and agree with the author.

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[Jack Rubinger]

Contact:

Jack Rubinger
Media Relations
503-788-7325
jackrubinger@comcast.net

Otto Step for Dogs Announces National Release
Now Dog Owners Nationwide can Purchase this Simple Solution to Increase Dog Safety and Reduce Injury Around Trucks and SUVs

Portland, Oregon – Otto Step, Inc., has released its innovative Otto Step dog safety product for national distribution -- after successful local testing in the Pacific Northwest. The Otto Step is a compact, durable and easy to use portable platform that assists pets as they get into and out of sport utility vehicles and pick-up trucks. Otto Step is simple to use and inserts into a standard 2” trailer hitch receiver. The benefit to dog owners and dogs rests in the potential health advantages to each.

“Most people who have larger dogs and travel with them in vehicles aren't aware of the injuries that may be caused until the dogs get older. SUVs and pickups are approximately 2.5 to 3 feet off the ground and a jump from that height places a great deal of stress on their joints,” explained Tim Reid, DVM, Reid Veterinary Hospital, Albany, Oregon. “There can be a lot of trauma to dogs' joints when jumping down from high places.

“We have many large breeds in our practice that would benefit from this practical device,” continued Reid. “Dogs of any breed may be subject to such conditions as osteoarthritis, spondylitis, hip dysplasia and intervertebral disc disease as they age. Otto Step makes their climb into these vehicles 50% easier and reduces the jarring (compressions) effect of getting out as well.”

Made in America, Otto Step is compact and lightweight, yet engineered to support dogs weighing anywhere from 40 to over 200 pounds. Weighing only 5.5. pounds, the 18” x 16” Otto Step platform stores easily in the back of vehicles so it can be installed in the trailer hitch only when needed to load or unload a dog.

“When our 170 pound Newfoundland/St. Bernard Otto began struggling with stepping up or down into our SUV, my husband Tim developed a step to help him. When we showed our veterinarian how easy it was for Otto to step into the cargo area of our SUV, he pointed out a double benefit – making it easier for our pet to travel in our vehicle and protecting his joints from the possibility of injuries from jumping down from a height of almost 3 feet,” explained Debra Rudzik, Otto Step, Inc.

Market research indicates that there are 30 million sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and 40 million pick up trucks on the road today and that 40 percent of households include dogs. Otto Step appeals to dog breeders and enthusiasts, hunters, outdoorsmen and families.

The Rudzik family have all worked on Otto Step from its inception – from design, testing, logo, labels, passing out fliers and answering phones. Otto Step received the American Pet Association Seal of Approval and comes with a lifetime warranty. Accessories include an extender for pick up trucks. To purchase Otto Step, $79.95, including free shipping, visit www.OttoStep.com, call 1-888-311-OTTO (6886) or email info@ottostep.com. We offer a $5 dollar donation to any Humane Society or non profit rescue organization when you purchase an Otto Step off our site.

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[Mandi]

So, dog's give no consent to participate in the rehabilitation with Cesar Millan, but they DO consent with traditional trainers? Or to go to the vet? Or groomers? This is a classic case of "the pot calling the kettle black," no?

The dogs are anything but afraid or Cesar! Have you ever watched the show? As soon as he gabs the leash, they seem calmer because they TRUST him.

Dog's know two roles: lead or follow. If you don't lead them, they will gladly take over the domonant possition, However, that's when many owners begin to complain of behavioral issues. So, then, they must take up that leadership role, and the dog will just as gladly follow. It's not forceing it into subserviance, it's allowing a dog to follow it's insticts, and making sure pet and owner co-exist happily.