Fitness in the Palm of Your Hand – Apps for Better Health

By Aly Wagonseller

Many of us already know that cell phones aren’t just for chatting.  In fact, most are virtually mini computers in the palm of your hand, allowing you to surf the Web, download and listen to music and quickly locate nearby services and restaurants. With so many on-the-go capabilities, what better tool for working out and staying fit?   Especially with the incredible amount of applications (apps) now readily available. Simply download, view and follow instructions, and you’ll be celebrating your fitness goals quicker than you can send a text message.

Get a Move On

A personal trainer is probably the best option for a customized approach to individual fitness, but if you can’t afford that luxury there are several iPhone apps to get you going. Most run between no cost to five or six dollars, making it economical to find the perfect app for your needs.  Check www.itunes.com or your own phone provider for more options.

Men’s Health Workouts – Brought to your phone by the magazine of the same name, gents will have access to workout routines designed by respected trainers and experts in the field.  Proper form has never been easier, with how-to pictorials showing the way. The app also allows for circuit training, emailing and tracking results and even “manly” advice to keep you going.  Visit www.menshealth.com/iphone-workouts/  to download.

iPump Trainer Series – This series is composed of several specific apps for free weight, ab and core, fat burn, yoga and pilates workouts as well as an Office Pump program (all priced separately starting at 99 cents). Great for office warriors, Office Pump includes demos of stretches that can be done at work to prevent tightness and stress associated with sitting and computer work. Visit www.pumpone.com/ipump.html to purchase.

iTreadmill: Pedometer Ultra w/ PocketStep – Winner of accolades from Weight Watchers to Oprah Magazine, this “virtual” treadmill is designed to keep you on pace during walking or running anywhere.  No need to leave your living room; run in place while iTreadmill calculates distance, pace, average speed, calories burned and more.  You can also set goals and keep track of your progress, all without setting foot in a gym. Visit www.itreadmill.net to order.

Becoming Lean with a Machine

Exercise is only half of the fitness equation; luckily, there’s no shortage of nutrition apps to help keep that calorie count in control. Whether cruising the drive-thru or cooking dinner at home, your phone can become your new dieting BFF.

Livestrong.com Calorie Tracker – This app sports an extensive database with nutritional and calorie stats on more than 525,000 items. It works in conjunction with the Livestrong Daily Plate, an app that helps you calculate the number of calories you need to consume for your age and desired target weight. Read more at www.livestrong.com.  

Fast Food Calorie Counter by Concrete Software – If you continually find yourself behind wrappers and boxes from Burger King, Arby’s, McDonald’s, Carl’s Junior or Pizza Hut, this app’s for you.  Providing calorie counts on everything fast food from more than 50 of the most popular restaurants, this 99 cent, simple to use application makes tracking your caloric intake as easy as a few taps of the thumb. Customizable search options make it easy to find the food you eat most.  Visit www.concretesoftware.com to download.

EatingWell ‘Healthy in a Hurry” App – View more than 200 quick, easy to prepare recipes from the the EatingWell magazine test kitchen.  Browse by categories that include appetizers, dinner, desserts, etc., with pictures and nutritional values for all meals. Visit www.eatingwell.com to order.

Keeping in tune with the busy lifestyles we lead, phone apps just might be the answer for reaching your fitness goals.

Family Fun in the Sun – Outdoor Activities for Health & Happiness

By Michelle Vessel

What do Hawaii, Florida, Arizona and Louisiana have in common? Aside from temperate climates and a cultural appreciation of the great outdoors, these states share another characteristic–they’re home to the happiest people in the United States. According to a four-year study conducted by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, residents of states that boast plenty of sunshine consistently describe themselves as happier and more satisfied with life than those  who make their homes in colder, gloomier climates. It’s not just adults that are reaping the benefits of the sun’s powerful rays either. Our children are too, and with mounting evidence that exposure to the outdoors and sunshine are an important part of our overall health and wellness, we’ve plenty of reasons to get the whole family outside to soak up some of nature’s very own miracle drug.

A Natural Fit for Kids

For as long as humans have been seeking indoor shelter from the elements, little ones have been clamoring to play outside, with reasons that go well beyond fun and games. In addition to bolstering the production of vitamin D, which is essential to overall health, research also suggests that spending time outdoors in the sunshine has positive effects on the psyche.

Doctors have prescribed short periods of sun exposure to patients suffering from depression, anxiety, Seasonal Affective Disorder and other mental health problems for decades. Sunshine, it seems, stimulates the secretion of serotonin, the ‘feel-good’ hormone that affects mood, emotion and sleep. As a result, a daily dose of sunshine has the power to decrease depression, boost happiness and increase overall well-being in people of all ages.  For children, in particular, the trickle down effects of this response include decreased stress levels, better impulse control and more developed coping mechanisms. As Frances Kuo, a scientist at the Landscape and Human Health Laboratory at the University of Illinois, puts it, outdoor play brings about a sense of “gentle absorption; almost a meditative quality” that is “deeply rejuvenating” for children.

What’s more, outdoor play is an important tool in the fight against the childhood obesity epidemic. Although children can and do play energetically indoors, the range of motion and level of exertion that kids can achieve in, say, the living room is limited in comparison with the neighborhood playground. That’s why advocacy groups and organizations ranging from the National Wildlife Federation to the Surgeon General have suggested the goal of the “green hour,” encouraging families to strive for up to an hour of unstructured outdoor playtime each day.

Bright Sunshiny Days

Ready to boost your family’s wellness with a healthy dose of outdoor fun? The old rules of carefully limiting sun exposure still apply, but you can bend them a little, according to Boston University’s Dr. Michael F. Holick, M.D. For most teenagers and adults, a stint of 10 to 15 minutes of outdoor time each day, sans sunscreen, can be enough to enjoy optimal health benefits without putting your skin at risk of sun damage. For younger kids and toddlers, even five to ten minutes may be enough to do the trick. After that, slather on the sunscreen and don protective hats and other gear while enjoying a variety of fun and educational activities.

• Get crafty. Use the sun’s rays to create one-of-a-kind crafts with photosensitive paper (available under the brand name Sunprint for less than $10 from online retailers such as www.onlinesciencemall.com).

• Enjoy the bounty of the sun. Dig a small, kid-friendly garden plot in your backyard, or take the family to a pick-your-own orchard or farm. Gilcrease Orchards (7800 N. Tenaya; 409-0655) is an excellent local resource offering year-round family events.  

• Go fly a kite. Kids of all ages will thrill at the sight of their favorite animal or cartoon character swirling high in the sky. This is a great outdoor activity for the windy springtime.

• Organize a water balloon fight. Assign the neighborhood kids to two or more teams, lay down some ground rules to make sure no one gets hurt and go to town.

• Spot some feathered friends. Bird-watching is a great outdoor activity that even the tiniest tots can get into. Keep it interesting and educational by tracking birds family members have spotted in a journal. The Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve (350 E. Galleria Dr.; 267-4180) and the Wetlands Nature Preserve (7050 Wetlands Park Ln.; 455-7522) are great sites for this activity.

• Host a colorful critter. Catching a ladybug or firefly and keeping them in a jar with air holes overnight should be a summertime rite of passage for kids.

• Jump around. Old favorites like hopscotch and jump rope never lose their fun. Plus, they’re great forms of exercise that parents can benefit from just as much as the kids.

• The sky’s the limit. For a special treat, take your family on a hot air balloon ride. Check www.hotairballooning.com to find a service in your area.

Don’t fear the sun’s rays; bask in them. In small doses, this miraculous source of light can be a boon to your family’s health and well-being.

Lovin’ the Nightlife – “In the Dark” at Springs Preserve

By Chad Felix
In darkness, whether under the vast, starry blanket that is the night sky or in even stranger locales where light rarely wanders, we humans become a little less audacious and a little more helpless.  The problem is remedied simply enough. We light a fire, flick on a light switch, or tap a button on our cellular phone, but still there is something incredibly humbling about humans in darkness, especially when contrasted against the many species so much more adept to live in it.  “In the Dark,” the latest exhibition from Springs Preserve, serves as a fun and informative tribute to the creatures that we, for reasons obvious enough, hardly see and rarely even consider.

Putting Some Springs in Your Step

The visionary 180-acre plot that makes up Springs Preserve is a cultural mash-up of galleries, museums, living collections, installations, gardens, etc. and resembles, more or less, a southwestern version of Los Angeles’ well-known J. Paul Getty Museum and Conservation Institute.  Springs Preserve is remarkable in that, through its size and design, it virtually eliminates the feeling of being in the city.  The architecture is sleek but never overstated, and the beauty of the natural landscapes throughout surround visitors and then, upon their taking in a breath of that fresh air, engulfs them whole.  Fittingly, “In the Dark” resides inside the Origen Museum, a dimly lit building that also houses a student art gallery and Las Vegas history exhibit.  Away from the sunlight and most of the foot traffic, “In the Dark” beckons passers-by with eerie sounds of the night: a housecat gently meowing, crickets chirping and an ever-so slight breeze swimming in and out of the vegetation of a cool forest.

Who Turned Out the Lights?

For the exhibit, the space has been filled with prime examples of environments that exist in darkness.  Dioramas big and small depict everything from the chemosynthetic vents of the ocean deep, wildlife scenes of the night and the earthen worlds just beneath our feet.  Informative games and activities educate and entertain as participants mimic clicking like a bat or swimming like a jellyfish.  Here, it doesn’t take much to learn a whole lot.  Throughout the exhibit, colorful signs offer diagrams, pictures and concise explanations as to how these life forms have adapted and evolved to live without light.  You’ll learn how certain salamanders, after spending years in the cool, damp climates of deep caves, now reside there exclusively, no longer equipped to life outside of them. Furthermore, you’ll witness how deep ocean wildlife uses light in less common ways–anglerfish dangle it in front of them to attract their prey; certain jellyfish flash it in predator’s faces; and some squid and fish use it to blend in.

Perhaps most interesting are the examples of the human scientific endeavors that even the playing field between the skills of the nocturnal world and ourselves.  Sonar and radar, like that of whales and bats, help us to communicate information through the deep and the dark, and heat-vision goggles help us locate body heat like a vampire bat.  All of these things and more make “In the Dark” a pleasurable and instructive experience that can be enjoyed by all ages.  Upon reentering the sunlit spaces outside of Origen, I felt humbled, and I couldn’t help but further ponder the diverse lives of all of those creatures in the dark.

The exhibit is a limited-time engagement at Springs Preserve that runs until May 15^th and is just one of the many reasons to pack up the family and head down.  The breathtaking grounds alone warrant a visit, with presentations like “In the Dark” as icing on the cake.  So make a day of it!  You can even take a break for lunch at Wolfgang Puck’s Springs Café.  The Preserve is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  For more info on Springs Preserve, “In the Dark” and other events, visit www.springspreserve.org or call 822-7700.

Jeremy Mann

Palo Verde High School

Class of 2011

There are those who simply talk the talk, and those who do the walking. A young man of intelligent speech and ethically driven deeds, Palo Verde High School senior Jeremy Mann manages to do both. Whether practicing to maintain his status as a tennis ace, raising funds for a worthy cause or winning battles behind the podium, he’s the kind of person who speaks his mind while letting his actions speak for themselves. For focusing his best individual qualities on his intention to better the world, both locally and globally, Jeremy Mann is – A step Above.  

G.P.A.: 4.8

Sports/Clubs/Community Service:

• Varsity Tennis, 2007-11; Team Captain, Present
• Forensics, 2007-11; Vice President, 2009-10;  President, 2010-Present
• National Honor Society, 2008-10
• JFSA Junior Board–President, 2009-10
• JFSA Walk-a-Thon–Co-Chairman, 2010-11                                    
• Rain Dance-a-Thon–Co-Chairman, 2009                                         
• Barack Obama Presidential Campaign Volunteer, 2009      
• Shelley Berkley Congressional Campaign Volunteer, 2008-09                   
• Camp Alonim Counselor, 2010

Scholarships/Awards:

• National Merit Finalist, 2010
• AP Scholar with Distinction, 2010
• Nevada All-State Academic Team–Tennis, 2007-11
• Scholar Athlete, 2007-11
• Las Vegas” Athlete of the Week, 2010
• Jewish Family Services’ Junior Fundraisers of the Year Award, 2009
• Harvard Book Prize Winner, 2010
• Ranked 31^st in the Country–Nationals Debate Tournament, 2010               
• National Debate Qualifying Tournament Champion, 2010
• Nevada State Debate Team Champions, 2010                                  
• Public Forum Semi-Finalist–Nevada State Debate Tournament, 2010
• Policy Semi-Finalist–Nevada State Debate Tournament, 2009
• 3^rd Place–Nevada State Debate Tournament (Congress; 2008
• Forensics Debater of the Year, 2010
• Forensics Rookie of the Year, 2008
• Nevada State Runners-Up–Tennis (Individual Doubles; 2010/11
• Nevada State Champions–Tennis (Team; 2007-11

Goals & Aspirations: “I want to finish high school as a valedictorian and then go on to major in political science or international relations in college.  I would like to work in politics and ultimately become a United States senator.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “As a co-chairman of the Rain Dance-a-Thon, I’m extremely proud of our event that raised over $10,000 and provided over 4200 meals to those in Las Vegas that were in need.”

Jeremy is Successful Because: “I always know what my short and long-term goals are and work to achieve them step-by-step.”

Jeremy is Stronger and Wiser Because: “During my sophomore year, I just missed out on making the starting line up for the tennis team. After months of working on my game, my partner and I earned the #2 doubles spot on the starting line up.  Ultimately, not making the starting line up taught me how to have a great work ethic.” 

Jillian Lopez

Palo Verde High School

Class of 2011

With aspirations like becoming a major news network anchorwoman and, overall, just changing the world for the better, Palo Verde High School Senior Class President Jillian Lopez has got her work cut out for her. But she’s not working with a blank canvas. She’s already a charitable community member and role model to all she meets. And with gumption, charisma and cheerful positivity, she’s well on her way to completing the masterpiece of achieving her life goals, which elevates Jillian Lopez to – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.383

Sports/Clubs/Awards/Community Service:

• Dance Team, 2009-Present 
• New American University Scholarship 
• American Legion Award 
• National Honor Society 
• Senior Class President, 2010-Present
• Junior Class Vice President, 2009-10
• Broadcast Journalism
• Foundation for Positively Kids Volunteer
• Ronald McDonald House Volunteer
• Three Square Volunteer

Goals & Aspirations: “I plan to reach my goal of being the best senior class president I can possibly be.  I aspire to represent my class and school to my greatest ability.  As for the future, I plan to attend Arizona State University and to become a broadcast journalist after studying at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “Being elected as the Junior Class Vice President and the Senior Class President are two things that I am most proud of.  Winning these positions took a great amount of time, dedication and commitment.  Every minute of that hard work was worth it because now I am able to do what I love most: being a leader and making my school a better place.”

Jillian is Successful Because: “My ability to adapt to any situation is what makes me successful.  I work well with all types of people and can step up as a leader in times of need.”

Jillian is Stronger and Wiser Because: “At the age of eight, my best friend Natalie died of cancer.  I learned a lot from this situation, but if there’s one thing I learned the most it’s to enjoy every day to its fullest.  Natalie taught me that even through the toughest of times you have to keep a smile on your face and focus on the positive aspects of life.”

Cause for Concern: “If I could be the president of any charitable organization it would be the Foundation for Positively Kids. I have been working with this charity all my life, which is why it is so special to me.  Their goal is to help children and change the world, something I aspire to do as well.”

Benjamin Jaojoco

Bishop Gorman High School

Class of 2011

Bishop Gorman High School senior Benjamin Jaojoco’s life is like a songbook of great hits by chart topping bands. His Journey is filled with Open Arms and a willingness to accept others for who they are. Respect is a quality he admires and seeks to uphold at all times. And considering his devotion to family, it wouldn’t be surprising to hear the tunes of We Are Family wafting from his alto saxophone. His dedication to academia and leadership, coupled with a courteous nature, are what’s bound to make his future so bright, and undoubtedly elevate Benjamin Jaojoco to – A Step Above.

G.P.A.:  3.82

Activities/Awards/Community Service:

• Varsity Track & Field–Long Jump, 2007-Present
• Varsity Band–Alto Sax, 2007-Present
• Drumline, 2011
• National Honor Society, 2009-Present
• Spanish Honor Society, 2009-Present
• Math Honor Society, 2011
• Science Club, 2007-Present
• Multicultural Club, 2010-Present
• Photo Club, 2011

• Art Club, 2008-Present
• Scholar Athlete Award, 2007/08
• Matthew’s Closet Advisory Board at Bishop Gorman, 2011
• Altar Server at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2004-Present
• Member of Youth Ministry Program at St. Elizabeth

Goals & Aspirations: “My goal right now is to get into a good college, hopefully USC. My backup schools are the University of Arizona, University of Utah and the University of Oregon. In the future, my dream is to become a pediatric doctor because I am good with kids. I hope that I could live either in Las Vegas near my family or in Los Angeles.”

Benjamin is Successful Because: “Being kind and respectful to others is what makes me successful, along with a hard work ethic and persistence.”

Benjamin is Stronger and Wiser Because: “One experience that has made me a stronger person was a car crash involving my whole family. It taught me to never take anything for granted because life can change at an instant. It made me realize even more how much I love my family.”

Part of the Solution: “A key issue facing young adults today is the lack of respect towards each other and towards adults. Although this issue is not discussed very much compared to drugs and violence, it is still a problem in society. The only way that I can solve this problem is to lead by example and continue to show respect towards my family, classmates and teachers.”

Nikki Hipolito

Bishop Gorman High School

Class of 2011

Big things come in small packages, and Bishop Gorman High School Senior Class Vice President Nikki Hipolito is a brilliant example. An award winning thespian with an outstanding academic record, her accolades tell a story all their own. Yet, it is through her determination to show the world that charisma and confidence are far more important than vertical stature that her true nature really shines. With ambitious goals and the initiative to follow through with them no matter what the odds, the sky’s no limit for Nikki Hipolito, and for that she is – A Step Above. 

G.P.A.:  3.91

Activities/Clubs:

• Gaels Theatre Guild, 2007-Present
• Worship Choir, 2007-Present
• President of the International Thespian Society Troupe 4347, 2010-Present
• Senior Class Vice President, 2010-Present
• National Honor Society, 2009-Present
• Spanish Honor Society, 2009-10
• Mu Alpha Theta, 2010-Present

Awards/Community Service:

• Outstanding Academic Performance–Spanish 1, 2008; Algebra II/Trig, 2010; English III, 2010
• National Honor Thespian of the International Thespian Society
• Best Actress for Inca of Perusalem, 2009
• Best Angel for Anything Goes, 2009
• Best Studio Sweetener for Gaels Theatre Guild, 2009
• Nevada Thespian Regional Competition Superior Rating (Group Musical; 2011
• Three Square Food Bank, 2010-Present
• Opportunity Village Thrift Store, 2010
• Bless Fest, 2010
• Operation School Bell, 2010-Present

Goals & Aspirations: “After receiving an Honors Diploma at graduation, I plan to continue my education at a respectable college in the East Coast and go to medical school to study anesthesiology. Beyond education, I hope to travel the world someday.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am so proud of achieving the honor of a National Honor Thespian of the International Thespian Society with 161 points. I hope to achieve international status before I graduate!”

Nikki is Successful Because: “I am successful because I am extremely passionate in whatever I set my heart to. Some of my dreams and goals are very ambitious, but none of them are unattainable to me. I don’t believe in giving up without a fight or not giving 100% into anything that I do. To me, anything’s possible.”

Nikki is Stronger and Wiser Because: “I have always been very short for my age, and people would tease or ridicule me for it. I became very shy and was afraid of what other people would say about me. However, as I got older, I started becoming more proud of the person that I am, and I have learned that the best person I could be is me. As Dr. Seuss once said, ‘A person’s a person no matter how small.’”

Grape Expectations for Pasta Pairings

 By Michelle Morey

There is nothing simpler, nor more satisfying than creating a memorable pasta or noodle dish while enjoying a variety of wines.  A comforting truth is that there are usually several wines that do complement, and the foundation for delicious synergy is possible.  Whether you revel in the deconstruction of food and wine components or simply appreciate a clear marriage of flavors, bask in honest pleasures at the table.

Historically, different cultures consumed some form of noodle-like food; generally composed of native ingredients including wheat, corn, millet, rice, quinoa and beans.  Happily, this same variety flourishes today and what may have been old is truly new again.

Spicy bean thread noodle salad, seasonal vegetables and sesame vinaigrette is ideal for a light meal paired with Deligeroy Crémant de Loire Brut ($15.00/btl.), sparkling wine from Loire Valley, France.  This blend of Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc offers well rounded notes of lemon, apricot and florals while maintaining vibrant acidity.  This will enliven your palate and enhance slightly sweet, spicy, salty dishes.  Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler Riesling QbA ($10.00/btl.) from Germany is also suggested for its off-dry, classic Riesling qualities which are especially well suited to Asian cuisine.

Our homage to vegetables continues with quinoa penne, roasted fennel, red onion, olives, orange and pine nuts finished with olive oil, oregano and feta cheese.  Where fennel and olives go, so follow wine from Southern France; specifically, Château de Nages, Costières de Nîmes, Reserve Rosé ($10.00/btl.). This dry rosé made from Grenache and Syrah beautifully highlights berry fruit with a hint of pepper–just enough character to stand up to fennel and olives without overpowering multiple flavors.

For sublime gratification, indulge in cornmeal fettuccini, leek cream sauce and crispy pancetta with a glass of Kris Delle Venezie Pinot Grigio ($10.00/btl.).  Enticing aromas of tangerine, apricot, acacia and almond evolve nicely on one’s palate and finish with bright contrast to the richness of this dish.  If you desire red wine, consider Tarras Vineyard Central Otago Pinot Noir ($30.00/btl.) from New Zealand.  Earthy, dark cherry complexities pick up the pancetta accent, yet won’t confuse the taste of the overall dish.

With a bow to Emilia-Romagna tradition, warm platters of tagliatelle con ragù alla Bolognese are in order, along with bottles of San Felice Chianti Classico ($13.00/btl.) and Mauro Sebaste Barbera d’Alba Santa Rosalia ($17.00/btl.).  These regional wines from Tuscany and Piedmont, respectively, are equally steeped in history and offer flavors that match the intensity of hearty meat sauces.  Cherry and raspberry compose a balanced Sangiovese portrait, and rich black fruit and violet complete a Barbera profile.  Both blend seamlessly with traditional meat fare from this area.

Spanish and Mexican cuisines embrace fideo, coiled vermicelli simply prepared with tomatoes, chile peppers, garlic, onion, cilantro and dry grated cheese.  Torres Celeste Ribera del Duero ($16.00/btl.), Tempranillo from Spain, delivers plum, cherry, spice and herb in smooth Ribera style, character and compatibility with these ingredients.

Where food and wine were once exclusively unique to different cultures, international evolution is thankfully expanding our creativity, imagination and palates.

Pup-Psychology – Therapy for Your Troubled Companion

By Lisha Ross

Rudy the Rude Dog more than earned his nickname. A purebred German Shorthair with a hot temper, he was prone to attacking unfamiliar dogs and exhibiting aggressive, territorial behavior. Despite all his shock collar and obedience training, and a mild, loving manner inside the home, his gnarling turf wars with neighborhood dogs left Rudy’s owners with few options to ponder, the least desirable being euthanasia. With nowhere else to turn, Rudy’s owners took him to a pet psychologist. What came of just one session was nothing short of a miraculous turnaround. After careful observation of Rudy’s mannerisms, the psychologist was able to pinpoint his triggers and teach his owners practical strategies to correct his aggressive behavior.

Sound like a furry-tale? Rudy’s story is, in fact, non-fiction, and he’s far from alone. According to Stephen Zawistowski, Ph.D., CAAB, Executive Vice President, National Programs and Science Advisor, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), “Behavior problems are the most common reason given for the surrender of companion dogs and cats to animal shelters in the United States.” Pet psychologists can and do help eliminate this problem by applying scientific principles of animal behavior to, as Zawistowski states, “mediate conflicts or problems that exist between humans and animals in a way that does not require killing or hurting animals.” It worked for Rudy; it might just work for your troubled pet, too.

Fido vs. Freud

Just as humans are susceptible to angst from a variety of sources, so too are our pets, making emotional support and social cultivation key points in a healthy human-to-pet or pet-to-pet relationship. It is when those relationships are jeopardized by a pet’s fear, nervousness, anxiety, jealousy, compulsive behavior and aggression that a professional pet psychologist can save the day.

A pet psychologist, more formally known as a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB), is a professional that has studied the science of animal behavior in depth, giving them intimate knowledge about the instincts and social rituals of cats, dogs and other animals. With that knowledge, CAABs use scientific principles to identify and diagnose troublesome behaviors and devise a plan to modify them.

Though it’s tempting to throw them into the same category, pet psychology is not obedience training, which is oftentimes based on a system of dominance, negative consequences, control and bribes for good behavior. On the contrary, pet psychology works by establishing leadership, mutual respect and a clear pack structure via positive reinforcement and compassion. While obedience training may help with some issues, such as basic manners and obeying commands, when it comes to deep seeded behavioral and emotional problems, it may not be enough. According to Pearl Kam, Animal Wellness Consultant for Gentle Care Natural Pet Products, obedience training and the rewards that come with it may please both owner and pet superficially, but psychological training helps animals be happy on a deeper level, as they will learn how to live with humans by managing their natural instincts. 

On the Couch

So, how does one go about teaching an animal to manage their natural instincts in an unnatural environment? Well, it starts with a firm understanding of pack mentality, something educated behaviorists are well versed in. Put simply, pack animals have a pecking order; as such, they fair best when there is a clear leader, one that offers protection and support. Furthermore, animals respond better to a leader that is calm, alert and in firm control. Excitability, anger and fear are all emotions that animals pick up on. Meek animals will emulate these behaviors; dominant ones will attempt to assert their own control over the situation. Similarly, if an animal is confused as to whom the leader of the pack is, they are equally bound to lose confidence and act erratically.

The role of a pet psychologist, as Kam states, is to “redirect [these] unwanted natural behaviors and instincts, without suppression, in order to help human caretakers adapt animals to our society in a safe and acceptable manner.”  To that end, a behaviorist will interview you about your current situation, observe your pet, diagnose its problem and draw up a solution. To be sure, you, as the owner and leader of the pack, will be doing most of the work. More often than not, it will be your responsibility to learn how to communicate effectively with your pet. This may mean learning how to control your body language, tone of voice, and reaction when your pet’s behavior gets unruly.  

 The Dog-ter Is In

When searching for the right specialist for you and your pet, it’s important to note that the terminology can get confusing. There are Animal Behavior Counselors, Animal Behaviorists and Veterinary Behaviorists, so it can be challenging to find one suitable for your unique situation. The difference among them has to do with certification.

• Behavior Counselor: While there are some self-recognized Behavior Counselors out there, they do not require certification or accreditation. These professionals could be of some help when it comes to minor behavioral problems, but they may not have the kind of expertise in animal behavior necessary to address more complex conditions.

• Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB): CAABs, the pet’s equivalent to a human psychologist, are required to have an M.S. or Ph.D. and certification by the Animal Behaviorist Society (ABS). They can be of assistance when an animal’s behavior has become so unruly that you are considering euthanasia or turning your pet over to a shelter.  

• Veterinary Behaviorists: Veterinary Behaviorists, the equivalent of a psychiatrist, are doubly adept, as they can treat any medical issues that may be the cause of your animal’s behavior. For example, if your dog suddenly begins to urinate inside the home, he/she could be suffering from diabetes, kidney disease, cystitis or a number of other conditions. VBs must have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) plus a residency in animal behavior and certification by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

The one you choose depends on the severity of your situation and your confidence level in that professional. Start by asking friends or a trusted veterinarian for a recommendation. If that leads you to a dead end, pick up the yellow pages and call area veterinarians. Armed with a list of contact names, call each one and inquire about their education, certification, and if they have experience dealing with your particular problem. While certification is important, it’s even more important to find someone that is patient, relaxed and possesses an obvious love for animals. And since the psychologist will be working with you as much, if not more than with your pet, you should also seek out a professional whom you like and respect.  The right professional, regardless of certification, should use a non-violent technique, and if you have any doubts about their methods or treatment of your animal, don’t hesitate to fire them and move on.

We all need a little help sometimes, whether it’s advice from a trusted friend or assurance from someone we love. But in the real tough times, when emotions run hot or fear gets the best of us, we must turn to a professional for guidance and support. Animals are no different.  Help your beloved companion get the help he or she needs by turning to a pet psychologist. It can do more than save your relationship; it can save lives.

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Help is On the Way

Although pet psychology and emotional therapy is a growing field, professionals with accreditation are difficult to come by. Crista Coppola is the only CAAB in Las Vegas and can be reached at 609-7991 or by email at Crista@dogandco.com. At Dog and Company, Crista specializes in a variety of services ranging from home consultations to group workshops. Discover how she can help you help your pet at www.dogandco.com.

For a list of CAABs and Veterinary Behaviorists in surrounding cities that may offer consultations over the phone, visit the Directory of Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists at www.certifiedanimalbehaviorist.com.

Out and About

Out and About