For many rescue dogs, routine procedures such as nail trims, ear cleaning, brushing, medications, or veterinary handling can quickly become overwhelming. Some dogs have little prior handling experience, while others may already associate restraint and medical care with fear or discomfort.
Cooperative care offers a different approach.

At its core, cooperative care teaches dogs to willingly participate in husbandry and veterinary care instead of simply enduring it. Rather than forcing a dog through a procedure, the process focuses on trust, communication, predictability, and small achievable steps.

One of the most important themes from the seminar was that many handling struggles are not signs of a “bad dog.” Often, the dog is simply overwhelmed.

Laura described how dogs are frequently pushed into situations they are not prepared for, react emotionally or defensively, and are then labeled as fearful, stubborn, or aggressive. Over time, both the dog and caregiver begin dreading routine care.

Cooperative care attempts to “tip the scales” back toward success by slowing down the process and reinforcing small wins.

For example, instead of immediately attempting a full nail trim, training may begin with simply showing the clippers, briefly touching a paw, or rewarding calm behavior around the sound of a Dremel. The same approach can be used for ear care, oral care, injections, grooming, basket muzzles, and veterinary handling.

One particularly interesting concept discussed was consent-based handling. Dogs cannot verbally consent, of course, but they can learn predictable behaviors that communicate comfort and willingness to continue.

Examples included the following:

• Resting the chin on a towel or platform
• Standing calmly on a mat
• Remaining voluntarily engaged during handling

If the dog disengages or moves away, the handler pauses and reassesses rather than forcing the procedure forward.

The presentation also emphasized that medical and behavioral care often overlap. Pain, skin sensitivity, chronic ear infections, orthopedic issues, and previous medical trauma can all influence how comfortably a dog participates in handling.

One important reminder was that medication support is not failure. In some cases, veterinarian-prescribed pre-visit medications can significantly reduce stress and help prevent traumatic experiences.

For many AGaG members, the biggest takeaway may simply be this: slow down.

If a dog struggles with handling, that does not necessarily mean the dog is difficult or intentionally resistant. Often, the dog is communicating discomfort, confusion, fear, or lack of preparation.

A few practical starting points include the following:

• Keep sessions short and successful
• Pair handling with high-value rewards
• Watch body language closely
• Stop before the dog becomes overwhelmed
• Break procedures into smaller steps
• Include your veterinarian in the plan

Progress may feel slow initially, but repeated small successes often produce far better long-term results than repeatedly forcing stressful procedures.

A special thank you to Julie Dorsey-Oskerka and A Sound Beginning Program for hosting the seminar and supporting DuPage County Animal Services through the fundraiser connected to the event.

Resources:

Laura Monaco Torelli
https://www.lauramonacotorelli.com/

Laura’s YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@lauramonacotorelli

Karen Pryor Academy Cooperative Care Course
https://karenpryoracademy.com/live-classes/#lmt

A Sound Beginning Program
https://asoundbeginningprogram.com/

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A “sniffari” means allowing your dog an opportunity to explore! Use a lead and harness that allow for comfort and movement. Look for a less-crowded area, a green space: a park, soccer field, trail, or beach. Let your dog be a dog! Depending on your pet’s ability, allow some slack in the leash. Their noses will lead the way!

Let Them Read the Full Story!

When your dog is sniffing out scents during a walk, they’re reading a story, of sorts. Don’t let them miss the ending by moving them away before they’ve finished.

Let the Dog tell You

Child, “Mom, may I pet that cute dog?
Mom, “Remember to STOPP!”

• S is for Stop
  Stop before moving forward.
• T is for Talk
  Ask the owner for permission.
• O is for Observe
  Observe the dog yourself. Decide what the dog might be “saying to you.” *
• P is for Plan
  Plan how you will approach the dog.
• P is for Pet
  Pet the friendly dog and enjoy!

*Observe and respect the dog’s body language. What is he telling you?

Q Do I put out my hand for the dog to smell me?
A The dog can smell you. Let the dog come to you first. Then squat down and put out your hand only when the dog is saying “I want to be petted.”

Most dogs don’t’ enjoy being petted on their heads. Instead, choose under the chin or on their sides.

Source: Ask the Dog, by Steve Dale

Signs Indicating, “Please Pet Me!”

• Dog approaches you smiling, wagging, and wriggling back and forth!
• The dog moves into your space and may even lean against you.
• The dog might roll onto her back and wag her tail.

Signs Indicating, “Don’t Pet Me Right Now!”

• Dog turns its head in the opposite direction of you.
• Yawning could be a sign of stress. If the dog’s tail is sticking straight out and kind of down, he’s not in the mood to be petted
• Displacement Behavior: A dog who pretends you’re not there by sniff at the ground or staring into space.
• Lip licking could indicate anxiety or stress by the dog.

Weather Wise

• During hot summer days, walking during the cooler periods of the morning and evening will help to keep your best friend from becoming overheated.
• Most goldens love to run, but keeping up with their jogger owners is not appropriate for all of them. Have your dog assessed by your veterinarian before having them run with you, especially in the summer.

Source: Barron’s Dog Bibles: Golden Retrievers, Edie MacKenzie

Dealing with Ticks

Depending on where you travel with your dog and when, any season can be tick season. Even in the upper Midwest, we need to be vigilant year round.

• Steer clear of tall grasses, deeper forest areas, and areas that are not mowed.
• See your veterinarian for preventative medication.
• See full articles from last month’s
  Education Newsletter on Lyme Disease and Tick Removal

Brief Info on Leash Walking

Place your pup on your left side. In a happy, voice, tell her, “Suzie, let’s walk!” Lead off with your left foot and begin moving in a moderate pace. If her collar remains in the area of your knee for a few steps, mark, and reward. Repeat every 4-5 steps. If her collar moves past your knee, quickly change direction so that she must follow you. When she catches up and her collar is once again even with your knee, mark and reward.

Source: Barron’s Dog Bibles: Golden Retrievers, Edie MacKenzie

What If My Dog Runs Off?

No one wants to face the prospect of their furry family member getting away from them, yet it happens, and for a multitude of reasons.

It’s National Chip Your Pet month!
Be sure you can reunite with your pet if he or she gets away from you!

Collars and tags can be physically removed when a pet gets lost or stolen, but a microchip is tamper-proof and makes it nearly impossible to permanently lose a pet. Although microchips can’t tell you where your pet is (it doesn’t have GPS capabilities), it does alert you when it’s activated.

Most people who rescue animals off the street know to bring them to a vet or shelter. From there, the first thing a veterinarian or shelter worker will do is check for a microchip, which is why it is so important to chip your pet. Microchips also last a lifetime and only need to be updated with your current information whenever it changes, such as when you move or change your phone number. For quality assurance, have your vet check it once a year to make sure it is still in place and working properly.

Source: Today’s Veterinary Practice

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Submit all entries via this electronic form. You will receive an email confirmation once your entry is reviewed and approved.

Submission Requirements:

• Photo: One horizontal orientation (landscape – phone turned sideways) digital color photo of your AGaG adopted or long-term care foster dog (minimum 2MB). Do not crop or edit. Photos with poor resolution won’t print well. See example below:
• Story: A 50-word (max) story about your dog (we may edit to fit).
• Information:
  • Your name, phone number, and email (only your name will appear in the calendar).
  • Dog’s current and adopted name (if changed).

Photo Tips:

• Seasonal, holiday, and special interest photos are encouraged.
• Focus on the dog’s face for personality.
• Outdoor photos preferred (no low light).
• No humans in the photo.
• Remove distracting objects in the background before taking the photo.
• Submit only one photo per dog.

Eligibility:

• Entries must feature AGaG adopted or long-term care foster dogs.
• Non-AGaG dogs may appear in the same photo.
• No professional photos.

Deadline and Questions:

• Entries must be received by Thursday, April 30, 2026.
• For questions, contact Colleen White at colleenwhiteagag@gmail.com.

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This Giving Tuesday, we are striving to raise $44,000—enough to support the medical care of 20 goldens who need us most.

Your donation directly fuels our rescue efforts: vaccinations, medications, spay/neuter procedures, diagnostics, treatment for illness or injury, and the rehabilitation that helps every dog move confidently into a loving forever home.

Every dollar makes a difference.
Thank you for helping us give each golden the healthy, happy future they deserve.

Please donate today.

Donate Here

Here are some of the stories of the amazing goldens that we have been able to rescue:

Romeo
Enabled by love.
Read my story

Butters
The Give Back Golden!
Read my story

Suri
So loved she was adopted twice!
Read my story

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 Have you started your wish list yet?

Support As Good as Gold with your purchase of fresh greenery and/or handcrafted ornaments from Christmas Forest. As Good as Gold receives 10 percent of all sales!

• Wreaths, 51 designs and sizes
• Natural garland, swags, and over-the-door wreath hangers
• Guaranteed fresh greenery of pine or fur
• Ornaments: 60 choices, handcrafted and of heirloom quality
• Free Shipping

Ordering Process:

• Go to www.ChristmasForest.com
• Click “Add to cart” to order greenery, ornaments, or hangers
• Enter AGAGO in the club/promo code at checkout

Orders must be in by December 8 to guarantee Christmas delivery.

Direct questions to Mark Sodoma at mtsodoma@gmail.com

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While Halloween season can be a scary time with costumes, creatures, and frightening movies, fostering a golden retriever is not at all scary!

You can’t beat the joy of having a golden around the house knowing that your efforts will prepare that dog for a happy life in a forever home!

You’ll get plenty of help from As Good as Gold (AGaG) to assure success:

• A Foster Assistant is available to answer your questions and help resolve any tough situations you may encounter.
• As Good as Gold provides training to help you succeed.
• AGaG assumes much of the financial burden that comes with fostering, including all of the major medical costs.

Don’t be scared – give fostering a try.

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