Do Dogs Lie?
Posted on Aug 19, 2010Adopt a Shelter Dog, Greyhound
No Comment
What??? I did not fall into the pool (on purpose)!
Adopt a Shelter Dog, Greyhound
No Comment
Raw Diet For Dogs
Posted on Aug 12, 2010Behavioral Modification, Countery Surfing, Dog Humor, Labradoodle, Raw Food Diet
No Comment
I know a lot of advocates for the raw food diet for dogs. It makes sense considering what they would eat naturally. Some buy the meat already ground, grind it themselves, or purchase the pre-packaged, pre-mixed, thaw-and-serve portions.
I now know of a much easier way to serve it. Less odor, less time, a lot less preparation. Serve it frozen! Some dogs get excited over chewing on an ice cube. What could be better than a raw meat popsicle? Not much, according to Mac.
While staying at Mac’s other home, he decided to save his human friend a little work. She had left a completely frozen roast in the sink to thaw for later preparation. She left for a short period of time, as the rock-hard frozen roast lay unguarded in the sink. Who needs preparation if you’re a dog?
Mac ate the frozen roast and all evidence was removed less a tiny square of what was the wrapper. I’m sure this particular popsicle also served as a remover of tooth decay! In more ways than one, Mac knew he was on to something. Meat Popsicles! Since he can’t speak in words, he used his own form of sign language - a demonstration of sorts - to communicate his exciting concept. Brilliant idea!
For those of you who contact me because your dog counter surfs, I say, “hmmmm? I don’t know anything about that.” =)
Post Traumatic Stress in Military Dogs
Posted on Aug 03, 2010Behavioral Modification, Dog Psychology, Dog Training, Doggie Rehab, Protection Dogs, service dog
No Comment
Here’s an interesting article about Gina, a military bomb-sniffing dog, and her experience with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Having witnessed this in many dogs, I know how long of a process it can be to help the dog be comfortable being a dog again. So, while the article is informative, I am greatly disappointed to read the dog is being rehabilitated so it can go back into service. I don’t know about you, but knowing that would be enough for me to be sure I didn’t heal completely. I wish Gina could make that choice.
SERVICE DOG SUFFERS FROM IRAQ WAR
Why Labradoodles Weren’t Chosen To Play Lassie
Posted on Jul 31, 2010Dog Humor, Labradoodle, Uncategorized
No Comment
Having worked with many Labradoodles and Goldendoodles, I am fairly certain I can say I know why they weren’t chosen to play the part of Lassie. . .
They would rather go to Disneyland!
Dogs…Get Off the Couch!
Posted on Jul 24, 2010Dog Humor, Dog Psychology, Dog Training
No Comment
Maybe your dogs are like mine and know the furniture is off limits. Well, unless they are invited. I can step out the door to water the plants or do laundry and return within minutes to this scene:
I, of course, look at them authoritatively as I sincerely ask them to, GET OFF THE COUCH! But, first, let me get the camera. They are so cute when they disobey!
A Labradoodle That Hoards
Posted on Jul 18, 2010Dog Park, Dog Psychology, Labradoodle
No Comment
While the disease of hoarding has been around for a very long time, it is now getting more press and there is even a documentary series. I think I caught Mac in the nick of time. This is a true story. I looked down to see the sad faces of a couple of dogs who had “lost” possession of their toys. I couldn’t believe it when I looked over at Mac. Looking somewhat bored and even a little proud, he didn’t yet realize the affect his hoarding was having on the rest of the family. It’s time for an intervention.
It’s Just A Dog
Posted on Jul 15, 2010Adopt a Shelter Dog, Dog Psychology, Dog Rescue, Learn From A Dog, Rehoming a Dog, Socialization
No Comment
From time to time, people tell me, “Lighten up, it’s just a dog,” or “That’s a lot of money for just a dog.” They don’t understand the distance traveled, the time spent or the costs involved for “just a dog.” Some of my proudest moments have come about with “just a dog.” Many hours have passed and my only company was “just a dog,” but I did not once feel slighted.
If you too think it’s “just a dog,” then you wll probably not understand phrases like “just a friend,” “just a sunrise,” or “just a promise.” “Just a dog” brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. “Just a dog” brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person.Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by “just a dog,” and, in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of “just a dog” gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
Dogs Go To School
Posted on Jul 14, 2010Dalmation, Dog Training, service dog
No Comment
When you think of dog training, you may not see it quite like this. . .
Some dogs go through a lot of training to become of service to humans. Ever wonder how Dalmations become Fire Department dogs? Now you’ll know!
Is Your Dog Over Weight?
Posted on Jul 01, 2010Behavioral Modification, Dog Food, Dog Health, Dog Psychology
No Comment
No one wants to talk about over eating, yet most of us are guilty of it. We all know what excess calories can do to our bodies. I am not so sure that has translated yet to how we care for our dogs. Maybe there’s more that travels down the leash than our energy.
I’m speaking figuratively. While food doesn’t physically make its way from our hand down the leash, it can and does find its way from our hearts. If we feel sad for an animal that was once starving, we may over compensate by giving them too much food. If they are our dining buddy, we may give them food that would be better left on our plate (or in the garbage.) We “reward” them excessively because they are such good dogs!
When a dog becomes an extension of the human family, it may take on the habits and certainly the behaviors of the humans where it lives. Not all dogs can be free feeders in that if food is left out for them on a constant basis, they will overeat (a lot of humans can relate.) It’s not likely a dog living without human intervention would ever face the diseases and/or illnesses of what they experience from eating the doggy-junk food and from being over weight - even if that weight came from healthy excess calories.
Much like the Mother who tells a child to clean their plate, I witness as humans acknowledge feeling like they need to feed their dog proportions that are excessive because they feel bad that the dog was once starving. If their dog doesn’t eat what is placed in front of them, they add all sorts of goodies to entice the dog to indeed clean their plate. What if they were full? What if that particular day, they just weren’t that hungry. Of course, they will eat when tempted with what to us would be desert!
Below is an excerpt from an article about things our vets may not tell us. Why won’t the veterinarian talk with us about it? Talking about our dog being over weight is as sensitive a subject as speaking about it human to human. If you notice, there are isles in the pet stores dedicated to products that are equivalent to fast food for dogs. Unfortunately, it has the same affect on them as it does on us. Considering they age much faster than we do, the negative affects of a poor diet or excessive consumption shows up exponentially.
1. Your pet isn’t “extra-fluffy” or “big-boned.” According to Bernadine Cruz, DVM, member of the Iams Pet Wellness Council, it is estimated that 40 percent of pets in the U.S. are overweight. Obesity in pets can cause a number of health problems, from heart disease to diabetes to skin inflammation. “I wish that more pet owners monitored their pets’ weight,” says board certified veterinary nutritionist Edward Moser, DVM. To do so, Dr. Moser recommends visiting the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine website to help determine the presence or absence of body fat. Though ideal weights vary within breeds, there are general indicators of an overweight pet, including not being able to feel their ribs, seeing a pooch in their abdomen from the side, and panting and shortness of breath. After noting these factors, consult your vet to figure out if your pet needs to be put on a weight-loss plan.
If you have questions about a dog that is a picky eater or one who eats anything (and does), I am happy to assist in any way I can.
