This is difficult for me to share; however, a picture is worth a thousand words. This image explains how one of my dogs feels about my blog. . .
Do dogs really need toys? What is it that makes them so appealing? Do toys replace or fulfill the dog’s need to hunt and chase? Do they really think the stuffed bunny is a real rabbit? I guess the answer to that one is obvious.
What’s also obvious is that dog toys are now a huge business. There are dog toys for each holiday! We all know how dogs love the holidays and the new toys that are sure to be their possession. My dogs like Easter because they like to chase rabbits. They don’t dare chase Santa!
Let’s face it. . .the toys we choose are usually for us. Personally, I seldom let the dogs have stuffed toys because the disemboweling makes a fine, white, fluffy mess I am left to clean up. Unlike a real rabbit, they don’t eat these “guts” – or at least we hope they don’t!
The truth – dogs are happy being with us and while they love chewing and playing, it can be a cardboard box 
or plastic water bottle. It’s similar to how a small child has to learn that what is in the box is more important (and supposedly more fun) than the box! Dogs are much the same. Don’t feel like your dog won’t be happy if you don’t buy expensive stuffed animals.
If all of their toys are left lying around, they are sure to get bored which will lead you to buy even more toys. Leave out a few at a time and rotate the others. What was once old will be new again!
Some dogs do get a bit possessive over a stuffed treasure as though they hunted and killed it themselves. I do believe they fully know the difference between a “real” rabbit and the sherpa bunny. In case they don’t, I won’t be the one to spoil it for them!
Most of us look at a dog’s tail to see if they are receptive to our greeting and approach. What does the wag of a tail tell?
Some tails wag faster based on their level of enthusiasm and excitement. Some tails don’t really wag but are more of a propeller that rotate in a circular motion. Some tails will wag out of nervousness and it may be positioned higher or lower than it is for a receptive greeting. Since you may not have the time to pay attention to those details, especially if you don’t know the dog, wait before reaching to give affection.
The problem comes when we always assume a wagging tail is a sign of affection and acceptance. It isn’t. Unfortunately for those who have been bitten by the other end of a wagging tail, assume they must have done something wrong to make the dog change it’s mind.
A wagging tail is a sign of “joy,” and it can be sign of nervousness and excitement just prior to a lunge that says something other than “Hi, glad to meet you!” Usually, the dogs physiology is shifting in more ways than just the wag of the tail, but more are focused on that end of the dog.
Next time you approach a dog and see it’s tail wagging, be sure to observe the rest of the dog’s body and any signs of aggression or fear. Most likely, the dog wants your affection, but it’s good to make sure!
Dear President Obama,
Hi, our names are Zoe and Mac. We are both Labradoodles. As you can see, we have different looks. We are willing to leave our home so we can live with you and your family in the White House. This letter is difficult to type. We don’t know why racoons were given opposing thumbs and we weren’t. Maybe this is something you can answer while you are President.
Other than the fact that we are both “mixes” (something we thought you could relate to) we are also sweet, smart, and kind – which makes us a perfect addition to your family.
We would hate to leave our current home, but we have to tell you, as nice as it is, it’s not the White House! We both look good on camera and that is important given your work. We come completely housebroken, very healthy, and love children. We are great at keeping secrets and can be guard dogs when needed; although, we admit that isn’t our favorite thing to do. Please let us know if you are interested in meeting us.
We anxiously await your response. Congratulations! With all our love and licks. . .
Zoe and Mac
(If you would be so kind – please don’t tell our current family we wrote to you. Our internet privileges are sure to end if they find out.)
Most of us have an understanding of what it means to be comfortable in our own skin. It means we are confident with ourselves. We may not be thrilled with who we are in every aspect but we don’t resist being who we are. I am finding that being comfortable in our own skin also applies to dogs.
I love working with insecure/timid dogs. I know that within each of them is a solid Being. They may never be completely comfortable in their own fur, around other people, or other dogs; but, there’s nothing like the reward of having a dog with an abusive past, demonstrate a level of comfort in Being themselves.
A low self esteem in a human leads to poor choices and co-dependency with those who give them attention. It’s not so different with dogs. Low self esteem in my Great Dane shows up as timidness, insecurity, and neediness.
I hear others say of large dogs, “they don’t know their size – they think they are little dogs.” I disagree. I think she knows very well how huge she is but doesn’t know what to do with herself. Try though she might to get into my lap, her head is the only body part that fits. I think she dreams of being little and then awakens to her giant body filled with big uncertainties.
We’re working together on her insecurities and she is becoming more independent and secure. She is learning to be more comfortable in her own skin, uh – fur.
A recent post received validation –
Here’s an update on a couple of the fighting dogs removed from Michael Vick’s property . . they are now affectionately referred to as the “Vick”tory dogs!
What’s in the breed of a dog – a lot. The danger comes in classifying all dogs in a breed as if they all have the same characteristics and inherent behaviors. Pit Bulls are probably misjudged more than any other breed. I know why; however, the banning of a breed does nothing to educate and eradicate the mistreatment of this sweet, clownish, spirited creature.
I have more to say here. . .A Pit Bull is a Terrible Thing to Waste
Here’s The Real Scoop on Pit Bulls from another author and advocate.
I used to pride myself in my love for bigger dogs. A dog that is – well, a dog. Pit Bulls have always had my heart along with Mastiffs, Dobermans, Rottweilers, etc. I will use this as a place to express that I admit to loving little dogs too.
I am not quite sure why we resist being attracted to a little dog. It does come across as resistance as we declare proudly (or at a minimum it appears in the conversation bubble above our heads) as someone walks by with their tiny yorkie – “That’s not a dog, it’s a rat!” (No, it’s just a little dog. Perhaps “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” applies here.)
I think I personally resisted this new-found affection because of the people I associated with having the pocket pups. Someone who didn’t truly want a dog but a show piece or an accessory.
I was labeling them as easily as I was labeled for having Pit Bulls.
When tiny dogs are treated as dogs, they are wonderful. They have the same personality and expression as the large breeds. (As a side note: experimental breeding of dogs – tiny or giant – needs to stop as the shelters fill with unwanted pups. Maybe that can be another thought for 2009.) Whether you are attracted to large or small dogs, they are all creatures capable and worthy of receiving our attention and care.
The New Year provides an opportunity to symbolically, if nothing else, make some shifts in our thinking. I think a life with less judgment would be a great place to start. (This doesn’t only apply to the four-legged creatures) Considering that all of the Beings we are blessed to have cross our paths, don’t judge us nearly as quickly as we do them.
Happy 2009 and a moment or two in the “no judgement zone” to all of you!
The news media isn’t known for being positive and uplifting. I think of what it would be like to have the news tell only “good” stories or stories that didn’t appear to bring anything good, but ultimately did. Beyond or within every disaster, we hear amazing stories of strength, hope, and the willingness to help others.
It’s a great feeling, an honor, and our duty to help someone (animal or human) who can’t help themselves. Thank you Humane Society and all those who contribute for making 2008 so memorable! Here’s a wonderful video of the lives that were saved and changed forever through the work of the Humane Society.
Adopting a dog (or getting a dog in any way) may change a life – YOURS! Here are some furry friends that have changed mine. . .
If you have questions about the right dog for your family, please contact me – I’d love to help!
