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.
This is a legitimate question. It’s the one we whisper to someone because it is a little embarrassing to admit that our dog finds it’s poop to be a delicacy. There are ways to deter this behavior. Not to worry – here’s a page taken from my “The Truth About Housebreaking” ebook.
In this, I make light of the problem, but I do understand that it can be very frustrating. Ruling out other issues, the best thing you can do is monitor your dog, don’t give them the opportunity to eat poop, and they will mostly grow out of this behavior.
I don’t know how well received it will be to talk about wearing fur; however, this is an extremely cold winter. I have found there is nothing quite like a “live” fur to naturally ramp up the body heat. Watch the video and see if you agree with my recommendation.
You have a dog – as in one? Come on, that’s like being happy having one leg or eating one cookie or one tortilla chip. It can be much easier and at least a lot of fun to have more than a dog.
After I got my second dog, I knew that I would never again have just one. (We won’t talk about where that can lead or where it lead me!) Dogs play like dogs play. We are a good substitute and yes, they love our companionship. However, we are a poor substitute after watching two dogs romp while you listen to the sound of growling and gnashing of teeth.
If your concern is that by getting another dog you’ll lose the affection of the one you have now, trust me – that won’t happen. You will just be multiplying the love in your home. Not to mention that you’ll be keeping another dog out of a shelter and/or off the streets. (I hear you – you’re saying something cute like “and multiplying the poop I have to clean up” – so?) Exchanging a few extra seconds for cleanup for years of love and companionship, doesn’t sound like a bad trade to me!
If you have a good match, they will ease your guilt and feeling that you aren’t doing enough to entertain the dog you have now. They have each other and you have your human relationships. Doesn’t that sound nice? More than one dog may seem like too much for some, but for those of you who are thinking about it, I’m happy to talk with you about a potential match for your family. Please send a note. I would love to help!
This is not an easy subject and still a bit raw personally. I feel the need to share. . .
I love that there are no-kill shelters. That is WONDERFUL!
They are full. All of the local shelters are full. What’s next for the dogs whose last stop was the local shelter and hopefully a no-kill one that is full? They are being abandoned along with their abandoned homes. It’s a difficult choice to make for their humans. An almost impossible one. So, leaving the dog behind or dropping them off in a neighborhood leaves more options for the dog, right?
Consider those options. . .starving or dehydration. Becoming ill and not having medical care. Being hit by a car. Feeling abandoned and lost without a clue of how to find food and water. Looking for a familiar face.
Those are a few of their options. Maybe someone will pick them up and bring them home. That someone may already be over their dog limit and financially strapped but feeling guilty to let this one go.
What are your options — keep your dog until you find a home or shelter that can take it. Don’t just put an ad in the local paper – ask rescues, ask friends, ask anyone. It’s better to experience a little sadness about re-homing your dog than the sickness of leaving them somewhere unsure of their future.
Ok – here’s the tough part. There are worse alternatives than humanely helping your dog go to sleep for a very long time. Most people have difficulty with death as is evidenced with our treatment of humans. It is far more humane to know the fate of your dog, than to leave it to chance or someone else.
I say this because I get a lot of calls from people who want to know if I can take their dog or help them find someone who can because they don’t want to take them to a shelter. There is a much better chance of adoption through a shelter where people are actively looking, than anywhere else. If, the choice has to be made by the already-over-filled shelter to “put your dog down” after a specific period of time, on behalf of your dog, I’d like to say there are worse things.
I hate writing this. I hate that dogs are euthanized by the thousands daily. What choice is there as long as people don’t spay or neuter their pets? That’s only part of the problem. The dogs that are being abandoned now may have been spayed and once came from a shelter. They deserve nothing less than humane treatment.
I welcome your thoughts, comments, and suggestions.
Here’s some pics of my foster kittens that are rapidly becoming cats and have won my heart. They are unbelievably brave, confident, and extremely loving (not to mention comical). Maybe it’s because they are named Buddha and Gandhi. I know it’s hard to believe that “they” would show up as cats – at my home, you’d fully have expected them to be dogs!
You’ve heard me say that dogs bark. I have some bad news. . .they also dig. Some enjoy the smell and feel of dirt as it is flying in the air and their bodies get dirtier as they become more engrossed in their task. Some breeds enjoy burying treasures in the yard so only they can return to them later.
Here are some reasons that a dog digs:
Here are a few things to stop or at least detour your dog from digging:
If they are being left outside all day while you are at work and you come home to holes in the yard, this is a good indication of boredom. Another dog to play with might help (that could go either way – help with more holes or help with the boredom!) If you don’t give them something to do, they will find something.
I am a fan of healthy dog treats; i.e., some of the chicken jerkies, lamb and rice, and there are others. I also recommend Nylabone chew toys and Kong products. Treats for your dogs are just that – treats. They shouldn’t be large enough to replace a meal. We can save that luxury for the humans!
I’ve told you some of my favorite treats. Listed below are some of a dog’s favorite treats.
Fear not when one of the above “chews” gets swallowed. Usually, with no assistance, within about three days the object of their consumption will pass. That’s if it hasn’t already come up. I recently heard of a Labrador that took 9 days to pass a very fluffy sock.
You can just pretend that you are on a special assignment with CSI as you follow your dog around praying for the site of something that resembles what went in their mouth. If, of course, within reasonable time it hasn’t found it’s way out or your dog stops eating and/or eliminating, see a veterinarian immediately. There may be a blockage and it can require surgery if it is stuck or twisted in the intestine.
While I recommend the natural treats in the first paragraph, be aware that your dog may have other ideas!
Here are some other dog “treats!”
There are a lot of options for dog toys and chews. Depending on your dog, the stuffed toys can leave a nice layer of white fluff all over the floor and for only a few seconds of enjoyment!
I recommend:
Those are some of my top picks. I don’t recommend rawhide as it does not digest. A small piece can get lodged in their throat or if swallowed it sits in their stomach.
Also, rotate their toys. If everything is out all of the time, they get desensitized and may find the chair leg or even their own bed to be a suitable substitute!
