Usually when we think of a dog and its instincts, we don’t think in the context of us (dog) versus them (instinct). A dog may never be truly separated from its instincts, however, it may have to grow into them.
While working with puppies, particularly male puppies, it is interesting to observe their response to their instincts particularly as it pertains to their developing hormones. Until the hormones align with maturity, it is as if their instincts work against them. Some males never lift their leg and others…well, could use a father figure saying something like, “son, never pee into the wind.” In the case of some male pups, it would be, “son, lift the other leg.”
I watched as a six-month-old ALL-MALE pup, sniffed a place where another dog had gone, and rather than lifting the leg next to the targeted rock, lifted the wrong leg. Too funny. I, of course, would never laugh at the dog.
I had him out for socialization, and as he focused on the scent where another dog had marked, he began to mark. What was so entertaining, is he doesn’t yet know to ration his urine so he went freely as he was walking away! Another time, he looked down as he was mid-stream and the urine hit his chin. He jumped with a startled expression as if to ask, “who just sprayed me and why?”
He will get his brain soon and his body will mature and the hormones will stabilize. Until then, I will enjoy the maturing process of this beautiful (when he is sleeping) boy.
Ever noticed how you can easily identify a dog as a specific breed because of their grooming (hairdo)? Now, with some of the mix breeds, it can be very tough to identify a dog unless it has a familiar cut. People are offended when I say, “what a cute Cockapoo (Cocker and Poodle), and they look surprised that I didn’t know it was a Bishon and poodle mix. When they are puppies, it is very tough. The shape (curl, length, cropped) of the tail is a good indicator, but if the dog is sitting, that’s of no help.
I guess if having a specific breed is important, it could be offensive if no one gets it right. I saw a guy at the store with an adorable dog in the shopping cart. Judging by the grooming style, I asked inquisitively, “Labradoodle?” He wasn’t offended at all and informed me it was a Havanese. He kept the hair cut for comfort for the dog and easy care. I liked that. He told me that a woman who also has a Havanese scolded him for not giving the dog a proper hair cut! Too funny. (I don’t really think it’s funny - I think it’s sad).
Since I am their groomer, I don’t groom my dogs so they can easily be identified as their breed, but for their comfort and, quite frankly, ease of care for me! It is much easier when it’s obvious that Melody is a Yorkie and then they look at Moby and wonder. I’m not offended in the least. I get the same look from people trying to guess my nationality(ies)?
I think it would be fun if for one year everyone had their dog’s hair cut like that of another breed dog! This would present a challenge for most groomers and especially for the humans when they go pick up their dog and don’t recognize which one it is!
None of this really matters except to say with all the mixes now and most of them containing some fraction of poodle, you aren’t alone in not knowing what dog is what. You can never lose, by just saying, “what a cute dog!”
If this doesn’t work for you, get a copy of my ebook “The Truth About Housebreaking.” Maybe if your dog sees you reading the book, he will be more than willing to take this vow.
I took Melody to the vet (he is wonderful!) and I told him how she is better but because of her past, still pulls away from being touched. She had a heart murmur and was being checked for that condition. As he was palpating (touching) her, she flinched and made a purr-type sound. He said, she is ticklish. I love that!
I have to admit, I had never heard anyone put it that way. She is ticklish! As a dog used for breeding in a puppy mill, she most likely didn’t receive any affection as a puppy or as an adult for that matter. She has grown to love being touched and being held. AND, she is ticklish!
If there is a medical term for this, I prefer to let it go with calling her ticklish. Her nervous motion along with the sweet “giggle” she makes, brings a smile to everyone around her.
I conducted a sleep study on dogs, and the outcome was amazing! One of the dogs has sleep apnea - I’m sure of it! Knowing several humans with this condition, this is not to make light of it. During the study, his snoring and intermittent gasps were so loud I was torn between laughing at the sound emitting from this little guy and telling another dog to dial 911.
I am going to contact a veterinarian to see if there is a very petite C-PAP mask available. I will let you know what I find out. I am assuming he is not the only dog with a snore and restless sleep patterns.
Another interesting finding is that a snoring dog may be referred to as cute or funny, while a human making the same sounds was found to be annoying. Isn’t that fascinating?
The video below is of Schlappie, a Great Dane, that found my company less than stimulating!
Are your dogs ever silly? I don’t know what the term would be in dog world, but in human language, it is best described as silly!
I have written previously about Melody, a tiny Yorkie with a horrible past. If she never exuded a moment of happiness or silliness, it would be understandable. She, however, is beyond animated when she sees me approach or is ready for a meal.
She crab crawls, wiggles, spins, rolls and turns in excitement. She reminds me that regardless of how someone appears or what their past experiences have been, inside there may be a little silly waiting to express itself.
We expect puppies to be silly and on some days look forward to when they grow up. Melody, on the other hand, is far from being puppy age and is getting her silly on later in life. She shows us that it’s ok. I think I’ll join her.
I tried and tried to get the dogs to stay awake to help celebrate the coming of the New Year 2010. As their heads bobbed and soft snoring could be heard around the room, I decided to join them. This year, I would celebrate like dogs do.
They go to bed every night and wake up every morning without a care. They sleep when it’s night (and day) and don’t complain when they wake up - whether it’s in the middle of the night or at the dawn of a day. They don’t get anxious or worry that they didn’t do enough last year or what they will do in the coming year.
While it is not exactly how I see my life going this year, it’s a great way to start every day. Every day is a new day and every new day makes a new year. I looked at the dogs and said, “Thanks for that awareness.” They replied, “What the heck are you talking about…where’s our breakfast?” Enough said. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
