On Being the Alpha Dog in Your Home

“I’m alpha”…”No, I’m alpha!…”I’ll show you who’s alpha!”  Does this conversation take place in your home?  I don’t mean it happens verbally, but with your thought and the actions that follow.  If your dog does something you interpret as the expression of authority,  do you immediately turn them onto their back?   Does that work?  Not usually.

It may do something in that moment to say you are dominant over the dog.  However, if the only correction your dog receives is a random turn on their back after they’ve spent the entire day doing more subtle things that say they are in charge, it won’t have much impact.

So much of our correction of the dog happens based on our particular mood or emotion at the time. We may finally be fed up with a particular behavior, so we take action.  Consistency is more important than a random reaction to an unwanted behavior.

Being a pack leader, as it’s often referred to, is about the development of a respectful relationship.  It’s not sporadic moments of your being in authority.  It happens all day long.  In time, you won’t even have to think about it but rather it will be who you are – the alpha dog.

When Dogs Stay Out All Night

Two of my dogs can be very “dog-like!”  Try though I might to convince them that squirrel isn’t good for them and it’s so barbarian to eat it raw, they don’t listen.

Last night, these two decided to stay out all night.  Usually, they come to the door and ask to come in at a reasonable hour.  Not last night.  I’m sure the night life is amazing.  I’m not one to know.

At about 3:30 am, I hear them and out of the kindness of my heart, let them in.  It’s now 1:00 pm and they are zonked!  Sammy lifted his head briefly and his eyes rolled back in his head slightly as his head fell back down.

I’m not sneaking around or attempting to be quiet.  I told them this isn’t a pet hotel where they can stay out and party all night and expect me to accommodate their need to sleep all day.  Whatever they did Iast night definitely beats the dog park.

If your dogs are a little restless, let them stay out all night.  One doesn’t want to know what they do.  Just enjoy the next day when they can barely lift a paw.  Makes me wonder about tonight…

What Does Your Dog Drive?

Here’s a little fun…you know how we think we know people by the type of automobile they drive?  Well, I drive a Mini Cooper and a Mazda Miata.  The Miata is “old” and the Cooper newer.  I guess I like to balance life with old and new and it’s important to do it in a sporty way.

Moby, a little Maltese mix would drive a black Hummer.  The full size one.  Enough said.

Sammy, a small terrier mix, would drive a Corvette.  It would be red.  He likes to get where he’s going quickly and is more comfortable when he feels larger than he really is.

Mac, the labradoodle, would drive a bright yellow VW convertible.  Not in a hurry and loves feeling free and looking cool.

Zoe, the labradoodle mix, would drive a golf cart.  That’s so when she sees a lizard or rabbit she has quick access to chase and she could easily greet humans without being encumbered by doors and such.

Your dog?  What do they drive?

When Dogs Go Crazy!

I was asked by a client if they should be concerned when most every evening their dog runs excitedly around the house.  Their rears are tucked and they are moving as fast as they can.  Running from room to room navigating the house with ease.  It makes me think of the cartoon characters who are running so fast and their back legs come up between the front legs as they propel themselves forward.  One limb barely distinguishable from the other.

Is this normal?  Yes!  Should you be concerned?  Absolutely not!  I call it doggy bliss.  To me, it’s joy in motion.  It’s sort of a catch me if you can move.  They may be a little too worked up for your comfort,  but as long as they aren’t hurting themselves or your property, I’d enjoy this expression.

I can almost guarantee they are not doing this when you aren’t around.  It’s their form of a “happy dance.”  My advice – get out of the way and have a laugh!  I think they are.

Consider This Before Adopting a Dog

It’s amazing to see all of the ads for puppies who are only 12 weeks old and already being re-homed! The opportunity of time they were given wasn’t much.

I recently read an article by Warren Buffett. He said something to the effect of – if you can’t or won’t invest 10 years in something, then don’t invest 10 minutes in it. He, of course, is referring to financial investments. I think it applies to other choices we make. Like adopting a dog.

Seldom when we have the pang of wanting a puppy do we think of how life will be for 10 years. It can be an emotional decision. It’s definitely not wise to go look and touch puppies or to ogle over one outside a grocery store prior to thinking of the 10 year approach. Or, to think you’ll just walk through the shelter and not have guilt win you over. Ten minutes at home with a new dog may be enough to make you reverse that impulse when it dawns on you that you don’t have time for a dog!

So, before you invest in a new pup, ask yourself if you can do this for 10 years. If not, then don’t do it for 10 minutes and risk you’ll make a decision you regret. If your time and budget are limited but you really need to be around dogs, the shelters welcome you. You can walk a dog or two, get your dog fix, and feel good about what you’ve done!

p.s. As I’m sometimes tempted to do, I have to expand this thought outside the realm of dogs and consider what it’d be like if that’s how we approached all relationships. . .

Old Dog Grows Wings

One of my favorite animal rescue groups is Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.  Here is a great story about one of their seniors who enjoys a new ride!

Dogs Set Aside Their Differences

The dogs in the photo are both males.  Neutered though they may be, they are fully male. . .marking every branch and rock, following each other in hot pursuit and constant competition.  However, after a hard day of exploration and still-life domination, they let their differences go for another night.  They make it look so easy. . .

A Puppy Mill Rescue – A Rags to Riches Yorkie

Melody’s full story. . .

What About Dog Clothes?

There is a fascination and something odd and yet compelling about dogs wearing clothing. There is something adorable about tiny outfits.  Dogs wearing clothes can really bother me and other times it just makes me laugh. Let’s face it, it tells us about their human – not the dog. I don’t think it’s an esteem boost for a dog to wear a designer label or any label for that matter.  In this economy, I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a mass decline in their sales.  However, a few bucks for a little laughter and a photo-opp might be a needed treat!

I don’t dress my dogs (normally).  When a client learned I had small dogs, she gave me some outfits.  I put them away.  Yesterday, I told the dogs that Paula is coming over and they walked out looking like this.  I told them they were way over-dressed, but they didn’t care. (I also told them not to feel badly because, “we are laughing at you not with you!”)

Do Dogs Express Emotion?

This is a re-visit to a topic I enjoy – whether it is regarding humans or canines, there is much to learn about the experience and expression of emotion.

Dogs’ Behavior and the Expression of Emotion