An Insecure Great Dane Gains Confidence

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.

Why Bugs Stink

This may not be a question you’ve contemplated – lately; however, I want to explain what I now know.

Bugs stink and they also taste bitter so they will not be eaten by dogs!  Who knew!  Now you do.  I was observing as my dog (who will down a bird or lizard in record time), was paying close attention to something on the floor.  The object of her attention was so small I almost didn’t see it.

She would bend down, sniff, attempt to lick, and then re-coil and wince as if the scent and taste of the bug was horribly bitter.  It wasn’t biting her, it didn’t stand a chance at that, but it was definitely designed to be uneatable to a dog.  This particular insect didn’t know enough to be still.  It’s motion was far too intriguing.

I could have intervened with a “leave it.” but this had become a science project and study worthy of animal planet.

I can’t answer why it is necessary for an insect’s taste or scent to be so repulsive to a dog since they aren’t a natural predator.  It would have lived a much longer life if a human hadn’t intervened.

I didn’t run a taste test, but my guess is this bug would have tasted quite nice to the cat!

Fighting Pit Bulls are Victorious!

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!

Thanks Best Friends!

Is Your Dog “Really” Housebroken?

You would think that if a dog is “housebroken” and potties outside most of the time, there is no concern right?

If you use a dog door to teach your dog to go potty outside, there is no guarantee that when the door is closed to the outside it won’t opt to go inside if given the chance.  They don’t truly know not to go inside when the access to the outside is removed.

Dog doors are great!  They serve a wonderful purpose and allow us the freedom to leave our dogs for longer period of time.  However, it is best to completely housebreak your dog prior to introducing them to the dog door.  Or, use the dog door in the process of housebreaking but still go outside with them to assure they are going and not just outside for a breath of fresh air!

We’ve all experienced the “what are you thinking” moment when our dog has been outside unattended for two hours (so, of course they went potty – right?!) only to have them come inside and go.  Remember a puppy can be distracted by a leaf blowing and completely forget whey they are outside!

For detailed instruction on housebreaking, check out my ebook “The Truth About Housebreaking” or send me a question using the box to the right.  I’m glad to assist in any way I can.

A Pit Bull is a Terrible Thing to Waste

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.

That’s Not a Dog – It’s A Rat!

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!

Why Do Dogs Eat Their Poop?

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.

Why Dogs Eat Poop

The Humane Society Shares Good News!

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.

Humane Society in 2008

What Happens When the Alpha Dog is Away?

We, the human in the family who earns and deserves the role of being considered “alpha” over the pack, are second in command when the dogs are together and we’re away.

I noticed an interesting dynamic in my own pack. Zoe, the calm, assertive leader of the group was on Holiday along with her buddy, Mac.  At home, Zoe leads everyone up the hill and around the property tracking scents and following nature.

The dogs follow her but it’s not because she does anything to recruit them.  She just is.  She is worthy of being followed – no questions asked.  When she was away, the other dogs decided I was next in command and stuck close to the door or anywhere to be near me.

If you have more than one dog, pay attention to who is leading who.  It can be subtle yet you can learn a lot by observing the dynamic between them in just about everything they do.

Since I like to make comparisons to the dog thought world and ours, I can’t miss this opportunity.  Are we so different?  Aren’t their people you are naturally attracted to because of who they are.  They are calm yet assertive and we feel good being around them.

I think that is Zoe’s affect on this group.  She leads, they follow and everyone feels better just knowing she’s there.  I don’t feel left out, because she feels better just knowing I’m there!

Are Dogs Afraid of Rain?

You have a new dog and they are housebroken and using the dog door or going out to potty just as they should. One rainy day you come home to find they chose to go “inside.”

What’s different today? Rain! It doesn’t seem right they would be afraid of rain, does it? They are, after all, dogs. Setting aside that they are dogs and being afraid of rain may not make sense to us, they should be introduced to this phenomenon – some more than others.

Water-type dogs may act like someone just blessed them with water coming from the sky.  Other dogs, like my Pit, Olive, would hug the wall under the eave and find the closest place to go whether it was concrete, grass, rock, brick, etc.

Considering that some people use a spray bottle to deter their dog from barking or doing something it shouldn’t, why would they willingly walk out into the line of fire, i.e., rain!

So. . .when a storm is coming or something that your dog has not yet experienced (extreme wind, cold or hot temperatures) be prepared for a little insecurity or reservation on their part and a little more time and patience on yours.  It will help their confidence if you go out with them and let them see that it is all ok.