Dog’s Instinct Fails When Meeting a Rattlesnake

Think again if you believe that all dogs are respectful of rattlesnakes. Some dogs have an instinct that says “stay away” when they are introduced to a rattlesnake. Other dogs may learn the hard way or not at all. They need to be taught through aversion training to avoid snakes, particularly rattlesnakes.

One of my dogs was alerting me (let’s just say that’s what it was) to a rattlesnake by the door. There was a previous encounter but that snake was “rattling” at an amazing speed as a warning of his presence. This snake either didn’t feel threatened, or after a nice meal wasn’t able to muster the energy to rattle at a barking dog.

Without the rattle, the snake blended nicely with the surroundings. Fortunately, my dog’s excitement and focus let me know there was something more on the ground than I originally saw. My dog was within inches of the snake’s face and for some reason the snake didn’t strike. If it weren’t for the full moon, none of us would have seen the snake. I don’t think the dog needed to “see” it to know it was there. However, my dog didn’t have the natural instinct to just leave the snake. The other two dogs were waiting at the door for my arrival and their place of safety.

Snakes don’t want to waste their venom on something they can’t eat; however, a dog may attempt to unknowingly push that theory and they will get bitten. They can survive it depending on where they are bitten, their immune system, and how quickly they are treated. There are anti-venom shots, but don’t rely on that to save your dog.

The rattlesnakes in this area should be hybernating by now. Due to warm temperatures they are still out and probably a little tired and confused as to why they aren’t tucked away somewhere for a long winter’s nap! I personally wish they were.

My dog responded to my call to “come” and we went inside and watched as the snake made it’s way to some unknown destination. I hope that it’s being here was the result of a wrong turn. She will need to be taught to avoid snakes – I sure can’t rely on instinct!

How to Move Your Dog

Moving can be a little traumatic for our pets.  Don’t underestimate the affects of this experience on your dog. Just because you are there along with their toys and bed doesn’t mean they will feel right at home any more than you will.

Let them get acclimated to their new surroundings.  Go outside with them and explore the yard.  Let them walk through the home.  This isn’t to say they should sleep with you if they don’t normally or that the routine should change to somehow compensate for the change in their lives.  It’s more about them feeling secure and to give that process time.

Keep their routine as “normal” as possible.  Soon, your dog will learn that home is where you are!

Drop It!

Anyone who has a dog has at one point in time wished they had taught their dog two important (maybe life-saving) words – “Drop It!” This would be used when they saunter by the coffee table and remove our favorite reading glasses. They usually feel our panic and hear our voice volume increase as they head for some undisclosed location. I am referring to objects other than food.

What to do, what to do? First! Don’t chase them. Chasing makes everything a game. Your panic may even encourage them to hide the object by swallowing it. Training your dog, particularly a puppy to leave things alone that are yours can seem like a never-ending battle. You can teach them to “leave it.”

This, however, would mean that you were there to witness the theft. The dog thinks “I need to get rid of what is in my mouth because the humans are raging!” Gulp!

Try this. . .when your dog picks up something of yours (other than food), take a breath and at least attempt to lower your energy and lessen your anxiousness. Say “good boy or good girl or both!” Try saying it in a positive tone.

This has worked for me personally on numerous occasions. My experience was that if I wasn’t making a big deal about whatever was in their mouth, they drop it for a “good boy” and a little adoration.

I wonder what would happen if we tried this on humans?

Great Danes Put Down Their Forks

Most Great Danes I have had the pleasure of training and spending time with, know how to eat. They eat slowly when compared to other dogs (and some humans). It is more of a process for them.

I can almost hear them saying “this is good!” or “this doesn’t taste right.” Looking back to make sure they are being acknowledged for their thoughts and comments regarding dinner. Their plate is full and as if to know that no one would even consider slipping in to get a bite as they stroll away from their meal to take a breath.

If they hear something that needs addressing as they eat, they will leave to investigate in case it is a matter that needs their attention.

I think of it as them putting their fork down. Don’t be fooled into thinking they have had enough just because they take a break and walk away. They will in time circle back to their dinner and continue where they left off. We can learn from them. Not that we should leave the table and circle back; however, putting our fork down between bites, is a much healthier way to eat.

A Great Dane makes kibble drizzled with warm water worthy of eating slow and enjoying every bite – unless, of course, they are called to take action! (Wait, they’ll be back)

Dogs Ask, “Who Do You Love More?”

Every once in awhile, in the privacy of my own space, I humanize my dogs.  Just a little.  (Don’t do as I do, do as I say!)

When I look at this photo, the caption that comes to mind is:  “Gayle, tell us again the story about how you found each of us.”  Isn’t that a sweet thought?  I know. . .they’re really saying, “who do you love more?”  Ok, maybe they’re just thinking about what a good pack leader I am and they are grateful.

I’ll settle for any and all of the above. . .

My Dogs Vote

Do your dogs?  As tired as they are of the same information being repeated on CNN, the dogs always wrestle with one another if I attempt to change the channel to House or something else more entertaining.  Maybe they heard the good news that the Obama family has committed to adopting a shelter dog if they are elected.  That’s probably it!  The suspense is just too much for them.

I think I overheard them debating which one of them it should be.  Of course, they only have this conversation when they think I can’t hear them.  They have a great life, but life in the White House with two little girls ogling over them is sure to be a wonderful dream.

I will vote with them in mind.  Since they refuse to work for their food, a strong economy is needed so I can provide the life they deserve.  If I see them with their bags packed on election day, I will understand as I remind them they go nowhere without me!

Now, go and vote for a shelter dog. . .

How to Test Your Dog’s Vision

The test you are about to read about should not be conducted without a trained professional. Since I am a trained professional, I qualify to assist you. I witnessed this exact test on Lassie with great success. I will first give you some background information. . .

Moby, is a unique blend of Maltese, Yorkie, and Shih Tzu. He is mostly what I’d call a mess. His nickname is The Captain. He is (almost) the smallest member of the crew and works diligently to keep every one in order.

The cats also know him for his high-ranking position and have the utmost respect for his authority and watchful eye, and I do mean eye as a singular. Moby is partially blind.

At about one year of age, Moby lost sight in one eye and I’m quite certain he only sees partially out of his “good” eye. That is part of the reason he is always on guard. He lives in the land of giants, and while he seems to be protecting every one else, I get that he’s afraid of being smashed and has to make enough noise and movement to stay out of the way and to appear large.

I have been checking his ability to see by consistently testing his vision. This is the test: I hold two fingers up in front of his face and ask, “Moby, how many fingers am I holding up?” He always fails. Since he doesn’t answer at all, I’m beginning to assume that he is totally blind or also deaf. That will be the next test.

If your dog, responds with the correct answer, “two”, then give him a treat and ask if he can now write the number in the sand. Almost all dogs fail this test.

No Thanks! I Have a Dog

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!

What Are You Waiting for?

It’s never too early to begin “training” your dog. I know how tough it is to bring home a puppy and not fill their every moment with your attention and affection. You may be setting yourself up for more than you can or want to handle later. I am referring to the time prior to them being able to focus on specific training.

Obedience training starts when your dog is about four months old, but don’t wait to begin. If the pup is mature enough and/or if they are a large breed dog – start earlier. They won’t be able to focus for more than about 10-15 minutes at a time, so it’s not about duration. It’s about establishing the pattern of behavior that you want for your life with this puppy as it becomes a “dog.”

Puppies are puppies. Brilliant, I know! If you are waiting for them to outgrow puppy to start training them, you will certainly have your patients tried. It can be done, but why wait?

Establishing your authority and the dog’s place with it’s new family begins the minute they come home with you. This is when housebreaking starts and when the puppy gets socialized and made aware of what life is like living with humans. We can be challenging!

Remember, they know how to be dogs and they will do it extremely well. Don’t wait “until” – start immediately providing a safe place where mutual trust and respect nourishes a relationship that will last a lifetime. They’ll love you for it!

My Name is Gayle and I Have a Terrier

I enjoy the training and behavior modification calls I receive when the client tells me in an embarrassed tone about the unwanted, excitable behavior of their dog. It takes a few questions and then I find the truth – they were unwilling or maybe afraid to acknowledge the full breed of their dog.

I usually have to help them confess what they were almost unwilling to admit. They say they have a “Yorkie,” a “Boston,” an “Amstaff,” a “Westie,” etc. I encourage them to finish it – to say aloud, “I have a terrier.” The spirit and temperament of a terrier isn’t something you want to remove. It’s more that you need to understand them.

The first step to your new dog-temperament understanding is to admit openly and embrace that you have a terrier. If you have a dog that may be full or part terrier, be glad. Any other dog could be boring!