How are Dogs and Kids the Same?

Having grown up in the 50’s (I know! Hard to believe!) , there were many long road trips in the back seat of our Chevy wagon as we traveled cross country to visit our Grandparents. If you have ever had this experience, you understand.

The back of the wagon contained an array of Archie comic books and Mad Magazines. There also existed two invisible lines. They separated the space between my brothers and I. You DO NOT cross the line. Not even a finger. God bless Mom and Dad.

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So . . .I was watching the interplay of my dogs as they lie on their beds and floor. If the one on the bed decides that an invisible line has been drawn, a hair better not touch their pillow that doesn’t belong to them.

At times, they will all curl up together and it’s so sweet. Much like children, that can change in a nanosecond and it’s not in your best interest to put a paw on a bed that someone else put “dibs” on.

It appears that the invisible line is not a back-seat exclusive!

Why Do Dogs Bark?

Dogs bark. People talk. Some days I’d rather hear the former rather than the latter. Other days – well, you know. I thought I’d share a favorite dog joke.

Melody and Violet were both outside looking up at the moon and barking.

Melody asks Violet, “What’s that?”

Violet responds, “I don’t know, but if we bark at it all night, it goes away in the morning.”

Enjoy a fun song:

Who Let The Dogs Out

How Not to Foster Cats

I have always said that “I’m a dog person.” There’s an air of dogs are better in that statement; or at least there was for me. Don’t get me wrong. I love all creatures, but when it comes to which one I chose to live with, dogs were first choice.

Until. . . I started hearing about all of the kittens being left at the shelter, if they were lucky enough to get that far. Cats, along with dogs, are victims of foreclosures. That along with the many kittens that are set free without being spayed or neutered – and so it goes as the population grows.

I decided to foster some kittens. No worries! I checked with the dogs and they were fine with the idea. Two little boy kitties were at the shelter. They were too young and too small to be “fixed” or adopted. “I’ll take them – temporarily.”

For those of you who have had good intentions about fostering, may be having a similar experience to me when the fosters never seem to leave.

I tell myself that if the “right” family comes along, I will let them go. It’s funny how that hasn’t happened yet. I think I’ve joined the ranks of foster victim.

I recommend fostering. . .the real kind!

Should Large Breed Dogs Play with Small Breeds?

Should large breed dogs be allowed to be free with very small breeds? I hear from other trainers and people who work with dogs that it’s not a good idea. Little dogs could get hurt unintentionally by playing with big dogs.

I am in agreement with that to a point. If you have a number of dogs together, you have a pack. If you are the pack leader, they will listen to you and there won’t be a problem.

However, if something triggers an excited response; i.e., they are all playing with the same toy, or focusing on a lizard, or someone approaching the property, there could be an accident or altercation due to the situation. As Cesar Millan says so well – you need to be the calm, assertive pack leader. Don’t just leave it up to them to work it out!

Use good judgment and don’t let your dogs get overly excited and then let them all outside together at a time when the little dog could get trampled. Let the big dogs out first and have the little one(s) wait. When they are calmed down from their initial excitement, then let everyone be together. Be with them.

The little guys can be instigators (a lot of times out of fear) and the big dogs get mixed signals. Since you are the REAL big dog, let them know what is acceptable behavior. Give praise and affection equally but acknowledge the next in command before the others.

Be a confident leader and whether you have a giant breed or a toy breed (or both), your dogs will respect you and the other members of the pack.

What You Can Learn from the Pack

Dogs need to play and exercise! And, try though we might, we don’t play like another dog. In a family of one dog, they get all of the attention and the focus is on them. They may also get bored and do what they can to explore the other side of the fence.

However, having more than one dog and letting them play together as you observe, is better than most movies. There is a lot to learn just from watching them interact. If it is healthy play, and you are the one in charge, there will be an exchange of rolls – one dominant, one submissive and they will alternate this role .

They will show you the true meaning of the word dog-pile. There are three dogs playing in this photo.

The best is the “tuck-butt” where they turn into animated cartoon dogs running with their hips rounded as their back legs come up through the front to propel them across the yard. I call this doggie-bliss. I don’t know what they call it other than instinct and fun.

I guess I should say that THE best is when they come inside after their play time, exhausted and ready to relax.

During the summer months when it’s more difficult to get outside for walks, find the time to let your dogs or get some form of exercise even if it has to be inside. It’s important for their health and yours!

Is the Microchip Enough?

I believe now more than ever that our dogs should be wearing collars with an ID tag. With the “installation” of the microchip, some people don’t see the need for a collar since there dog can be traced back to them.

The microchip is only good if the person who finds your dog takes it to the shelter or a veterinarian to see if it has the chip and where the dog belongs. They aren’t always available. It’s not a GPS device (although I hear that’s available).

On the 4th of July, I witnessed first hand the need for an ID tag. A friend and I tried to stop traffic for a dog in the road (obviously old and disoriented) as a car hit him. That was horrible – beyond horrible. As we held him to keep him calm awaiting the arrival of Animal Control, I kept feeling for a collar like one would magically appear.

I wanted to know his name. I think it would have been comforting to the dog to hear his name. If not, we would have found comfort in it.

If you prefer that your dog be a nudist, then consider putting on a collar with an ID tag when you aren’t at home and they are in someone else’s care or when taken off leash for a hike. Another important time is on Holidays where sounds like fireworks may upset them and they may run away.

You will learn of your dog’s escape (hopefully nothing more) much quicker with a collar and tag. And, if you have a breed of dog that someone might consider keeping, a collar personalizes the dog and the finder will know that the dog is someone’s pet.

This is an easy and inexpensive way to be responsible and perhaps save your dog.

How to Tell Which Dog is Dominant

Dogs are definitely obvious about being dominant or their attempts at dominance by posturing and stance. Once you know what to look for, their exchange is a learning experience. As long as everyone is cooperating and show signs of being accepting to one another, I don’t intervene.

So, in the morning I put the dog bowls down — now five. And, I observe. I leave the room briefly and return to see that Moby, the 10 lb. yorkie mix is eating out of the extra large bowl intended for Violet, the Great Dane. I stood quietly and then realized that Violet was eating out of the ashtray-size food dish that is intended for Moby!

I couldn’t help but laugh but also be aware that since Violet is the newest member of this pack, she was following orders nicely. . .or was she? What may have looked like Moby took over could very well have been perfectly fine with Violet because there could be something in his food bowl that isn’t in hers.

I had a good laugh and then respectfully directed them back to their own bowls. They didn’t care, and I’m sure were quite satisfied at knowing that kibble was the entree for both of them (and the others).

Later that evening, I walk into the living room and guess what? Moby is lying in the middle of the largest dog bed while Violet looks at him in earnest silently looking for a sign or blessing from Moby that he’d either share the bed or perhaps consider an exchange for the bed that fits Moby.

Once again, I respectfully, intervene and make them move to their appropriate places. They listen and respond to me, but it sure is entertaining to watch the dynamic as they vie for the position of dominant dog. (Don’t tell them that will ALWAYS be me!)

Dog Wins Lottery

Not a lottery you want to “win.” I wrote previously about the dogs who are victims of foreclosure. I inquired with local shelters and the numbers of dogs are definitely up. I heard a news report that referred to it as epidemic. While I’m usually annoyed by news hype and propaganda, for this term I was glad. Maybe people will begin to see the importance of spaying and neutering their dogs. It all starts there.

I went to a local shelter yesterday. I guess I’ve realized that the pain it costs to see first hand how many dogs are “up” is an education I need. I spoke with a guy who said that this is definitely the worst he’s ever seen it. Dogs are being surrendered by their families on a daily basis due to some form of hardship. Some of the reasoning is still due to lack of training and the challenges of housebreaking.

I asked the guy what dogs were on “death row?” He was silent for a moment and then responded that he didn’t like to put it that way. I asked him if that’s not true. He explained that they pick the dogs daily. Usually there are a number of them who wouldn’t be adoptable and the others just won the lottery. Perhaps they have been there for awhile and need to make room for others.

While it is humane and a peaceful passing and for some dogs this may be the end of a not-so-good life, it could be prevented or at least lessened. Hey, we all die at some point so what’s the big deal?

The pain of the dogs’ lives prior to their passing is the big deal. Some go through hell. The Humane Society and shelters aren’t at fault! They are a wonderful organization that is there to promote and support the welfare of animals. They hate that they have to make the choice to kill these dogs.

It’s sad that the government has to legislate spay and neutering because WE won’t be responsible enough to do it. We want puppies! We all love puppies! Unfortunately, dogs end up in the shelters when they aren’t so cute and manageable.

It’s about training for the humans as much as the dogs. If you have concerns with your dog, contact a trainer. I know I’d be happy to answer questions and give assistance. It could mean the difference in your dog staying with you or going to a shelter.

If you must surrender your dog, attempt to find a good home without the assistance of a shelter. They are overbooked and underfunded. There are a lot of good dogs waiting for their forever home and a lot of good people looking for dogs. Let’s all do what we can.

How to Change a Timid Dog

I have had the loving experience lately of working with shy dogs and their new human families. During the first visit, we talk about the history of the dog and any possible trigger for their timid behavior.

A lot of the time there may be clues but no real “a-has!” Genetically, some dogs and breeds are more timid than others. Granted, prior abuse and/or the lack of socialization are more obvious reasons.

Usually, the behavior shows up as the dog tries to bolt or it backs off when someone approaches. It will only make it worse if the person is doing their best to convince the dog that they are not the enemy. It’s important that you remain calm and confident and that will transfer to the dog. You don’t want to coddle or encourage the dog’s response.

It gets frustrating and disappointing to the family when the newly adopted dog refuses to approach them. It can be something as simple as the tone of voice, the size of the person, a beard, a baseball hat – those are all things that can trigger an uncertain response. This dance may continue for awhile so be patient.

The best thing to do is to be less confrontational when approaching, don’t have eye contact, and give the dog a chance to approach you. Basic obedience training can help because it not only builds confidence in the dog but will help the dog respect and trust you.

Give your new dog a chance to settle into the home environment and then get them into training and socialization. Patience is the best reward!

Here’s some other insight into the benefit of early socialization

Great Dane Diarrhea Day

I came home after a hot day of dog training ready to enjoy my pups. I walked in the door and all of the dogs stood back further than normal (or further than waiting to hear me say “back”) so that I can enter freely. It took about two steps before the odor reached my nostrils. At that second, the first response is to breathe through the mouth so that the odor isn’t as bad. Not a good choice either.

The newest family member had obviously gotten a little nervous after I left and had expressed this with diarrhea all over the kitchen floor. The entire house is tile, so not to worry there. Now, it made sense why the other dogs appeared to be tip-toeing to the door — THEY WERE. They also had the look of “it was her!”

Given the size of everyone and the amount of poo, it could only have come from the Great Dane. “Everyone outside.” There was no fear in their eyes because pooing isn’t something they’ve been corrected for unless caught in the act. This one was my fault. I did, however, see a bit of disgust and I think they teased the Dane a bit for her obvious “accident.”

There aren’t enough paper towels on a single roll for Great Dane Diarrhea. I’m sorry to be so blunt. It didn’t take THAT long to clean up and then each dog had to come through to inspect the level of cleanliness. After all, they do eat off that floor!

So, I now have a new phrase for those days that don’t go as smoothly (I just said “go and smoothly!” – yuck) Anyway, some days are just GDD Days – Great Dane Diarrhea Days.