Another Puppy Mill Closed!

Thanks to the Humane Society and other officials in WA State, another puppy mill is closed.  Anyone need 397 dogs?  That’s how many were rescued.  I propose a moratorium on breeding for one year.  I know it’s not fair or reasonable for the reputable breeders who not only find good homes for their puppies and make a living from their dogs.  It would be punishing the responsible, while the irresponsible continue using and discarding dogs. What can we do?

Don’t act like it’s not happening. Support rescue organizations, and if you are looking to purchase a specific breed, please research (travel to) the breeder to verify they are who they say they are.  Don’t buy a puppy from a pet store!  I know it’s a well-worn subject for me. . .watch this video and maybe it will be for you.

What’s Next Michael Vick?

I just received the update from the Humane Socieity about the release of Michael Vick from prison.  The HSUS (and other organizations) persisted behind the scene to expose his pit bull fighting ring and to subsequently have him prosecuted and suspended by the NFL.

The only positive side to Michael Vick is that his actions (and getting caught) brought light to the fact that dog fighting is happeneing and needs to stop and those involved prosecuted.  Michael Vick says he’s a changed man and blames the abuse on his lack of respect for animals based on how he was raised as a child.

Michael Vick now has the opportunity, and I believe, obligation to give back to the community and society by assisting in the prevention of the advancement of Pit Bull fighting.

Here’s the HSUS update:  What’s Next For Michael Vick?

Do Dogs Really Like Exercise?

Most dogs I know start their day off early.  They wake up, lick some water, “go,” and then head to the gym for some much-dreaded exercise.  Maybe at the end of their day they are thinking, “I can’t believe it, I didn’t make it to the gym again!”  Right?

So, do all dogs like exercise?  In the wild, dogs wouldn’t have set up a track field and directed one another to run five miles (by the way, none of them would be overweight.)  Just like us, when dogs are moving, there is usually a purpose. Or, let’s just say it takes more focus and is lot more fun if there is.   This is one reason that taking your dog to an agility class can be so rewarding for both of you.

Putting a dog out in the back yard may or may not be exercise.  Most likely not, unless, there’s a purpose - something to chase (another dog), something to get their attention.  Otherwise, they will do the same thing outside they would have done inside. . .lay down.

Dogs need to move but consider the breed of your dog and what would be appropriate and necessary for them.  Your extreme need for exercise (or lack of it) may not be the same as your dog’s.  Try different things, and see if you can give purpose to their exercise (and yours)!

Dogs Just Want to Have Fun!

Along the lines of giving a dog a job to do, agility training uses their focus and energy in a very fun way! It’s not about them being corrected for something they did wrong. It’s about being rewarded and praised constantly for getting it right!

And, “right” in this case is fun (usually for everyone). It’s easy for the handler (owner usually) to get too serious and set the bar (no pun intended) too high. The dogs are dogs and they’re not very good at being robots. If they were, we could leave fun out of the equation.

If you feel like the only time you spend with your dog is in training or in telling them “no,” try adding some fun by setting up jumps or other agility-type equipment in your home. Lay a broom handle across a stack of books and have your dog jump over it. Get a kid’s play tunnel and teach your dog to run through it. You’ll be on the other side! Be creative. For a change of pace, think of ways to use their energy and focus that isn’t quite so structured.

I recently participated in an agility event at a local senior center. It was a lot of fun for the dogs and the seniors!

Obsessive Compusive Disorder (OCD) in Dogs

Dogs can and do obsess - some lick carpet, their feet, grout, the sofa fabric, air.  Some focus intently on cars, golf carts, or other moving objects such as tennis balls.

Where does this behavior originate?  Is it genetic?  Is it psychological?  Do they need medication?  When a human has a compulsion, they are observed, counseled, and some require medication.

When dogs exhibit the behaviors mentioned above, we tend to look at it like it’s not that big of a deal.  We may not try to work with the dog until what they are doing begins to annoy us or they are injuring themselves.  They may lick their feet or skin until they bleed.  The are so focused that nothing seems to break their trance.

Some breeds need to work.  They are genetically wired to fulfill a purpose.  If we don’t provide a healthy focus or something that engages their greater purpose, they may focus and eventually obsess on something else less appropriate.   Once they have gone into the trance-like state, it is difficult to get their attention.

Distracting them just prior to the second they go into their obsessive behavior is key.  See if it is a matter of boredom or their need to “work.”  Obedience training and behavior modification go hand in hand.  Some behaviors will shift automatically once the dog is given a job.  That may be putting a backpack on them and going for a focused walk.  It may be teaching them to do things you may not normally think of - learning to turn on lights, pick up things off the floor for you, or agility classes, etc.

When dogs have a lot of energy and a lot of intelligence, being left alone without a greater purpose, can lead to obsessive-compulsive behaviors as their focus is misplaced. If this goes on long enough, it will take a lot of time, consistency, and understanding on your part as you work with them to alter this behavior into something more positive.  It’s time well spent and you and your dog will both be happier!

If you have any questions or concerns about a behavior in your dog, please send a note in the box to the right.

Great Dane Drinks Too Much!

The video says it all. . .

Violet Needs Rehab

Violet Passes Out

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.

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!

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

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.