Here’s how the introduction might start:
It’s a surprise meeting as they look into each other’s eyes. . .
They slowly move to touch one another. . .
What happened next was far more fun for the dog than the cat.*
Here’s information on Dog and Cat Introductions.
*No kitties were mistreated in the taking of these photos!
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In a previous post, I wrote about dogs needing other dogs. In the following video, you will watch my two labradoodles play fight. A human can never play with a dog like another dog. Not only are they having fun, they are also communicating with one another (in more ways than depicted by the comic bubbles).
If you have puppies and can’t keep your eye on them constantly, hire a dog nanny. This video is of Mac-Nanny. Mac is a labradoodle that does a great job at keeping two Maltese puppies corralled and in their crate.
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.
I can’t answer this question. I know from personal experience that having one dog for many years was wonderful. I only had to focus on our relationship, and I was working non-stop at the time, so she received a lot of guilt-time! The thought of another dog, just didn’t seem fair to either of them.
Dealing with dog obedience and behavior modification on a daily basis has taught me a lot. A lot of the behavior modification training I benefit from is by observing the dogs - my dogs. I have a pack. There’s no way around that. They aren’t wild. They listen and respond to me; however, they are given a lot of opportunity to show me who they are while living together day to day.
We can take our dogs for long walks. They love it. We can take them on car rides and almost everywhere we go. They love it. We put their natural abilities to the test with agility training. They love it. We, however, can’t play like another dog. Ever see a child when they see another child and they light up with a recognition that says - “hey, your a kid too!” Dogs do that. Try though we might (in the privacy of our home) to romp and tease like another dog. We don’t come close. Nor is this a goal I need to fulfill in my lifetime.
I say all of this because for all that we do, dogs love dogs. I know that some are saying emphatically, “my dog doesn’t like other dogs!” That may be the case now, but in the real land of dogs before they were our pets, they liked other dogs or at least worked things out with a nice compromise on who was who in the pack.
Should this be of concern to the one-dog families? Probably not. I just wanted to share this because it’s pure entertainment to watch dogs play. Showing and gnashing of teeth, growling and the puppy bow. . .it’s all a part of who they are and we’ll never train it out of them. Nor, do I want to.
It’s not news that dark chocolate can be toxic to your dog. What to do? If they have ingested the chocolate within an hour or two, you can induce vomiting by giving them hydrogen peroxide. It varies by the size of the dog; however, it doesn’t take much. For small dogs, give them a Tablespoon and follow with another Tablespoon until you get the desired result.
Recently, a Great Dane ate a lot of dark chocolate. It could have been hours since she ate it, so they chose to wait and monitor her behavior. This Dane inherently exhibits some of the behaviors you should watch for when a dog consumes too much chocolate - she’s already restless, exciteable, and at times pants excessively. The point. . .it is to be taken seriously, but don’t panic and attribute their normal behavior to being a reaction to chocolate.
Since it was too late to induce vomiting, the Dane didn’t go to the vet and was monitored at home. Fortunately, she was able to “pass” the chocolate and process the caffeine and theobromine (stimulants) that were absorbed into her system.
I don’t doubt there have been a lot of sick dogs due to chocolate prior to our knowing it’s potential harm; however, I have heard so many dog owners say quietly that they used to give their dogs oreo cookies as treats. Some were even given chocolate kisses! My guess is they weren’t given enough to do harm and we weren’t nervously looking for symptoms.
Information is knowledge and may save you a trip to the vet. My best advice is to eat the dark chocolate and give the dog a dry, nearly tasteless dog biscuit. No wonder they too love chocolate!
Go to this article for more detailed information on Why Dogs Can’t Eat Chocolate
Most of us look at a dog’s tail to see if they are receptive to our greeting and approach. What does the wag of a tail tell?
Some tails wag faster based on their level of enthusiasm and excitement. Some tails don’t really wag but are more of a propeller that rotate in a circular motion. Some tails will wag out of nervousness and it may be positioned higher or lower than it is for a receptive greeting. Since you may not have the time to pay attention to those details, especially if you don’t know the dog, wait before reaching to give affection.
The problem comes when we always assume a wagging tail is a sign of affection and acceptance. It isn’t. Unfortunately for those who have been bitten by the other end of a wagging tail, assume they must have done something wrong to make the dog change it’s mind.
A wagging tail is a sign of “joy,” and it can be sign of nervousness and excitement just prior to a lunge that says something other than “Hi, glad to meet you!” Usually, the dogs physiology is shifting in more ways than just the wag of the tail, but more are focused on that end of the dog.
Next time you approach a dog and see it’s tail wagging, be sure to observe the rest of the dog’s body and any signs of aggression or fear. Most likely, the dog wants your affection, but it’s good to make sure!
Heel is the word used for having your dog walk along beside you. They are to be walking at the same pace and hopefully in the same direction! The purpose is so they are not pulling you down the street and they have the understanding they are walking with you and not the other way around.
Their head should be approximately in line with your left leg and not a head’s length in front of you. Why are they on the left? Good question. It most likely started with hunters and the human’s right hand was occupied with a weapon so the dog was on the left.
I am asked a lot why the dog needs to heel. Clients may want their dog to learn “sit” and “down” and “stay,” but wonder why it is necessary to learn to heel. If you ever need to have your dog on a leash and out in public, you will want them to work with you and to walk nicely at your side.
Teaching your dog to heel is one of the building blocks of your relationship. They don’t absolutely have to learn it; however, it’s like learning algebra prior to learning arithmetic. You can do it, but it’s easier to begin with the basics. In this case, the basics are teaching your dog to listen and respond to you and what better way than while on a walk where there are all sorts of distractions.
If you have questions regarding teaching your dog to heel, please send me a note in the box to the right. I am glad to assist you!
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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!
