When Dogs Go Crazy!

I was asked by a client if they should be concerned when most every evening their dog runs excitedly around the house.  Their rears are tucked and they are moving as fast as they can.  Running from room to room navigating the house with ease.  It makes me think of the cartoon characters who are running so fast and their back legs come up between the front legs as they propel themselves forward.  One limb barely distinguishable from the other.

Is this normal?  Yes!  Should you be concerned?  Absolutely not!  I call it doggy bliss.  To me, it’s joy in motion.  It’s sort of a catch me if you can move.  They may be a little too worked up for your comfort,  but as long as they aren’t hurting themselves or your property, I’d enjoy this expression.

I can almost guarantee they are not doing this when you aren’t around.  It’s their form of a “happy dance.”  My advice – get out of the way and have a laugh!  I think they are.

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!

Consider This Before Adopting a Dog

It’s amazing to see all of the ads for puppies who are only 12 weeks old and already being re-homed! The opportunity of time they were given wasn’t much.

I recently read an article by Warren Buffett. He said something to the effect of – if you can’t or won’t invest 10 years in something, then don’t invest 10 minutes in it. He, of course, is referring to financial investments. I think it applies to other choices we make. Like adopting a dog.

Seldom when we have the pang of wanting a puppy do we think of how life will be for 10 years. It can be an emotional decision. It’s definitely not wise to go look and touch puppies or to ogle over one outside a grocery store prior to thinking of the 10 year approach. Or, to think you’ll just walk through the shelter and not have guilt win you over. Ten minutes at home with a new dog may be enough to make you reverse that impulse when it dawns on you that you don’t have time for a dog!

So, before you invest in a new pup, ask yourself if you can do this for 10 years. If not, then don’t do it for 10 minutes and risk you’ll make a decision you regret. If your time and budget are limited but you really need to be around dogs, the shelters welcome you. You can walk a dog or two, get your dog fix, and feel good about what you’ve done!

p.s. As I’m sometimes tempted to do, I have to expand this thought outside the realm of dogs and consider what it’d be like if that’s how we approached all relationships. . .

Old Dog Grows Wings

One of my favorite animal rescue groups is Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.  Here is a great story about one of their seniors who enjoys a new ride!

Dogs Set Aside Their Differences

The dogs in the photo are both males.  Neutered though they may be, they are fully male. . .marking every branch and rock, following each other in hot pursuit and constant competition.  However, after a hard day of exploration and still-life domination, they let their differences go for another night.  They make it look so easy. . .

A Puppy Mill Rescue – A Rags to Riches Yorkie

Melody’s full story. . .

What About Dog Clothes?

There is a fascination and something odd and yet compelling about dogs wearing clothing. There is something adorable about tiny outfits.  Dogs wearing clothes can really bother me and other times it just makes me laugh. Let’s face it, it tells us about their human – not the dog. I don’t think it’s an esteem boost for a dog to wear a designer label or any label for that matter.  In this economy, I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a mass decline in their sales.  However, a few bucks for a little laughter and a photo-opp might be a needed treat!

I don’t dress my dogs (normally).  When a client learned I had small dogs, she gave me some outfits.  I put them away.  Yesterday, I told the dogs that Paula is coming over and they walked out looking like this.  I told them they were way over-dressed, but they didn’t care. (I also told them not to feel badly because, “we are laughing at you not with you!”)

Do Dogs Express Emotion?

This is a re-visit to a topic I enjoy – whether it is regarding humans or canines, there is much to learn about the experience and expression of emotion.

Dogs’ Behavior and the Expression of Emotion

Dogs and Food Aggression

When asking clients if their dog has food aggression, I may get a response similar to, “no, they growl if we or the other dog gets near the food bowl, but that’s normal.” Let me share something – it may be considered normal when dinner is served in your home, but it is not good to allow it.

If your dog even begins to growl when you reach for their food as they are eating, immediately get your hand out of the way!   That’s what you do to keep rom getting bitten!  The real response would be to give a quick correction (use a leash if necessary) and then pick up their food bowl.  Hand feed them and let them know the food comes from you.  Place your hand in their food bowl as they eat and touch them as they eat.

If their aggression is directed at another dog, do the same thing.  If you are not going to supervise when feeding, then feed them separately.  A scuffle over food may seem normal and for some dogs, it’s a tough trigger to break; however, you should be the one determining who eats where and when.  You want to be the provider and be clear that until they are able to go hunt and fend for themselves, you make the rules!  (how parental of me, I know!)

If this is an issue you are dealing with, please contact me for more specific guidance on your situation.

A Dog With Depression

I received an email from a client saying that their Basset Hound looked depressed. Sympathetically, I responded asking, “how can you tell?”