When the Cat Gets Into the Dog Room
Posted on Mar 03, 2009Behavioral Modification, Discussion Tab
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I thought the cat was making fun of Moby’s shirt – then, I caught him looking in the mirror and saying. . .
Behavioral Modification, Discussion Tab
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Does Your Dog Want a New Home?
Posted on Mar 03, 2009Adopt a Shelter Dog, Behavioral Modification, Discussion Tab, Training
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What if your dog gained access to the computer and saw their story and face on Craigslist in the pet section under the caption “looking for a new home.” What if they saw you were re-homing because you were busy or you thought they needed more room? I wonder what they would say.
This may seem a tad dramatic because many of us have fostered dogs or got them out of shelters and re-homed them or were in situations where we felt a new home was in the best interest of a dog. However, it is worth considering if you are re-homing a dog because you think it could do better. Remember where it came from. . .
If a dog has been in a shelter confined to a 5X5 space, being confined to a cozy home with random access to the outside is living in the lap of luxury. If you are considering re-homing because you are busy and don’t think you are spending enough time with your dog, consider where they came from. Chances are, if they are a rescue dog, they had minimal attention and definitely not anything compared to what it’s like in the security of a home.
I used to work 12 hour days, 7 days a week. I would feel tremendous guilt until I returned home to my amazing dog who was so happy to see me and never scolded me for working long hours. She had been saved! The life she knew in a shelter for nearly a year before my finding her was good, but now she was loved and cared for in ways she had never known.
I don’t write this to contribute to guilt, as we all do what we feel is best. I just want to point out that guilt is a human experience. So, if you are able to provide a loving home for a dog even if it’s not “perfect,” it could be much better than where they were or where they’ll be. If only you could ask them!
Why Dogs Age So Quickly
Posted on Feb 26, 2009Behavioral Modification, Dog Psychology, Dog Training
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Most of us have heard that dogs age approximately seven years to our one. A friend told me about a chart in her veterinarian’s office where you can find the age of your dog using other factors (breed, weight, etc) so they may be even “older” than we think! Maybe that’s information we’re better off not knowing.
I know why dogs age so much faster than we do. Many (many) years ago, dogs lived to be 50! It’s true. After they started living with humans in their environment, they began to age quicker. Living with the stress of time and schedules and the future and what to do, when to eat, what to eat, stop, go, wait, do, do, do – the dogs began to show signs of premature aging.
Please don’t go to Snopes and see if this is true. It’s not; however, we have and do contribute to health issues and unwanted behaviors (in ourselves and our dogs) just because of our busy lives and inability to live in the moment. That’s where dogs – all animals – live.
Of course, we all have busy lives and will continue (that’s a good thing) and if we can also stop to enjoy moments along the way, we all may live a little longer!
Agility – It’s for the Dogs!
Posted on Feb 25, 2009Agility, Dog Training
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If you have ever considered having fun with your dog on an agility course, watch a happy-go-lucky Bishon, Travis, have a good time!
Should Dogs Be Allowed on the Furniture?
Posted on Feb 23, 2009Dog Psychology, Dog Training
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Let me guess – some of your responses might be: yes, no, maybe, sometimes, when invited, when no one else is around, only when you leave them unattended. . .
Here’s an article where I write a more in depth answer to this burning question!
Academy Awards for the Dogs
Posted on Feb 23, 2009Behavioral Modification, Dog Psychology
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Aren’t you wondering why there isn’t an academy awards for dogs – after all, they have been stars in many movies. “Secondhand Lions” wouldn’t have been the same without that pack.
Well, here’s the reason. . .they don’t “act.” They can be trained to respond to commands, but they are in the moment and I don’t believe capable of acting. Maybe that’s why there’s the saying that goes something like – if you are respected and loved by a dog, you’re probably an ok person.
Babies fit in this category as well. They respond to things but aren’t yet capable of being out of their true character or pretending to be someone they’re not. (I’ve met a lot of people who spend way too much time “acting.”)
So, enjoy the Academy Awards and then see yourself as your dog or child does. Somehow, they help us step off the stage and be in the moment.
What’s that Moby? More popcorn? I think they think “Pet Hotel” is up for an award!
Does a Dog’s Opinion Count?
Posted on Feb 20, 2009Adopt a Shelter Dog, Behavioral Modification, Discussion Tab, Dog Psychology
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This is difficult for me to share; however, a picture is worth a thousand words. This image explains how one of my dogs feels about my blog. . .
A Dog’s Body Language
Posted on Feb 20, 2009Behavioral Modification, Dog Psychology, Dog Training
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The study of body language certainly isn’t new and most of us are paying attention to it in our every-day lives with little effort. We can tell when someone is angry, happy, sad, upset, delighted, or disappointed all by the language of their body.
I don’t know if a dog’s body language is more subtle or we aren’t as attuned to what it might be saying. In training, it is important to observe the dog. It becomes obvious as to what they are feeling – or not feeling as the case may be.
A twitch of the ear means something. A slight stiffening of the neck and ever-so-subtle shift in their posture is an indicator of something – either in anticipation or in response.
You can see when a dog “takes” a command. There is a different look than when they have no clue what you are asking. (My Great Dane has this look a lot so it may not always be wise to judge the book by it’s cover!)
Why does any of this matter? Learning what the posturing (body language) of your dog means, helps you in training and in understanding them. You will start to recognize when the dog is “having a good time” versus when the tail wag is purely nervous energy. By observing and learning from them, you can also begin to experience the importance of your body language.
We all know what it’s like to be in the presence of someone who is saying something completely opposite from their body! Your dog is at least that smart. They are always tuned into our body language. We should do the same for them. It is amazing what you’ll learn!
Dogs and Death
Posted on Feb 18, 2009Behavioral Modification, Dog Psychology, Dogs and Death
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Our culture is not very comfortable with death. While that is understandable, it is a part of life and what we do when a loved one passes, is so important. Some want and expect everyone to just “move on” and “get over it.” I think this is based on the fear of pain and loss rather than really wanting us to forget.
We may use words less abrupt than dead or died in exchange for passed away, crossed over, and in an effort to add humor – “kicked the bucket” or “bought the farm.” I’m sure there is some great story where these sensitive phrases originated.
When a family member dies, human or canine, there is a loss. That loss can be huge! Since this is a dog blog, I’m going to talk about when a dog dies. When a dog is young and had a dependent personality, it seems to make the transition much more difficult than if they have lived to be 13-15 years-of-age and it’s time. Sudden loss is extremely difficult and for a sweet Spirit who needed us, it can be even more challenging emotionally.
We have the same questions we have with a human death in that we wonder why. We will never know the answer. What we can do is stop and remember them and the life that was shared. To try to forget too soon, doesn’t honor the life that was and in many ways always will be. Memories are forever. (Make good ones!)
Here’s my tribute to a beautiful Dane who had to leave us too soon. He was so afraid of many things in the outside world, but never feared giving or receiving love and affection. You had to smile and laugh at his lack of social graces and his cartoon-like looks and personality. He is a true Gentle Giant that leaves a giant hole on this earth.
Why Do Dogs Trust Humans?
Posted on Feb 16, 2009Behavioral Modification, Dog Psychology, Dog Training
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Trust comes easy for children and animals – in this case, dogs. Respect, on the other hand, isn’t an automatic. I believe it is earned. Trust and respect work well together. I don’t know if one can exist entirely without the other.
Respect can be falsely created through abuse, emotional or physical. In this case, I don’t think it’s true respect but respect based on fear. When we trust someone, we typically respect their decisions.
Why do dogs trust us? I think that trust is a part of who we are – in dogs and humans alike. Until. . .until we learn otherwise. Until something happens that causes us to question. Unlike humans, I don’t think dogs are as quick to lose trust or to not trust again.
They trust us to provide and care for them and are usually tolerant of less than respectful treatment. Not always – but usually. Why? I wish I could answer that; honestly I’m just glad they do. It makes me a better human to have to care for them. Trust and respect in return is a very fair trade.
