Three girls

Last night the three girls of Dog Blog fame were outside happily munching on some raw meaty bones, to keep them quiet and keep their teeth sparklingly white. After a few hours all hell broke lose. I can only assume some Dog must have been roaming the mountainside and thought it might be a good idea to chance a paw by a few stealth tactics.

Suffice to say no one lost a bone!

Anyway, when it calmed down and we let the Dogs in the house Faye was panting like a thing possessed. Now, this would be normal if she had been running around chasing the interloper but of course she had to guard her bone so she only went a few metres from the house.

After she came in she was panting really heavily and the poor Dog became obsessed about trying to bite her paws. We checked and could see nothing stuck but she was one unhappy girl. It got worse. She proceeded to run around the house for an hour non-stop. Upstairs, downstairs, under the table, jumping on the bed and on and on.

It was still going on when we went to bed. She ran around and around, until finally she could take it no more.

She jumped on the bed, had a cuddle from Mrs. Three Dog Blogger and tried to hide under a pillow, which is not easy for a 70lb plus Dog. It was over an hour later before she got her breath back and stopped panting.

What seemed funny for a short while got us very worried after a while. She simply would not calm down. I have never seen a Dog so out of breath. She obviously got herself so worked up and was so concerned that there was something in her paw that her brain seemed like it was about to melt.

Once she calmed down she lost interest in her paws and this morning she was back to her usual self.

Can anyone help to solve the mystery. Has your Dog gone crazed? Has your Dog run around the room for hours acting very weird?

I honestly don't know what she was doing but she went absolutely bonkers. All I can think of is that maybe she stood on a cacti? But when she calmed down she lost interest in her paws so I am dubious.

Rufus – 2 year old male Border Collie

Rufus is a lovely looking 2 year old male Border Collie. He loves his walks and is very relaxed and easy going – a delight all round! Rufus will suit a good family home where he can get the exercise he needs.


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Bo.snow.jump

Bo.snow.jump


We often see photos of Bo frolicking in the snow this winter but, what we don't see, are the precautions his caregivers are taking to keep Bo healthy and happy. I'll bet they're following these cold weather tips brought to us courtesy of DogTime.com:

    * More dogs get lost during winter. Why? In the snow or during a storm, it is easy for a dog to lose his keen sense of smell and not be able to find his way home. Be sure to keep your dog on-leash during winter storms, and always put an ID tag on his collar. Consider also fitting your dog with a microchip ID.

    * Always clean your dog's paws and coat when he comes in from bad weather, especially snow, ice, or sleet. Road salt, antifreeze, sand, and other hazardous materials can accumulate on his paws and coat which he could lick and ingest, or absorb through his skin. If you suspect your dog has been poisoned, contact your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Also, his paw pads may be affected by frost and ice, which can cause cracking and bleeding.

    * Never shave long-coated dogs down during winter months. He will need his long fur to protect him from the cold. For short-haired dogs, consider a dog sweater or coat to help keep him warm.

    * If you give your dog a bath, be sure he is totally dry before you let him outside.

    * Cars can be deathtraps for dogs during the winter months, just as in summer. Cars tend to retain cold like a refrigerator and can quickly chill a dog, causing hypothermia.

    * Puppies may not like the cold weather and this could be a problem if you are trying to house-train them. You may have to paper-train your pup until better weather comes around.

    * If old age or illness makes your dog intolerant of the cold, take him outside only to eliminate.

    * If your dog loves a romp in the snow, be sure to feed him a little more, especially proteins; dogs burn more calories in the cold. Also, keep up on his grooming to keep him happy and healthy. A nice warm dog bed or blanket, up off the floor and away from drafty doors and windows, is very important to keep your furry friend warm.

Jack – 18 month old male Collie cross Kelpie

Jack is an 18 month old male Collie cross Kelpie who is extremely bright and intelligent and knows all the basic commands such as heel, sit, give paw, lie down. stay etc. He just loves to please and Jack would flourish with further training as it would stimulate him mentally, his recall is 100% and he returns every time he is called. He walks well on a harness and shows no particular interest in small furries. He loves a cuddle, travels well in the car and can be left for 4 hours or so. He does love a game with the hoover though and will try and play with it.

With careful introductions Jack is great with other dogs and very playful around them. He does seem to have a fear of new dogs being face to face with him and as a result sometimes displays some fear aggression manifesting itself as snapping at them. Once intro's are complete, he loves to play and is living happily with assorted family dogs and foster dogs.

His fosterer says: 'Jack is a very special boy to us and if our circumstances were different we would without any doubt be keeping him. He is just the sweetest, most loving little boy who just needs security, discipline and a loving home. Whoever takes Jack on needs to be prepared to continue his socialisation and to challenge him mentally and physically. He needs an active home where he can gets lots of walks as he is in his element running free on the mountains. We are looking for a collie experienced home with older, dog savvy children.'

All Hope Rescue dogs are neutered, vaccinated, wormed, flea treated and microchipped prior to rehoming. A homecheck will be required, and you will need to come and meet the dog with your own dogs and family.

Rufus – 2 year old male Border Collie

Rufus is a lovely looking 2 year old male Border Collie. He loves his walks and is very relaxed and easy going – a delight all round! Rufus will suit a good family home where he can get the exercise he needs.

Dustin – 10-12 month old male Akita Cross

Dustin is still a puppy really and is a 10-12 month old male Akita Cross. He is quite a strong dog and with training we are sure he will make a lovely pet. Dustin will thrive with loving owners who are willing to put the effort in to Dustin's training.

Butch – 13 year old male Labrador Retriever

Butch is 13 year old black Labrador Retriever who is in an Oldies Club foster home in Watford, Herts, waiting for someone to offer him a permanent home.

Poor Butch had nowhere to go when his blind owner had to go into care. His owner desperately did not want him kennelled, so the Oldies Club came to the rescue. Butch was understandably confused and sad to be taken from the only home he had ever known, but, being the intelligent and laid-back boy he is, he quickly adapted to a new foster home with lots of attention, good food and exciting walks.

Gentle and loves everyone and everything: Butch is such an adorable little black Lab. He is a very gentle dog, patient, quiet, calm and easy going. He is a small boy for a Lab, weighing only 15 kilos and standing 38cm at the shoulder, but more than makes up for his small stature with a big heart, big waggy tail and a super friendly disposition. Everyone and everything gets a wag and he loves everyone from postmen to cats … even small children get a welcome.

Butch settled in quickly though he was understandably a little anxious at first and followed his foster carer around the house. He still likes to know where you are and usually settles down close by just so he can keep an eye open for anything exciting that may happen, but just dozes quietly meantime. He's fine to be left alone for a few hours. He is totally clean in the house, and, throughout the night, he sleeps soundly in his basket until it's time to get up. He always waits for permission to eat and does not beg at the table for food. All treats are taken very gently – he will drop the food rather than touch any fingers.

Butch looks and acts like a much younger dog – he's active and loves his walks and meeting other dogs. He lived with his previous owner's guide dog; perhaps that's why he's so perfect both on and off the lead and never pulls. He likes a good sniff but will come when called and loves to come bounding up with a big smile. If he runs ahead in the park, he will stop to check where you are and wait for you to catch up. Butch loves a trip in the car where he settles down straight away without a sound. Butch is not very interested in playing with toys and balls, preferring to doze quietly until the next exciting event.

Butch is neutered and has had a full check-up at the vets where he was also vaccinated, microchipped and flea/worm treated. As usual with an older dog, his hearing is not perfect and his eyes are a little cloudy with a trace of cataracts, but the vet said these may not develop and he can certainly see. He had a benign growth on his lip which has been removed. He has a very slight heart murmur which does not affect his health or active lifestyle, and he's not on any medication. He behaves impeccably at the vets … his tail still wagging!

*His foster carer sums up Butch*

Butch would fit so well into any household and prove himself to be a very welcome and rewarding addition. He has a lot to give and asks for little in return – he's such an easy dog to care for.

Max – 4 year old male Greyhound

Max is 4 year old Greyhound and he is a happy and loving dog who very much enjoys the company of people and just adores attention and affection. He thought he had found his forever home but, unfortunately, it was not to be. However, his previous owner says that he is "a great dog and she would highly recommend him".

Max is a magnificent looking dog who adores having his tummy tickled and will lift his leg in appreciation in order to facilitate better access to his tummy!!! He gently sings and chatters his teeth like a sewing machine when he is happy. He loves to be out and walking and has learnt to walk like a gentleman on his Halti.

His favourite toy in the world is his sausage dog cuddly and he likes nothing better than to throw him up into the air and catch him again. However, since losing the home he loved Max has nothing left in his life but his sausage dog and as you can see from his photo, he cuddles up to him in kennels drawing comfort that he reminds him of happier times and dreaming that someone will love him and want him again.

He is very sociable, extremely biddable and beautifully house trained. He loves to please. On walks he looks to you to see if you want to give a command. He is capable of so much more – would you like to teach him? He would like a home with no other dogs please so if you are looking for a real companion and pal, Max is the boy for you. He is a truly handsome and loving boy (his photos do not do him justice – he has the most melting brown eyes) and he loves his bed and once he has had his walk settles down happily – I would love to take him home.

Max is based in the North-West and for more details please contact Lucille on 07000 785092

Faith – 6 month old female Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cross

Faith is a wonderful 6 month old female Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cross who is currently in foster in South Wales. She has not had the best start to life. She came into us from the pound with an extremely bad case of demodectic mange. Despite the obvious discomfort she was feeling, she has amazed us with her kind, loving and trusting nature; a truly remarkable little girl.

Her skin has now healed, and is totally clear from the mange mites. She does have a few bald patches still, and it will probably be a couple more months before her hair grows back completely.

She is in foster with several other dogs, and gets on well with them. She is typically bouncy and would benefit from a home with another dog, preferably a male. She is good with children, and can be rehomed with children from 5 years. Her recall is good, and she likes to stay close. She also travels well in the car. She can be left for up to 4 hours.

We are looking for a very special home for Faith, where she will be treated like a Princess. As you can see from the pictures, she actually has a shiny sheen to her coat now!

A volunteer has added that "Faith is one special little girl. She has one of the best temperaments I have ever seen not only for a staff but also for any breed. I really enjoyed spending the day with faith and anyone who rehomes her will have a fantastic friend."

All Hope Rescue dogs are neutered, vaccinated, wormed, flea treated and micro-chipped prior to rehoming. A home check will be required, and you will need to come and meet the dog with your own dogs and family.

Listen Up Your Dog is Talking to You!

Imagine that every time you attempt to talk to your best friend their response is one of harsh scolding words. Now picture this happening not once, twice or thrice but almost every single day. I'm betting soon there won't be much of anything to call as friendship left! I'll even go out on a limb here and hazard a guess that soon the two of you won't be talking altogether. Perhaps you'd withdraw into some kinda shell or maybe the bombardment of negativity and criticism would drive you to lash out in anger one day.

Okay, now let's picture this scenario a little bit differently in that you happen to be a dog and that supposed best friend of yours is your owner.  That makes it a tad more complicated doesn't it, especially if your owner is not trying to be intentionally cruel or harsh but simply doesn't understand how to communicate properly with you!

Okay revert back to your human form for now. Have you ever tried communicating with someone who doesn't speak the same language as you? It isn't easy is it! There's a whole lot of arm waving, gesticulating, self-conscious grinning and facial contortions, much of which isn't actually helping you to understand one another any better…and we are talking about communication between individuals from the same species here! That pretty much puts into perspective the monumental wall standing between you and your dog communicating efficiently with one another.

The very real problem here is that you don't talk dogspeak and neither does your dog speak any human language but that doesn't mean that you can't learn how to communicate effectively with one another. And seeing as you happen to be the more intelligent species in this particular partnership, the onus is on you to create that better environment of communication. However unfortunately far too often this is not the case, more often than not it being the dog owner representing the party that gets irritated and confrontational during sessions of communication. If and when a situation such as this continues for a long enough duration this in turn could make your dog to:

•    Become depressed and withdraw
•    Start avoiding you
•    Whimper and slink about whenever you're in the vicinity
•    Become aggressive and unmanageable

Communication With Your Dog Starts With Understanding Your Dog

Like us humans, dogs have their own standard dog etiquette that incorporates accepted proper behavior and quite naturally in the same way that we expect them to respond in a desired manner to our communication so do they expect no less from us. But as pointed out previously, being that we are two very different species, notwithstanding the fact that we have co-existed side by side for thousands of years, the inescapable fact is that dogs and us speak entirely different languages!

Thus to forge a better relationship with your dog you need to have a better understanding of dog communicative signals other than the obvious ones that comprise dog language.

Dog Language

Dogs bark, growl, yelp, snarl, whine, howl, warble and sing as a means of communication between themselves and other species such as us. Dogs can tell pretty accurately from the tone and inflection of our voices what kind of mood and state of mind we are in, much in the same way that we can judge their intent from the type of vocalization they utter. However there is only so far such communication takes usand the plain fact of the matter is that so much of dog language exists in the form of unvocalized signals; something the average dog owner is utterly unaware of.

Generally speaking all dogs no matter where they come from (thanks to their common ancestral origins, the wolf) understand what another dog is saying. However some dogs are better adapted to unvocalized signals than others. For example dogs that have docked tails cannot communicate dog signals that incorporate tail action. Also color patterns do play a part in dog language communication, and dogs that have black outline eyes with tan spots above them are better able to communicate eye-related signals because of such contrast. Completely black dogs or white ones are at a disadvantage from this perspective, which may explain why black dogs use the licking signal more often than the ones using facial expressions.

Common Unvocalized Dog Signals

Nose Licking:  Nose licking by dogs is one of the signals they use to show their discomfort or alternatively it used as a message to calm down other dogs or people in a situation in which the dog doing the licking evaluates as one that is too stressful.

Head Turning:  The motion of head turning could be a subtle swivel or a single swift movement; sometimes the head turning could be a prolonged side to side movement. Averting their heads is another manner in which dogs can defuse potentially explosive situations between themselves because by turning their heads away they are signaling non-threatening intentions in polite doggy speak.

Next time you are stooping over your dog look carefully to see if he or she turns their head away; if they do then they are evidently signaling to you that it makes them feel uncomfortable. If you pay special attention next time you'll also notice that dogs rarely look directly at one another because it is considered impolite and rife with threat. When dogs are seated in group they generally avert their heads away from one another in keeping with polite dog etiquette (much like the way civilized persons make a point of not staring directly at the person opposite them in a subway car).

Eye Squinting:  Dogs narrow their eyes to express to the person or fellow canine to whom their gaze is directed that they have no ill intentions, and that there is no veiled threat implied from that gaze. Whenever a dog looks at another dog directly with no threatening intentions, the dog squints its eyes to make sure the other dog understands that no aggression is intended.

Dog Bowing:  Bowing represents a number of things in doggy language but most commonly it is an invitation to play. Dogs don't only bow to other dogs they also bow to people and other animals. When a bowing dog also hops from foot to foot then unquestionably that is an invitation to play. Sometimes dogs also use bowing as a means  to calm or de-stress a situation.

Yawning:  A yawning dog does not reflect a tired dog; yawning happens to be yet another de-stressing signal in doggy language. This is one dog signal you can use quite effectively to calm your dog when it is anxious or agitated. These are just a few of the many unvocalized signals dog use to communicate with other dogs and us. You can easily use some of these dog signals to communicate with your furry best friend. However I wouldn't recommend going around slobbering your tongue across your face; that may go down well in doggy world but I am not sure the same can be said in the real world!

German Shepherd Dog Characteristics

Other Names of The German Shepherd Dog:  Alsatian, Deutscher Schaferhund, GSD.

German Shepherd Dog Temperament

The German Shepherd dog is amongst the most intelligent of dogs and its versatility and excellence in performing all manner of activities has secured its eternal position in the hall of fame when it comes to policing duties, search and rescue, military functions such as bomb sniffing and even as sight-seeing dogs for people who are blind or those with impaired eyesight. The German Shepherd is a quick study and due to their innate high intelligence are very easy to train.

These dogs are active, alert and like many other animals of a high intelligence and active nature the German Shepherd needs to be constantly challenged and stimulated both physically and mentally to avoid becoming a nuisance. That said, this dog breed makes a great companion and is both brave and loyal. Though some dogs tend to be somewhat aloof and wary by and large this dog breed makes for a great family pet and they generally get on well with children. Occasionally certain dogs may become a tad domineering with children which may manifest in the form of the German Shepherd trying to herd them about; in keeping with its breeding pedigree.

German Shepherd dogs have excellent watchdog ability and are typically wary of both strangers and other dogs. Early socialization is a must if your dog is going to be around other animals. As far as climate tolerance is concerned these dogs adapt fairly well to moderate cold as well as moderate heat, though extremes in either direction don't go down well.

German Shepherd Dog Grooming & Exercise Requirements

The German Shepherd boasts a high energy level and thus this dog breed requires plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Its grooming requirements however are not quite as demanding and its coat only requires brushing once or twice a week. The German Shepherd is a moderate to heavy shedder and thus is perhaps not the best choice of dog for allergy sufferers.

German Shepherd Dog Appearance

The body of the German Shepherd dog is typically longer than it is tall and in the modern variant when the animal is standing the body slopes downwards as though the dog is poised to spring off of its hind legs. This was not always the case, the early variant of the German Shepherd dog having a squarer body and less slanting haunches. The tail is usually bushy and hangs with a slight curve.

This dog breed boasts an athletic build and erect ears atop a head with a pointed snout which enhances the alert appearance of the dog. Coat color may vary and includes the following: black, black and tan and sable. From a show dog perspective white-coated dogs are not allowed although of recent there is a movement for such specimens to be represented in their own sub-category.

This dog breed has a double coat with a thick outer coat comprised of close lying medium-length hair that may be straight or slightly wavy.

Weight:  Males:  75 – 100 pounds

            Females:   60 – 80  pounds

Height:    Males:  24 – 26 inches

             Females:  22 – 24 inches

German Shepherd Dog Health Issues/Life Expectancy

This dog breed on average has a lifespan of 10 – 12 years. Due to rather intense in breeding over the years the German Shepherd dog suffers from a number of genetic disorders which include the following:

Major Concerns: 

CHD

Elbow Dysplasia

Minor Concerns:

Panosteitis

vWD

Degenerative Myelopathy

Cauda Equina

Skin Allergies

Hot Spots

Neoplasms

Pannus

Cataract

Gastric Torsion

Perianal Fistulas

Cardiomyopathy

Hemangiosarcoma

German Shepherd dogs are also extremely susceptible to a potentially fatal systemic infection from the fungus Aspergillus.

German Shepherd Dog History

The modern German Shepherd dog is the end result of a concerted effort in the late 19th century to breed the perfect German sheep herding dog. Up until that time each district boasted its own distinct herding dog. To achieve the perfect herding dog various dog breeds from the north were crossbred with those from the central district ultimately resulting with the forbearer of the modern German Shepherd.

The goal of the German Shepherd dog breeding program was to produce a dog that could watch out for and control straying sheep from the rest of the flock without spooking the entire flock. Thus unlike cattle herding dogs it was undesirable for the German Shepherd dog to exhibit leg nipping and neither could it control its wards by barking at them because either one of those attributes would more than likely cause the entire flock to panic!

In essence the German Shepherd dog breeding program had to come up with an extremely intelligent, versatile, swift and independent thinking breed of dog that executed its duties in a precise, swift, calm and steady manner.

Between 1899 and 1901 a specialist breed club was established and was originally headquartered in Stuttgart before moving to Munich and then finally ending up in Berlin. This club was known as Der Verein Fur Schaferhunde (SV for short), and this organization's primary goal and purpose was to oversee the continued positive development of the German Shepherd dog breed.

Within a decade of its breeding the German Shepherd dog had soon become one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Its rising star in popularity was slightly marred by the occurrence of the two world wars, when it was considered prudent in both Britain and France to refer to the dog breed as either an Alsatian or simple the Shepherd Dog to avoid the inevitable backlash at the time associated with the word German incorporated in the dog breed's name.

Dog Sports To Enjoy with Your Dog

Some dogs enjoy being couch potatoes and love bugs more than anything in the world.  But, there are other dogs that seem to have a calling in life.  They can have hidden talents, or not so hidden talents.  Does your dog get a kick out of playing frisbee?  Does he live for diving and retrieving things in the water?  Is he great at jumping over objects or catching a ball on the fly?  Or maybe your dog can dance like Fred Astaire?

 

There are numerous sports and activities for dogs with special talents or simply for dogs and their owners who enjoying doing things together.

 

Agility is the fastest growing dog sport in North America with thousands of dogs and owners competing each year.  The sport calls for the dog, with on-course supervision by the handler, to complete an obstacle course.  The course is usually comprised of such obstacles as a teeter-totter, weave poles, jumps, a tunnel, and other objects.  The dog with the fastest time wins.  Penalties in handling the objects add time faults to the score.  Agility is a fast-paced, exciting sport that continues to grow in popularity.  There are several organizations that offer agility competitions from the American Kennel Club, which caters to purebred dogs, to the United States Dog Agility Association and the North American Dog Agility Council, in which mixed breed dogs are welcome to compete.

 

Flyball is another very popular sport for dogs and their owners.  Flyball pits relay teams of dogs racing against each other.  The dog streaks down a short course over small hurdles toward a box, touches the box and makes a ball pop out, grabs the ball and then races back toward his teammates so the next dog can set out on the course.  Fastest team wins.  The sport is fast, exciting and lots of fun for all of the dogs and team members.  In North America the sport is overseen by the North American Flyball Association (NAFA).  There are flyball teams found virtually everywhere these days or it's easy enough to start your own group with some friends.

 

Canine Freestyle is what many of us call dog dancing.  It is basically a choreographed performance of dog and owner with music.  It's also known as heelwork to music and this is how the training is often done for this sport.  If you can teach your dog to heel and follow basic commands then you can teach him the moves required to dance to music.  Canine Freestyle is often presented as a demonstration but the World Canine Freestyle Organization also holds events for judging so dogs can receive titles.  The Musical Dog Sports Association holds workshops and demonstrations, as does the Canine Freestyle Federation.  Canine Freestyle can be a beautiful event to watch as the dog and human move together in choreographed steps to carefully chosen music.

 

Schutzhund is German for "protection dog" and it refers to the training which develops and evaluates the canine traits that are important for that work.  There are three parts to Schutzhund:  obedience work, tracking and protection work such as that used by police dogs.  Schutzhund as a sport demonstrates a dog's intelligence and utility.  Schutzhund was originally developed to test German Shepherds but it is now applied to other breeds which seek to do the same kind of protection work.  Many people enjoy training their own dog in Schutzhund.  It allows them to improve their own training abilities and to bond more closely with their dog.  Schutzhund is mentally and physically challenging for both dog and owner.  It also provides owners with the chance to form friendships with other people training in Schutzhund.  In the United States most Schutzhund training is affiliated with the United Schutzhund Clubs of Am! erica (USA) or the German Shepherd Dog Club of American-Working Dog Association.

Socializing A New Dog In Your Home

You've been waiting for months.  You've done all your homework.  You've chosen the perfect new puppy for your home.  You have a collar, a leash, a bag of food that the puppy has been eating.  You've even taken a day off from work so you can go get the puppy and bring him home.  He has a bed and toys waiting for him at home.  You've thought of everything, right?  Right up until the moment one of your kids asks, "Won't Rover just love the new puppy?"  Oh, no.  What about the dog you already have?  What about that sweet, beloved old guy at home who has been the center of the family's attention for years?  How is he going to feel about sharing his home with a new puppy?  Did you forget to ask him about bringing a new puppy home?  How is he going to react?  It looks like you're well on your way to having to! learn how to socialize your new puppy and your old dog.  But, don't worry too much.  It's not that hard and you can all get through the process with a little effort.

 

The most important thing is to ensure the safety of all concerned – you, your family the puppy and the older dog.  Make certain that the puppy will be safe and that the older dog cannot harm him.  It's a good idea to place the new puppy (or new dog) in a pet carrier or crate that will keep him from coming into physical contact with the older dog at first.  This way they can still see, smell and hear each other without anyone getting hurt.  They can get used to each other in a safe situation.  If you're dealing with a larger puppy or an adult dog you may need to leash both animals.  It helps to have an assistant on hand (a family member is fine).

 

Remember that rewards go a long way toward helping to ease these situations.  You will basically want to reward your older dog when he shows acceptance of the new puppy (or dog).  After the two dogs have calmed down a little give each of them a little reward, such as a bite of kibble or some other favorite treat.  Give the puppy and the older dog lots of praise and affection for not barking or showing aggression toward each other.  (It will be tempting to show more affection and praise to the puppy but you should be careful not to overlook the older dog.  You don't want to do things that will make the older dog jealous.)  Keep in mind that you are trying to show your older and the puppy that you accept the other dog's presence as part of the family and that you expect them to accept the other dog, too.  You will probably need to repeat this process several times until both dogs become accustomed to each other and any hostilit! y has subsided.  It's typical for the older dog to display more aggression than the puppy.  The puppy may be very submissive.  This is normal.  Some puppies may be frisky and something of a nuisance to older dogs.  Older dogs will put up with this behavior to varying degrees.  Some older dogs are more tolerant than others but most will respond and set limits at some point.

 

The next step in this process is to allow the animals a closer inspection of each other.  For this step you need an assistant to help control one of the animals.  Your assistant should leash the older dog and hold him firmly on a very short leash.  Make sure your assistant has control of the dog.  You will then open the pet carrier or crate and bring out the new puppy or dog.  Or, both animals may be on leashes.  At this point you will bring the two dogs close together.  The dogs will most likely move toward each other to sniff and meet.  They will explore the other animal so you should be sure your assistant is holding the dog tightly.  You should be careful not to let the new pet panic or escape your hold.  You can gradually bring the two dogs closer together and allow them to calmly meet.  One or both dogs may growl in warning.  Watch the dogs carefully and be prepared to separate them if necessary.  You ! can try again later if need be.  Dogs in a home typically establish a pecking order – they will establish who is boss.  Your older dog has seniority and will probably quickly let the puppy or other dog know that he is in charge in the home.  The other dog will probably accept a subordinate role for the time being.  Dogs are good at working at most squabbles on their own without human interference.

 

The last thing to keep in mind is that not everyone gets along.  Not with people and not with dogs.  There will be days when your dogs may not get along.  They may have disagreements about a toy or about a place to sleep or about food.  These are usually quickly resolved and your dogs will be friends again.  In other cases there are some dogs that don't like each other and may never like each other.  However, with patience and some good management on your part, you can avoid fights and keep your house peaceful most of the time.  You may have to call a time-out sometimes, or send the dogs to a separate room to cool off, but things will calm down.

 

If you're thinking of getting a new puppy or adult dog you can help prepare your older dog for the coming change and make things easier for him.  Start socializing your older dog more.  Take him to a dog park or a pet superstore that allows dogs to visit.  Let him begin to meet some new dogs so it's easier on him when he meets a new dog in his home.  You may even be able to arrange for him to meet your new puppy on neutral ground, such as at a dog park, where your older dog feels less territorial.  You may even wish to consider having a dog party at your home where several people bring their dogs to your house.  (Though this may be stressful for some dogs, other dogs may enjoy having dog guests in their home.  It helps to know your dog well and how he may react.)  All of these things will help your dog adjust when he meets your new puppy.

 

Do take your older dog's feeling into consideration when you think about bringing a new puppy or adult dog into your home.  Many dogs welcome a puppy or new dog into the household, but for dogs who have been "only dogs" their entire lives it can be somewhat threatening to have a new dog in the household.  They feel threatened both by having their living space invaded and by feeling jealous of your time and attention and love.  Everything they know is being challenged and turned upside down.  Give them time to adjust to a new puppy or dog and help them adapt by introducing the new animal slowly.  Make sure you continue to show your older dog plenty of love and affection and it will help him accept the newcomer.

When A Younger Dog Challenges An Older Dog

Doggy social dynamics can be fascinating to watch in your home, but they can also make you a nervous wreck.  If you've ever had an older and younger dog at odds over who should be the Top Dog in your home, then you know that it can be a difficult situation.

 

If you've ever brought home a cute, adorable little puppy, you probably never imagined that one day he would be challenging your big, tough older dog to see who would be the boss.  But that situation comes up all the time in two-dog homes.  Your older dog may be the boss for years but there will come a time when he gets a little older and the younger dog will start to feel that he should be in charge.

 

To make matters worse, both dogs love you and want your attention.  They're probably very jealous over you.  That means that the older dog sees you as his mom or dad and he resents the younger dog for even coming to live with the two of you.  The younger dog may be the baby of the house and he thinks you're his mom or dad.  He'd like nothing better than for the older dog to get lost so you can be all his.

 

Of course, the two dogs may get along just fine most of the time.  You may be able to feed them together.  They may lie beside each other without any problems.  They may even play with the same toys.  But underneath it all there are tensions.  Give them something to fight about and WWIII can break out.  Older dog wants younger dog gone; and younger dog wants to take over.

 

You may be tempted to take sides from time to time.  Chances are that you may think that the older dog is picking on the younger dog sometimes.  This is because, in the canine social order, the older dog outranks the younger dog.  Your older dog is the so-called Alpha dog in your little pack.  Regardless of his size, your older dog is, well, older.  He's more mature.  He was, simply speaking, in your house first.  He has the stronger claim to you and your family.  That means that he has higher status.  He is supposed to get first call on treats, toys, food and all of the other goodies in the house.

 

When you show favoritism to the younger dog you are mixing up the signals for your dogs.  If you give the younger dog the toys and treats first, you are elevating him in status above the older dog.  In other words, you are giving the younger dog ideas above his station.  You are sending him the signal that it's okay to ignore the older dog's special position as top dog.  You're undermining the older dog's authority.  What you're really doing is promoting a fight between the two dogs because the younger dog will think its okay to attack the older dog, and the older dog will think that he has to defend his position.

 

If you have an older dog and a younger dog and you want to keep peace in your household the best thing to do is to respect the older dog's position as top dog.  Offer him treats and toys first.  Feed him first.  There will come a time when your older dog can no longer keep his position as top dog but he should always be treated with respect.  You can set that example for the younger dog.  When your older dog is too old to be top dog anymore the younger dog will gradually take over and it most likely won't involve any fights.  For the time being you should avoid sending mixed signals to your dogs.  Stick with the canine pack hierarchy.

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Please add updates@feedmyinbox.com to your address book to make sure you receive these messages in the future. I Love Dogs Blog Anticruelty bill for cats, dogs advances in Miss. February 4, 2010 at 9:32 PM Anticruelty bill for cats, dogs advances in Miss. JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – The Mississippi Senate has passed a bill that would make it a felony to torture or maim cats or dogs. The bill passed Thursday with bipartisan support. The bill moves to the House. Read more on WXVT 15 Greenville   Multipet Nobbly Wobbly Ball Large Dog Toy February 4, 2010 at 1:18 PM Rubber ball for dogs Tough Rubber Interwoven Ball Product Description Colorful Rubber Interwoven Ball for dogs Multipet Nobbly Wobbly Ball Large Dog Toy   When A Younger Dog Challenges An Older Dog February 4, 2010 at 1:02 PM Doggy social dynamics can be fascinating to watch in your home, but they can also make you a nervous wreck.  If you've ever had an older and younger dog at odds over who should be the Top Dog in your home, then you know that it can be a difficult situation.   If you've ever brought home a cute, adorable little puppy, you probably never imagined that one day he would be challenging your big, tough older dog to see who would be the boss.  But that situation comes up all the time in two-dog homes.  Your older dog may be the boss for years but there will come a time when he gets a little older and the younger dog will start to feel that he should be in charge.   To make matters worse, both dogs love you and want your attention.  They're probably very jealous over you.  That means that the older dog sees you as his mom or dad and he resents the younger dog for even coming to live with the two of you.  The younger dog may be the baby of the house and he thinks you're his mom or dad.  He'd like nothing better than for the older dog to get lost so you can be all his.   Of course, the two dogs may get along just fine most of the time.  You may be able to feed them together.  They may lie beside each other without any problems.  They may even play with the same toys.  But underneath it all there are tensions.  Give them something to fight about and WWIII can break out.  Older dog wants younger dog gone; and younger dog wants to take over.   You may be tempted to take sides from time to time.  Chances are that you may think that the older dog is picking on the younger dog sometimes.  This is because, in the canine social order, the older dog outranks the younger dog.  Your older dog is the so-called Alpha dog in your little pack.  Regardless of his size, your older dog is, well, older.  He's more mature.  He was, simply speaking, in your house first.  He has the stronger claim to you and your family.  That means that he has higher status.  He is supposed to get first call on treats, toys, food and all of the other goodies in the house.   When you show favoritism to the younger dog you are mixing up the signals for your dogs.  If you give the younger dog the toys and treats first, you are elevating him in status above the older dog.  In other words, you are giving the younger dog ideas above his station.  You are sending him the signal that it's okay to ignore the older dog's special position as top dog.  You're undermining the older dog's authority.  What you're really doing is promoting a fight between the two dogs because the younger dog will think its okay to attack the older dog, and the older dog will think that he has to defend his position.   If you have an older dog and a younger dog and you want to keep peace in your household the best thing to do is to respect the older dog's position as top dog.  Offer him treats and toys first.  Feed him first.  There will come a time when your older dog can no longer keep his position as top dog but he should always be treated with respect.  You can set that example for the younger dog.  When your older dog is too old to be top dog anymore the younger dog will gradually take over and it most likely won't involve any fights.  For the time being you should avoid sending mixed signals to your dogs.  Stick with the canine pack hierarchy. View full post on Dog Behavior – Dog Information   Socializing A New Dog In Your Home February 4, 2010 at 1:02 PM You've been waiting for months.  You've done all your homework.  You've chosen the perfect new puppy for your home.  You have a collar, a leash, a bag of food that the puppy has been eating.  You've even taken a day off from work so you can go get the puppy and bring him home.  He has a bed and toys waiting for him at home.  You've thought of everything, right?  Right up until the moment one of your kids asks, "Won't Rover just love the new puppy?"  Oh, no.  What about the dog you already have?  What about that sweet, beloved old guy at home who has been the center of the family's attention for years?  How is he going to feel about sharing his home with a new puppy?  Did you forget to ask him about bringing a new puppy home?  How is he going to react?  It looks like you're well on your way to having to! learn how to socialize your new puppy and your old dog.  But, don't worry too much.  It's not that hard and you can all get through the process with a little effort.   The most important thing is to ensure the safety of all concerned – you, your family the puppy and the older dog.  Make certain that the puppy will be safe and that the older dog cannot harm him.  It's a good idea to place the new puppy (or new dog) in a pet carrier or crate that will keep him from coming into physical contact with the older dog at first.  This way they can still see, smell and hear each other without anyone getting hurt.  They can get used to each other in a safe situation.  If you're dealing with a larger puppy or an adult dog you may need to leash both animals.  It helps to have an assistant on hand (a family member is fine).   Remember that rewards go a long way toward helping to ease these situations.  You will basically want to reward your older dog when he shows acceptance of the new puppy (or dog).  After the two dogs have calmed down a little give each of them a little reward, such as a bite of kibble or some other favorite treat.  Give the puppy and the older dog lots of praise and affection for not barking or showing aggression toward each other.  (It will be tempting to show more affection and praise to the puppy but you should be careful not to overlook the older dog.  You don't want to do things that will make the older dog jealous.)  Keep in mind that you are trying to show your older and the puppy that you accept the other dog's presence as part of the family and that you expect them to accept the other dog, too.  You will probably need to repeat this process several times until both dogs become accustomed to each other and any hostilit! y has subsided.  It's typical for the older dog to display more aggression than the puppy.  The puppy may be very submissive.  This is normal.  Some puppies may be frisky and something of a nuisance to older dogs.  Older dogs will put up with this behavior to varying degrees.  Some older dogs are more tolerant than others but most will respond and set limits at some point.   The next step in this process is to allow the animals a closer inspection of each other.  For this step you need an assistant to help control one of the animals.  Your assistant should leash the older dog and hold him firmly on a very short leash.  Make sure your assistant has control of the dog.  You will then open the pet carrier or crate and bring out the new puppy or dog.  Or, both animals may be on leashes.  At this point you will bring the two dogs close together.  The dogs will most likely move toward each other to sniff and meet.  They will explore the other animal so you should be sure your assistant is holding the dog tightly.  You should be careful not to let the new pet panic or escape your hold.  You can gradually bring the two dogs closer together and allow them to calmly meet.  One or both dogs may growl in warning.  Watch the dogs carefully and be prepared to separate them if necessary.  You ! can try again later if need be.  Dogs in a home typically establish a pecking order – they will establish who is boss.  Your older dog has seniority and will probably quickly let the puppy or other dog know that he is in charge in the home.  The other dog will probably accept a subordinate role for the time being.  Dogs are good at working at most squabbles on their own without human interference.   The last thing to keep in mind is that not everyone gets along.  Not with people and not with dogs.  There will be days when your dogs may not get along.  They may have disagreements about a toy or about a place to sleep or about food.  These are usually quickly resolved and your dogs will be friends again.  In other cases there are some dogs that don't like each other and may never like each other.  However, with patience and some good management on your part, you can avoid fights and keep your house peaceful most of the time.  You may have to call a time-out sometimes, or send the dogs to a separate room to cool off, but things will calm down.   If you're thinking of getting a new puppy or adult dog you can help prepare your older dog for the coming change and make things easier for him.  Start socializing your older dog more.  Take him to a dog park or a pet superstore that allows dogs to visit.  Let him begin to meet some new dogs so it's easier on him when he meets a new dog in his home.  You may even be able to arrange for him to meet your new puppy on neutral ground, such as at a dog park, where your older dog feels less territorial.  You may even wish to consider having a dog party at your home where several people bring their dogs to your house.  (Though this may be stressful for some dogs, other dogs may enjoy having dog guests in their home.  It helps to know your dog well and how he may react.)  All of these things will help your dog adjust when he meets your new puppy.   Do take your older dog's feeling into consideration when you think about bringing a new puppy or adult dog into your home.  Many dogs welcome a puppy or new dog into the household, but for dogs who have been "only dogs" their entire lives it can be somewhat threatening to have a new dog in the household.  They feel threatened both by having their living space invaded and by feeling jealous of your time and attention and love.  Everything they know is being challenged and turned upside down.  Give them time to adjust to a new puppy or dog and help them adapt by introducing the new animal slowly.  Make sure you continue to show your older dog plenty of love and affection and it will help him accept the newcomer. View full post on Dog Behavior – Dog Information   Dog Sports To Enjoy with Your Dog (Part 1) February 4, 2010 at 12:58 PM Some dogs enjoy being couch potatoes and love bugs more than anything in the world.  But, there are other dogs that seem to have a calling in life.  They can have hidden talents, or not so hidden talents.  Does your dog get a kick out of playing frisbee?  Does he live for diving and retrieving things in the water?  Is he great at jumping over objects or catching a ball on the fly?  Or maybe your dog can dance like Fred Astaire?   There are numerous sports and activities for dogs with special talents or simply for dogs and their owners who enjoying doing things together.   Agility is the fastest growing dog sport in North America with thousands of dogs and owners competing each year.  The sport calls for the dog, with on-course supervision by the handler, to complete an obstacle course.  The course is usually comprised of such obstacles as a teeter-totter, weave poles, jumps, a tunnel, and other objects.  The dog with the fastest time wins.  Penalties in handling the objects add time faults to the score.  Agility is a fast-paced, exciting sport that continues to grow in popularity.  There are several organizations that offer agility competitions from the American Kennel Club, which caters to purebred dogs, to the United States Dog Agility Association and the North American Dog Agility Council, in which mixed breed dogs are welcome to compete.   Flyball is another very popular sport for dogs and their owners.  Flyball pits relay teams of dogs racing against each other.  The dog streaks down a short course over small hurdles toward a box, touches the box and makes a ball pop out, grabs the ball and then races back toward his teammates so the next dog can set out on the course.  Fastest team wins.  The sport is fast, exciting and lots of fun for all of the dogs and team members.  In North America the sport is overseen by the North American Flyball Association (NAFA).  There are flyball teams found virtually everywhere these days or it's easy enough to start your own group with some friends.   Canine Freestyle is what many of us call dog dancing.  It is basically a choreographed performance of dog and owner with music.  It's also known as heelwork to music and this is how the training is often done for this sport.  If you can teach your dog to heel and follow basic commands then you can teach him the moves required to dance to music.  Canine Freestyle is often presented as a demonstration but the World Canine Freestyle Organization also holds events for judging so dogs can receive titles.  The Musical Dog Sports Association holds workshops and demonstrations, as does the Canine Freestyle Federation.  Canine Freestyle can be a beautiful event to watch as the dog and human move together in choreographed steps to carefully chosen music.   Schutzhund is German for "protection dog" and it refers to the training which develops and evaluates the canine traits that are important for that work.  There are three parts to Schutzhund:  obedience work, tracking and protection work such as that used by police dogs.  Schutzhund as a sport demonstrates a dog's intelligence and utility.  Schutzhund was originally developed to test German Shepherds but it is now applied to other breeds which seek to do the same kind of protection work.  Many people enjoy training their own dog in Schutzhund.  It allows them to improve their own training abilities and to bond more closely with their dog.  Schutzhund is mentally and physically challenging for both dog and owner.  It also provides owners with the chance to form friendships with other people training in Schutzhund.  In the United States most Schutzhund training is affiliated with the United Schutzhund Clubs of Am! erica (USA) or the German Shepherd Dog Club of American-Working Dog Association. View full post on Dog Miscellaneous – Dog Information   Sam the Ugliest Dog February 4, 2010 at 12:50 PM Dog photo taken by Irish Typepad.   German Shepherd Dog Characteristics February 4, 2010 at 12:50 PM Other Names of The German Shepherd Dog:  Alsatian, Deutscher Schaferhund, GSD. German Shepherd Dog Temperament The German Shepherd dog is amongst the most intelligent of dogs and its versatility and excellence in performing all manner of activities has secured its eternal position in the hall of fame when it comes to policing duties, search and rescue, military functions such as bomb sniffing and even as sight-seeing dogs for people who are blind or those with impaired eyesight. The German Shepherd is a quick study and due to their innate high intelligence are very easy to train. These dogs are active, alert and like many other animals of a high intelligence and active nature the German Shepherd needs to be constantly challenged and stimulated both physically and mentally to avoid becoming a nuisance. That said, this dog breed makes a great companion and is both brave and loyal. Though some dogs tend to be somewhat aloof and wary by and large this dog breed makes for a great family pet and they generally get on well with children. Occasionally certain dogs may become a tad domineering with children which may manifest in the form of the German Shepherd trying to herd them about; in keeping with its breeding pedigree. German Shepherd dogs have excellent watchdog ability and are typically wary of both strangers and other dogs. Early socialization is a must if your dog is going to be around other animals. As far as climate tolerance is concerned these dogs adapt fairly well to moderate cold as well as moderate heat, though extremes in either direction don't go down well. German Shepherd Dog Grooming & Exercise Requirements The German Shepherd boasts a high energy level and thus this dog breed requires plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Its grooming requirements however are not quite as demanding and its coat only requires brushing once or twice a week. The German Shepherd is a moderate to heavy shedder and thus is perhaps not the best choice of dog for allergy sufferers. German Shepherd Dog Appearance The body of the German Shepherd dog is typically longer than it is tall and in the modern variant when the animal is standing the body slopes downwards as though the dog is poised to spring off of its hind legs. This was not always the case, the early variant of the German Shepherd dog having a squarer body and less slanting haunches. The tail is usually bushy and hangs with a slight curve. This dog breed boasts an athletic build and erect ears atop a head with a pointed snout which enhances the alert appearance of the dog. Coat color may vary and includes the following: black, black and tan and sable. From a show dog perspective white-coated dogs are not allowed although of recent there is a movement for such specimens to be represented in their own sub-category. This dog breed has a double coat with a thick outer coat comprised of close lying medium-length hair that may be straight or slightly wavy. Weight:  Males:  75 – 100 pounds             Females:   60 – 80  pounds Height:    Males:  24 – 26 inches              Females:  22 – 24 inches German Shepherd Dog Health Issues/Life Expectancy This dog breed on average has a lifespan of 10 – 12 years. Due to rather intense in breeding over the years the German Shepherd dog suffers from a number of genetic disorders which include the following: Major Concerns:  CHD Elbow Dysplasia Minor Concerns: Panosteitis vWD Degenerative Myelopathy Cauda Equina Skin Allergies Hot Spots Neoplasms Pannus Cataract Gastric Torsion Perianal Fistulas Cardiomyopathy Hemangiosarcoma German Shepherd dogs are also extremely susceptible to a potentially fatal systemic infection from the fungus Aspergillus. German Shepherd Dog History The modern German Shepherd dog is the end result of a concerted effort in the late 19th century to breed the perfect German sheep herding dog. Up until that time each district boasted its own distinct herding dog. To achieve the perfect herding dog various dog breeds from the north were crossbred with those from the central district ultimately resulting with the forbearer of the modern German Shepherd. The goal of the German Shepherd dog breeding program was to produce a dog that could watch out for and control straying sheep from the rest of the flock without spooking the entire flock. Thus unlike cattle herding dogs it was undesirable for the German Shepherd dog to exhibit leg nipping and neither could it control its wards by barking at them because either one of those attributes would more than likely cause the entire flock to panic! In essence the German Shepherd dog breeding program had to come up with an extremely intelligent, versatile, swift and independent thinking breed of dog that executed its duties in a precise, swift, calm and steady manner. Between 1899 and 1901 a specialist breed club was established and was originally headquartered in Stuttgart before moving to Munich and then finally ending up in Berlin. This club was known as Der Verein Fur Schaferhunde (SV for short), and this organization's primary goal and purpose was to oversee the continued positive development of the German Shepherd dog breed. Within a decade of its breeding the German Shepherd dog had soon become one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Its rising star in popularity was slightly marred by the occurrence of the two world wars, when it was considered prudent in both Britain and France to refer to the dog breed as either an Alsatian or simple the Shepherd Dog to avoid the inevitable backlash at the time associated with the word German incorporated in the dog breed's name. More about the dog   Canine Whisperer February 4, 2010 at 12:40 PM The Canine Whisperer with Cesar Millan (Shaun Majumder) assessed the nature of Transport Minister John Baird's (Mark Critch) aggression. Also with Fiona (Cathy Jones) and Liberal MP (Geri Hall).   Listen Up Your Dog is Talking to You! February 4, 2010 at 12:39 PM Imagine that every time you attempt to talk to your best friend their response is one of harsh scolding words. Now picture this happening not once, twice or thrice but almost every single day. I'm betting soon there won't be much of anything to call as friendship left! I'll even go out on a limb here and hazard a guess that soon the two of you won't be talking altogether. Perhaps you'd withdraw into some kinda shell or maybe the bombardment of negativity and criticism would drive you to lash out in anger one day. Okay, now let's picture this scenario a little bit differently in that you happen to be a dog and that supposed best friend of yours is your owner.  That makes it a tad more complicated doesn't it, especially if your owner is not trying to be intentionally cruel or harsh but simply doesn't understand how to communicate properly with you! Okay revert back to your human form for now. Have you ever tried communicating with someone who doesn't speak the same language as you? It isn't easy is it! There's a whole lot of arm waving, gesticulating, self-conscious grinning and facial contortions, much of which isn't actually helping you to understand one another any better…and we are talking about communication between individuals from the same species here! That pretty much puts into perspective the monumental wall standing between you and your dog communicating efficiently with one another. The very real problem here is that you don't talk dogspeak and neither does your dog speak any human language but that doesn't mean that you can't learn how to communicate effectively with one another. And seeing as you happen to be the more intelligent species in this particular partnership, the onus is on you to create that better environment of communication. However unfortunately far too often this is not the case, more often than not it being the dog owner representing the party that gets irritated and confrontational during sessions of communication. If and when a situation such as this continues for a long enough duration this in turn could make your dog to: •    Become depressed and withdraw •    Start avoiding you •    Whimper and slink about whenever you're in the vicinity •    Become aggressive and unmanageable Communication With Your Dog Starts With Understanding Your Dog Like us humans, dogs have their own standard dog etiquette that incorporates accepted proper behavior and quite naturally in the same way that we expect them to respond in a desired manner to our communication so do they expect no less from us. But as pointed out previously, being that we are two very different species, notwithstanding the fact that we have co-existed side by side for thousands of years, the inescapable fact is that dogs and us speak entirely different languages! Thus to forge a better relationship with your dog you need to have a better understanding of dog communicative signals other than the obvious ones that comprise dog language. Dog Language Dogs bark, growl, yelp, snarl, whine, howl, warble and sing as a means of communication between themselves and other species such as us. Dogs can tell pretty accurately from the tone and inflection of our voices what kind of mood and state of mind we are in, much in the same way that we can judge their intent from the type of vocalization they utter. However there is only so far such communication takes usand the plain fact of the matter is that so much of dog language exists in the form of unvocalized signals; something the average dog owner is utterly unaware of. Generally speaking all dogs no matter where they come from (thanks to their common ancestral origins, the wolf) understand what another dog is saying. However some dogs are better adapted to unvocalized signals than others. For example dogs that have docked tails cannot communicate dog signals that incorporate tail action. Also color patterns do play a part in dog language communication, and dogs that have black outline eyes with tan spots above them are better able to communicate eye-related signals because of such contrast. Completely black dogs or white ones are at a disadvantage from this perspective, which may explain why black dogs use the licking signal more often than the ones using facial expressions. Common Unvocalized Dog Signals Nose Licking:  Nose licking by dogs is one of the signals they use to show their discomfort or alternatively it used as a message to calm down other dogs or people in a situation in which the dog doing the licking evaluates as one that is too stressful. Head Turning:  The motion of head turning could be a subtle swivel or a single swift movement; sometimes the head turning could be a prolonged side to side movement. Averting their heads is another manner in which dogs can defuse potentially explosive situations between themselves because by turning their heads away they are signaling non-threatening intentions in polite doggy speak. Next time you are stooping over your dog look carefully to see if he or she turns their head away; if they do then they are evidently signaling to you that it makes them feel uncomfortable. If you pay special attention next time you'll also notice that dogs rarely look directly at one another because it is considered impolite and rife with threat. When dogs are seated in group they generally avert their heads away from one another in keeping with polite dog etiquette (much like the way civilized persons make a point of not staring directly at the person opposite them in a subway car). Eye Squinting:  Dogs narrow their eyes to express to the person or fellow canine to whom their gaze is directed that they have no ill intentions, and that there is no veiled threat implied from that gaze. Whenever a dog looks at another dog directly with no threatening intentions, the dog squints its eyes to make sure the other dog understands that no aggression is intended. Dog Bowing:  Bowing represents a number of things in doggy language but most commonly it is an invitation to play. Dogs don't only bow to other dogs they also bow to people and other animals. When a bowing dog also hops from foot to foot then unquestionably that is an invitation to play. Sometimes dogs also use bowing as a means  to calm or de-stress a situation. Yawning:  A yawning dog does not reflect a tired dog; yawning happens to be yet another de-stressing signal in doggy language. This is one dog signal you can use quite effectively to calm your dog when it is anxious or agitated. These are just a few of the many unvocalized signals dog use to communicate with other dogs and us. You can easily use some of these dog signals to communicate with your furry best friend. However I wouldn't recommend going around slobbering your tongue across your face; that may go down well in doggy world but I am not sure the same can be said in the real world! Learn More About Dog Training   Customs Finds Local Drug Sniffer Dogs As Good As Imported Ones February 4, 2010 at 9:35 AM Customs Finds Local Drug Sniffer Dogs As Good As Imported Ones PADANG BESAR, Feb 3 (Bernama) — The Customs Department is opting for locally bred drug sniffer dogs because they are cheaper but equally as good as the imported breeds, Assistant Director-General of Customs (Enforcement) Datuk Md Hassim Pardi said Wednesday. Read more on Bernama   This email was sent to sophiacomicc@gmail.com.  Manage Your Account Don't want to receive this feed any longer? Unsubscribe here.

MIAMI

Several dozen bomb-sniffing dogs, robots that defuse explosives and police bomb squads are being deployed to protect the Super Bowl.

Robots

Robots, bomb-sniffing dogs ready for Super Bowl
Several dozen bomb-sniffing dogs, robots that defuse explosives and police bomb squads are being deployed to protect the Super Bowl.

Dog Training Tips

There is a principle that exists in dog training that few people are aware of. I call this principle the Permission Paradox.

The Permission Paradox is an animal training principal that uses counterintuitive logic to get dogs to STOP doing things that you want them to do by actually giving them permission to misbehave during designated times.

This principle of dog training is very effective because by allowing a dog to misbehave during designated times, by actually putting bad behaviors like barking or licking on cue, you can reduce the desire the dog has to want to misbehave… because it's no longer misbehaving.

All though the science behind why this principle is so effective is not yet known, or completely agreed upon, I believe that this principle is extremely effective because it uses the Forbidden Fruit principle; the same principle that drove Eve to eat the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden.

I first heard about this principle watching a public broadcasting program on television that explained a very weird psychological phenomenon. In an experiment aimed at discovering what drives people to binge eat, and researchers discovered something very interesting.

They noticed that children who had 100% unrestricted access to chips, popcorn, candy, and other well balanced foods like fruit and veggies at dinner would not binge eat when given a bowl of popcorn or M & M's while watching TV. They'd just take a small handful of all the foods, healthy and unhealthy.

I personally would have thought such parenting tactics of letting children eat whatever they wish would be foolish. But what researches discovered is that the children who WOULD binge eat, had parents who withheld treats from their children. These well intentioned parents would only let their kid have one bowl of popcorn, or a small amount of candy; basically restricting their access to unhealthy treats.

Yet this second group of children, when presented the opportunity to eat an entire box of Oreos, or bag of potatoes chips, jumped all over the opportunity, and would overeat heavily.

Thus the researches concluded that the very act of restricting access to things children want, actually INCREASES the desire inside the child to acquire that thing; and they call it the forbidden fruit principle.

So here's why this is an important principle to use when training your dog…

If you have a dog who has an annoying habit that you'd like him to stop doing, like licking you too much, try this.

Try actually training your dog to lick you when given a certain command.

This is a fairly simple behavior to teach. All you need to do is start rewarding your dog with a small treat over the next few days for "giving you a kiss" ie… Licking your chin. To train this behavior follow these steps:

1. Hold a small treat in front of your chin in such a way as to prompt your dog to lick your chin in some way… but NOT get the treat.
2. When your dog licks your chin, say "good", and then let him have the treat in your hand.
3. Once your dog is regularly licking your chin, start saying, "give me a kiss" right before your dog licks your face for 10 repetitions.
4. On the 11^th repetition do NOT give the cue. Your dog will probably still lick your face, but do NOT reward him. Instead, simply turn your back on him for a few seconds.
5. Continue asking for a lick a few times in a row, and then not asking, making sure to only reward your dog with treats when you DO give the cue, and your dog will start to realize that he only gets the reward if he waits for the cue first.

When your dog is ONLY licking you when you give him the cue to "give you a kiss" first, and not licking you when you don't give the cue, you've successfully trained him to "misbehave" on cue.

This will automatically reduce the dog's desire to lick you in the future, as long as once or twice a day you continue to give your dog "Permission to Misbehave" by asking him to lick you on cue.

If you'll follow these guidelines with any behavior you want your dog to stop doing, I think you'll find your dog's desire to misbehave will be greatly reduced.

Dog Flu Spreads Rapidly

Avian flu is in the news, but dogs also have a new flu virus and it is spreading. If your dog is coughing and sneezing you don't want to shrug it off as "just" kennel cough. Canine Influenza was first seen a little over a year ago and is spreading across the country and it has already killed dogs in several states. The chances of your dog getting Canine Influenza are remote, but an ounce of prevention is worth many dollars in vet bills.

Dogs

Dogs are social animals, and a friendly dog in a stressful situation would never attack or bite. However, many cases of individuals bitten by dogs belie this. Thus, it is important to know how to prevent dogs from biting.

If you want to own a dog or already own one and you want to prevent dogs from biting anyone, there are two things you need to remember: first, you have to train your dog to be friendly; and second, you have to avoid putting him in stressful situations.

Dogs feel stressed by unfamiliar objects, people or places, or by unpredictable behavior. However, the degree of unfamiliarity and unpredictability is different from dog to dog. In a crowd, some dogs are friendly to strangers while others are not. What spells the difference between these dogs isn't breed but how well they were raised. Thus, you can prevent dogs from biting if you properly train your dog.

How to prevent dogs from biting

Although there is no guarantee that your dog will never attack or bite anyone, these six tips will significantly reduce the risks of your dog attacking or biting someone:

1. Familiarity with people and environment will help you to prevent dogs from biting. Create positive and pleasant encounters for your dog with objects, people and places within the first 8 to 16 weeks of his life, especially with those he would likely encounter during his lifetime. To prevent dogs from biting introduce them immediately to various kinds of objects in your house and outside your house (e.g. your vacuum cleaner), to various kinds of people (e.g. the postman), and to various kinds of environments (e.g. your car). Introduce him also to grooming, to the vet, and to other animals, especially other dogs. Some dogs don't think they're dogs. You don't want your dog to have an identity crisis, do you?

2. Familiarize dogs to being touched to prevent dogs from biting as early as possible but supervise dogs when they are with young children as much as possible. It is better your dog realizes early on that you and others mean no harm when you hold him since you can't avoid touching him or him being touched by other people, especially when he has to be groomed or to be brought to the vet. However, how he is held is important to him. If he is held improperly, as most young children would hold him, he becomes terrified of being touched.

3. Another tip to prevent dogs from biting is to create a home for dogs where they can find peace, safety and security and teach others to respect it. Your dog would encounter at least several stressful situations in his lifetime and that's all but normal in a dog's life. However, if dogs has a haven to go home to, it will prevent dogs from biting, as they would more likely dash to their dog house rather than attack.

4. Tie your dog when walking him in public but not more than 8 hours in one place. Dogs tend to get temperamental and aggressive when tied since they experience barrier frustration. They are more likely to attack and bite when approached since it seems to them their territory is being intruded and, because they cannot flee, they fight the intruder. However, when walking your dog, he is better on than off a leash. Supervised dogs are less likely to attack and bite, and also you can keep a better eye on them with a leash and can prevent dogs from biting if they encounter a stressful situation.

5. Another way to prevent dogs from biting is to teach dogs with proper and productive behavior. Though it is highly recommended to enroll your dog, including your family, in a home obedience class, it is just as advisable to consistently reinforce correct and appropriate behavior. Your dog can't tell the difference between rough-play and real-life situations so don't show or teach him aggressive behavior, like chasing after or attacking others even for fun. If he exhibits aggressive behavior towards other people or animals, like growling when someone comes too close to his food bowl, seek professional help. It is important to stop dogs biting and aggressive behavior as early as possible.

It's not all that difficult to prevent dogs from biting and raise them to be friendly, especially if you see dogs as another being that deserves love and attention as much as anyone else does, as much as you do. Most often than not, dogs that attack and bite are neglected dogs. So always remember that behind a good dog is a good pet owner.

Meka

Mekah is a pretty 1 year old female Belgain Shepherd who is currently in a foster home in South-East Wales. Mekah needs an experienced owner who will give her the time, physical and mental stimulation she needs. She is extremely loyal, loving and forms a strong bond with the person she spends most of her time with, she will be best suited to someone who's around most of the day.

She is very clever and becomes bored very quickly; she would make an excellent agility/trials dog, as she loves new adventures and would enjoy the physical and mental stimulus. She has an incredibly loving temperament, a typical Belgian sense of humour (cheeky, wicked, and sometimes over enthusiastic, in the nicest way!), she loves other dogs, gets on well with children and enjoys training and lots of exercise.

All Hope Rescue dogs are neutered, vaccinated, wormed, flea treated and microchipped prior to rehoming. A homecheck will be required, and you will need to come and meet the dog with your own dogs and family.

Dino – 11 year old Dalmatian Cross

Dino is an 11-12 year old Dalmatian Cross who is lovely, well behaved, beautiful boy who charms everyone that he meets. Because of his age he is starting to get a few problems and so we are looking for a long term fosterer who will care for him and give him the homely comforts he deserves for the rest of his days. Hope will pay for his care.

He has some arthritis and thickening of the joints. No treatment at the moment apart from fish oil and a low dose of devils claw. He really enjoys his walks on and off lead and on most days can keep up with his younger companions
At the moment Dino doesn't seem to realise he is pooing until the second it happens, but this is starting to improve with exercise and regular meals and we think it will continue. There are early signs of heart problems but he does not require treatment at the moment but this will need monitoring.

Dino is a good lad, everyone loves him, he is currently living with 5 other dogs and gets on well with them all. He is also cat friendly with the right introductions. He is currently in a foster home in Manchester.

All Hope Rescue dogs are neutered, vaccinated, wormed, flea treated and microchipped prior to rehoming. A homecheck will be required, and you will need to come and meet the dog with your own dogs and family.

Meet Holly and Ziggy

Meet Holly and Ziggy, 12 year old Terrier crosses, who are looking for a new home together. Both dogs have come into our care because the owner split up with her partner and moved to a place that doesn't allow dogs, her partner kept the dogs but he had to go into hospital and the dogs were left behind so the landlord took the dogs in and kept them in his garage.

They have been health checked, started vaccinations, been wormed, flead and micro-chipped. They both have very bad teeth and the male has a heart murmur-this is typical in old age. The vet said they are fine to have dentals and Ziggy will be castrated in due course.

Ziggy is the brown and white one and Holly is the black and white one and we believe she is spayed. We've been told Holly is 12 and Ziggy is 15 years old but we really do not believe they are, the video's will prove just how energetic and lively they are. We think there's been a mistake with the age and the reason they have bad teeth could be down to bad diet and lack of checkups.

This is a terrible tragedy for these dogs to come into rescue at their age, we hope to get them into foster home soon! We cannot separate them as they've been together their entire lives.

They are very friendly indeed, lovely dogs that don't even look or act their age. Typical of terriers in that they are very hardy and age well. Holly adores playing fetch and Ziggy just loves running around, both are really active and playful and seem fine with other dogs.

Of course, we know it won't be easy to rehome 2 dogs together but we know there is someone special out there for them who will give them a wonderful cosy retirement home!

Maisie

Maisie and Milo are two lovely 14 week old Labrador Crosses. Maisie is a very attractive cute looking little lady, She is possibly a crossed with a Lurcher. Good with kids and very good with other dogs, shows no food aggression although being kennelled with 7 other pups. Maisie is not spayed yet as she is too young but this will be required to be done when she is old enough and this will form part of the adoption contract.

Milo is a very handsome little boy and is also good with kids and very good with other dogs, shows no food aggression although being kennelled with 7 other pups. Milo is not castrated yet as he is too young but this will be required to be done when he is old enough and this will form part of the adoption contract.

Milo loves his cuddles and hugs, also very quick to learn. They are both exceptionally loving dogs and coming along well and also very quick to learn. They are chipped, vaccinated, wormed and deflead.