Practically everything we do is with our hands. We have long multi-joint fingers, flexible wrists, opposable thumbs, and sensitive touch. Dogs are stuck with claws at the end of their legs. Instead they rely on their mouths to do what we do with our hands. Dogs pick up and carry things with their mouths. They “manipulate” things with their teeth.… read more →
This video explains how brain scans were used to understand how dogs react to voice sounds, compared to humans. It is a good insight to how our dogs are tuned in to us.
You’ll have greater success reaching the heart of your dog, if you always use positive emotions in your voice. Brain scan studies in Golden Retrievers and Border Collies have shown remarkable similarities in the way humans and dogs responses to vocalizations. Attila Andics, a researcher in the MTA-ELTE Comparative Ethology Research Group in Budapest reported this in the journal Current… read more →
It is amazing to me that your dog will happily trot in the rain and mud, but if you bring a hose around or spritz your dog with water, it will object. Most dogs, at least the medium and large varieties have no problem at the beach or jumping in a lake. Unless there has been a bad water experience… read more →
Dogs love to curl up and nap by your feet. Awww. It warms your heart that it wants to be so close to you. That’s probably true. But another reason your dog has for such proximity is that when you move, it will be alerted that something might be happening. Dog’s love to be underfoot for that reason. Too often… read more →
Teaching your dog to be a good car rider is important. You don’t want your dog to associate rides only with trips to the vet. On the other hand they shouldn’t be only play adventures. It’s fun to speculate about what your dog is thinking. Dogs that only travel to the vet can have extreme reactions to climbing aboard a… read more →
Family dogs probably hear these exclamations more than any others. You probably agree that your dog should hear “Good Dog” much more than “Bad Dog”. It indicates a smooth relationship. You probably also realize that dogs don’t understand the literal meaning of words. To dogs words mean whatever you teach them to mean. “Good Dog” should always mean “Good Dog”… read more →
One of the most effective techniques for connecting with your dog is getting close and going eye-to-eye. When you have your dog’s complete attention with this technique your dog has no choice but to listen. Your dog looks (stares) into your face and eyes to interpret your thoughts. I’ve found this to be the best way to reach your dog’s… read more →
Last week I commented on the issues involved when your dog gets old. Obviously there are physical problems you and your dog have to deal with. An important one is mobility. Chimo is finding it difficult to get up and walk around. She makes the effort, but her body can’t always respond the way she expects. I really sense that… read more →
In a previous post I discussed some issues and concerns regarding Chimo our 14 1/2 year old Black Lab Mix. Our feelings about Chimo parallel those we feel about any elder family member. We make accommodations and lower our expectations. We make life less demanding. Yet, we look for ways to make sure she is enjoying life. Chimo’s devotion to… read more →