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.
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Chimo is 14 1/2. That’s on the upper end of life expectancy for a Black Lab Mix. She struggles getting up sometimes and her walking is unsteady. But, she goes through her daily routines like a trooper. All things considered she’s pretty healthy. Her hearing is fading but her eye sight is good and she still likes to sniff around.… read more →
Separation anxiety is among the most common afflictions that plague family dogs. It’s an affliction because it’s a very real psychological condition that produces suffering. If it isn’t addressed and becomes chronic, it will seriously disrupt family life. It too often results in a sad trip to the local animal shelter. The irony is that the deep bonding and devotion… read more →
One of my neighbors keeps their German Shepard in the garage. The garage has a small outside yard enclosed with a chain link fence. The sign says “Beware of Dog”. When they got the dog, as a puppy, she was bred as soon as possible. They sold her puppies and made a nice profit. The family has kids but they… read more →
This week thousands of excited children will be given a new puppy for Christmas, just like in this scene from a recent McDonald’s commercial. What could be more adorable than puppies and kids? Too often it turns out poorly though when the realities set in. Here are three tips to help improve your new puppy’s odds of making it. 1.… read more →