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Nobody knows when the domestication of gray wolves began. The contributions of these proto-dogs to human survival is clear though. Their tracking skills helped hunters, while their ability to sense predators alerted the community to nearby dangers. Native Americans even used dogs as pack animals before the introduction of horses. Through selective breeding, special skills like herding and pointing enhanced… read more →
In my book The Heart of Your Dog I have a chapter about housebreaking. I mention that I prefer the crate method. After Chimo was housebroken the crate has remained as a permanent fixture in our house. It is out of the way and kind of hidden. The purpose isn’t to confine her. It’s always left open. It’s there as… read more →
For as long as there have been people “training” dogs, the dog treat has been a tool box staple. Most dog’s will eagerly comply to earn the reward. Like mice in a lab experiment their behavior can be manipulated with a simple reward for the forced behavioral scheme. In the mind of the dog it is a simple transaction –… read more →
Trainers require discipline. The objective is behavior modification. Trainers demand obedience. The inner feelings of those being trained are of little concern. Compliance is assumed and original thought is discouraged. Training might be the best path for you and your dog, if your primary goals are obedience and submission. Why not consider teaching instead? Why not inspire your dog to… read more →
It’s important to remember how closely related the family dog is to it’s wolf roots. Genetically speaking dogs are much more closely related to wolves than we are to chimps and gorillas. We adopt dogs and treat them as people. Yet, your dog’s inner wolf will not be denied. Dogs and wolves are territorial and need to explore their environment,… 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 →
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 →