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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
There’s lots of advice about walking your dog on a leash. If you use the “training” method to extreme, you can make your dog walk obediently by your right side and then immediately sit when you stop. All the while your dog will ignore every distraction. If that is what you want, go for it! To me it smacks of… 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 →