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 →
“Smartest Dog in the World” is quite a claim. Chaser seems to back it up though. In case you missed his appearance on CBS’s 60 Minutes you can view it here http://www.cbs.com/shows/60_minutes/video/cucSLY74AU2N8tLukKHWqFnN1JluvEjw/the-smartest-dog-in-the-world/ Psychology professor, John Pilley, Chaser’s companion, proves the natural communication ability of dogs. Chaser understands over 1,000 toy names. Pilley has been working with Chaser up to 5… read more →
(Painting by Louis-Michel van Loo [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons) In the beginning humans domesticated dogs for utilitarian purposes. Dogs helped as hunters, herders, protectors, and pack animals. It was only later that they became emotional companions. Owning a dog primarily for personal reasons was a luxury. Since most people spent their lives in extreme poverty, who could afford an… read more →
Your dog is relaxing. Suddenly your dog hears you moving. The immediate reaction is to find your face and perk up its ears. That look is a great sign that you are on the right track. You can know that your dog is tuned in. Your dog’s instinct is to pay attention to what you are doing and/or to what… read more →
The more we connect with our dogs, the more we need to be aware of separation anxiety. Several years ago, I was on a tough schedule and had to be away at work for long hours. Each morning I would give my dog a biscuit, as I left for the day. Like most dogs, he loved biscuits. My reasoning was… read more →
Yuck! Dog kisses. Some people react like Lucy in the Peanuts comics “Ugh! I’ve been kissed by a dog! I have dog germs! Get hot water! Get some disinfectant! Get some iodine!” Fortunately most people are more accepting of affectionate dog slobbering even if it is a bit disgusting. The proper way to think about it is in the context… read more →