A Word for the Wise
As a training technique so your dog does not become a problem beggar: Avoid feeding the dog from the table, or under the table as kids have been known to do, unless you want to turn your pet into the pest at mealtimes. Whenever you share, do so in a place that's removed from the dining area, perhaps before or after you have eaten. It's important to feed your dog out of his own bowl, not from the table. Also, don't let your dog see you take food from the table and place it into his bowl. Always take the food into the kitchen and wait a few minutes before putting it into his bowl and offering it to him. Have him sit, put the bowl down and have him wait to eat until you say okay. It teaches impulse control to your dog.
Carnivore and Omnivore
Meat, veggies or fruits? Dogs eat it all. They are not just meat eaters. Vegetables, fruits, grains, and herbs are sources of nutrients that your dog simply cannot get from eating a diet of commercial dog food. Keep in mind that vegetables and fruits are "live" foods filled with enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that disappear after heating and processing. Beside their nutritional value, they possess the quality of freshness, not found in commercial dog food. So when you can add some grated carrots or small chunks of apple. A big broccoli stalk is a good treat too. Fresh is good for enzyme action in your dogs intestines. Remember: dogs can NOT eat onions. It' toxic to dogs.
A Tip about Preparation
Preparing your dog's food in a microwave is not recommended. Microwave cooking destroys many important nutrients. Just two seconds can destroy all the enzymes in grains and vegetables. Using plastic dishes in the microwave can also cause plastic molecules to end up in the food.
Stuffed Doggy Dumplings; something yummy in each bite
The Dough:
1 1/2 c. oat flour
1 1/2 c. brown rice flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 egg
1/2 c. chicken broth
Filling Suggestions:
Canned pumpkin
Cheese cubes (cheddar is a favorite)
Small peeled apple pieces
Beef (cooked and ground in small pieces)
Turkey ( cooked like the beef)
Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
Peanut Butter, unsalted
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine all dough ingredients, not water yet, together.
Add water slowly and mix until a dough forms. You may or may not need all the water. Make a good dough consistency and roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4" thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or the rim of an upside-down glass to cut 2 1/4" circles. Place a small amount of your choice of filling in the center and press the edges up and together making a little bundle. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and place them close on the sheet, they don't grow as they cook.
Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to wire rack and let cool completely. Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator. Use them up because they don't last a long time. You will have a very happy dog. Have fun.
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Sunday, October 19, 2014
The Dog Years
The Older Dog
Your newborn pup grows into an adolescent dog who matures into an adult dog, and continues to age until he reaches senior dog status. The stage at which this happens is dependent on the breed and their life expectancy. Smaller dogs generally live longest, with a life expectancy of 15 years or more, while giant breeds typically don't live as long. As your dog enters his senior years you will notice that her sleeping patterns change, her activity will decrease, she may have trouble moving around, and she may be less interested in the people and activity in the home.
Your dog may begin to exhibit problem behaviors that are out of character. This does not mean he is experiencing senility and has forgotten his training. He may simply be unable to act differently because of age-related pain or the confusion and fear that accompanies decreasing senses, such as vision and hearing.
Decreased mobility may be due to a health condition such as arthritis, and less interest in the happenings of the home may be because he can't see or hear things as he used to, so he is less aware of what's going on around him. Spend more time with your dog, and include him as much as his energy level and interest dictates. Separation anxiety is common to the older dog, particularly if there have been changes in the home. Older dogs are more set in their ways, and not as adaptable as before. They may have trouble dealing with changes that disrupt their routine, and may fear being alone because their deteriorating senses make them feel more vulnerable. The best way to deal with this is to make your departure and returns calm and matter-of-fact, regardless of the anxiety-based behavior your dog exhibits. When you return home, wait until he is calm before petting or talking to him at all. You will be tempted to sooth him in an attempt to calm him, but this only communicates to him that the anxiety he feels is valid and therefore will prolong his behavior.
Try to arrange for some company for your dog at home. Your dog may start to bark more than before, whether you are home or not. Barking when you are away may be a symptom of separation anxiety, but it is also seen in older dogs who don't experience this. It makes sense: if their sight and hearing are not what they were, they can't identify potential threats as easily, they may bark to repel what could be a danger, people, other animals, even furniture. House training accidents are also common in older dogs. It can be another symptom of separation anxiety or be due to decreased mobility.
Aggression is often seen in older dogs, even if they lived the majority of their life as the most docile dog. Barking and growling are defense mechanisms that become especially important if your dog can no longer rely on his sense of hearing or sight. They may also be in pain, so growling or snapping could be a way of keeping you from touching those areas. At the first sign of aggression, take your dog for a check up to determine if there is a problem you may not know about. You want your old pal to be comfortable.
Your dogs sleeping patterns may change. He may sleep more often or he may be up at night. Pain can be something that could keep him up. The frequent need to urinate that accompanies old age may also be keeping him up at night. Senior dogs are also more sensitive to hard surfaces, colder temperatures, and drafts, so make sure he has a soft bed to sleep on and the temperature is comfortable.
Aging and Death
When we live with a dog for many years, we inevitably have to watch them age. Dogs have a shorter life cycle than we do. This can be a heartbreaking time for dog owners and families. Life teaches us that aging and death are part of nature. Dogs celebrate life, and they'er okay with death. In fact, they are much better with death than we are.
When a dog gets cancer he does not perceive his illness the same way we do. We'll feel sorry for our dog and flood it with sad, mourning energy every time we look at her. That very energy does nothing but create a negative environment for your dog. Your dog is not thinking "I've got only six months to live, I should have done more with my life!" Dogs live in the moment, regardless of whether they have cancer or not. Their natural wisdom can help us find comfort when we are facing our own human frailty and death. No matter how dire their situation, dogs keep living in the moment every single day of their lives. If one dog in a two-dog household dies, of course the other dog will mourn the one who passed away. But it's natural for that dog to then move on to his normal balance, in a fairly short time.
The decision to put a dog down when they are suffering is one of the hardest ones we can face. This highly personal decision, in the end, comes down to your own conscience, spiritual beliefs, and your private connection with your dog. The best wisdom I can offer you in such a painful situation is that when your dog finally passes, he/she has probably lived a full life, and has savored every moment of his life. He left with no unfinished business, no regrets. Humans need grief counseling in order to stop projecting onto their dog their own unwillingness to move on.
A New Dog
Be sure not to bring in a new dog too soon after the passing of your old dog. If a new dog is brought in when grieving is still going on, you are introducing it to only sad weak energy. To a dog it is negative energy, no strong pack leader. When your new dog senses this vacuum he will find a way to take over and trouble begins.
As difficult as it may be, I advise you wait a little while after a pet dies before you bring in a new one. Wait until you're ready to open the curtains, let the light in, and laugh again. Then you will be ready once again to be the pack leader, and to provide a healthy, balanced home for the new dog in your life.
Your newborn pup grows into an adolescent dog who matures into an adult dog, and continues to age until he reaches senior dog status. The stage at which this happens is dependent on the breed and their life expectancy. Smaller dogs generally live longest, with a life expectancy of 15 years or more, while giant breeds typically don't live as long. As your dog enters his senior years you will notice that her sleeping patterns change, her activity will decrease, she may have trouble moving around, and she may be less interested in the people and activity in the home.
Your dog may begin to exhibit problem behaviors that are out of character. This does not mean he is experiencing senility and has forgotten his training. He may simply be unable to act differently because of age-related pain or the confusion and fear that accompanies decreasing senses, such as vision and hearing.
Decreased mobility may be due to a health condition such as arthritis, and less interest in the happenings of the home may be because he can't see or hear things as he used to, so he is less aware of what's going on around him. Spend more time with your dog, and include him as much as his energy level and interest dictates. Separation anxiety is common to the older dog, particularly if there have been changes in the home. Older dogs are more set in their ways, and not as adaptable as before. They may have trouble dealing with changes that disrupt their routine, and may fear being alone because their deteriorating senses make them feel more vulnerable. The best way to deal with this is to make your departure and returns calm and matter-of-fact, regardless of the anxiety-based behavior your dog exhibits. When you return home, wait until he is calm before petting or talking to him at all. You will be tempted to sooth him in an attempt to calm him, but this only communicates to him that the anxiety he feels is valid and therefore will prolong his behavior.
Try to arrange for some company for your dog at home. Your dog may start to bark more than before, whether you are home or not. Barking when you are away may be a symptom of separation anxiety, but it is also seen in older dogs who don't experience this. It makes sense: if their sight and hearing are not what they were, they can't identify potential threats as easily, they may bark to repel what could be a danger, people, other animals, even furniture. House training accidents are also common in older dogs. It can be another symptom of separation anxiety or be due to decreased mobility.
Aggression is often seen in older dogs, even if they lived the majority of their life as the most docile dog. Barking and growling are defense mechanisms that become especially important if your dog can no longer rely on his sense of hearing or sight. They may also be in pain, so growling or snapping could be a way of keeping you from touching those areas. At the first sign of aggression, take your dog for a check up to determine if there is a problem you may not know about. You want your old pal to be comfortable.
Your dogs sleeping patterns may change. He may sleep more often or he may be up at night. Pain can be something that could keep him up. The frequent need to urinate that accompanies old age may also be keeping him up at night. Senior dogs are also more sensitive to hard surfaces, colder temperatures, and drafts, so make sure he has a soft bed to sleep on and the temperature is comfortable.
Aging and Death
When we live with a dog for many years, we inevitably have to watch them age. Dogs have a shorter life cycle than we do. This can be a heartbreaking time for dog owners and families. Life teaches us that aging and death are part of nature. Dogs celebrate life, and they'er okay with death. In fact, they are much better with death than we are.
When a dog gets cancer he does not perceive his illness the same way we do. We'll feel sorry for our dog and flood it with sad, mourning energy every time we look at her. That very energy does nothing but create a negative environment for your dog. Your dog is not thinking "I've got only six months to live, I should have done more with my life!" Dogs live in the moment, regardless of whether they have cancer or not. Their natural wisdom can help us find comfort when we are facing our own human frailty and death. No matter how dire their situation, dogs keep living in the moment every single day of their lives. If one dog in a two-dog household dies, of course the other dog will mourn the one who passed away. But it's natural for that dog to then move on to his normal balance, in a fairly short time.
The decision to put a dog down when they are suffering is one of the hardest ones we can face. This highly personal decision, in the end, comes down to your own conscience, spiritual beliefs, and your private connection with your dog. The best wisdom I can offer you in such a painful situation is that when your dog finally passes, he/she has probably lived a full life, and has savored every moment of his life. He left with no unfinished business, no regrets. Humans need grief counseling in order to stop projecting onto their dog their own unwillingness to move on.
A New Dog
Be sure not to bring in a new dog too soon after the passing of your old dog. If a new dog is brought in when grieving is still going on, you are introducing it to only sad weak energy. To a dog it is negative energy, no strong pack leader. When your new dog senses this vacuum he will find a way to take over and trouble begins.
As difficult as it may be, I advise you wait a little while after a pet dies before you bring in a new one. Wait until you're ready to open the curtains, let the light in, and laugh again. Then you will be ready once again to be the pack leader, and to provide a healthy, balanced home for the new dog in your life.
Sunday, September 28, 2014
The most misunderstood breed, The Pit Bull
The pit bull is in the terrier group. They rank as one of the most aggressive breeds around. Other powerful breeds are Rottweilers, German shepherds,and bull dogs. Powerful breeds need stronger leadership, a leader that has experience. One that can set rules, boundaries, and limitations from the start with 100% consistency every day.
Not one pit bull puppy has been born aggressive. They are a strong breed, but not born aggressive. The pit bull has been trained to be aggressive. This is why there are so many attacks from pit bulls. It is not the dogs fault. It comes from how they have been treated by their owners. When treated right these dogs are the best family dogs around. Great with children and cats too.
Pit bulls at their worst, can be rehabilitated, only with a professional, and still become sweet dogs. That to me is amazing spirit to survive. However most of them are put to sleep. These dogs have been taught to fight other dogs for money and to the death of one of the dogs. It really breaks my heart. This is a huge issue, abused and misused dogs that do not deserve it. Gangs don't care, it's as if they have no soul. The dogs are treated with such abuse it's horrific. Then when they are old and beat up and worn out they are gotten rid of. Then new puppies come in and the cycle continues on and on. All for the money of a killing sport, and illegal behavior.
The rescue organization that takes pit bulls know they are among the hardest to handle, particularly if they are aggressive. Pit bulls are the hardest to adopt out as well. For good reason. People are afraid of them. Often they are abandoned and left to die. I know it's hard to believe, but they can be gentle giants. They deserve a second chance. Don't you think?
Powerful breeds need big jobs to do on a regular basis. But not fighting! Early humans used the dogs natural ability to scent out and capture prey, and later, to keep the farm animals in line and to pull heavy equipment. Dogs have been working for thousands of years. Even if they no longer go out and hunt, they like to work for there food. It's in their DNA. It's what they were built for.
The Myth of the "Problem Breed"
"Well, because she's a Dalmatian, she's naturally nervous" or "He's part border collie, part pit bull, and it's the pit bull that's the problem" and "Dachshunds are always a problem breed". Dog owners are making a fundamental mistake by blaming the breed of a dog for its behavior problems. In my opinion, there is no such thing as a "problem breed", just owners that have to change how they understand their dogs. Dog education.
Breed is something humans created. Geneticists and biologists believe that the first humans to live with dogs selected stray wolves with the smallest body size and teeth, so they would do less harm to us and be easier to control. Then hundreds of years ago, we began to mate dogs to create offspring that would excel at certain tasks. The bloodhounds were bred to have heightened scenting abilities. Pit bulls were bred to fight bulls. Sheep dogs were bred not only to herd sheep but also to look like them. Today we have the German shepherd, the boxer, the Chihuahua, the Lhasa Apso and the Doberman. There are hundreds of breeds to choose from now.
All dogs share the same innate abilities, but certain breeds have been selected for their specific characteristics. We have a tendency to misinterpret those conditioned skills as the dogs personality. One conditioned skill is tracking ability. Because of their breeding, bloodhounds will naturally be better at it. Can all dogs track? Can they find things with their noses? Without a doubt, absolutely. All dogs recognize the world through smells, and all of them use their noses the way we use our eyes. And some people see better than others.
It's hard for big dogs to live in cities because its genes are telling it to range over long distances and take long hikes to work off excess energy. Without sufficient exercise, it will get frustrated more easily, than, say, a dachshund. And when this huge powerful dog is frustrated, it will develop the same symptoms as a dachshund that's frustrated. Or a pit bull that is frustrated . Or a greyhound that's frustrated. Nervousness, fear, aggression, tension, territorial behavior. All these issues and illnesses result when the dog is frustrated. It doesn't matter what breed she is. That's why it's a mistake to obsess about the breed when your dealing with a problem behavior.
Dogs see the world completely different from the way we see it. It's time for dog owners to appreciate the unique mind that comes from that disparate worldview. Our pet's personality and name exist because we believe in them. It makes us feel better to associate with them in this way. It's very therapeutic for us. When a dog has issues you have to start with the animal, then dog, then the breed and of course, the owner of these powerful dogs.
The great thing about dogs is that, is that their mind can move on right away, but the human mind has a harder time doing that. Dogs don't look back. They don't worry about the past or the future. Dogs live in the moment. A pit bull can be a wonderfully balanced, calm and peaceful dog. When it comes down to it, they are creatures of cause and effect. Once a powerful breed has been conditioned to act a new way, they are so willing and able to change.
As long as we show strong dogs strong leadership, setting rules, boundaries, limitations and consistent leadership, they can overcome nearly any issue they have.
If you need help it is serious to get it. Strong breeds are nothing to fool around with. Be sure you know how to handle them before you get one. Get a dog that matches your energy. Dogs are special in our lives, please treat them with the most respect you can muster up. They will be your true pal for their wonderful lives.
Not one pit bull puppy has been born aggressive. They are a strong breed, but not born aggressive. The pit bull has been trained to be aggressive. This is why there are so many attacks from pit bulls. It is not the dogs fault. It comes from how they have been treated by their owners. When treated right these dogs are the best family dogs around. Great with children and cats too.
Pit bulls at their worst, can be rehabilitated, only with a professional, and still become sweet dogs. That to me is amazing spirit to survive. However most of them are put to sleep. These dogs have been taught to fight other dogs for money and to the death of one of the dogs. It really breaks my heart. This is a huge issue, abused and misused dogs that do not deserve it. Gangs don't care, it's as if they have no soul. The dogs are treated with such abuse it's horrific. Then when they are old and beat up and worn out they are gotten rid of. Then new puppies come in and the cycle continues on and on. All for the money of a killing sport, and illegal behavior.
The rescue organization that takes pit bulls know they are among the hardest to handle, particularly if they are aggressive. Pit bulls are the hardest to adopt out as well. For good reason. People are afraid of them. Often they are abandoned and left to die. I know it's hard to believe, but they can be gentle giants. They deserve a second chance. Don't you think?
Powerful breeds need big jobs to do on a regular basis. But not fighting! Early humans used the dogs natural ability to scent out and capture prey, and later, to keep the farm animals in line and to pull heavy equipment. Dogs have been working for thousands of years. Even if they no longer go out and hunt, they like to work for there food. It's in their DNA. It's what they were built for.
The Myth of the "Problem Breed"
"Well, because she's a Dalmatian, she's naturally nervous" or "He's part border collie, part pit bull, and it's the pit bull that's the problem" and "Dachshunds are always a problem breed". Dog owners are making a fundamental mistake by blaming the breed of a dog for its behavior problems. In my opinion, there is no such thing as a "problem breed", just owners that have to change how they understand their dogs. Dog education.
Breed is something humans created. Geneticists and biologists believe that the first humans to live with dogs selected stray wolves with the smallest body size and teeth, so they would do less harm to us and be easier to control. Then hundreds of years ago, we began to mate dogs to create offspring that would excel at certain tasks. The bloodhounds were bred to have heightened scenting abilities. Pit bulls were bred to fight bulls. Sheep dogs were bred not only to herd sheep but also to look like them. Today we have the German shepherd, the boxer, the Chihuahua, the Lhasa Apso and the Doberman. There are hundreds of breeds to choose from now.
All dogs share the same innate abilities, but certain breeds have been selected for their specific characteristics. We have a tendency to misinterpret those conditioned skills as the dogs personality. One conditioned skill is tracking ability. Because of their breeding, bloodhounds will naturally be better at it. Can all dogs track? Can they find things with their noses? Without a doubt, absolutely. All dogs recognize the world through smells, and all of them use their noses the way we use our eyes. And some people see better than others.
It's hard for big dogs to live in cities because its genes are telling it to range over long distances and take long hikes to work off excess energy. Without sufficient exercise, it will get frustrated more easily, than, say, a dachshund. And when this huge powerful dog is frustrated, it will develop the same symptoms as a dachshund that's frustrated. Or a pit bull that is frustrated . Or a greyhound that's frustrated. Nervousness, fear, aggression, tension, territorial behavior. All these issues and illnesses result when the dog is frustrated. It doesn't matter what breed she is. That's why it's a mistake to obsess about the breed when your dealing with a problem behavior.
Dogs see the world completely different from the way we see it. It's time for dog owners to appreciate the unique mind that comes from that disparate worldview. Our pet's personality and name exist because we believe in them. It makes us feel better to associate with them in this way. It's very therapeutic for us. When a dog has issues you have to start with the animal, then dog, then the breed and of course, the owner of these powerful dogs.
The great thing about dogs is that, is that their mind can move on right away, but the human mind has a harder time doing that. Dogs don't look back. They don't worry about the past or the future. Dogs live in the moment. A pit bull can be a wonderfully balanced, calm and peaceful dog. When it comes down to it, they are creatures of cause and effect. Once a powerful breed has been conditioned to act a new way, they are so willing and able to change.
As long as we show strong dogs strong leadership, setting rules, boundaries, limitations and consistent leadership, they can overcome nearly any issue they have.
If you need help it is serious to get it. Strong breeds are nothing to fool around with. Be sure you know how to handle them before you get one. Get a dog that matches your energy. Dogs are special in our lives, please treat them with the most respect you can muster up. They will be your true pal for their wonderful lives.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Proper Muzzle Use
DO's and DON'Ts
My next blog will be about the Pit Bull Terrier. The muzzle is widely used on this highly misunderstood breed.
A muzzle can be a valuable tool for both you and your dog and you, but only if it's used the correct way and for the right reason. The most important thing to remember is that a muzzle isn't just for dogs who display aggression. Of course when you're rehabilitating dogs that have displayed aggressive behavior, it is important to keep using a muzzle until you're confident that they have changed.
But a muzzle is also useful when you have a new dog and aren't sure how he will react in a new place, like a dog park. It's also useful for stressful situations like vet visits or grooming appointments, or when your dog is around large groups of strange dogs or people.
Another good reason for a muzzle has less to do with your dog than how people react to him: Some breeds, like Pit Bulls, have been stereotyped as aggressive, so people meeting them can give off fearful energy. That energy alone, can actually trigger aggressive behavior.
It's not just other people that a muzzle can reassure, it can help you stay relaxed, because you know that your dog can't hurt anyone. And if you're relaxed, you will maintain your calm, assertive energy, particularly if an unexpected situation arises. You may also encounter situations where you are required to muzzle your dog, particularly if you're traveling in countries that have restrictions on certain breeds.
It's a good idea to avoid scary looking muzzles that can exaggerate the impression that the dog is ferocious. Just remember, new behavior never takes place over night.
The Right Way to use a Muzzle
A muzzle is a tool not a solution to behavioral problems. Seek a professional if your dog has issues that need rehabilitation. Muzzles should be worn for only short periods of time, 20 minutes at most. This depends on your dogs level of activity and the outside temperature.
Select the right kind of muzzle for the situation: If your dog will be running, playing or otherwise physically active, an Italian basket-style muzzle is ideal because it allows the dog to pant, cool down, and drink water. Use a mesh muzzle for visits to the vet, groomer, or when working on socialization.
When your dog is using a muzzle, pay constant attention to make sure he's comfortable and isn't over heating or having trouble breathing.
Have fun teaching your dog good behavior.
My next blog will be about the Pit Bull Terrier. The muzzle is widely used on this highly misunderstood breed.
A muzzle can be a valuable tool for both you and your dog and you, but only if it's used the correct way and for the right reason. The most important thing to remember is that a muzzle isn't just for dogs who display aggression. Of course when you're rehabilitating dogs that have displayed aggressive behavior, it is important to keep using a muzzle until you're confident that they have changed.
But a muzzle is also useful when you have a new dog and aren't sure how he will react in a new place, like a dog park. It's also useful for stressful situations like vet visits or grooming appointments, or when your dog is around large groups of strange dogs or people.
Another good reason for a muzzle has less to do with your dog than how people react to him: Some breeds, like Pit Bulls, have been stereotyped as aggressive, so people meeting them can give off fearful energy. That energy alone, can actually trigger aggressive behavior.
It's not just other people that a muzzle can reassure, it can help you stay relaxed, because you know that your dog can't hurt anyone. And if you're relaxed, you will maintain your calm, assertive energy, particularly if an unexpected situation arises. You may also encounter situations where you are required to muzzle your dog, particularly if you're traveling in countries that have restrictions on certain breeds.
It's a good idea to avoid scary looking muzzles that can exaggerate the impression that the dog is ferocious. Just remember, new behavior never takes place over night.
The Right Way to use a Muzzle
A muzzle is a tool not a solution to behavioral problems. Seek a professional if your dog has issues that need rehabilitation. Muzzles should be worn for only short periods of time, 20 minutes at most. This depends on your dogs level of activity and the outside temperature.
Select the right kind of muzzle for the situation: If your dog will be running, playing or otherwise physically active, an Italian basket-style muzzle is ideal because it allows the dog to pant, cool down, and drink water. Use a mesh muzzle for visits to the vet, groomer, or when working on socialization.
When your dog is using a muzzle, pay constant attention to make sure he's comfortable and isn't over heating or having trouble breathing.
Have fun teaching your dog good behavior.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
More issues
Obsessions/Fixations
It's important that I share as much as I can about issues. We love our dogs, we want them to be stable and live happy lives with us
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There will be a recipe at the end of the post.
Unreleased energy causes so many problems. Fixation and obsession come from pent up energy. Your dog can obsess over anything from a tennis ball to the cat. It's not good for your dog and is not natural behavior.
A fixation is wasted energy. Dogs need to be shown how to channel this energy so they can be balanced and calm-submissive. Owners who run and walk their dogs on a regular basis help the dog drain energy. Many owners believe that if they open the back door and your dog gets to run in the yard that will be enough. Or the dog may be fixated on a squirrel and chase it around. Your dog may spend the day obsessing over that squirrel up the tree. All her energy is concentrated on that squirrel. It's not a healthy state of mind. Your dog has tense energy, using only her eyes and ears.
If you give a command to a dog in a fixated mode she will not respond. When you take your dog to the dog park and your dog runs back and forth, back and forth, compulsively chasing a smaller dog , it's not playing. This is fixation. It may not come to a bite this time, but a fixation like this is serious because it can escalate into a bad situation very quickly. Play that includes growling is not okay because it can escalate to a bite.
Another fixation is when a dog obsesses or fixates on a toy or activity. Have you ever met a dog who goes insane over a tennis ball, begging you to throw it again and again and again? Many dog owners think they can substitute playing fetch instead of a walk. Yes playing is exercise, but not the kind that drains mental energy. The are both important activities. Mental drain is very important for the anxious and excited mind of a dog. Playing catch is excitement, a walk is calm submission.
One big problem is, owners often see fixations as "cute" or "funny". Or they say "she just loves that ball so much". But the truth is, this is not a healthy state of mind. A fixation is like an addiction in a human, and can be just as dangerous. Some dogs can become so fixated on an object that they will bite or attack the dog or person who tries to take that object away form them. If this happens, watch out, you could be heading for trouble.
Never give anything to a dog if they are not calm-submissive. This is how a fixated dog becomes normal. He never gets anything in an unstable state of mind. Dogs with fixations try our patience. Most owners try to reason verbally with their dog when they are in a fixated mind on that tennis ball.
The orders from you get more excited. "No, leave it. Leave it. Leave it. Leave it". This only creates more excitement to an unstable mind. Now you are frustrated at the dog so you make the decision to grab the dog and pull the object away. The dog will see this as unstable energy and the fixation only gets worse. Patience is a virtue when it comes to a fixated mind. We owe it to our dogs to practice consistency and patience in order for them to become balanced and live a happier life.
Phobias
A dog can develop a phobia of just about anything. From a hose, stairs, shinny floors, loud noises, certain people, other dogs, children, bikes, and so on. Phobias are fears that the dog has not been able to move past. If a dog's mind isn't allowed to move forward after a fear incident, that fear can become a phobia. In the wild animals learn from fear. How to avoid a trap, a cat learns not to play with snakes. They experience the fear, learn from it, and move on with life. We create phobias for them by the way we react to their fears. WE KEEP THEM STUCK.
Even if we don't know the cause of a dog's phobia we can intensify it by giving affection at the wrong time. When a child is afraid we comfort and give affection to them. That is for the human mind. When a dog is afraid and we comfort her, we are strengthening the fear. The correct response to a dog's phobia's is to show leadership. First drain the dog's energy. If a dog is tired out and relaxed, she is much less likely to be phobic, and much more responsive to a strong pack leader who can help her move past her fears.
Low Self-Esteem
Self-esteem in a dog, relates to energy, dominance, and submission. Dogs with low self-esteem are submissive, weak-energy, weak-minded dogs who suffer from fears, panic, or phobias. They often exhibit anxiety. They may show fear-aggressive behavior, or may simply be extremely shy.
Dogs with low self-esteem can also develop obsessions, but in a different way than a dominant, energetic dog. Dogs with low self-esteem are stuck in their insecurity. Instead of fight or flight, they freeze up. They'll hide, not move, and shake. They just can't move forward. They won't get better on their own: they need our help.
Dogs with low self-esteem are desperately looking for a pack leader. They need to be told what to do, sometimes that's the only way they can relax. Such dogs respond well to rules, boundaries, and limitations. They need strong guidance.
One more thing about self-esteem.
A dominant dog's self-esteem shouldn't be too high either. In nature only the pack leader can strut around with his tail up and chest out. Becoming pack leader over a dominant dog means taking her down a bit. That does not mean in a physical abusive manner, or humiliating her in any way. Your dog won't get mad at you for taking the lead, she will be relieved.
Apples are great for your dog/dogs. You can give them raw pieces of apple as a snack. This recipe brings out the great apple flavor with honey. No dog can resist. Have fun.
One big problem is, owners often see fixations as "cute" or "funny". Or they say "she just loves that ball so much". But the truth is, this is not a healthy state of mind. A fixation is like an addiction in a human, and can be just as dangerous. Some dogs can become so fixated on an object that they will bite or attack the dog or person who tries to take that object away form them. If this happens, watch out, you could be heading for trouble.
Never give anything to a dog if they are not calm-submissive. This is how a fixated dog becomes normal. He never gets anything in an unstable state of mind. Dogs with fixations try our patience. Most owners try to reason verbally with their dog when they are in a fixated mind on that tennis ball.
The orders from you get more excited. "No, leave it. Leave it. Leave it. Leave it". This only creates more excitement to an unstable mind. Now you are frustrated at the dog so you make the decision to grab the dog and pull the object away. The dog will see this as unstable energy and the fixation only gets worse. Patience is a virtue when it comes to a fixated mind. We owe it to our dogs to practice consistency and patience in order for them to become balanced and live a happier life.
Phobias
A dog can develop a phobia of just about anything. From a hose, stairs, shinny floors, loud noises, certain people, other dogs, children, bikes, and so on. Phobias are fears that the dog has not been able to move past. If a dog's mind isn't allowed to move forward after a fear incident, that fear can become a phobia. In the wild animals learn from fear. How to avoid a trap, a cat learns not to play with snakes. They experience the fear, learn from it, and move on with life. We create phobias for them by the way we react to their fears. WE KEEP THEM STUCK.
Even if we don't know the cause of a dog's phobia we can intensify it by giving affection at the wrong time. When a child is afraid we comfort and give affection to them. That is for the human mind. When a dog is afraid and we comfort her, we are strengthening the fear. The correct response to a dog's phobia's is to show leadership. First drain the dog's energy. If a dog is tired out and relaxed, she is much less likely to be phobic, and much more responsive to a strong pack leader who can help her move past her fears.
Low Self-Esteem
Self-esteem in a dog, relates to energy, dominance, and submission. Dogs with low self-esteem are submissive, weak-energy, weak-minded dogs who suffer from fears, panic, or phobias. They often exhibit anxiety. They may show fear-aggressive behavior, or may simply be extremely shy.
Dogs with low self-esteem can also develop obsessions, but in a different way than a dominant, energetic dog. Dogs with low self-esteem are stuck in their insecurity. Instead of fight or flight, they freeze up. They'll hide, not move, and shake. They just can't move forward. They won't get better on their own: they need our help.
Dogs with low self-esteem are desperately looking for a pack leader. They need to be told what to do, sometimes that's the only way they can relax. Such dogs respond well to rules, boundaries, and limitations. They need strong guidance.
One more thing about self-esteem.
A dominant dog's self-esteem shouldn't be too high either. In nature only the pack leader can strut around with his tail up and chest out. Becoming pack leader over a dominant dog means taking her down a bit. That does not mean in a physical abusive manner, or humiliating her in any way. Your dog won't get mad at you for taking the lead, she will be relieved.
Apples are great for your dog/dogs. You can give them raw pieces of apple as a snack. This recipe brings out the great apple flavor with honey. No dog can resist. Have fun.
AUTUMN APPLE CRISPS
1 1/2 c. oat flour
1 1/2 c. brown rice flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 c. applesauce (unsweetened)
1/2 c. rolled oats (not instant)
1 tbsp honey
1 egg
1/2 c. water
Preheat oven to 350. Combine all ingredients together (not water yet). Add water slowly and mix until a dough forms. If too dry add more water, too wet, add a bit more flour. Roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4" thickness. Use an apple cutter or a knife and cut into shapes. Use parchment paper on cookie sheet. Place the cookies close together, they don't grow while cooking.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Treat your dog when he is being good. Your pal for life.
1 1/2 c. oat flour
1 1/2 c. brown rice flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 c. applesauce (unsweetened)
1/2 c. rolled oats (not instant)
1 tbsp honey
1 egg
1/2 c. water
Preheat oven to 350. Combine all ingredients together (not water yet). Add water slowly and mix until a dough forms. If too dry add more water, too wet, add a bit more flour. Roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4" thickness. Use an apple cutter or a knife and cut into shapes. Use parchment paper on cookie sheet. Place the cookies close together, they don't grow while cooking.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Treat your dog when he is being good. Your pal for life.
Friday, September 12, 2014
Your dogs nose knows
When a dog gives birth, her puppies noses are open, but their eyes and ears are closed. The pup first knows its mom by scent. This is how they find her to get fed. The mom is first and foremost scent and energy.
While we have about 5 million scent receptors in our noses, the average adult dog has about 220 million! Dogs have the ability to sniff out smells that we can't even pick up using high tech equipment. So, a puppy grows up to "see" the world using its nose as its primary sensory organ.
Along with energy and scent, puppies will experience touch as they get close to mom to nurse. They have no concern about what she looks like. Around fifteen days after birth the pups will start to open their eyes. Then around twenty days after birth their ears will start to function. How do we most often try to communicate with our dogs? We talk to them as if they understand us, or by yelling commands at them.
So it goes like this: nose, eyes, ears. I'll say that again: nose, eyes, ears. Memorize this in order. It is the natural order of their senses. Dogs experience the world very differently than we do, from birth on. For a dog, the calm-assertive energy of the mother permeates everything. Calm-assertive energy is the first energy that puppies experience, and it will be this energy that they associate with balance and harmony for the rest of their lives. From the beginning they learn to follow a calm-assertive leader. They also learn calm-submission, the natural role of followers in nature. They learn that survival means both competition with their litter mates for food and co-operation with their mother, their first pack leader.
How do dogs greet each other? Yes, they sniff each others rears. This is how they learn information about each other. So the nose is the first sense used to greet another dog.
How do we greet our dog? And how does our dog greet us? There is a right and wrong way to greet a puppy or adult dog, and how they are to greet us.
Contrast the calm-assertive scent and energy emitted by the mother dog with how we normally introduce ourselves to a dog. What do we usually do when we see a cute little dog? We exclaim loudly in a high pitched voice. A voice reserved for babies. By doing this, we are introducing ourselves to the dog using sound first. Usually very excited, emotion charged sound. This is the furthest from calm-assertive energy to your dog. To a dog emotional energy is weak and often negative energy. You are telling the dog right off the bat, that you are not a strong leader. Your dog will find a way to take over that leadership. If that happens, trouble will occur down the road.
How does your dog greet you? Probably with excitement and jumping up on you. This is because your dog is using his eyes and ears first. He has left his nose behind. This is because you reward his excited jumping with affection. A dog must be allowed to sniff you before you touch or talk to him. This will calm him down sooner. When he is calm reward him for his good behavior. Calm energy is essential for greeting any dog. Your dogs nose must work first, sniffing whatever, before you touch them or talk to them. Let him know who you are by smell.
Play hide and seek games in the house or outside. Have a treat with you and reward him when he finds you. He will have to sniff you out. Make a trail of chicken pieces. Let him sniff each one out, then find you, Give him a big hug or some other affection for finding you. Games like these will help your dog build his sense of smell.
Help your dog to smell the world as they were intended to.
While we have about 5 million scent receptors in our noses, the average adult dog has about 220 million! Dogs have the ability to sniff out smells that we can't even pick up using high tech equipment. So, a puppy grows up to "see" the world using its nose as its primary sensory organ.
Along with energy and scent, puppies will experience touch as they get close to mom to nurse. They have no concern about what she looks like. Around fifteen days after birth the pups will start to open their eyes. Then around twenty days after birth their ears will start to function. How do we most often try to communicate with our dogs? We talk to them as if they understand us, or by yelling commands at them.
So it goes like this: nose, eyes, ears. I'll say that again: nose, eyes, ears. Memorize this in order. It is the natural order of their senses. Dogs experience the world very differently than we do, from birth on. For a dog, the calm-assertive energy of the mother permeates everything. Calm-assertive energy is the first energy that puppies experience, and it will be this energy that they associate with balance and harmony for the rest of their lives. From the beginning they learn to follow a calm-assertive leader. They also learn calm-submission, the natural role of followers in nature. They learn that survival means both competition with their litter mates for food and co-operation with their mother, their first pack leader.
How do dogs greet each other? Yes, they sniff each others rears. This is how they learn information about each other. So the nose is the first sense used to greet another dog.
How do we greet our dog? And how does our dog greet us? There is a right and wrong way to greet a puppy or adult dog, and how they are to greet us.
Contrast the calm-assertive scent and energy emitted by the mother dog with how we normally introduce ourselves to a dog. What do we usually do when we see a cute little dog? We exclaim loudly in a high pitched voice. A voice reserved for babies. By doing this, we are introducing ourselves to the dog using sound first. Usually very excited, emotion charged sound. This is the furthest from calm-assertive energy to your dog. To a dog emotional energy is weak and often negative energy. You are telling the dog right off the bat, that you are not a strong leader. Your dog will find a way to take over that leadership. If that happens, trouble will occur down the road.
How does your dog greet you? Probably with excitement and jumping up on you. This is because your dog is using his eyes and ears first. He has left his nose behind. This is because you reward his excited jumping with affection. A dog must be allowed to sniff you before you touch or talk to him. This will calm him down sooner. When he is calm reward him for his good behavior. Calm energy is essential for greeting any dog. Your dogs nose must work first, sniffing whatever, before you touch them or talk to them. Let him know who you are by smell.
Play hide and seek games in the house or outside. Have a treat with you and reward him when he finds you. He will have to sniff you out. Make a trail of chicken pieces. Let him sniff each one out, then find you, Give him a big hug or some other affection for finding you. Games like these will help your dog build his sense of smell.
Help your dog to smell the world as they were intended to.
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Issues need attention
Give affection, but at the right time !!
One of the most common ways we send the wrong information to our dogs, is when we give them affection at the wrong time. "Wrong time?" you may say. Yes, there is a right and wrong time to give love to our dogs. I know it's hard to understand, and I hope that by the end of this blog you will have a better understanding of your canine friend.
Love is one of the greatest gifts we can share with our dogs. However, love will not heal an unstable dog when given at the wrong time. Love is not meant to enhance an unstable dog. Love is meant to reward stability. Give affection when your dog is calm and submissive.
Dogs can become aggressive as a result of fear or territoriality and hyper energy not released, aggression varies in degrees.
Hyperactive energy
Does your dog jump all over you when you come home? Why do you think he does this? Is it because he has spirit and is just so happy to see you because he has such a great personality?
It isn't any of those things. What's really going on is that your dog has hyperactive energy. It's not a natural state for a dog to be in, therefor it is not healthy for your dog.
As puppies they get excited and play with each other. But the excitement has a time and place. They need to calm down after play, not be in a state of hyper excitement all day long. When they jump on you it is pent up energy with no outlet. Hyper active energy can foster other issues too. Such as fixation and obsession.
When your dog jumps on you and you give him affection at that time you are rewarding a behavior that down the line will be hard to break. This is not a proper greeting. Dogs do not jump on each other as greeting. They greet by being quiet and sniffing. Using the most important organ, the nose.
This is how to greet people that come in your home. And with the owners too.
Hyper active dogs need tons of exercise ! I can not stress this enough. They need this before affection. When you come home take your dog on a walk, then when she is tired and calm give as much affection as you can muster up. Don't encourage the crazy jumping behavior. Your dog will be fine, and still have that spirit you love. Keep your dog leashed when visitors come to your home while you are teaching her how to greet politely. Dogs are naturally curious and will always be interested when someone comes to the door. Ask your guests not to acknowledge jumping by not touching your dog or talking to her. Instruct them to just walk in past the dog jumping on you, until she calms down. When bad behavior is ignored it often calms them down quickly. Remember, exercise, exercise, exercise before affection.
Anxiety / Separation Anxiety
Anxiety can contribute to hyperactive energy. You don't see anxiety in nature. Fear yes, anxiety no.
Anxiety can cause whimpering, whining, howling, and separation issues. It's natural for your dog to miss you, they are pack animals, But it's not natural for a dog to be shut up in a house all day long with nothing to do. His energy has nowhere to go while your gone. So he may eat your favorite shoes. It's not his fault, he has pent up energy with no release.
Most owners do not recognize symptoms of anxiety in their dogs. You may believe that anxiety separation begins when you leave the house. The reality is that it starts with unreleased energy that has been building since you woke up. Usually the owner gets up, brushes her teeth, has some coffee and breakfast. All the while your dog is in the background following you from room to room, pacing.Your dog is not showing you how much he loves you but how anxious he is. If you leave the house for the day before your dog has had a chance to get this energy out, of course your dog will have separation issues. And may eat your shoes out of nothing else to help her get out this pent up energy.
Dog owners need to get up earlier to take care of your dogs needs first. Take her on a walk, not a short little one. This could be good for the owner too. If you can't do this, try to find help. Someone top come and take the dog out, and give her some needed release. Or put her on the treadmill while you are eating breakfast. She needs to be tired out before you leave for the day.
Make sure your dog is in a clam state of mind before you leave. Don't make a big deal of going or coming home. This will help the dog be less hyper. Only give affection when she has calmed down all the way, If you share excited energy when you come and go it only feeds an already anxious mind. Calm is the key. Calm Calm Calm is the love you share.
I will share more issues later on. Have fun with your pal.
One of the most common ways we send the wrong information to our dogs, is when we give them affection at the wrong time. "Wrong time?" you may say. Yes, there is a right and wrong time to give love to our dogs. I know it's hard to understand, and I hope that by the end of this blog you will have a better understanding of your canine friend.
Love is one of the greatest gifts we can share with our dogs. However, love will not heal an unstable dog when given at the wrong time. Love is not meant to enhance an unstable dog. Love is meant to reward stability. Give affection when your dog is calm and submissive.
Dogs can become aggressive as a result of fear or territoriality and hyper energy not released, aggression varies in degrees.
Hyperactive energy
Does your dog jump all over you when you come home? Why do you think he does this? Is it because he has spirit and is just so happy to see you because he has such a great personality?
It isn't any of those things. What's really going on is that your dog has hyperactive energy. It's not a natural state for a dog to be in, therefor it is not healthy for your dog.
As puppies they get excited and play with each other. But the excitement has a time and place. They need to calm down after play, not be in a state of hyper excitement all day long. When they jump on you it is pent up energy with no outlet. Hyper active energy can foster other issues too. Such as fixation and obsession.
When your dog jumps on you and you give him affection at that time you are rewarding a behavior that down the line will be hard to break. This is not a proper greeting. Dogs do not jump on each other as greeting. They greet by being quiet and sniffing. Using the most important organ, the nose.
This is how to greet people that come in your home. And with the owners too.
Hyper active dogs need tons of exercise ! I can not stress this enough. They need this before affection. When you come home take your dog on a walk, then when she is tired and calm give as much affection as you can muster up. Don't encourage the crazy jumping behavior. Your dog will be fine, and still have that spirit you love. Keep your dog leashed when visitors come to your home while you are teaching her how to greet politely. Dogs are naturally curious and will always be interested when someone comes to the door. Ask your guests not to acknowledge jumping by not touching your dog or talking to her. Instruct them to just walk in past the dog jumping on you, until she calms down. When bad behavior is ignored it often calms them down quickly. Remember, exercise, exercise, exercise before affection.
Anxiety / Separation Anxiety
Anxiety can contribute to hyperactive energy. You don't see anxiety in nature. Fear yes, anxiety no.
Anxiety can cause whimpering, whining, howling, and separation issues. It's natural for your dog to miss you, they are pack animals, But it's not natural for a dog to be shut up in a house all day long with nothing to do. His energy has nowhere to go while your gone. So he may eat your favorite shoes. It's not his fault, he has pent up energy with no release.
Most owners do not recognize symptoms of anxiety in their dogs. You may believe that anxiety separation begins when you leave the house. The reality is that it starts with unreleased energy that has been building since you woke up. Usually the owner gets up, brushes her teeth, has some coffee and breakfast. All the while your dog is in the background following you from room to room, pacing.Your dog is not showing you how much he loves you but how anxious he is. If you leave the house for the day before your dog has had a chance to get this energy out, of course your dog will have separation issues. And may eat your shoes out of nothing else to help her get out this pent up energy.
Dog owners need to get up earlier to take care of your dogs needs first. Take her on a walk, not a short little one. This could be good for the owner too. If you can't do this, try to find help. Someone top come and take the dog out, and give her some needed release. Or put her on the treadmill while you are eating breakfast. She needs to be tired out before you leave for the day.
Make sure your dog is in a clam state of mind before you leave. Don't make a big deal of going or coming home. This will help the dog be less hyper. Only give affection when she has calmed down all the way, If you share excited energy when you come and go it only feeds an already anxious mind. Calm is the key. Calm Calm Calm is the love you share.
I will share more issues later on. Have fun with your pal.
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