Most dog owners do not know about the growling reflex which occurs in many dogs when their ear canals are massaged. When this apparently unconditioned response occurs, the dog may be punished, stimulating defensive reflexes to fight, flee or freeze. Also, when many dogs display submissive growling and/or fang baring, (the submissive “smile”), naive owners apply harsh punishment or back away from the dog.
In either event, serious biting problems can result because the threatened dog displays submissive behavior, but achieves no relief from the owner’s threats or punishment so it then actively defends itself; or the retreating owner becomes fearful of the dog, which puts the dog in control.
Growling is one of the least studied kinds of canine behavior. Unfortunately, growling is widely regarded as something an owner should never tolerate, lest the dog become dominant in the relationship. In fact, many owners are advised to apply dominance handling techniques as a counter measure with puppies and adults.
DogandMaster.com
DogandMaster.com on April 5th 2008 in Dog Behaviour, Dog Training
Dogs can adjust to blindness and poor eyesight with very little difficulty. Their senses of hearing and smell begin to function as directional indicators, even though they may occasionally bump into table and chair legs or stumble over objects.
The following steps may help a blind pet find his way about the house and yard more easily.
1. Mark upright obstacles, such as chair legs and door jambs, with a light-scented cologne, spray or other scented substance. This helps the dog identify perpendicular objects.
2. Use a different scent on the floor about 6 inches from steps or similar obstacles. Use a light scent to avoid the buildup of odors around the house, which has been the only owner complaint about this method.
3. Wear a small bell or a bracelet that jingles. Visitors can also be equipped with such jewelry. This allows the dog to follow his owner’s movements more easily.
Sightless dogs adjust well to the problem, with little trouble to the owners. The suggestions above have been helpful in cases where the owner feels the need to do something to make the adjustment a little less difficult for the dog.
Older blind dogs may be handicapped, but they should be treated, as far as possible, as if they were normal. This means using the earned-petting routine regularly and performing obedience routines learned before the onset of blindness.
DogandMaster.com
DogandMaster.com on March 22nd 2008 in Dog Behaviour, Dog Health
You owe it to your dog to thoroughly inspect and check the dog food that you buy for him. If you are purchasing semi-moist dog foods that come wrapped in cellophane then be sure to follow the simple guidelines below.
The cellophane should be soft and pliable, and it should not be off color. Pillow-pouched bags should contain a small amount of air that does not escape under moderate pressure. A careful inspection should also be made through the unopened wrapper for any dull or furry, gray or black spots; or for any shiny or moist, whitish or yellowish spots. The first is mold growth, the second bacteria.
Soft-moist foods are not subjected to high heat and many species of both mold and bacteria remain viable in soft-moist foods. A little water is all either needs to get started, and away they go, held in check only by the inhibitors within the soft-moist food.
Once the visual inspection of the wrappers and wrapped surface of the food has been made, tear open the cellophane. Observe all odors at the time of opening the wrapper. Pick up a piece of the food and squeeze it. Regardless of the type, it should be soft, spongy, and tender. It should have a slight lubricated feel, but should not feel moist on the surface.
DogandMaster.com
DogandMaster.com on March 7th 2008 in Dog Nutrition
Although you cannot prevent emergencies from happening, you can prepare for them by having the necessary supplies readily available when you need them. When traveling with your dog, you should carry a first aid kit that is specifically designed for your dog. The kit should include the following 14 items in addition to your cell phone:
1. Your veterinarian’s phone number, because 911 will not put you in touch with canine emergency personnel.
2. Antibiotic cream, 1 tube
3. Bandage roll, 3-inch gauze
4. Cotton balls, 1 small package
5. Eyewash or a bottle of artificial tears to flush foreign material from his eyes
6. Disinfectant, 3% hydrogen peroxide solution
7. Muzzle, about 4-foot length of soft cotton rope
8. Pad and pencil
9. Scissors, blunt tipped or bandage scissors
10. Soap for cleaning skin wounds (liquid organic iodine type)
11. Syringe, 12-cc capacity for flushing wounds or administering oral medication
12. Styptic stick for minor torn nail bleeding
13. Tape, one roll of 2-inch adhesive
14. Thermometer, rectal, electronic, or mercury
DogandMaster.com
DogandMaster.com on February 25th 2008 in Dog First Aid, Dog Health
