Growls can stand alone or be used to modify barking sounds to add a degree of threat. Below are 5 different ways a dog may grow and what the dog means by that growl:
1. Soft, low-pitched growling: “Beware!” “Back off!” This is used as a threat and usually causes the listener to move away, giving the dog more space.
2. Low-pitched growl-bark: This is a clear growl that leads to a bark. It means “I’m upset and I’m ready to fight!” This is a clear warning that pressing the dog will lead to aggression.
3. Higher midrange-pitched growl-bark: “I’m worried [or frightened], but I will defend myself.” This is the threat of a less-confident animal who will, however, most likely fight back if pushed.
4. Undulating growl: This is a growl that goes from low midrange to high midrange with a kind of a semi-bark often added as the pitch rises. It means “I’m terrified. If you come at me, I may fight or I may run.” This is the fearful-aggressive sound of a very unsure dog.
5. Noisy growl, with teeth hidden from view: “This is a good game!” “I’m having fun!” It is usually part of the play sequence and may be tucked in between a series of stutter-barks. It usually indicates intense concentration, as in a tug-of-war or play-acting aggression.
DogandMaster.com
dogandmaster on January 7th 2007 in Dog Behaviour
Each Dalmatian puppy receives half a set of genes from his mother and father. The genetics of coat color are fairly simple in the Dalmatian and are controlled by four different genes.
All Dalmatians have short coats and are easy to groom. However, despite their short coats, they shed a lot and year round. A thorough brushing twice a week helps remove shed fur and add gloss to the coat. In addition, a daily wipe with a moistened cloth helps them keep clean between brushings and baths. The breed has a reputation for cleanliness and may even be found grooming himself like a cat.
For routine bathing use mild, hypoallergenic products; medicinal and perfumed products typically irritate their sensitive skin. A moisturizing shampoo and conditioner are often needed because the breed has a tendency towards a dry skin and coat. Pubescent dogs, usually males, occasionally have a tendency to develop acne and medicated shampoos, scrubs and gels may be necessary.
DogandMaster.com
dogandmaster on January 7th 2007 in Dog Grooming
Yes, believe it or not, dogs can develop them just as a person can. Canine acne can pop up on your dog’s face, chin, or lower lip. It appears like small black spots that, if not washed regularly, may turn into crusty patches that cake and bleed.
Your dog won’t worry about acne preventing him from getting a date, but he may be bothered if the acne builds up. He may try to scratch it off with his toenails, causing the area to bleed and possibly turn raw. Dogs with oily skin are more susceptible to getting acne than their drier-skinned counterparts, and a dog’s food bowl may be part of the problem. Here are a few dog acne prevention tips:
1. Keep your dog’s chin clean and free of the unsightly blemishes by washing it with a soft cloth and warm water once or twice a day. If the area has begun to bleed, wash it with some hydrogen peroxide on a cotton ball to fight infection.
2. A way to help your dog from developing zits or to keep a current case of it from getting worse is to avoid plastic food bowls. Plastic bowls retain oils that add to your dog’s acne problem, as his chin rubs against the bowl when he’s busy snarfing down dinner. Replace those oil-ridden plastic bowls with aluminum, glass, or lead-free pottery and china bowls.
3. Wash you dog’s food bowls daily with a mild dish detergent to remove oily deposits.
DogandMaster.com
dogandmaster on January 2nd 2007 in Dog Health
1. Bait: A treat used to get your dog to give you his attention.
2. Collars: A “puppy” collar is a buckle collar made from a wide piece of cotton or nylon fabric. A slip or chain “choke” collar is made from cotton, nylon or chain. The best chain collars are brass with very tight, small links.
3. Cord or Long line: A piece of cotton or nylon cord, very lightweight and small in diameter (in relation to the size of your puppy or dog) with a snap at one end and a handle at the other.
4. Correction: A physical or verbal restraint to the dog.
5. Free: Without restraint.
6. Leash or Lead: A leash is a six-foot leather line with a handle at one end and a snap at the other. It should be small enough in width to comfortably fit in your hand.
7. Praise: Positive physical or verbal reassurance to reward your dog.
8. Reward: An edible treat or tossable toy.
9. Show leash or Show lead: A lightweight lead. This type of leash comes in different materials, fabrics and lengths. Some show leashes have built-in collars while some are to be attached to separate collars.
DogandMaster.com
dogandmaster on January 2nd 2007 in Dog Training