Tuning In To Your Dog’s Emotions
August 14th, 2010
By Lee Charles Kelley
One of the most important aspects of dog training is developing an ability to tune into your dog’s emotional wavelength.
What do I mean by this, exactly?
It’s pretty simple. Whenever your dog is doing something that stirs up positive emotions in him, even on a minor scale, you simply pretend that you feel the same way about whatever he’s doing or experiencing. If he’s happily chewing a bone you might say, “Oh, is that a good bone? Is that a good tasty bone? Ooh, you love your bone!” Many people do this automatically and unconsciously, but I’ve found that the more aware an owner is of her dog’s emotional states, and the more she communicates that she shares his feelings about something as silly as chewing a bone, the better behaved the dog tends to become.
Funny Dog Attacks Himself
August 13th, 2010
Clearly this dog has some major aggression/possesive issues but its still funny!
Dog Park Safety
August 13th, 2010
Here are some useful tips to keep your dog safe at the dog park.
Before heading to the park, SPCA recommends:
- To lessen the chance of conflict, be sure your dog is well socialized around other dogs and people. Early socialization of puppies is essential.
- If your dog is under-socialized, consult a professional trainer or your veterinarian before considering a visit to a dog park.
- Make sure your dog’s shots are up to date.
- Be sure your dog is well trained in basic commands like sit, stay, come(recall), and leave it. If an altercation occurs, your dog will be more likely to respond to you and leave the situation.
Dogs Running Free in Cemeteries: Good Idea or Just Too Weird?
August 12th, 2010
Dogs enjoying life among the gravestones at The Historical Congressional Cemetery, in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Jerry Persall)
My blog friend Janice Lloyd over at USA Today’s Paw Print Post wrote yesterday about a new ban on dogs in cemeteries in Concord, N.H. It seems that too many locals were using cemeteries as dog-running grounds.
I’ve seen this sometimes in my travels. I’m all for great off-leash spots for dogs, but it’s pretty odd watching dogs running on top of the bodies of hundreds of dead people, and occasionally doing a leg left or squat on their graves. (One woman left her dog’s poop beside a headstone while I was there. I found a cup in a garbage can and cleaned it up, apologizing to the occupant for owner’s bad manners.)
