Translate to ANY Language

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Understanding a Dog's Body Language - Why Dog's Do What They Do

Why Do Dogs Do That?
Dog communication refers to body movements and sounds dogs use to send signals to other dogs, and other animals (usually humans). Dog communication comes in a variety of forms, and is part of the foundation of dog social behavior. Dogs use certain movements of their bodies and body parts and different vocalizations to express their emotions. There are a number of basic ways a dog can communicate its feelings. These are movements of the ears, eyes, eyebrows, mouth, nose, head, tail, and entire body, as well as barks, growls, whines and whimpers, and howls.

Interpreting animal body language
It is important to note that while many gestures and actions may have common, stereotypical meanings, researchers regularly find that animal communication is often more complex and subtle than previously believed, and that the same gesture may have multiple distinct meanings depending on context and other behaviors. So, generalizations such as "X means Y" are often, but not always accurate. For example, even a simple tail wag may (depending on context) convey many meanings including:

Excitement
Anticipation
Playfulness
Contentment/enjoyment
Happiness, self-confidence
But also:
Anxiety
Uncertainty/apprehension

There is a simple way to tell the difference though. Just like humans show more happiness on the right side of their face, dogs swing their tail more to the right when they're happy and vice versa. Combined with other body language, in a specific context, many gestures such as yawns and direction of vision all convey the dog's emotions or feeling states. Thus statements that a particular action "means" something, or that the dog is using its body language with the intent to report information to others, should be avoided. In Consciousness Explained, Daniel C. Dennett of Tufts University, tells us that there are two basic forms of communication: the unconscious expression of a mental or emotional state, and the intentional act of reporting information. He goes on to say that there are many ways of expressing a mental or emotional state, “but only one way of reporting information, and that is through the use of language, written, spoken, or signed.” It's also important to note that most of the body language exhibited by human beings isn't done consciously, with the intent to communicate, so it could be a mistake to believe that dogs intentionally use their body language to report information to others.

Greeting ritual
One of the first forms of communication that will be observed is the greeting ritual. When a dog first encounters another dog, a brief assessment of aggression or friendliness is made. If one dog growls or barks, for instance, the encounter will usually end quickly, either by the other dog avoiding the encounter, or by a fight ensuing. If this test is passed, the dogs usually attempt to greet each other. This is done first by sniffing each other's odors. Dogs often sniff each other's anuses simultaneously, and this is the clearest indication of what some in the field believe to be a greeting ritual. This so-called greeting ritual is said to establish the identities of the dogs by scent, and is the dogs' way of saying 'hello' to each other. However, most people miss an important observation: even dogs who know each other very well will sniff one another when they first run into each other on the street. Dogs who live in multiple dog households will also sniff each other from time to time (for instance, if one dog gets up to get a drink of water while another dog is asleep, that dog might go over and sniff his housemate on his way to the water bowl).

Dogs who are playing will sometimes get too wound up, stop, shake themselves off, then sniff each other before resuming their play session. So the idea that sniffing is just a greeting ritual is probably a misunderstanding.


If the dogs are satisfied with the encounter (it is not unusual for dogs to take a sudden dislike to each other at this stage), then they may either move on in disinterest, or proceed further in the greeting ritual by showing affection. Affection is shown by some or all of the following: Wagging the tail, licking the face, playful barking, panting, or jumping (including playful jumping on the other dog). Dogs that show affection in this way will usually get along fairly well, and this display can be considered a display of friendship.

Hand-sniff greeting
Humans can also participate in a greeting ritual with a newly met dog, by bending down in front of (not looming over) or kneeling down to the dog, and slowly but confidently extending the hand to be sniffed in front of and just below the dog's snout. If the dog is timid or has a habit of snapping at strangers, it is best to allow the dog to come sniff your hand, rather than extending it into the dog's space (this can make the dog nervous) while using words of praise in a calm, soothing voice. To limit the chance of getting bitten, keep the hand palm-down with fingers cupped downward or the hand fully closed in a loose fist, making it difficult for the dog to grab hold of a finger in a bite. Be watchful of the dog's demeanor. If you continue praising the dog in a soothing voice in an attempt to calm it after it has just growled or snapped at you, the dog is hearing its bad behaviors get reinforced and is more likely to get frightened and bite, rather than sniff your hand in a friendly manner. Reserve praise and soothing tones for times when the dog is behaving well, and firm, disapproving tones (not yelling) for times when discipline is necessary.
After the dog has completed the hand-sniff, it is possible to proceed to making physical contact by gently petting the dog on its chest or shoulders. Attempting to pet the top of the head can create a nervous response because the movement of the hand toward the head may interrupt the dog's ability to see your eyes, thereby assessing your emotional state. Again, it is possible to get snapped at, so care should be taken not to block the dog's ability to see your eyes. If the dog completes the sniff without snapping or barking, another attempt to pet the dog can be made.
Once the dog allows the affectionate petting, it will more likely only take a quick hand-sniff on the next meeting for the person to attempt petting the dog. Petting can at this time become more playful without risking the dog snapping at the person.


For timid or mildly aggressive dogs, it may not be possible to establish friendship in one greeting ritual. Friendship cannot be forced, and may require repeated attempts over time. Keep looking the dog in the eye to show the dog you command them.


Aggression during the greeting ritual
Some breeds of dog have a more suspicious or aggressive temperament by nature and are more difficult or dangerous to approach with the greeting ritual. Dogs that have been physically abused tend to be much more timid and defensive than a well-treated dog, so great care should be taken before trying to perform the greeting ritual with such a dog, as these dogs are more prone to react aggressively. Some dogs are also trained to be aggressive, such as guard dogs.

Dominance and submission
Dominance and submission are often mistaken to be part of normal social behaviors for dogs. They are not. Wild canines form packs specifically for the purpose of hunting large prey. Evolutionary biologist Raymond Coppinger has noted that wolves that live near garbage dumps, and therefore don't need to hunt large prey, don't form packs. He also states that coyotes, which are more solitary than wolves, sometimes form packs, but only when they need to hunt large prey. In Dog Language, biologist Roger Abrantes has noted that it's easier for a group of wolves to hunt large prey by working together. So pack formation in canines seems to be a function of prey size more than dominance and submission.

The idea that dogs exhibit dominant and submissive behaviors is based partly on behaviors seen in captive wolves that were culled from various sources, didn't know one another, and weren't able to hunt together. David Mech of the University of Minnesota has been studying wild wolf packs since the 1960s. Mech states that in wild packs "dominance" displays are so rare as to be totally nonexistent. The only time they seem to take place is when a conflict emerges between the pack parents over how to disperse food to the young. The female invariably wins these encounters by acting as "non-threatening" (or submissive) as possible. Rudolph Schenkel was the first biologist to ask the question, if the "submissive" wolf always wins, who’s really dominant? Also, since "dominance aggression" in dogs can be treated with anti-anxietal medications, it's more likely that this behavior is an expression of stress or anxiety, and is not a natural part of the canine social instincts. (Mech (1999) asserted that the significance of dominance relationships within pack society has been overrated, and he argued that wolf packs are best understood as family groups in which a breeding pair “shares leadership in a division of labor system in which the breeding female initiates pup care and the breeding male leads in foraging and food provisioning”. INTRODUCTION: “Leadership behavior in relation to dominance and reproductive status in gray wolves, Canis lupus,” Rolf O. Peterson, Amy K. Jacobs, Thomas D. Drummer, L. David Mech, and Douglas W. Smith, Canadian Journal of Zoology, Vol. 80, 2002, p. 1406)

Body movements
Tail
How high or low the tail is held, in relation to how the dog's breed naturally carries its tail, and how it is moved can signify the dog's mood. When the tail is held high, it shows that the dog is alert and aware; the tail between the legs means that the dog is afraid or frightened. If the fur on the tail is also bristled[pokey feeling], the dog is saying it is willing to defend itself or pups.

Small, slow wags of the tail say the dog is questioning things around the environment it is in. Either it is not sure whether it is the target dog or the person around them is friendly, or it is not sure what is going on or what is expected of it to do. Large, fast wags of the tail may be a sign of a happy, excited, or an energetic dog, but can also signal aggression. A large percentage of the victims of dog bites are bitten while the dog is wagging its tail.

Dogs are said to exhibit a left-right asymmetry of the tail when interacting with strangers, and will show the opposite, right-left motion with people and dogs they know.

Aggressive/ violent
When a dog's lips curl back this shows that the dog has a strong urge to bite. This is an unconscious reflex, designed to get the soft flesh of the lips away from the teeth before the dog bites, and is often misinterpreted as a way of communicating aggressive intent. For example, many dogs will curl their lips back into a "snarl" when they take a cookie or bone.

Ears
Ear position relates the dog's level of attention, and reaction, to a situation or animal. Erect ears facing forward means the dog is very attentive, while ears laid back suggests a negative, usually fearful or a timid reaction. They also lay their ears back for the sounds surrounding them. Dogs with drop ears, like Beagles, can't use these signals very well, as the signals first developed in wolves, whose ears are pricked. Wolf-like dogs (such as the Samoyed or Husky) will, when content and happy, often hold their ears in a horizontal position but still forward. This has been referred to as the "wolf smile".

Mouth
Mouth expressions can provide information about the dog's mood. When a dog wants to be left alone, it might yawn (although yawning also might indicate sleepiness, confusion, or stress) or start licking its mouth without the presence of any food. When a dog is happy or wants to play, it might pant with lips relaxed, covering the teeth and with what sometimes appears to be a happy expression (it might appear as a smile to some observers) or with the mouth open. Mouth expressions that indicate aggression include the snarl, with lips retracting to expose the teeth, although some dogs also use this during play. However, some dogs will pull back their "top lips" in what looks like an aggressive way, when they are excited or happy. For example a dog prone to "smiling" may do so in greeting to a much loved owner and this should not be punished lest the dog become less affectionate and more withdrawn.

It's important to look at the dog's whole body and not just the mouth or tail before deciding what the dog is feeling. What appears initially as aggression might be an invitation to play, or vice-versa.

Tongue (Licking)
A very common form of communication is for a dog to lick another dog, or a person. Dogs lick other dogs' faces and mouths when they greet each other to indicate friendliness. Dogs like to lick human skin not only for the salt from the sweat, but also as a form of greeting, such as by briefly licking a person's hand after sniffing it. Licking is also used as a social bonding analogous to primate social grooming and stroking. This can indicate intimacy. Such licking is longer and slower, as compared to the brief licking of faces during a greeting.

Eyes and eyebrows
While dogs don't have actual eyebrows, they do have a distinctive ridge above their eyes, and some breeds, like the Labrador Retriever, Rottweiler, German Shepherd, and Doberman have markings there. A dog's eyebrow movements usually express a similar emotion to that of a human's eyebrow movements. Raised eyebrows suggest interest, lowered brows suggest uncertainty or mild anger, and one eyebrow up suggests bewilderment. Eyes narrowed to slits indicate affection for the person or animal the dog is looking at.

Feet and legs
Although a dog's feet lack the dexterity of human hands, a dog can use them as an avenue of communication. A dog might stamp its feet, alternating its left and right front legs, while its back legs are still. This occurs when the dog is excited, wants something, or wants its owner's attention. Pointers tend to tuck one front leg up when they sense game nearby. This behavior is not communicative so much as the dog exhibiting a fixed-action pattern called "the eye stalk." It is also common for dogs to paw or scratch for objects they desire. Many dogs are trained to mimic a human handshake, offering a paw to a human stooping down and offering their own hand in exchange.

Head
The leaning of a dog's head to the right or to the left often indicates curiosity and/or a sound it has not heard before. This, however, may also be a sign of recognition to a familiar word.

If the dog's head is held high with its neck craning forward, it is showing interest, although, it could also mean an aggressive mood if other body language is present.
Some adult dogs that were not properly raised have been known to challenge their owners for alpha position. One of the signs, though this is rarely seen in dogs, involves the dog slightly lowering its head while standing tall with its eyes fixed upward at the owner or any human beings they are about to challenge (start a fight with). This behavior is extremely rare and usually occurs with dogs that have been severely neglected or in some cases, abused. This can also be dangerous and sometimes fatal if no action is taken immediately. However, this behavior is preventable if owners avoid being neglectful or abusive to their dogs.

Vocalizations
Barks
Dogs bark for many reasons, such as when perceived intruders (humans, dogs, or other animals unknown to them) approach their living space, when hearing an unfamiliar or unidentified noise, when seeing something that the dog doesn't expect to be there, or when playing. Barking also expresses different emotions for a dog, such as loneliness, fear, suspicion, stress, and pleasure. Playful or excited barks are often short and sharp, such as when a dog is attempting to get a person or another dog to play.

Dogs generally try to avoid conflict; their vocalizations are part of what allows other dogs to tune into their emotions, i.e., whether they're aggressive or are in a playful mood.

The bark of a distressed or stressed dog is high pitched and repetitive; it tends to get higher in pitch as the dog becomes more upset. For example, a dog left home alone and who has separation anxiety might bark in such a way.

Some breeds of dogs have been bred to bark when chasing, such as scent hounds whose handlers use the bark to follow the dog if it has run out of sight. Coonhounds and Bloodhounds are good examples. This kind of barking is often called "singing" as the sound is longer and more tonal.

Some research has suggested that dogs have separate barks for different animals, including dog, fox, deer, human, squirrel and cat.

Growls
Growls can express aggression, a desire to play, or simply that the dog doesn't want to participate in what's about to happen next (being picked up for example). For this reason, most pet owners have been urged to treat growls with special attention. This includes always considering the context of a growl, and exercise caution. If the threat is very serious, the dog will usually start off with a very low toned but strong growl and then if the threat isn't being heeded the tone of the growl gets progressively higher in tone.


Howls
Howling may provide long-range communication with other dogs or owners. Howling can be used to locate another pack member, to keep strangers away, or to call the pack for hunting. Some dogs howl when they have separation anxiety.


Whines
Whining is a high-pitched vocalization, often produced nasally with the mouth closed. A dog may whine when it wants something (such as food), wants to go outside (possibly to 'go to the bathroom'), wants to be let off the leash (possibly to greet another dog or a person), or just wants attention. A very insistent dog may add a bark at the end of a whine, in a whine-bark, whine-bark pattern.


Whimpers
A whimper or a yelp often indicates the dog is in pain. This is often heard when dogs play-fight if one dog bites the other dog too hard. The whimper or yelp is used only when the dog intends to communicate its distress to a pack member (or human) to whom they are submissive or friendly, and the other dog or human is expected to react positively to the communication; dogs engaged in serious fights do not whimper, as this indicates weakness. Dogs also whimper when they are physically abused or neglected by people. Whimpers are often associated with the lowering of the tail between the legs. Whimpers can also indicate strong excitement when a dog is lonely and is suddenly met with affection, such as when a dog is left alone in a house during the day and its owner comes through the door late at night. Such whimpering is often accompanied by licking, jumping, and barking. Whimpering is distinct from barking in that it is softer, higher pitched, and lower volume.

728x90 Thundershirt.com banner

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Born To Run


My clients on their outings done to Born To Run by Bruce Springstein.

728x90 Thundershirt.com banner

Friday, October 12, 2012

Tasty Turkey Cookies - Dog Treats


Ingredients:
  • 3/4 cup butter or margarine
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup chopped turkey bacon
  • 2 cups coarsely crushed bran flakes cereal
Directions:
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and honey. Beat in the eggs, vanilla, and baking soda. Add the oats and flour; mix well. Fold in bacon. Gently fold in the cereal. Drop by a tablespoon, about 2 inches apart, onto greased baking sheets. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven until lightly browned, 15-20 minutes. Let the cookies stand on the sheets 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.







728x90 Thundershirt.com banner

Is Puppy Training Necessary?




I believe puppy training or behavior training should be mandatory when getting a puppy or rescuing a dog from a shelter; especially if you have never owned a dog.

Sadly, to many people get a puppy on impulse.  They just couldn't resist the cute puppy in the pet store; they take their cute bundle of fluff home with little knowledge of how much responsibility they have just taken on.

First, there is Potty Training. Potty training comes easy to some puppies and harder for others. Potty training should start the day you bring your puppy home.

In general puppies have to go potty 1 hour for each month they are.  A 2 month (8 week) old puppy needs to go to potty every 11/2-2 hours during the day and about 2 to 3 times during the night. A 4 month old puppy needs to go about every 3-4 hours during the day and should be sleeping through the night.

Second, is biting, chewing, nipping and jumping.  We have to teach our puppies what they can chew on  and what they can't.  Everything to your puppy is a toy or something to eat. It's so important to puppy proof your home as you would for a baby and to teach you puppy what they can and cannot play with.

Do you have a large or a small breed? If you have a large breed dog, DO NOT treat them like they are a small breed dog. If you don't want share your sofa with a 120 lbs dog, then don't let the 10 lbs puppy on the couch.

It's your responsibility to teach your puppy good manners, proper behavior and to respond to commands the first time you speak.  This is what a training/behavior classes teaches you.

So many puppies are given to shelters and rescues centers between the ages of 7 months to 1 year because of bad behaviors; 99% of the time it's due to lack of training for both the owner and the dog.

There are far to many dogs that are in shelters and abused because of lack of knowledge.  Before getting a puppy or a dog, research the breed; make sure the breed is the right fit for your family. Far to many times we pick our dogs on looks alone. This is a critical error and you should never pick your dog on looks alone.

Different breeds are bred for different jobs.  If you are a couch potato and do not enjoy really long walks, a Husky would defiantly be the wrong choice.  If you are really active and enjoy running and biking, a Bull Mastiff or Great Dane would not be a good choice for you; a Husky or a hunting breed like a German Pointer or Doberman Pincer would be a better fit for your lifestyle. Click here to read about different breeds of dogs.

Remember a dog is a part of your family, make sure you pick the right dog for your families wants and needs.

Also, make sure to sign up for a training class; either private or a group class.  Training is more about teaching you to teach your dog.


728x90 Thundershirt.com banner

What Breed Should I Get?

When you have decided to get a dog or puppy first ask yourself what you want your dog for; is it a family pet, a companion, for outdoor activities. I would recommend making a list of the traits you would like to see in your do and what you want to do with your dog. Next research the different breeds and find the one that will best fit into your lifestyle.

Please see below a list of the most popular breeds, click on the name to see a summary, their history and if the breed right for you.

Please post any questions you may have regarding breeds of dogs and what may be a good recommendation for you.
I will be updating this list regularly; If you don't see the breed you were looking for, let me know and I will get you the information.

Labrador Retriever
German Shepard
Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)
Beagle
Golden Retriever
Boxer
English Bulldog
Dachshund
Poodle (Standard)
Shih Tzu
Miniature Schnauzer
Chihuahua
Rottweiler
Pomeranian
Doberman Pinscher
Pug
Shetland Sheepdog
Maltese
Australian Shepherd
Basset Hound
Bichon Frise
Boston Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chesapeake Bay Retrieve
Chinese Shar-Pei
Cocker Spaniel
Collie
English Springer Spaniel
Great Dane
Havanese
Jack Russell Terrier
Lhasa Apso
Mastiff
Miniature Pinscher
Papillon
Pekingese
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Saint Bernard
Siberian Husky
Weimaraner
West Highland White Terrier
Pointer(German Short haired)


 
         728x90 Thundershirt.com banner

CPR For Your Dog

Learning CPR for Dogs can save your pets life one day.





-->

Friday, October 5, 2012

Are Dogs Color Blind?

For many years it was thought that dogs were completely color blind and could only see black and white. A few years ago, studies confirmed that dogs, are not able to see the full color spectrum as humans; but are able to see limited colors. Dogs have a red-green color deficiency known as Protanopia. With Protanopia, the eye lacks the long-wavelength sensitive retinal cones making it impossible to differentiate between the green-yellow-red section of the color spectrum.


For the protanope, the brightness of red, orange, and yellow is much reduced compared to normal. This dimming can be so pronounced that reds may be confused with black or dark gray, and red traffic lights may appear to be extinguished. They may learn to distinguish reds from yellows and from greens primarily on the basis of their apparent brightness or lightness, not on any perceptible hue difference. – from Wikipedia

How our dogs see the world

How dogs and humans see colors

728x90 Thundershirt.com banner

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Kitty Condos and Canines in Cargo – What’s the Best Option For Your Pet?



Welcome to the October 4, 2012 edition of Diamond Dog Training.

Kitty Condos and Canines in Cargo – What’s the Best Option For Your "Going on vacation? Whether you're bringing your pet along or have to leave it behind, plan ahead to ensure your furry friend is well cared for. 


Here are our pet travel tips!"


Kitty Condos and Canines in Cargo – What’s the Best Option For Your Pet?

BY  ON APRIL 14, 2012 · 0 COMMENTS
Nothing beats looking forward to a vacation – except, of course, going on one. But when you have a pet, you can’t just book the first travel deal that pops up in your inbox. Deciding whether to bring your pet or leave them behind requires diligent research, and probably involves some nail-biting as well. The good news is that, according to the Department of Transportation, lost pets, pet injuries and deaths all declined in 2011. But whether or not you bring your furry friend along, taking a trip requires advance planning and preparation to make sure your animal companion enjoys itself during your vacation as much as possible.

Leaving Your Pet Behind

Your cat probably won’t even notice you’re gone, while leaving might break your dog’s heart. Either way, they’ll appreciate being taken care of in your absence.
Kennel
If you want to give your furry friend its own vacation, consider boarding them in a kennel. Many kennels offer a suite of activities for your dog, and can customize their experience. Many urban cities have boutique kennels, but both PetSmart and Best Friends Pet Care offer kennel services in cities across the country. Prices vary depending on location, but a survey of Best Friends Pet Care locations showed kitty condos starting anywhere from $16-$21/night, and dog boarding ranging from $22-$40/night. Depending on the kennel, those fees are typically for the boarding only and do not include extra services, such as taking your pet out for exercise and attention. These services will cost you more. If it’s in your budget, this is a great way to give your furry friend their own vacation while you’re away.
Pet-Sitter
If boarding your pet in a kennel is out of your price range, consider asking a trusted friend who is familiar with your pet to look after them for you. Or, ask your friends that love animals. They may be very eager to get to have a pet for a weekend. But remember that not everyone, especially those who rent, are allowed to have pets in their own home. Also be sure to compensate them for their time and effort!

Taking Your Pet With You

If you’re unable or unwilling to leave your pet grounded while you travel you still have options for getting them safely to your destination.
Use a Pet Airline?
Until recently, if you were traveling between Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, upstate New York, Omaha or Phoenix, you could send your pet on their very own flight! Pet Airways promised to transport your pet in their main cabin, with a dedicated staff to look after your pet. They even transported a pig all the way from Florida to New York. Unfortunately, due to financial troubles, Pet Airways has been grounded since December. Until they’re back in the air, bringing your pet on the plane is your only in-flight option
Bring Your Pet on the Plane
Probably the most dreaded of all vacation options, due to horror stories of pets being lost, getting injured, falling ill, or even dying while being transported. That’s actually less of an issue than it used to be, however, and navigating the landscape of fees and restrictions will likely be your greatest source of stress. Depending on the airline and the size of your dog, you could pay as little as $75 or as much as $349 each way to travel with your pet. Unfortunately, because airline weight restrictions include both the weight of the carrier and the animal, only the smallest of pets are generally allowed in lieu of a carry on. But even if you have to place yourpet with checked baggage or even in cargo, rest assured your animal will be placed in a special pressurized and climate-controlled area, just like in the main cabin.
Choosing your airline based on seat prices one option, as well as considering the reputation of the airline, with regards pet travel. Both Delta and Frontier also have reputations for being pet-friendly airlines. Continental (now United) has an award winning pet carrier program called PetSafe, although unfortunately they don’t carry certain breeds of dogs, such as mastiffs or pitbulls. JetBlue allows you earn reward points when you bring your pet as a carry-on. Earlier this week Alaska Airlines announced a partnership with Banfield Pet Hospital to help passengers ensure that their pets are safe and healthy for travel.
Going on vacation should be a stress-free as possible, for both you and your animal companion. Whether they remain grounded or join you in the air, you should educate yourself about your available options before booking tickets. There is a lot to consider, including a wide range of fees, but the NerdWallet travel tool can help you figure out which course of action will be the best for both you and furry friend.


728x90 Thundershirt.com banner

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Ring a Bell To Go Outside - Potty Training

You can teach your puppy to ring a bell when he needs to go outside to go potty. This trick is easiest taught to puppies being house-trained.


Winston and his Wee Wee Bells
Instructions:Hang a bell from a doorknob at a height your dog can easily reach it. Dab a little peanut butter on the inside of the bell and encourage your puppy to explore it by wiggling it and saying "BELL, get it". The instant your puppy causes the bell to ring, praise and give reward from your hand.
Don't replenish the peanut butter, as there is probably a race amount still on the bell. Point to the bell again, the instant your puppy makes it ring again, praise and reward. Repeat this process several times. If your puppy becomes confused, put some more peanut butter inside the bell.
Get your puppy's lease and get her excited to go for a walk. top at the door with the bell and encourage him to ring it. This may take a while but the instant he touches the bell, immediately open the door and take him outside. With this trick, the reward is going outside instead of a treat, so be sure to introduce this concept early on.

What to Expect:The more responsive you are to the bells in the beginning, the quicker your puppy will learn this trick. Most puppies will start ringing the bell on their own within a week.

Get your WEE WEE Bells here; Handmade, hand painted.
Handmade, hand painted - Only $14.99
Add your pets name for $5.00 more


Purple
Green

Red

Select Option
Enter your dogs name here:


Plants, Gardens & Your Pets

The most commonly used lawn care products are of fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. When applied according to package instructions or by a qualified lawn care service most of these products are not harmful. Pets are primarily poisoned by contact with concentrated products. This may occur from inappropriate storage, failure to read package instructions, or by intentionally using more product than needed. Dogs are especially good at finding poorly stored containers, chewing them up and drinking the contents. Pet owners should be especially vigilant when using insecticides as these tend to have a higher degree of toxicity.

Dogs may be exposed by digging up treated earth, chewing on pellets, or rooting around ant mounds shortly after insecticides are applied.

Many pets chew on plants in the yard and garden. Fortunately for dogs, who for some unknown reason seem to enjoy eating grass and then vomiting, most grasses are non-toxic. Holiday ornamental plants such as poinsettias and Easter lily are often put outside for the summer. Ingestion of poinsettia stems and leaves may cause some mild gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting but is not deadly. Ingestion of all parts of the Easter lily causes depression, vomiting and diarrhea in cats. Left untreated most cats die of kidney failure. Tulips (bulbs), Lily of the valley and azaleas are all springtime plants that can be deadly to pets if ingested in large enough quantities. Dogs should be watched carefully when these plants are being cared for.

Most lawn seed and Mulch products are generally not associated with toxic problems in pets. Cacoa bean mulch is perhaps the only product known to cause poisoning in dogs. This mulch is made from the hulls of cacoa beans and when fresh has a rich, chocolate aroma associated with it. Some larger breed dogs have actually eaten several pounds of the mulch, more than enough to develop poisoning associated with the chocolate remnants. These over eager dogs should be kept away from the mulch until the aroma has dissipated. Generally a heavy rainfall or thorough watering is all that is required.

As you work outside be sure to take an extra moment or two to protect your pets. Read all package instructions carefully before any applying products to your lawn or garden. Be sure not only that it is safe to use around your pets but that you are mixing or applying it correctly. Check with your local garden center about the safety of plants you are putting in your garden. Finally, be sure to close the top tightly on all containers and put them in an area where your pets do not have access to them.

With a little careful planning, you and your pet can enjoy a safe and relaxing garden environment. Whether you're planning a large garden to feed the family or decorating a small space with hanging baskets and containers, here are a few factors to be considered.

Plant Selection

Plants and flowers are nature's attention getters. Their fragrance, appearance, and cool shade they create are natural attractants for you and your pet. Curiosity often leads pets to consume the flowers and foliage of ornamental plants, which can produce irritating and sometimes life threatening side effects.


Plants for a Sunny Location
If the location of your garden, gives you 4 or more hours of direct sunlight, a day, you have a long list, of annuals and perennials from which to choose. Annuals grow from seed and last one growing season. They are good choices for fast, instant color impact. Garden and discount centers will offer a wide variety of annual plants at economical prices. Perennials return year after year from growth at the roots, they are a little more expensive, but do not need to be planted every growing season. Most gardeners have their favourites and mix both types for the longest possible color show. Safe choices for sunny locations include:

Annuals
  Zinnia (Zinnia sp.)
  Snapdragons (Antirrhinum sp.)
  Cosmos (Cosmos sp.)
  Calendula (Callendula sp.)
  Petunia (Petunia sp.)

Perennial
  Bee Balm (Monarda sp.)
  Phlox (Phlox sp.)
  Roses (Rose sp.)
  Catmint/catnip (Nepeta sp.)
  Coneflowers (Echinacea purpura)

Plants for Partial Sun

If your garden receives less than 4 hours of direct sunlight a day, the following list of non-toxic annuals and perennials requires less sunlight.

Annuals
  Primrose(Primula sp.)
  Butterfly flower(Schianthus sp.)
  Spider flower (Cleome sp.)
  Nasturtium (Tropaeolum sp.)

Perennials
  Columbine(Aquilegia sp.)
  Coral Bells (Heuchera sp.)
  Turf Lilly (Liriope sp.)
  Goat's Beard (Aruncus dioicus)

Shade GardensA shade garden receives little to no direct sunlight, although the sun may filter through the trees for dappled light. Plant selection for these areas may include the following:

Annuals
  Begonia (Begonia sp.)
  Impatiens (Impatiens sp.)
  New Guinea Impatiens
  Violet (Viola sp.)
  Coleus (Coleus sp.)

Perennials
  Bugbane (Cimifuga racemosa)
  Yellow Corydalis (Corydalis lutea)
  Astilbe (Astilbe sp.)
  Queen of the Meadow (Filipendula ulmaria)

Vegetable GardensIf you're interest is vegetables, you'll need 4 or more hours of full sun for most plants. Keeping your pet out of the vegetable garden may be your biggest task, especially when plants are young and fragile. Some clearly visible fencing may help. Avoid hardware cloth as pets can become entangled. Motion detector sprinkler systems can be useful in keeping pets and wildlife out of newly planted areas, and are not harmful. Most vegetable plants do not pose toxicity problems with a few exceptions. Onions, chives and garlic, which a lot of pets do like, contain compounds that, if ingested, can cause anemia. The leafy part of the potato plant, and the green part of the potato skin contain compounds that are toxic if eaten in sufficient quantities. Fruits also contain toxic chemicals in their seeds/pits. Apple, plum, cherry, apricot and peach seeds/pits contain cyanide, which can cause fatal seizures.

10 Harmful Plants

The following is a list of plants that is best to avoid altogether due to their toxic nature. It is not a comprehensive list, if you are considering any plant of which you are unsure; consult your local plant nursery.

Oleander (Nerium oleander)
Castor bean (Ricinus communis)













Morning Glory (Ipomea sp.)











Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata)














Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans)













Jerusalem Cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum)








  





Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)










Nightshade (Atropa belladonna)














Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)














Precatory Beans (Arbus precatorius)










Lawn and Garden ChemicalsIt is very easy to reach for a chemical pesticide, fertilizer or fungicide when faced with a problem in the lawn or garden. Fortunately for the average home gardener, safer alternatives are available for most commonly encountered problems, reducing the risk of a toxic exposure for your pet. You would not think that your pet would have any reason to consume these products but sadly they do, either intentionally or inadvertently and these types of poisonings are all too common. Remember before applying any product to your lawn, vegetables, or ornamental plants to read the label and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Many of these products are designed to persist in the environment days to weeks after application, so a pet can have an exposure days to weeks after initial application.

Alternatives to Chemical PesticidesIf you notice damaging insects on your plants such as aphids, spider mites or thrips, these insects can be eliminated or reduced by a simple spray of water. These soft-bodied insects are easily dislodged. Adjust the nozzle of your hose so a firm spray will not harm your plants and wash them away. If you have only a few plants, use a good stream of water from your watering can and a little hand washing. It may take a day or two but an infestation can be cleared by no more than a good shower!

Soap and WaterIf your insect problem is more serious, add a teaspoon of dish soap to a gallon of water and use it in a garden sprayer. The soap is an irritant to a lot of insects and can help break down the protective barriers of their external skeleton. There are commercial insecticidal soaps available that are less toxic than most chemical alternatives.

CompostThe "black gold" of the garden, recycled kitchen and yard waste can be combined to produce the best garden fertilizer at no cost and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. It can be applied to the lawn and garden twice a year and it will replace the essential nutrients that growing plants and grasses require.


And Don't Forget
Sometimes we forget the simplest things! Put your pets inside when mowing the lawn. A lawn mower can make a projectile out of a stick or rock that can injure your pet. Paint your garden tools a bright color such as red or yellow so you can see them out in the yard. Many pets step or trip on sharp garden implements. Store your chemicals out of reach and in their original containers. Don't assume your pet will not be interested in consuming these products. If there is a toxic exposure or consumption, call your veterinarian immediately with the information from the product label. Keep your pets inside when applying any chemicals to the lawn or garden. With a little planning you and your pet can enjoy a safe and beautiful garden..

written by: Marcia Murray-Stoof

728x90 Thundershirt.com banner

Solution for Dog Anxiety

468x60 Thundershirt.com banner

My Headlines