Loss and Mourning

A good friend of mine dropped by the store on his way home to tell me he had to euthanize his companion of over 10 years. I was reminded of when I had to have Talbot euthanized. It was the best thing I could have done for him, but that didn't make it any easier. The same was true for Joe: an undiagnosed problem made it the most humane course of action.

I've been thinking for a while about doing an entry discussing the comment that "it's just a dog." Yes, they are just dogs, but what does that actually mean? Dogs are not automatons that are totally motivated by self-preservation and species-preservation with no thoughts or feelings, but they are not furry little children either. But I don't have all my thoughts collected right now, so it will have to come later.

Right now, I'm just going to mourn the loss of Joe, Talbot, Josette, Henry, Max, Malikai, Smoke, and all the other dogs that have touched my life.

http://www.theotherendoftheleash.com/category/death-of-a-pet/

Dominance in domestic dogs - useful construct or bad habit

Dominance in domestic dogs - useful construct or bad habit

I'm starting to feel like I'm on a crusade against dominance theory and the "alpha dog" misconception. However, I believe it has permeated people's thinking to the point that it bares repeating.

I was surprised I hadn't mentioned this study, published last May in The Journal of Veterinary Behavior, but such is my schedule. The paper argues and research shows that dominance is not a motivating factor, but an aspect of the relationship between two individuals.

The first link is to the website and page where a copy of the paper is available. The second link is to the actual study.

http://www.pawsoflife.org/K9trainlib.html
http://www.pawsoflife.org/pdf/Library%20articles/Bradshaw%202009.pdf

Training Techniques

There are two links at the bottom of this entry to a couple of articles written by Lisa Mullinax, CPDT. Although they are personal opinion, I believe her to be very rational, insightful, and her opinions backed up by experience and research.

I'm not one that usually comes out against a particular person and I can usually find and try to say something nice about everyone. I do believe the techniques Mullinax is arguing against need close scrutiny and pet owners should find more resources than a popular tv show to train their dog/s, particularly when so many experienced trainers and organizations have come out against those techniques.

The second article is in response to comments made about the first article. They are comments I constantly see on boards which Millinax does an excellent job of countering, explaining, and dispelling.

I don't want to be a person that just says "Don't do that" or "You're doing it wrong." So again, I'll mention a few of my favorite trainers/behaviorists to go along with the suggestions by Mullinax: Ian Dunbar, Patricia McConnell, Victoria Stillwell, Karen Pryor, Sarah Kalnajs. All of these trainers are published writers (Mudd Puppies carries some of their books), and their websites can be found on my dog links page.

Finally, the links to the articles:
http://www.4pawsu.com/dogpsychology.htm
http://www.4pawsu.com/cesarfans.htm

Puppies for X-mas

Dogs go through several changes in the first few months of life known as sensitive periods. The stimuli they are exposed to during these times can have a lasting effect on a dog and should be considered when bringing a new puppy into the home. I want to speak a little on what is known as the "fear" period because it coincides with the 8 week time period puppies are usually adopted.

During this sensitive period the puppies will form attachments to places, people, and other animals. It is necessary that the puppies have contact with other dogs during this period so socialization can occur with their own species. Puppies exposed to other stimuli, including other species and places, between the fifth and ninth week have the fewest problems later in life relating to those species or similar situations. It is imperative that herding and guarding puppies be exposed to the animals they will be interacting with later in life for proper socialization to occur with the livestock. As little as 20 minutes of interaction a day between the fourth and twelfth may be all that is necessary for this inter-species socialization to occur and has been shown to be the optimal period for dogs to become socialized to humans. However, the more concentrated the interaction, the better the effect.

Stimulation, or lack thereof, at this point will have a very strong influence on later behavior which can be difficult, if not impossible to change or modify later. During this period, aversive stimuli can have a lasting effect.

Because X-mas is such an excitable time, a new puppy can become withdrawn or fearful. However, to socialize a new puppy with their new family, it is a good idea to have a few days off to spend time with him.

If you want to give a puppy as a gift, I suggest giving the recipient a leash and collar as a gift, or perhaps a card with something written on it to the effect of "valid for one new puppy." Then, perhaps the rest of the day can be spent placing the dog bed, kennel, dishes etc. After X-mas, when things have settled down a little, the new puppy can be picked up. As most people get the week between X-mas and New Year off, this is an ideal bonding time as well.

For more information on sensitive periods in dogs, see:

Canine Behavior: A Guide for Veterinarians (1999) by Bonnie Beaver

How Dogs Think: Understanding the Canine Mind (2004) by Stanely Coren

The Art of Raising a Puppy (1991) by The Monks of New Skete

The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behaviour and Interactions with People (2007) by James Serpell