Veteran’s Day for our canine soldiers

Top Ten Tuesday is pre-empted this week so we can bring you this special Veteran’s Day post.

We all know that many dogs serve with our military forces, sniffing out bombs and walking guard posts, among other important tasks.  But what happens when a dog is forced into retirement?  Statistics from 2006 show that 281 retired war dogs were adopted, 74 were waiting to be adopted, and 116 were euthanized.

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Has Your Dog Ever Cheated On You?

You love your dog.  Your dog loves you…until someone better comes along.  Has your dog ever, well, dogged you?  Mine sure has!  Kayla absolutely LOVES my friend Wendy.  Probably because Wendy lets her kiss her right on the mouth, which I don’t, but it’s amazing to see the effect this woman has on Kayla!  I’ve even seen Kayla walk away from her food dish when she sees Wendy’s truck pull up outside.

Any other time, I am Kayla’s favorite.  She spends most of her time on my lap, or at least right next to me.  But when Wendy shows up, she acts as if she’s never seen me before. 

Animal behaviorists say it’s really not all that uncommon, nor is it hard to figure out.  This is kind of the dog’s version of “the grass is always greener”.  Some dogs are looking for a home with only 1 pet, rather than their current home which may have many pets and children competing for your attention.  Others prefer the neighbor’s treats, food selection, or even toys.

So what can you do?  In my case, I just content myself with the cat that can’t do without me, and wait until Wendy leaves so Kayla will be mine again.  But, if you are really worried about it, try taking the time to bond more closely with your dog. 

Veterinarian and applied animal behaviorist Sophia Yin from San Francisco Veterinary Specialists recommends the following exercise:  Put the leash on your dog and show him that he can get anything he wants, but only if he sits and focuses on you.  When he does so, pet him and praise him for abour five seconds, then stop.  Next time he sits and focuses on you, throw a frisbee or a tennis ball for him a few times.  Teach him how much fun you are to be around. 

Once he figures out the game, invite your rival over.  When the dog sits and focuses on you, he gets your attention.  When he doesn’t, he is still on the leash, so you can keep him from going to see the other person.  When he becomes consistent in coming to you to fulfill his needs, then you can allow him to see his other person again.

Until next time,

Good day, and good dog!

Dog Lessons for People

Enjoy the simple pleasures of a walk.

Follow your instincts.

Never underestimate the value of a belly rub.

Be loyal and faithful.

Always drink plenty of water.

Sometimes it is best to just sit close and listen.

Be quick to forgive.

Avoid biting when a growl will do.

Keep digging until you find what you want.

Run and play daily.

Accept all of life’s treats with gratitude.

Life is short; eat often.

Love unconditionally.

Until next time,

Good day, and good dog!

Saturday Survey: What color are your dog’s eyes?

That’s right, it’s time for our Saturday Survey! This week’s topic: eyes!
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Is Your Dog Mentally Ill?

Most of us are pretty quick to realize when our dogs need medical care when the cause is physical such as a cut or a difficult birth.  But have you ever stopped to consider your dog’s mental health?  At my house, the biggest mental health issue we have is my Golden’s fear of thunderstorms.  I always know when a storm is brewing because she lands dead center on my back while I am sleeping.  (All 75 pounds of her, flying through the air and landing with a WHUMP! on top of me, making me very glad we got her.)

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In a bad economy, people are desperate to get a dog

Here’s an unexpected result of the plummeting economy:  MSNBC.com is reporting that dognapping is on the rise.  In the first five months of 2008, the AKC received reports of 30 stolen dogs, compared to only ten for all of 2007.

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Tuesday Top Ten: Dog Training Tips

Training a new puppy, or even an older dog, may be the most exasperating thing you’ve ever done, but the payoff is huge.  Properly trained, your dog will be safer, more lovable, and able to handle visits from friends, and your home will be intact!  So, here are our top ten training tips to make your and your dog’s lives more enjoyable!  (Incidentally, these tips work equally well with your children, but we can’t vouch for how they will work on your spouse.)

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Laika- A Dog, Our First Astronaut

51 years ago today Russia launched Sputnik II, with a very special ‘pilot’. Laika was the first mammal to ever orbit our planet. Sadly, she passed away upon re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere in 1958. Cruelty or Hero? There isn’t a wrong opinion. This was 1958, a different way of life, a different set of values.

What’s important is now, in 2008 we remember Laika. This flight changed the world and paved the way to a new age of exploration and discovery thanks to a special four-legged hero.

Doggy Doesn’t Let Meat into Taiwan

Doggy, a 4-year old mixed breed, is one of 27 sniffer dogs who work at Taiwan’s International Airports.  First trained to assist the elderly, Doggy soon proved to have the high energy and high food drive required for success in the sniffer dog program. 

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Survey Saturday: Favorite TV Cartoon Dog

Television has a rich history of some pretty notorious cartoon dogs.  Which one is your favorite?

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