Misreading Dogs by Nicole Wilde

Nicole Wilde has another great blog post, located here, about misreading dogs' attempts to communicate and being our own dog's advocate.

Breeding - Bulldogs

Can The Bulldog Be Saved? is a thought-provoking article about the future and fate of the bulldog as a breed.  There are also other breeds that are in a similar state.  I think that there are a number of breeds that have been bred beyond the point where they can be healthy (either in the sense of physical health, or the sense of behavioural health, or both).  By our design, we have created dogs that have trouble breathing, overheat too easily, have hereditary diseases, and can't mate or give birth, among other problems.  And temperamentally, there are many breeds that are known to be genetically fearful.  I hope that the bulldog, and the other dog breeds that we have designed into disaster, can be saved.

The importance of puppies staying in their litter until at least 8 weeks of age

Puppies prematurely separated from their litters can develop behavioural problems in adulthood.  It is important that puppies stay with their litters until at least 8 weeks of age -- they gain so much from the socialization that being with their dam and littermates provides.  It is also extremely beneficial that the breeder (whoever that may be) provide as much other socialization as possible -- exposing the puppies to the sights, sounds and experiences of the human world makes the puppies more resilient and behaviourally healthy.  Remember that the socialization window closes somewhere around 12 to 16 weeks, so there is a lot to do in a short amount of time.

Some of the behavioural problems that this study found in pups prematurely separated from their litters include:

• destructiveness,
• excessive barking, 
• possessiveness around food and/or toys, 
• attention seeking, 
• aggressiveness, 
• play biting, 
• fearfulness on walks, and 
• reactivity to noises. 

Of course, some of these issues will have had multiple causes, but it is significant that the study found that they were more far more frequently noted in pups that were separated from their litter prior to 8 weeks of age.

So staying with the dam and rest of the litter is important, as is proper socialization while they are together.  Then once you get your puppy, you've got to continue socializing!

Happy Thanksgiving to any Americans who stop by!

Here is a good, short article about how to keep your dogs happy this coming weekend, with all the hustle and bustle.  And here is another that talks about keeping your dog safe on holidays like Thanksgiving.  Hope you have a great weekend, whether you're in the US celebrating, or anywhere else!

Is there a genetic component to separation anxiety?

Nicole Wilde has an interesting blog post on this topic.  As she points out, there are many different causes that can contribute to separation anxiety, but I think there's something to the idea that separation anxiety could be genetic.  I think that anxiety of all types and fearfulness have a genetic component, in humans and in canines.  The causes are undeniably complex, but the role that genes play in the condition can't be ignored.

Is your dog smarter than a two-year old?

Alexandra Horowitz explores this question in her NY Times article, here.

Socialization - The Magic Pill for Puppies

Dr. Lisa Radosta has a great blog post about socialization for puppies here.

Tips for Colder Weather - Part Two

Here is Part Two of my series about keeping pets safe in colder weather.  Part Three will be a post about keeping pets safe around the holidays.

1.  Don't shave your pet in the winter.  They need their coats to stay warm!

2.  If your pet gets cold despite having a full coat (not uncommon), consider using a coat or sweater.  Not all animals like to wear clothing, so it's important to get them used to it gradually.  Put on the coat, give them a treat, and take it off.  Gradually increase the length of time your pet is wearing the coat, and always pair it with something particularly yummy, to create a good association -- putting on the coat predicts a delicious treat!

3.  Consider booties for your dog to protect his or her feet from snow and ice.  As with coats, make sure to gradually get your dog used to wearing them.

4.  Sick or older pets are particularly sensitive to the cold.  Make sure they are only outside when absolutely necessary, and provide them with warm, comfy places to sleep.

5.  De-icing and ice melting products can be toxic.  Be sure to keep them sealed and out of the reach of your pets.

6.  Vehicles can act as a refrigerator in cold weather by holding the cold inside.  Be very cautious about leaving your pets in your vehicle during cold weather.

7.  Pets can lose scent in snow and ice and get lost -- make sure your pet has identification, such as tags and a tattoo and/or microchip so that if he or she gets lost, it is easier for them to be reunited with you.

8.  If your pet is out in the cold and starts to shiver or shake, get them back into a warm sheltered place immediately.  If you suspect hypothermia, contact your vet immediately.

9.  Beware of frozen lakes and ponds -- they are not always frozen all the way through, and pets can fall through the ice.

10.  Arthritis is worse in cold and damp weather, so if you suspect your pet has arthritis, see your vet.  Take special care to handle a pet with arthritis (or suspected arthritis) gently, avoid icy walks, provide soft and warm bedding, and give any medications that your vet prescribes.

11.  Be careful of having portable heaters -- they can be a hazard.  Pets can burn themselves or knock the heaters over, risking a fire.

12.  Dogs should not be riding unsecured in the backs of pickup trucks at the best of times -- it is unsafe and is often contrary to local laws.  In colder weather, it is particularly dangerous, due to the possibility of wind chill and the slippery conditions in the bed of the truck.  And think about how you would feel, standing on cold metal in the cold!

Keep your pets safe and warm and healthy during the colder weather;  they are part of the family!

Socialization - can my dog meet yours?

Socialization is about so much more than your dog getting to meet other dogs.  That's part of it, but the bigger picture is that socialization is about getting your pup comfortable with all the sights, sounds, and experiences of the human world in which we expect that pup to live.

I could write a novel about socialization (just ask the folks in my puppy classes!), and I will -- just not today.  I did want to pass along a great article about socialization, though.  Jennifer Shryock talks about some of the specifics to consider when you are introducing your dog (especially your puppy) to other dogs.  Your pup does not need to meet every single other dog they ever encounter -- this can be a recipe for disaster, in fact.  Thoughtful introductions to other dogs and pups that you know (medically and behaviourally) make for good socialization.

It is critically important that all socialization experiences (whether your dog is meeting another dog, or a new person, or walking across a grate on the sidewalk, or hearing thunder for the first time, etc.) be positive.  Think carefully about how you introduce your dog or pup to new experiences, and your dog will benefit enormously.

Body language and knowing your own dog

Here is a good blog post by Stacy Braslau-Schneck about body language in dogs.  One point she makes that I think is worth repeating and emphasizing is that it is so important to know your own dog.  That is, know how your dog normally carries his or her ears and tail, what a relaxed posture looks like, et cetera.  By becoming familiar with how your dog looks when comfortable and relaxed, you can learn to read the signs that your dog gives to say that he or she is becoming apprehensive or stressed.  When you see changes from that relaxed and comfortable state, you can ask yourself what is going on in the environment that might be bothering your dog, and look for ways to make him or her feel better.

Tips for Colder Weather - Part One

It's that time of year when the weather starts to get colder, the snow may be starting to fall, and our animals need us to make sure they are safe.  Here is the first part of a series of posts with some tips for the colder weather that seems to have already arrived!

1.  Dogs and cats belong indoors with the family, in my opinion.  This is true all year, but especially during colder weather.  Although they have fur coats, most dogs and cats are not able to keep themselves at a comfortable and safe temperature when left out in the elements.  If it's too cold out for you to be comfortable outside without a big coat, don't leave your pets outside!

2.  Pets need more calories in the winter to ward off the cold.  Increase your pet's food ration accordingly, especially if your pet engages in a lot of outdoor activities.

3.  Pets also need access to fresh and unfrozen water, which can be a challenge this time of year.  Check your pet's water dish twice a day to make sure that the water isn't frozen.  And if you must have your pets outside (which I don't recommend), a heated water dish is a must.

4.  If there is deep snow (and deep is defined by your dog's size), consider shoveling out a potty area for your dog to use.  Think of how awful it would be to have to potty in the snow up to your...ahem...potty parts.  :)

5.  Antifreeze is a chemical that tastes sweet to animals, so be sure that there are no puddles or drops of it around your driveway or garage.  They are likely to ingest it, and this can be fatal.

6.  The salt and other chemicals that are used on our roads can be dangerous to pets.  At the very least, they can irritate the pads of their feet;  at worst, they can lick it off, which can cause digestive upset (or even worse).

7.  Cats and wildlife often will take refuge in and around warm engines.  If you keep your vehicle outside, make sure you bang on the hood before starting it, to make sure there are no animals trying to keep warm inside.

8.  Puppies are particularly vulnerable to the cold, and they might not be able to relieve themselves outdoors in the winter.  Make sure your pups (or kittens) are only outside with you, so you can monitor how they are coping with the cold and the weather conditions.  And if your pup doesn't tolerate the cold or the weather conditions, consider potty training indoors until spring.

9.  Remember that tile and uncarpeted areas can get quite cold, as can basements.  Help your pet out by providing a warm place to sleep -- blankets and beds are very cozy.  Also make sure that they are out of the way of drafts.

10.  If your dog has to spend time outside, make sure he or she has proper shelter from the weather and the cold.  You can do this by getting a dog house that is big enough to stand up in, and that allows the dog to stretch out and turn around.  You want the house to be the proper size so that the body heat of the dog will be retained in the structure, so don't get one that is too oversized.  Dog houses should have a wind flap on the door and non-porous bedding such as straw to help them keep warm.  But remember that dogs are social animals and are much happier in the house with the family!

I will post some further tips for the season in a couple of days.  Yes, really, I will!  Keep your pets safe this winter, and remember that if it's too cold for you, it's too cold for your pets.