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.