Does thunder or fireworks scare your dog?

It's unsettling when your dog has a fear of thunder, fireworks or other loud and sudden noises. Dogs often express their fear in destructive behavior, barking, cowering, and throwing various fits.

There are two mistakes we often make which only make the situation worse:

1. Never reprimand or punish the dog for being afraid - He will only become more frightened.

2. Never verbally or physically try to reassure or comfort the dog when he is acting fearful - If you stroke, cradle or hug your dog while saying things like, 'Oh poor baby, it's OK, there's nothing to be afraid of,' the dog doesn't understand your words, but he does understand that he is receiving a gentle, soothing reward by your actions and tone of voice. The dog usually concludes it is doing the right thing by acting nervous because you are so approving of it.

Sometimes simply stopping the unintentional reward stops the fearful behavior. But until the dog is over his fears, it is best to confine him to a place where he can't hurt himself or completely destroy your property. A crate is ideal. Accustom the dog to his special place so that he feels comfortable and secure there. Don't wait until the storm has arrived to introduce your dog to his 'safe haven.'

Below are two methods to help your dog to overcome his fear of thunder, fireworks and other loud noises:

Method 1 - Distraction Training And Fear

Brush up on some obedience training and teach your dog a few tricks and games. It is difficult for a dog to be afraid when he is enjoying his favorite game of fetch. It is difficult to think about the thunder storm outside when he is concentrating on a quick series of Come, Sit, Heel, Sit, Shake Hands, Down, Roll Over, etc. The idea is to distract the dog from the noise. You can then shower the dog with lots of affection and attention, but for obeying a simple command of sit-shake hands, instead of for acting fearful.

The key is patience and practice. Do not wait until the night before the thunder storm or the third of July (fear of fireworks) to begin teaching your dog a few tricks. Be sure he knows them well beforehand. He will probably have trouble concentrating at first, so the better he knows the games and tricks, the easier it will be for him to perform them under pressure.

Method 2 - Desensitization And Fear

Another method of helping your dog overcome his fear is to slowly and gradually accustom him to the noises that frighten him. This can be done by making a recording of the sounds and playing it back to the dog while he is enjoying everyday life and activities. Many music stores have soundtracks of fireworks, thunder storms and rain that you can purchase. Start by playing it back at such a low volume that you can barely hear it, but the dog's keen hearing will. The dog should show no signs of fear at this volume. Gradually, over the course of weeks or months, increase the volume by tiny increments. The volume is increased so slowly that the dog hardly notices the change. Eventually he will be used to hearing the sounds at full force. If at any time, your dog shows signs of fear, decrease the volume again and proceed a little more slowly. This procedure will work more quickly if you combine it with distraction training.

Remember to praise your dog abundantly when he does the right thing!

The Use of Chew Toys in Dog Training

Many pet owners give chew-toys to their puppies, hoping that their puppies will not chew up their good shoes, table legs, couches, etc.

But unknown to them, chew-toys are the number one cause of destructive chewing.

Probably below are the common misconceptions pet owners have for giving chew-toys to their dogs:

1. It's instinctive for a puppy to chew.

Since he's going to chew on "something", it is better to give him a chew-toy and not our new shoes.

It is the instinctive nature for a puppy to chew. As humans, we will instinctively pick up a new object to feel it; a puppy will investigate a new object by first smelling it, followed by chewing on the object to see if it's good for eating.

So it is unrealistic to get rid of such instinctive behavior in our dogs. However, what we can do is to modify or control this behavior by enhancing and strengthening desirable behaviors and diminishing and suppressing undesirable ones.

2. Chew-toys relieve boredom.

Often a puppy chews things because he's bored so it's better for him to chew on a nylon bone (chew-toy) when he gets bored.

But so is chewing a table leg. Think of it this way. If your dog is going to chew to relieve boredom, guess what's going to happen when he gets bored, and his chew toy is in another room, and your shoe happens to be handy?

3. Puppies need chew-toys to develop their teeth and jaws.

This is totally a misconception! By feeding a good diet to your puppy, including raw bones, your puppy will NOT need to chew nylon or rawhide to develop his teeth and jaws.

The Remedy

It is important to remember that from the time you bring your puppy home, you have to teach him not to put his teeth on anything that isn't food.

If he picks up a stick in the back yard and chews or plays with it, say nothing. However, once he is inside the house, tell him firmly to "leave it" if the item he picks up is not food. Then make sure to help him to change his focus to something else.

By doing this, we are helping the dog to suppress his instinct to chew.

Yes, your puppy will still get bored sometimes. Since nobody ever taught him to chew to relieve boredom, he will not chew to relieve his boredom.

So is there any legitimate use for toys?

Toys such as canvas dummies, bird wings, Frisbees, and especially balls, are invaluable training aids. Very often toys like a ball can be used to motivate a dog in his training routines and for bond building between you and the dog during play sessions. We must always remember that the ball is not his. It's yours. So after playing or training, always remember to take the ball away from your dog. In doing so, you are getting your dog to relate to you and not the ball. That way, the ball and the play session become a strong motivator. By leaving the ball with him all the time, your puppy would have little interest in playing with it, and you would lose your best means of motivating him.

So, there are legitimate uses for toys but certainly not for chew-toys.

Remember to praise your dog abundantly when he does the right thing!

The dog speaks without words.

How to recognize and understand a dog's body language.


Signs of confidence: erect stance (standing tall), tail up, tail wagging in a slower sweep, ears pricked up or relaxed, direct look; relaxed, smaller pupils.

Signs of fear or concern: lowered stance, tail down or tucked under, tail wagging in a quick, frantic buzz; looking away or turning head away to look so that whites of eyes show ("whale eye"); dilated pupils. Dogs often bark out of fear, in an attempt to keep a distance between themselves and the Big Scary Thing, especially if they are cornered, fenced in, or on a leash.

Dogs that are aroused will often have their hair stand on end, usually the "hackles," the areas over the shoulders and just before the tail. This doesn't necessarily mean aggression, just that they are on high alert. Some dogs get "raised hackles" more easily than others; it's like some people who get red in the face very easily.

Dominant body postures: Standing over another dog, standing tall, hooking the dominant dog's chin or paw over another dog's shoulders, calmly accepting other dogs licking at their lips; staring. Some confident, dominant dogs will roll on their backs, exposing their bellies, in an attempt to reassure a more shy or submissive dog, or to get that other dog to play. They will be relaxed when they do that, and usually still look the other dog in the eye. Sometimes mounting ("humping") another dog is a sign of dominance, but not always; this often-misunderstood gesture can also be used by a lower-ranking dog to try to demonstrate his allegiance with a higher-ranking animal.

Submissive body postures: lowered head and body; allowing other dogs to stand over them or hook their heads over their shoulders; licking at other dogs' lips and mouth corners; looking away from the other dog; rolling on back and craning head away from other dog, while covering tucking their tail.

Play time:Dog play is often initiated by a play invitation like a play bow or pawing the air. Even when dogs play very roughly, they are usually fairly relaxed; their lips usually cover their teeth (not drawn back in a snarl). Dogs often bark in play; this will usually be higher-pitched than that same dog's fear-bark or warning-bark. Sometimes dogs will mount each other in play. They are often excited, but not in a sexual way, and it seems to be a way to bond. It is occasionally a show of dominance, but not always. Some dogs appear to mount high-ranking dogs in an attempt to find their place in a group that is much more complicated than a straight-line hierarchy.

Dogs can feel stressed in situations of frustration or fear (including during class or learning a new task). Look for clusters of stress signs: Shaking, whining, "submissive" urination, ears back, pupils dilated; rapid panting with corner of mouth pulled back; tail down; body lowered; sweating through paw pads, scratching at self; sudden interest in sniffing; yawning; blinking eyes; licking of lips or nose, or stretching tongue forward; looking away or turning head away; shaking body. Frustrated dogs often bark (this is especially seen in "fence fighting", when two dogs on opposite sides of a fence bark at each other; another easily-observed example is dogs in a shelter watching other dogs walking by; dogs that must pass each other on-leash often bark in frustration).

Also, dogs, as pack animals, have highly-developed ways of avoiding and diffusing conflict and aggression. Dogs therefore use "Calming Signals" to reduce stress for themselves and others they interact with (including humans). Calming signals include: Yawning, looking away, lip-licking, moving slowly, circling, sniffing the ground, becoming "distracted", sitting or lying down. Some of them are also the "appeasement display" behaviors that are developed to turn away aggression and threats of aggression - these are often confused with "the guilty look" that dogs may appear to be giving when scolded for doing something. Note that most of these are the opposite language from the directed attention that would be found in an aggressive interaction.

Signs of aggression include: Stiff legs and body; growls, lowered head; ears "pinned" back close to the head; eyes narrow and fixed intently; lips sometimes drawn back in a snarl; "hackles" (hair along back, especially over the shoulders and rump) up and erect; tail straight out, and intense stares (pupils may be fully dilated or shut!).

Dog to Dog Communication
THIS IS A WORTHWHILE BOOK FOR YOU.

Collie, the "Lassie" dog

One of the world's favorite dogs is the collie. Many people simply refer to it as the "Lassie" dog. Its duties before becoming the world's preferred pet were the herding of animals, mostly sheep.



This dog is of two types although both are considered to be 'real' collies. The dog in the Lassie TV series was a 'rough' collie. Those are the ones with the long hair and general look of Lassie. The other type are shorter-haired dogs but of the same general size and temperament.



This breed of dog is mild-tempered, kind and easy to train. They are good family dogs and are gentle to children. Puppies of this breed tend to nip at people's feet, which is a herding instinct which should be eliminated by proper training. Collies are usually not aggressive although they may be wary of strangers.



Collies are generally healthy animals with few inherent health problems. With sufficient exercise, they can be kept inside although they do quite well as outside dogs. Their life span is from fourteen to sixteen years.



They are easy to keep clean. Even the 'rough' collie (ones with long hair) tend to shed dirt with weekly brushing.



Originally, they come from Scotland. Now, however, they are well-known and much-loved worldwide. There have been successes in breeding with smaller breeds to create a more miniature size.

A Dog's Plea

Treat me kindly my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ears.

Please take me inside when it is cold and wet for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should you be in danger.

And, my friend, when I am very old, and no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having any fun. Please see that my trusting life is taken gently. I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.

-Author Unknown

What about the dog who begs for table food?

Do you have the problem of your dog begging for food from the table during your mealtime? Mine definitely, too. No matter how resolved I am, her pleading eyes would ultimately melt my heart and cause me to give my chicken drumstick to her!

If you have this problem, let's take a look at what we can do to solve it:

Train yourself and your dog. If you have a problem with your dog begging from the table, it's likely that you may even find that your dog is actually stealing food from the counter. I'll share with you the tip on how to handle this problem later.
Do you have worries about heartworm in your dog? Click below:

Proheart (Monthly) Large Dogs 1.00

Could your dog be 'gay'?

Why does your dog mount other dogs?

Have you noticed that your dog is mounting other dogs even though they are of the same sex?

... If yours is a male dog, does it mean he is gay? Do you need to bring him to the vet for treatment?

To find out why your dog is doing this, click on the link below:

Is my dog gay?

A shortcut hint=Dogs are not gay!! There is no such thing among canines.

Norwich Terrier Breed Information

Since this is a type of terrier, they are good ratters. The breed was officially developed in England as a small ratting dog. Later they were also used to bolt foxes that had gone to ground during a fox hunt - (so the horses and hounds could resume the chase). This small terrier could get in and out of a small burrow quite easily. As they were bred to hunt in packs, the Norwich and Norfolk Terriers tend to be more sociable than many other terriers. Today the Norwich Terrier serves primarily as a companion dog, but can still take care of vermin.

Norwich and Norfolk Terriers started out as one breed, but were officially separated in England in 1964. The AKC followed suit in 1979. The Norwich has prick ears and the Norfolk - dropped ears. Also, Norfolk are angular and the Norwich are more round.

This is a lovable working dog. Exercise is essential to keep the animal healthy and in a good state of mind. Owners should keep in mind that it is necessary to keep the dog in his place. Do not allow him to get Small Dog Syndrome.

The normal life expectancy for Norwich is 15 to 18 years. They sometimes get eye problems which a vet should deal with.

Norwich Terriers are pleasant natured and good for apartment living. Their mid-length hair sheds little and is easy to care for.

Faithful Dogs

Here is part of an article written by Julie Hill. I felt it was worth printing to help us see into the heart of a loving dog.

All dog lovers appreciate the faithful nature of the dogs we love, however, this is no modern phenomenon.

In the early 13th century, King John of England presented Llewellyn, Prince of Wales with an Irish Wolfhound, Gelert. The dog became a favourite and trusted dog of the Prince. One day however, Gelert was missing from the hunt, and when Llewellyn returned home, he was horrified to find his baby son's cradle overturned and empty, and his faithful hound Gelert next to the cradle covered with blood.

Consumed by grief and rage, Llewellyn drew his sword and killed his dog. It was only then, too late, that he heard his baby son's cries, and moving the cradle aside, he found his offspring lying beneath it. He also saw once he had moved the cradle, the body of a dead wolf. The awful truth was revealed to Llewellyn - the wolf had attacked Llewellyn's son, Gelert had protected the baby saving his life and fatally injuring the wolf.

Gelert was given a stately burial in a place that became known as Bedd Gelert, and a town grew up near it. What is claimed to be Gelert's tomb - a slab and two upright stones, can be found in a meadow there today.

Having happened so long ago, it is difficult to establish the veracity of the story, and there are allegations that it is an urban myth, made popular by local business men to improve business.

However, further back in time than the 1200s, there is evidence that dogs were doing what they do best - looking after their people. In AD 79 Mount Vesuvius erupted, covering and coating Pompeii with lava, killing hundreds. During excavation, the bodies of a dog and a child were found - the dog was standing across the child as if to protect it.

The bond between dogs and humans is undeniably strong. In 1865, apparently just before Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, his dog howled and ran wildly around the White House. Lord Carnarvon who discovered Tutankhamen's tomb, bringing its alleged curse onto himself, died seven weeks after officially opening the tomb, in 1923, and within hours of his death, his dog too died.

Surely though, such epic tales of devotion no longer occur?

Well as recently as 1953, a humble sheepdog, Tip, showed her undying attachment to her shepherd master.

Joseph Tagg and his dog Tip were out on Howden Moors in December 1953 when a blizzard descended. It was not until 15 weeks later, in March 1954, that Joseph's body was discovered, and at his side was his dog Tip, starving but resolute in her devotion. Tip was given a home for the remaining two years of her life, and after her death in 1955 public money paid for a memorial stone to be erected commemorating her faithfulness and this can be found beside Derwent Reservoir, in the UK.

Modern day dogs are every bit as heroic as their historical counterparts -as a quick search through the news reveals. As with Greyfriars Bobby, an owner's death does not deter a dog. In the UK in 2001, in Edinburgh, Sandy a 13 year old Labrador cross stayed with his dead owner for almost a month, and was close to death himself when the two were found. In 2004 a Border Collie, Lizzie, in Bolton stayed by her dead owner's side for 10 days - and even when the emergency services arrived, she insisted on remaining in her favourite position - sitting by her owner's side.

. . . . . .

Linking all the stories of heroism you have heard today is one undeniable fact; not only is the dog man's best friend, he has a long history as such, and hopefully just as long a future.

How to Deal with Jumping Dog

In order to put this problem under control, it is important to understand why dogs jump.
The problem goes back to his weaning process.
As puppies grow, the mother dog begins to feed them standing up so puppies have to stand on their hind legs to feed. As her milk decreases, the puppies jump up to lick at the corner of her mouth, trying to get her to regurgitate her semi-digested meal. When she does, it's the puppies' first introduction to solid food.
As the puppies continue to grow, jumping becomes a form of greeting behaviour, very much like we human shaking hands when we meet.
Because jumping up on people is a friendly gesture, training to modify this behaviour should be done in a positive way.
To find out how to cope with this issue, click on the link below:

http://www.kumchee.com/dog-training-tips/tips/Dog_Jumping_Problem.html

Here is an inexpensive book on dog training, one which you will cherish.

A Dog Owner's Guide to Training Your Dog

Buying a Dog from a Pet Shop?

In general, I have strong feelings against buying ANY pet (dogs or cats) from a store. Nothing can guarantee that the pet you purchase from a store is not the product of a puppy mill or disreputable breeder. Puppy mills are breeding farms where the breeding stock is kept many times, in crowded, unsanitary and unsafe conditions.

Many of the good pet stores try to check on the background of the breeders they buy from, but many more do not or cannot. Animals purchased from stores might have genetic problems that the neophyte pet owner knows nothing of and is financially unable to handle. The best way to prevent cruelty to animals is to prevent the puppy mill from making money by not buying their puppies from stores.

Pet stores are a great place to purchase animal care supplies, food and small animals such as gerbils and goldfish. But puppies should be purchased from someone with intimate knowledge of the breed. Enough said on this subject except for this, if you buy from a pet store, get a written money-back guarantee, and get the pup checked immediately by a vet. But in short please, DON T DO IT!

Aidi Dog Breed Information

This breed is also known as Atlas Sheep Dog as well as Atlas Mountain Hound. It is a canine from Morrocco.

The animal is not a smooth-coated beauty but is a good dog for guarding the home. In other words, it is a protective-natured dog and functions best if it is allowed to be considered an alpha dog. The thick coat of the animal protects him from either the sun or coldness of winter.

It is a medium-sized dog, quite muscular. His nature as well as his expression is that of an alert and decisive animal.

This dog can be of various colors although particular head color markings tend to be common to the breed. The Aidi has a tapered muzzle, usually matching the color of the dog's body.

Aidi is not an apartment dog. They are better outside with enough room to run and a high fence to keep them home. They tend to do well with firm but kind training.

Despite one of the names given to it, Aidi has never been used as a sheepdog.

If given the proper care and enough exercise, the life expectancy of Aidi is around twelve years.

'Dog Days of Summer" & Other Facts

Did you know...

The tallest dog ever recorded stood at a towering 42 inches at the shoulder. Standing on hind legs, the dog reached 6 foot 9 inches. From nose to tail, he was just under 8 feet. The dog was a Great Dane from Great Britain, who lived from 1975 to 1984.

The smallest dog also hailed from Great Britain. The Yorkshire terrier was just 2.5 inches tall from the shoulder and weighed just 4 ounces. The little dog did not survive to his second birthday; he died in 1945.

The world's oldest dog lived to the ripe old age of 29 years and 5 months. Born in 1910, Bluey, an Australian cattle dog, faithfully herded cattle for more than 20 years before retiring. He died in 1939. (Bluey's longevity is reliably documented; other claims have not been verified.)

The world's strongest dog is reputed to be Lobo, an Alaskan malamute. The 165-pound dog pulled a 10,000-pound truck/trailer 20 feet in the early 1970s.

The most prolific mother award goes to Lena, an American foxhound who gave birth to 23 puppies in June 1944, in Ambler, Pa. The little miracles, black and white spotted puppies, all lived and reached maturity.

The bloodhound is the only animal whose evidence is admissible in a U.S. court of law.

Two dogs survived the Titanic disaster – a Pomeranian and a Pekingese.

The first commercially available dog food was available in 1870 in Great Britain. The product was called Spratt's Patent Meal Fibrine Dog Cakes.

Each year, Americans spend more on dog food than baby food.

Mutt is short for the word "muttonhead," which was slang for dimwit. Somehow the word was applied to dogs in the 20th century, and then to dogs of mixed breeds.

The phrase "dog days of summer" was originally a reference to the constellations. It refers to the period between July and September, when the "dog star" Sirius rises early with the sun.

Why the Lundehund is an Unusual Dog Breed

He's a cute little guy, isn't he? Those pointed ears make him appear alert. His short-haired coat helps to define the muscles on his little body.

What makes him unusual? Besides the extra joints in the nape of the neck, he has a feature which helps him to climb steep slopes better than many other dogs. Can you see what that feature is in the photo?

If you can't see it too well, I can put up another photo. Do you want to see one which tells you more definitely why the lundehund can climb steep places so well? OK. Here it is.



Now you know, right? It is unusual in that it has six toes on each foot.

Do you know of other dog anomalies to share. Put them here as comments.

Most Popular Dog Breeds

By Scripps Howard News Service

Labrador Retrievers have been the most popular dogs in the United States for the past five years, according to the American Kennel Club:

Most Popular Breeds

1. Labrador Retriever

2 Rottweiler

3. German Shepherd

4. Golden Retriever

5. Beagle

6. Poodle

7. Cocker Spaniel

8. Dachshund

9. Pomeranian

10. Yorkshire Terrier

Rankings are based on the number of purebred dogs registered with the AKC from the 141 breeds it currently recognizes. (Source: American Kennel Club)

How do you feel about this list? Is it in agreement with your preferences? Write a comment to express your thoughts, please.

Does My Dog Really Love Me?

Did Lassie really love Timmy? Or was she only saving him from disaster, time and again, so that he would reward her later with a tasty morsel from the dinner table?
Scientists, veterinarians and dog owners have long questioned the relationship between man and his best friend. Even philosophers have ventured opinions on the idea: Plato described dogs as "lovers of learning" and Voltaire refuted Descartes' theory that dogs were merely unintelligent machines.

The idea that dogs feel emotions, specifically love, is debatable. Though older schools of scientific thought refuted the notion that dogs had human-like feelings, some researchers today believe the subject deserves more attention.

All mammals, including dogs, have a "pleasure center" in their brains that is stimulated by dopamine, the chemical that regulates feelings of happiness. For example, when a dog is playing fetch, dopamine is released in the pleasure center and the dog is "happy." Since humans have similar brain chemistry, can we assume that dogs and humans are much more alike emotionally than previously thought?

According to Fred Metzger, a guest lecturer in animal sciences at Penn State and a State College veterinarian, "Dogs probably don't feel love in the typical way humans do. Dogs make investments in human beings because it works for them. They stand something to gain from putting so-called emotions out there. The more 'cute factor' they give us, the more we feel like they love us. This makes it more likely that we will give them more attention, food treats, outdoor access -- all based on how much of a show they put on for us." Metzger theorized that dogs "love" us as long as we continue to reward their tricks and antics with treats and attention.

In a statement sure to shock dog lovers everywhere, Metzger added, "If we moved our dogs to our neighbor's house and that neighbor gave the dogs as much as we gave them and in the same motivational forms, I believe our dogs would adapt to the new life and would become as loyal to the neighbor as they were to us."

The idea that Fido's love could be easily transferred to the family next door may seem unsettling, considering the amount of time and emotion most people invest in their canine counterparts. However, Leslie Burgard, a certified dog trainer in State College, does not think the subject of puppy love is quite so simple.

"Their loyalty is unconditional -- much like that between a parent and child," Burgard said. "For the most part, our dogs would go to bat for us, even on our worst and most intolerable day. All parents have days when they may not really like their kid that much, but they always love them unconditionally; even parents of troubled or criminal children love them on some level. The love and the loyalty that drives that emotion is instinctual ... I think dogs have a 'love' or connection with their humans that is free of preconceived perceptions."

Susan B. Eirich, a biologist and psychologist and founder of the Earthfire Institute, thinks that primatologist Jane Goodall's research gives us a good indication that animals actually do have emotions. "From a behavioral perspective, it only makes sense that animals would experience emotions ... As Goodall notes, social animals must be able to read other animals in their society and must be able to maintain social bonds."

"When you think about it," explained Eirich, "strong emotion underpins social behavior and connection."

Eirich suggested that emotions underlie intraspecies communication, from barking to growling to the baring of teeth to show anger and aggression. So, are those "puppy dog eyes" signaling true love or a manipulation to get dog biscuits out of you? As long as science remains undecided, the meaning of your dog's "happily" wagging tail is up for interpretation.

Source: Penn State

From an article written by Sarah Etter

Do you agree with the article? Please leave a comment to tell me your views.,

Good reading about dog ownership: click below

What My Dog Has Taught Me About Life