Dogs and people share a special relationship. Of all the domesticated animals, it's the dog that is human's best friend. They live with us, hunt with us, work beside us and sometimes they pee behind the couch.
Canines can be smart. They can understand hundreds of words and do incredibly important work. But how smart is your dog?
Intelligence tests are available for dogs. They are found online, or animal trainers will often provide the service themselves for a fee. However, IQ tests for humans aren't really considered all that accurate because
people think in so many different ways, and measuring canine intelligence comes with it's own limitations.
Instead of trying to figure out whether a dog is smart using strange experiments set up by people that have time for that sort of thing, there are a few ways to test dog's intelligence. Not all exercise will work for all dogs, but a good dog owner will know what her dog can and can't do without too much trouble.
The Sheet Test
Have you ever made the bed while the dog was still in it? How long it take the dog to get out from under the covers? The faster their exit, The smarter the dog - unless they get comfortable and fall asleep.
What's in a World?
Not all dogs understand commands and not all dog owners understand how to teach dogs how to respond to commands, but the canines that can sit, stay, sleep, roll over and do back flips are smarter than those that can't. Dogs that have a chip on their shoulder may, but they won't and that makes them hard to test.
Mobility's Must
Dogs are smart enough to figure out how to get around obstacles, and often that means opening doors or getting things out of spots they shouldn't necessarily fit into. Set up puzzles for the dog and see how she solves them - put a treat under something she can't fit under herself, or build a fort out of boxes and cushions and see how well she navigates them.
The Shell Game
Depending on whether you have a large or small dog, take a large or small bucket and put a treat under it.
Then put two other buckets beside the first. Now move the pup to a place where she can't see them any more and let her go get a treat. If she picks the right bucket right away, she's on the right track to admission to doggy Yale, or wherever smart dogs want to go.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Canine Bullies: Dealing with Dog Aggression
We all love our dogs but what to do if your dog is a bully? Canine bullies are dogs that show excessive aggressive behavior, usually towards other dogs but sometimes even towards other humans.
The Dog Bully Vs Alpha Dog Debate There is a bit of confusion when it comes to understanding aggressive dog behavior. The traditional thought goes that if your dog is threatening another dog, he's just asserting his rank as the alpha dog. Stealing toys or food of another dog, talking away their bed and scaring away the other dog while being petted by the owner might seem like alpha dog behavior but now researchers, dog trainers and veterinarians are starting to believe that it is similar to the kind of bullying we see in a school playground.
Is Your Dog a Bully? If your dog is too aggressive towards other dogs, If it continues it's dominating behavior even after the other dog has submitted or if your dog won't let any other dogs come close to you, then your dog is a bully. Aggressive dogs can be a real threat if you don't learn how to deal with them. If left unchecked, dogs can become so aggressive that they might even start dominating their owners and cause harm to other dogs and humans.
How to deal with Canine Aggression. Dealing with aggressive dogs can be hard but if such bullying behavior is recognized early, then dogs can be trained to not turn into bullies. The following steps should ensure that your dog remains a well balanced happy dog.
1. Be an assertive leader for your dog. If you don't take up the leadership role in your pack, then the dog will assume that it's in charge. it is very difficult to control a dog if it doesn't respect you as its leader. So be assertive, confident and calm while setting limits for your dog.
2. Take your dog on regular. As the "dog whisperer" Cesar Millan keeps saying, daily long walks are the most essential habit for your dog. It helps in releasing all the excessive energy and your dog remains physically fit and mentally well balanced. It also helps establish you as the pack leader and your dog will not become aggressive if its pack leader stays calm.
3. Use Negative punishment, which means to take away a good thing when the dog behaves badly. If you are petting your dog and it becomes aggressive towards your other dog, then stop petting it. If your dog becomes aggressive while playing with other dogs, give it a time-out.
The Dog Bully Vs Alpha Dog Debate There is a bit of confusion when it comes to understanding aggressive dog behavior. The traditional thought goes that if your dog is threatening another dog, he's just asserting his rank as the alpha dog. Stealing toys or food of another dog, talking away their bed and scaring away the other dog while being petted by the owner might seem like alpha dog behavior but now researchers, dog trainers and veterinarians are starting to believe that it is similar to the kind of bullying we see in a school playground.
Is Your Dog a Bully? If your dog is too aggressive towards other dogs, If it continues it's dominating behavior even after the other dog has submitted or if your dog won't let any other dogs come close to you, then your dog is a bully. Aggressive dogs can be a real threat if you don't learn how to deal with them. If left unchecked, dogs can become so aggressive that they might even start dominating their owners and cause harm to other dogs and humans.
How to deal with Canine Aggression. Dealing with aggressive dogs can be hard but if such bullying behavior is recognized early, then dogs can be trained to not turn into bullies. The following steps should ensure that your dog remains a well balanced happy dog.
1. Be an assertive leader for your dog. If you don't take up the leadership role in your pack, then the dog will assume that it's in charge. it is very difficult to control a dog if it doesn't respect you as its leader. So be assertive, confident and calm while setting limits for your dog.
2. Take your dog on regular. As the "dog whisperer" Cesar Millan keeps saying, daily long walks are the most essential habit for your dog. It helps in releasing all the excessive energy and your dog remains physically fit and mentally well balanced. It also helps establish you as the pack leader and your dog will not become aggressive if its pack leader stays calm.
3. Use Negative punishment, which means to take away a good thing when the dog behaves badly. If you are petting your dog and it becomes aggressive towards your other dog, then stop petting it. If your dog becomes aggressive while playing with other dogs, give it a time-out.
4 Cool Treats Easy Summer Recipes for Your Dogs
Summer is that time of the year when families frequently go out to the beach or parks to bond and enjoy. And of course, your furry four-legged friend can never be left alone in the house while you go out to enjoy the company of family, friends and other dogs. Bringing along your pet out in the sun needs careful attention as they cannot adapt quickly to extreme to extreme heat or cold. You also need to keep your pet cool while he plays by preparing and giving him these 4 cool treats easy summer recipes for your dogs:
1. Pupsicles
For humans, it is called Popsicle. For your furry friend, it is pupsicles and he will surely enjoy these cool treats as he enjoys his day out with you. Since dogs love to enjoy licking their paws, on things and even your feet, this pupsicles will surely keep him busy and fill him for long. Prepare ice cube trays or containers with lid, cubes of cheese, and low-sodium chicken broth. Place 1 cube of cheese on every container, fill 2/3 full with cold chicken broth and cover. Freeze overnight and remove from the container or tray the next day. Place in your dog's food container and serve.
2. Frozen tuna and yogurt cubes
Dogs also love to feel the ocean vibe by indulging in produce from the sea. Make this cool treats easy
summer recipes for your dog by mixing a can of tuna plain yogurt in a bowl. Whisk until fluffy and place in
an ice cube tray then freeze for 4 hours or overnight. Adjust the taste according to your dog's preference or whatever is safe for him to eat.
3. Frozen marrow bones
Check out with your local butcher if you can buy marrow bones. It cost cheaper than his usual chew toy.
Freeze it and give it to him as snacks then you can re-freeze or reuse it.
4. Frozen vegetables
Vegetables are a great way to give to your dogs as snacks especially if your pet is on a calorie restriction.
You have to serve the veggies frozen so your dog will eat it. You can give frozen carrots, green beans, zucchini, and other veggies.
Dogs give their owners companionship and loyalty. They also need to treat their pets with good things like these 4 cool treats easy summer recipes. It also needs a trial and error process until you will determine what your dog likes and dislikes.
1. Pupsicles
For humans, it is called Popsicle. For your furry friend, it is pupsicles and he will surely enjoy these cool treats as he enjoys his day out with you. Since dogs love to enjoy licking their paws, on things and even your feet, this pupsicles will surely keep him busy and fill him for long. Prepare ice cube trays or containers with lid, cubes of cheese, and low-sodium chicken broth. Place 1 cube of cheese on every container, fill 2/3 full with cold chicken broth and cover. Freeze overnight and remove from the container or tray the next day. Place in your dog's food container and serve.
2. Frozen tuna and yogurt cubes
Dogs also love to feel the ocean vibe by indulging in produce from the sea. Make this cool treats easy
summer recipes for your dog by mixing a can of tuna plain yogurt in a bowl. Whisk until fluffy and place in
an ice cube tray then freeze for 4 hours or overnight. Adjust the taste according to your dog's preference or whatever is safe for him to eat.
3. Frozen marrow bones
Check out with your local butcher if you can buy marrow bones. It cost cheaper than his usual chew toy.
Freeze it and give it to him as snacks then you can re-freeze or reuse it.
4. Frozen vegetables
Vegetables are a great way to give to your dogs as snacks especially if your pet is on a calorie restriction.
You have to serve the veggies frozen so your dog will eat it. You can give frozen carrots, green beans, zucchini, and other veggies.
Dogs give their owners companionship and loyalty. They also need to treat their pets with good things like these 4 cool treats easy summer recipes. It also needs a trial and error process until you will determine what your dog likes and dislikes.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Pet allergy-Facts and information
Dogs are good companion of man. A dog owner has to know about his pet's health and the factors
affecting it. Allergies are a common health problem suffered by most dogs. Dogs may suffer from different
kinds of allergies. Usually the allergies become apparent as skin conditions. Different symptoms may be seen in dogs with allergies. Hence regarding pet allergies what need to know is being discussed here.
Moist skin, runny eyes, itchy back, itchy base of tail and ear infections are among the common symptoms of allergies. Skin irritation is caused due to the allergies. This irritation in turn causes hair loss, itching and redness. Recurrent attacks of skin infections also result from the irritation. Mites may also appear on your pet's skin. They may be seen in the oil glands and the hair follicles. Due to all these symptoms the dogs get irritated and starts scratching himself which adds to the severity of the problem.
Allergens are the substances that induce allergy. A dog owner should know which substances may cause
allergy to his pet. Feathers, cigarette smoke, perfumes, pollen of grass and weeds, foo ingredients, dust, rubber materials, plastic materials, prescription drugs, insecticidal shampoo, cleaning products and fleas and flea control products are the most common substances that produce instantaneous hypersensitivity in dogs.
Flea allergies, contact allergies, bacterial allergies, atopy allergies and food allergies are the main type of allergies seen in dogs. Dogs with food allergy show the symptoms like gastrointestinal problems, difficulties in breathing and itchy skin. An elimination diet is to be followed to find out what food is the cause of his allergy.
Food allergies may occur in dogs any age.
A veterinarian can help you in determining the allergens that cause the allergic reaction in your pet. A
physical examination, skin test, blood tests and elimination diets are the methods usually recommended by a veterinarian. An intradermal skin test may also be done by a veterinary dermatologist if the skin conditions persist.
The most efficient way to treat allergies is to keep the allergens away from your pet. Prevention is always
better than a cure. A flea control program can be started to prevent flea allergy. Your pet's belongings should be kept dust free, if dust is the reason of his allergy. You should give your pet a weekly bathing and should
remove pollen from its skin. You can consult with your veterinarian and decide the prescription shampoo that is suited for your pet. If you take proper care of its health and well-being your pet can be your best companion, a canine companion who loves you and gives a safety feeling to you.
affecting it. Allergies are a common health problem suffered by most dogs. Dogs may suffer from different
kinds of allergies. Usually the allergies become apparent as skin conditions. Different symptoms may be seen in dogs with allergies. Hence regarding pet allergies what need to know is being discussed here.
Moist skin, runny eyes, itchy back, itchy base of tail and ear infections are among the common symptoms of allergies. Skin irritation is caused due to the allergies. This irritation in turn causes hair loss, itching and redness. Recurrent attacks of skin infections also result from the irritation. Mites may also appear on your pet's skin. They may be seen in the oil glands and the hair follicles. Due to all these symptoms the dogs get irritated and starts scratching himself which adds to the severity of the problem.
Allergens are the substances that induce allergy. A dog owner should know which substances may cause
allergy to his pet. Feathers, cigarette smoke, perfumes, pollen of grass and weeds, foo ingredients, dust, rubber materials, plastic materials, prescription drugs, insecticidal shampoo, cleaning products and fleas and flea control products are the most common substances that produce instantaneous hypersensitivity in dogs.
Flea allergies, contact allergies, bacterial allergies, atopy allergies and food allergies are the main type of allergies seen in dogs. Dogs with food allergy show the symptoms like gastrointestinal problems, difficulties in breathing and itchy skin. An elimination diet is to be followed to find out what food is the cause of his allergy.
Food allergies may occur in dogs any age.
A veterinarian can help you in determining the allergens that cause the allergic reaction in your pet. A
physical examination, skin test, blood tests and elimination diets are the methods usually recommended by a veterinarian. An intradermal skin test may also be done by a veterinary dermatologist if the skin conditions persist.
The most efficient way to treat allergies is to keep the allergens away from your pet. Prevention is always
better than a cure. A flea control program can be started to prevent flea allergy. Your pet's belongings should be kept dust free, if dust is the reason of his allergy. You should give your pet a weekly bathing and should
remove pollen from its skin. You can consult with your veterinarian and decide the prescription shampoo that is suited for your pet. If you take proper care of its health and well-being your pet can be your best companion, a canine companion who loves you and gives a safety feeling to you.
Chewing problem of your dog
When the dog is still a puppy and and he chew his toy, we know it is fine and it's also adorable, because that's a part of their growing up process. But if your dog is an adult and you come home and more often find some unexpectedly destroyed things over your house, with bite marks on it, then you maybe have a problem. Like I said, for pappies chewing is like exploring the world around them by putting things in their mouth, and it's not their fault if that was your favorite pair of shoes. If the dog has already over six moths he's considered as a adolescent, over eighteen moths he's an adult. The rate of growth and maturation is different from kind to kind, but somewhere in the adolescent period he should grow over the chewing, if he's not, then there's almost always a good reason for that behavior of him. In the worst scenario it could be that he suffers from separation anxiety or that chewing is fear-related, in both cases you should consult a behavior professional for help. But in the other hand it could be that he's bored and protesting because you left him alone or he simply want more attention. First of all you should keep your things away from his clutches, instead give him a toy to play with. Very important is not to confuse him by offering a socks or old shoes as toys, that way you're just showing him that it's right to chew shoes, after that don't expect of him to stay away from your new shoes. Old or new, they're all same to him. Try to supervise him as much as you can until he learns the house rules and you should give him plenty of time. You need to be patient and teach him how to behave if
you're determinate to keep him in the house, even if he's smart he's still a dog he can't learn your rules while he's alone in the yard. If he's bored be sure that he will find something to do to have fun and you probably won't like ways of amusement. You need to know that he loves you and also love to spend time
with you, so play with him as much as you can. A big mistake that you should avoid, unless you're playing with him, is to chase your dog when he's chewing something, because that's exactly what he want. His human chasing him? How much fun is that? Instead, offer him a treat in exchange for what is already in his mouth. That way you'll save you stuff from possible chewing and also teach him a command "Give". Another very important thing is that you need to correct him in something that second when he's doing it. He can't reason that he tore up a shoe an hour age and that's why he's punished now. No, you need to stop him that exact minute when that stuff is still in his mouth. You could shout his name or clap your hands to get his attention and then say "No". Punishment after the fact won't revise his bad behavior, it also could produce some worst behavior.
you're determinate to keep him in the house, even if he's smart he's still a dog he can't learn your rules while he's alone in the yard. If he's bored be sure that he will find something to do to have fun and you probably won't like ways of amusement. You need to know that he loves you and also love to spend time
with you, so play with him as much as you can. A big mistake that you should avoid, unless you're playing with him, is to chase your dog when he's chewing something, because that's exactly what he want. His human chasing him? How much fun is that? Instead, offer him a treat in exchange for what is already in his mouth. That way you'll save you stuff from possible chewing and also teach him a command "Give". Another very important thing is that you need to correct him in something that second when he's doing it. He can't reason that he tore up a shoe an hour age and that's why he's punished now. No, you need to stop him that exact minute when that stuff is still in his mouth. You could shout his name or clap your hands to get his attention and then say "No". Punishment after the fact won't revise his bad behavior, it also could produce some worst behavior.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Love and care for animals
Humanity not only applies to how people treat each other but it also spreads its wings impliedly covering even animals since they are living things with life and feelings too. This means that ultimate care and love should be given to them as an obligation in order to ensure their survival. Three most basic issues that intertwine and should be addressed with concern in order to convey these virtues to the pets include:
Food
Animals should always be given quality food so that they may have energy to live and perform their duties as expected. A balanced diet is the least one can feed the animals with and that means food that contains proteins, vitamins and carbohydrates. Some animal lovers go an extra mile of feeding snacks as a sign of affection. Poor feeding exposes the animals to poor health and general weakness that leads to an eventual death of the animal.
Housing
Weather elements can be harsh to animals thus they require a warm and dry place to lay and be safe. They should not be confined to one place for long as this causes depression and in-activeness and thus quality time should be created for them to move around and exercise. The houses should also have structures that ensure their comfort not forgetting large enough to allow free movement while they are inside.
Health
Regular check ups should always be carried out to the animals so as to ensure that they are in perfect conditions and any disease is diagnosed before it becomes acute. For the sick ones, treatment should be sought in a timely manner from pet veterinary hospitals like TLC in Baltimore. Carrying out a pesticide wash is a sure way to ensure that they are also free from parasites and shampooing helps to keep their skin looking good.
Food
Animals should always be given quality food so that they may have energy to live and perform their duties as expected. A balanced diet is the least one can feed the animals with and that means food that contains proteins, vitamins and carbohydrates. Some animal lovers go an extra mile of feeding snacks as a sign of affection. Poor feeding exposes the animals to poor health and general weakness that leads to an eventual death of the animal.
Housing
Weather elements can be harsh to animals thus they require a warm and dry place to lay and be safe. They should not be confined to one place for long as this causes depression and in-activeness and thus quality time should be created for them to move around and exercise. The houses should also have structures that ensure their comfort not forgetting large enough to allow free movement while they are inside.
Health
Regular check ups should always be carried out to the animals so as to ensure that they are in perfect conditions and any disease is diagnosed before it becomes acute. For the sick ones, treatment should be sought in a timely manner from pet veterinary hospitals like TLC in Baltimore. Carrying out a pesticide wash is a sure way to ensure that they are also free from parasites and shampooing helps to keep their skin looking good.
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