Nanny State Strikes Back

Dogs that "without provocation" chase any animal — be it a rat, squirrel, seagull, bear or cougar — would violate a dog licensing and control amendment bylaw that passed three readings at the Dec. 16 council meeting.

Isn't this absolutely RIDICULOUS? This is why I'm for limited government and citizen legislators. Government has NO BUSINESS meddling in our lives to this degree.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to everyone (including your dogs)! Please, have a ton of fun today, be careful with your pets, and get ready for the coming New Year!

Dogs are going to become more politicized in the future. Dogs are now targets of the socialists. Dogs are targets of the Nanny State because they seem to represent the "rich", they represent "carbon pollution"... since they eat and they have gas and they poop, and everyone needs to be protected from being a human being and from nature. But, let's not sweat that stuff today. We'll fight that after the holidays, OK?

Adopt A Dog For Christmas

The shelters are full of adoptable dogs this Christmas season. I have recently reversed my position on getting a dog for Christmas... I now believe it is better to get a dog and save a life, and enrich your home, than to be overly concerned about yourself. In fact, get 2 dogs. Dogs are happiest in groups, and even though it is a bit more work owning 2 dogs vs. 1, your dogs will appreciate the fun and companionship.

So, you don't know what to get the family for Christmas? Get a dog.

Here are some things to consider regarding what to look for in the dog, purebred or mixed, you are considering.

Thanks For Nothing, Paris Hilton

California has more Chihuahuas than it can handle, and experts say Hollywood is to blame. Chihuahuas make up 30 percent - or more - of the dog populations at many California animal shelters. There's suspicion that fans took to the tiny breed to imitate Chihuahua-toting celebrities like Paris Hilton and Miley Cyrus. People then apparently change their minds.

I'm always against "fad" dogs. I was very concerned that the Puggle would end up swamping shelters. It could still happen.

Why I Don't Believe In Clicker Training (Updated)

Clicker Training is based upon an OBSOLETE theory of behavior called “operant conditioning”. This might sound controversial, since clicker training is promoted as a “new” way to train dogs. However, operant conditioning is based upon the concept that all that matters is what an organism does in response to certain stimuli, primarily discrete consequences that happen outside in the animal’s environment. It ignores other valid research regarding the internal motivations, feelings and conscious experiences of the subject, in this case, the dog.

I periodically update my articles. This is the latest version on this topic.

Fire These Busybodies

PET owners could be punished for not walking their dogs... Under the legislation, they would have to regularly exercise dogs, ensure animals are not kept chained up and give their pets adequate food and water. If the proposal becomes law, dog and cat owners across Australia would face prosecution, fines of up to $12,000 fines for animal cruelty and magistrates could consider jail in extreme circumstances.

Is this what we hire politicians to do? Does the state have the right to tell you what to do in every way, down to the smallest detail? This is tyranny. It is obscene.

Pet Friendly Landlords Make More Money!

How to attract good tenants?

Allow pets. Many property management companies will no longer permit pets. Being pet-friendly can set you apart and attract more potential tenants to you. (Hat Tip: Trump Blog).

I'm surprised at the number of landlords that refuse pets. It's stupid. Pet owners will pay extra to have a place that is pet friendly. Pet owners typically average higher incomes than those without pets. Pet owners have more of a stake in where they live than those who don't (and can therefore more easily pack up and leave). The same is true for hotels, by the way. Hotels could make a lot more money if they allowed pets. Many hotels have become pet friendly, but many are not. In this economy, I can't imagine turning away good money.

Dogs & Fitness

Dog owners get more exercise walking their pet than someone with a gym membership, researchers have found. On average they exercise the animal twice a day for 24 minutes each time - a total of five hours and 38 minutes a week, a study for the pet healthcare experts Bob Martin found. On top of that, the average owner takes their dog out on three long walks each week, adding a further two hours and 33 minutes to the total. Those without a dog spend an average of just one hour and 20 minutes a week exercising by going to the gym or heading out for a stroll or jog. Worse still, almost half - 47 per cent - of non-pet owners admit they do absolutely no exercise whatsoever.

One of the original reasons I got my first dog was the idea that having a dog would keep me in shape. With my first dog, I walked at least a mile a day for nearly 10 years, most of that on some pretty steep hills in the suburbs of Seattle, WA. I never wanted to be out of shape. I have worked hard to stay fit. Blame it on the dogs!