Dogs And Hugs

I know, you like hugging your dog.

But after watching countless dogs being hugged, here is my observation: most dogs don't like it. I don't recommend it. 

Yes, that probably hurts your feelings, but it is true. Some dogs tolerate it. A few are ok with it. 

Dogs don't hug dogs. The grabbing motions are more what a predatory big cat would do to a dog. Some responses are innate, and my observation is that more don't like it than those that do. And sometimes I have seen it backfire.

Kids, especially, are at risk of a bite, or worse.

Your choice. But you may be laying the foundation for bad side effects, including simple stuff like weakening your dog's desire to Come when called, have a collar or leash put on, or to examine them up closely about the head. 

Now, another issue. What about dogs who are upset that someone is hugging you? That is a different issue. Maybe that deserves a future post. Stay tuned... and... 

Plan accordingly.

Face To Face With A Dog

It is foolish to go nose to nose, face to face, eye to eye with a dog. 

Even to kiss a dog. 

It's considered rude and threatening by the dog.

Some people think it is funny to do that to a dog, especially if they can get a growl or baring of teeth from the dog. Or to escalate it by growling and baring teeth back at the dog. 

Very funny, until the dog bites a face. 

This isn't rare. It happens more often that you might imagine. 

Protect your dog. Don't provoke a dog to bite.

Plan accordingly. 

Dogs And Guitars

So, yesterday I purchased a basic Gibson guitar. Very inexpensive. 

I don't know how to play guitar.

I have challenged myself like this many times in my life. I pick up something new, start as a novice, and see what develops. Playing a real musical instrument is good for creativity, memory, thinking, mood, emotions.

Every time, I've discovered new things. Valuable life lessons. Many times what I learn can be used in my dog training lessons. 

When was the last time you did something new? Old thinking makes you old. Old thinking stagnates you. Old thinking makes your brain less plastic. 

I used to have neighbors that never went anywhere. Did nothing. Just sat around, smoked like freight trains, watching TV. The wife ended up needing a portable oxygen tank. They just rotted away. Do you want to end up that way? I sure don't.

I think there is a better alternative: Young thinking. Quick thinking. Creative thinking. Forward thinking. 

If you want to be better, you can't just keep ruminating on the past, or on present worries. They will destroy you. You will die a little bit at a time.

I had a friend just give up on life. My best friend. He died too young. Found dead in front of a television set. I still grieve for him.

What does this have to do with your dog? Well, if you are like my former neighbors, their dog didn't go anywhere either. Nothing new. Breathing in all that cigarette smoke. Just rotting away, too. That's no life for a dog.

It is never too late to do something new. 

Plan accordingly. 

Dogs And Food Bowl Guarding

I see plenty of videos online that show people stirring their hands into a dog's food bowl while the dog eats. They think they are desensitizing the dog so that it won't guard the bowl. Instead, they are acting like competitors and could trigger the response that they are trying to prevent. 

It also isn't the way to fix food bowl guarding. 

In other words, it is a dumb idea. Don't do it.

Plan accordingly.

Cane Corso, The New "Status" Dog?

Meet the XL Bully 'on steroids': How the Cane Corso popularised by Marcus Rashford, Vin Diesel and Megan Thee Stallion became the new 'status' dog... but experts warn they are MORE dangerous than banned breed

I hate this kind of trend and talk. 

I hate the trend that people gravitate to some dog breed as a status symbol. What that generally does is bring out the worst people to do the worst things to a dog breed. Freaks buy them, and end up in the news. Greedy breeders who haven't the intention of doing right by the dogs, pump out dogs with the worst temperaments, which are the ones that are going to make the news.

I hate the follow-on conversation that the way to solve a country's problems is to ban a thing, in this case a dog breed, rather than hold the people using that thing responsible. Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand… supposedly “free” countries… are often some of the worst. I am revolted seeing their citizens prefer letting their governments use harsh police powers to treat them like sheep. It is masochistic.

So, here we go. They banned the XL Bully in Great Britian, so now these types of people are switching to another breed. Then they will ban the Cane Corso, and then they will switch to another breed. 

Where does it stop, unless it stops with you? 

Speak out. Fight on your feet before you are forced to plead on your knees.

A ban may be coming your way.

Plan accordingly.

Dogs And Type C Drive

In this third article on Drive Types, I will begin the discussion of what I call Type C Drives. In previous articles, I have been explaining how I have decided to define Drive: “I’ve had to choose to organize the different definitions of drive into 3 categories: a motivation like hunger as Type A Drive, play as Type B Drive, and the classical set of these behaviors (Sex; Prey; Defensive; and Pack) as Class C Drive.” This was done because it was about time to make sense of the misuse of the term Drive, and to compensate for how it is used in various ways in various studies and books since there is no way to re-write every study to make clarifications. By making these distinctions, I find it is easier to explain, discuss, and implement practical training and behavior modification. Someone needed to take this step.

A Drive is kind of like an engine. It helps the car move... (MORE)

Writing Dog Articles

I have been writing a lot of articles lately. I enjoy doing it, but I have learned an important lesson over the past couple of days.... maybe it isn't a good idea to publish an article when you are tired!

The last few articles were published when my brain was tired, and then I realized later that I had made editing errors requiring me to go back in and fix them. 

I hate writing bad stuff like that. When you are tired, you make mistakes. Your brain can fill in the blanks and you don't see them. So frustrating!

I apologize along the way for editing mistakes and typos. I'm trying my best. I want to get out some good information, some fresh and important topics and views that no one else seems to be covering.

I need to tell this advice to myself...

Plan accordingly! 

Dogs And Type B Drive

A behavioral Drive is kind of like an engine. It helps the car move. Like all drives, Type B Drives involve some kind of motor activity. The Type B Drives are like the behavioral equivalent of connective tissue, fibers that hold together all other behaviors, such as the following functions... (MORE)

Dogs And Type A Drive

In a previous article, I described how I have decided to define Drive: “I’ve had to choose to organize the different definitions of drive into 3 categories: a motivation like hunger as Type A Drive, play as Type B Drive, and the classical set of these behaviors (Sex; Prey; Defensive; and Pack) as Class C Drive.” This was done because it was about time to make sense of the misuse of the term Drive, and to compensate for how it is used various ways in various studies and books. By making these distinctions, it is easier to explain and discuss. Someone needed to take this step, so here we are... (MORE)

Dogs And Bears

Bears don't like dogs, except to eat them.

Big dogs, typically in groups, have historically been used to drive off or hunt bears. This is a given, and doesn't need more description here.

But, dogs also can be dinner for a bear. There have been numerous incidents of bears attacking dogs, and the dog owners either injured or killed in the process.

This is from Florida (yes, they have bears): One juvenile bear grabbed Karen, who is a Pomeranian mix, and wouldn’t let go. So, Sprout ran up to the bear, kicked it and otherwise did what he could to save his dog.

Your life is on the line. Same with your dog. Are you in an area frequented by bears? Do you hike in areas with bears? What would you do? What could you do? What options are most likely going to be effective? 

Think. About. It.

Plan accordingly.

Dogs And Drives

In the classical sense of the use of the word, “drive”, hunger is not a drive. It is a motivation. However, since many scientific studies by scientists and dog trainers equate hunger with drive, I’ve had to choose to categorize the different definitions of drive into 3 categories: a motivation like hunger as Type A Drive, play as Type B Drive, and the classical set of these behaviors (Sex; Prey; Defensive; and Pack) as Class C Drive. This is my way of distinguishing what each author is talking about, because many don’t know what they are talking about... (MORE) 

Old Dog Books

I have a lot of books. I have a lot of old books. 

With respect to dog training books, the old ones are hard to read any more because they are so wrong in so many ways. Almost every program, regardless of the issue, is about compulsion. Unfortunately, most of modern dog trainers, especially pet dog trainers, have their entire programs revolving around compulsion. 

For example, a trainer that basically tells you to look and act tough around your dog. Or every answer involves making a dog "not do that". Not much is known about behavior, so the solution is to cram down everything in the dog in an attempt to make it inert. 

Or, when various terminology is spoken, the words are either untrue inventions, or wildly out of line with their actual meaning or application. Here's a good example. What does "reactivity" mean? It is used all the time, but the definition is in the eye of the beholder. It can range anywhere from a dog being very happy, to fearful, to attacking, to chasing rabbits. It is a worthless term for dog training purposes. Or what about the term, "energy"? What the heck is that supposed to mean? It is clearer in a physics text, but it has no place in meaningful diagnoses or training solutions. "Your energy is wrong." Which is another definition in the eye of the beholder, and can range to mean just about anything, and used to sell you into doing nonsense.

Want to have a miserable time? Go surfing through dog books, and even science books with their basis in laboratory experiments, and line up a single behavioral word and see if every author has the same definition. Then measure that definition against what they are trying to describe with real world animals, especially wild animals. Much doesn't reflect the real operational properties of the real world, for wild animals or dogs. No wonder so much of he dog world is in disarray.

Is there a way out of this? Yes. 

But that will take a much longer article... sometime in the future.

In the meantime, if it sounds unintelligible, and if it is about being mean to your dog, don't go down that rabbit hole. You won't like what you find.

Plan accordingly. 

Dogs And Peace

“… He sings the songs that remind him of the good times. He sings the songs that remind him of the better times” ***

 

There will be a time, maybe soon, when we will all wish for simpler times. Like it was when we grew up. When you could take a walk with your off leash dog in a quiet place on a sunny day, butterflies, flowers, clover in air, soft breeze, puffy clouds that look like distant castles across a clear blue sky, look oh a bird … peace.

 

We do not live in peaceful times. 

 

If you can, try to find some place to have peace with your dog. There are still pockets of peaceful places to find.

[***  “I Get Knocked Down” by Chumbawamba]

Lost Dogs And Fireworks

Dogs typically get lost during this time of the year due to fireworks sometimes going off, spooking them and escaping from their home. 

I recommend early fireworks training for dogs long before holidays such as New Year’s Eve, 4th of July, and such. 

If hunting dogs can work around gunfire, police dogs work around gunfire, then your dog can learn to work around fireworks. Same process.

It won’t work for every dog, but it works for enough dogs that it is worth the effort. Much better than drugging dogs, or having them run away, eh?

Plan accordingly. 

The Danish-Swedish Farmdog, or "DSF"

The AKC has recognized the Danish-Swedish Farmdog, or "DSF". Here is the brief description: “They’re interesting, fun little dogs,” said Segebart, who has owned them since 2011 and is the club's incoming president. “They’re essentially up for anything. They succeed at most everything." And: "In their original homelands, the dogs’ main job was rodent patrol, but they also would herd a bit, act as watchdogs and play with farmers’ children. Some even performed in circuses, according to the club."

They look a lot like a Jack Russell Terrier from the photos. 

I would not be first in line to get one, however. Many times a new breed is recognized, the problems show up, and the shelters fill up with them. Might be a great dog. On the other hand, might have a lot of genetic health problems, might have drive expressions that are good for farm work but not as companions in suburban or urban areas, and might have other issues we know nothing about. 

My recommendation? Wait about 5 years, then consider getting one. 

You can bet entrepreneurial breeders are going to get them right away. Don't believe the all of the utopian proclamations, however. Let's see how it goes first. Last thing we need are more abandoned shelter dogs.

Plan accordingly.

Dogs And New Arthritis Drug, Librela... Is It Deadly?

Heartbroken dog owner warns of risks after FDA issues alert on arthritis drug

I am not a medical expert. But I do watch dog related trends. Does anyone know more about this? 

 

Here is the FDA warning: Dear Veterinarian Letter notifying veterinarians about adverse events reported in dogs treated with Librela (bedinvetmab injection)

 

 

Dogs And Illusions

Dogs can be subject to illusions. So can humans. A couple of weeks ago, I was outside to meet a couple for the first time with their dog. When the dog first saw me, he was happy and pulling my way. But, when he sniffed me, he startled, jumped back and started growling... (MORE)

Dogs And Predator Mistakes... Coyotes, Wolves, Bears, Cougars

“If you must feed your pets outside, do so in the morning or at midday, and pick up food, water bowls, leftovers, and spilled food well before dark every day,” WDFW notes.

If you have pets, it is unwise to keep unsecured wildlife attractants in your yard: food, water, toys, feces, treats, open garbage cans, or live chickens. Fruit trees can also be an attractant: pick up ripe fallen fruit, for example. Outdoor dogs are dinner for many predators.

 

Rural communities already know this. City folk seem unaware of how nature works. 

 

Plan accordingly. 

Dogs And New Years Eve

It's here... New Year's Eve.

Is this going to be a dangerous day for your dog?

Fireworks.

Mischief from strangers.

Open doors and gates.

Startled dogs.

Lax house sitters, negligent when supervising your dogs.

Drones flying overhead.

Drunk and intoxicated people.

Guests who do stupid things with your dogs.

Toxic foods and other toxic items laying around your home and on the ground.

Public mayhem and violence... (my Spidey Senses are tingling)...

Go do a walk around your home and secure any escape points. If your dogs need meds to not melt down when the fireworks go off, and as drones fly overhead, get them ready. Exercise your dogs this afternoon and get the extra energy out of them. Feed them a bit earlier for dinner to prevent bloat and torsion. Supervise your dog in the yard to prevent them from jumping over the fence or digging under gates or fences or breaking through doors and gates. Lock your gates and outdoor fuse boxes.

It is too late to train your dog to tolerate the noise and chaos. If you must, put your dogs in the car and go for a long drive. Stay away from crowds with your dog. 

If you are going out tonight, have a plan for your dogs in case you don't come home.  

What is the address and phone number of your nearest emergency vet?

Do you have sufficient pictures of your dog in case you need to put up Lost Dog posters around town? Is your dog wearing tags and a license, and is your dog microchipped?

Plan accordingly. 

Should I Get A Malinois?

Periodically, I have students ask me if I think they should get a Malinois. 

My general answer is, "No." 

Why would I say that? It's because this is a working breed that is too much dog to be a typical pet. They are also very mouthy and not many people want to own an alligator. They can also frustrate easily, and they will then release that by biting just about anything nearby. I first considered getting one around 1999, but after a lot of research, I opted for another breed. Back then, they would easily bite, but many had confidence and "nerve" issues. I didn't want an unstable dog. While the dogs of today are better than what I was seeing back then, I still wouldn't recommend them to the average pet owner. 

Mals make even an average dog trainer look like a Master Trainer. They can learn and do most anything, and their performances look stunning on camera. They make a great marketing tool. But, if you look closely at many of these online demonstrations, most of these trainers are not showing you any advanced capabilities, they are just luring the dog with treats to run around them into Come/ Sit, then back to a Heel/Sit, then the dog goes in between their legs and Sits facing forwards. You can do that with a puppy and novice dog owner with most any breed. It's just that the Mal will do it with more enthusiasm, however it isn't much of a demonstration of advanced skill development. I have seen a lot of dog trainers who use their dogs for demonstration photos, but if you can get to know them, their dogs are a mess. So the dogs are put away most of the time. Or they are wearing electric collars the entire time they are free, just to keep the dogs within a 20 foot proximity, but the movements are uncoordinated and still don't show any higher level of training. This is a disservice to any working dog, especially a Mal.

Let's say you already have a Mal. I wouldn't give the dog away, but your dog probably needs some professional training. What I mean by that is you need someone to help you understand your dog so that you can do right by your dog. You have caused the problems, and your dog isn't going to solve them without help. Abandoning your dog to a shelter is most likely a death sentence. Your dog needs you to fix things in your home, not a needle in the arm and a resulting trip to the dump in a garbage bag.

With the ones I've worked with, since I specialize in pet dogs, the dogs first need some sorting out. Whatever is going on needs to be puzzled out. The last one I worked with wasn't as active, and didn't have as much drive, as a typical Mal, but would lunge at all passing cars. Unsophisticated owners, and average quality dog trainers, will think that the solution will be to suppress anything they don't like. While that seems logical, and sometimes works in the short run, if the problem is that you are actually fighting a Mal for being a Mal, those problems will break out again in some form. You can't fence temperament and drive forever. 

A Malinois should be bred to do professional work for sport, police and the military. The breeding should be purposeful and tested before breeding takes place. They shouldn't be bred as pets. Breeders should seek to find owners who will provide this kind of work for their dogs, and if they don't have a program to feed into that kind of pipeline, they should choose another breed. There are other breeds that can still do a lot of what pet owners want out of a big dog, but will live more peaceably in a pet owner's life. 

Plan accordingly.