Dog Whisperer? I'm Not Impressed

If we weren't so nuts over canines, there's no way dog-trainer-turned-TV-star Cesar Millan would be presiding over one of the opening news conferences at the semi-annual Television Critics Association press tour. Yet there he was, flanked by three clients and five shockingly well-behaved dogs — including one of his own pit bulls and Will and Jada Pinkett Smith's Lhasa Apso — to discuss the new season of his National Geographic hit Dog Whisperer.

Millan's show is so popular that it's expanding this season to a full prime-time Friday hour (8 ET/PT), even though, Millan concedes, the title is basically a lie. He never actually whispers to the dogs. "I would not be in business, because everyone can do that."

Nor, for that matter, does he really train dogs. He prefers to say he "rehabilitates" dogs and trains humans, which mostly means teaching us to treat our dogs like dogs.

"We humanize dogs," he says. "It's important for them to become dogs first, and fulfill being a dog."

What a dog wants, Millan says, is to follow along as part of your "pack." So he teaches his clients (who pay $350 an hour to get in person what we get free on TV) to take a leadership position and to give their dogs "exercise, discipline and affection on a daily basis.

I’ve never been impressed with this guy. I’ve watched him, and he’s just not that special. Amazing what a bit of publicity can do for someone’s pocketbook… $350 / hr just to let a dog run around with other dogs and be free? And he really doesn’t do all that much in terms of training… it is so basic, I am surprised that people fall for this kind of thing.

Dog Unjustly Sentenced To Die Because Of Owner's Commands

Schwab was arrested with Gabrielle at his side as they marched down Bowdoin Street around 12:30 p.m. yesterday, minutes after he tried to gain an audience with Beacon Hill lawmakers.

“He said he wanted to save his dog from getting killed,” said a BPD police source who spoke with Schwab after his arrest. “He said he broke her out to save her.”

But Schwab was apparently barking up the wrong tree and someone who spotted him under the Golden Dome called 911.

“He went to the State House where he was seeking political support to keep his dog alive,” said his attorney, William E. Gens. “He really loves that dog.”

Schwab and Gabrielle spent their days on the lam traveling between Arlington, Salem and Boston on the T or commuter trains, the police source said. Schwab would hide the dog under his long coat, which he carried into court yesterday.

Schwab is already facing charges of assault and battery on police officers after he allegedly sicked Gabrielle on Boston cops near Downtown Crossing on Oct. 10.

The dog bit two cops before she was shot in the head.

Gabrielle survived the shooting — after the city spent $4,000 on vet bills and kennel fees — but was ordered euthanized by a Boston Municipal Court judge because of her vicious behavior.

So, a homeless guy tells his dog to attack a police officer, the dog does. Was the man right in sending his dog on the police? No. That was a crime and he should be punished for it. But, does the dog deserve to be put to death for this? No. To put the dog to death, for obeying its master, is a crime, too. This is NOT an indication of a vicious dog, otherwise we could label every police K9 as being vicious for the same behaviors… protecting their masters on command. The dog should have been taken away from this man and given to a responsible dog owner.

Baggage Handler Tosses Dog Aboard Alaska Airlines Jet

Saturday night, just a day after Alaska Airlines increased its monitoring of ramp operations at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, a baggage worker threw a crate containing a border collie into the cargo hold of a plane instead of using a conveyor belt.

The dog's owner, Lisa Ross of Woodinville, was watching from inside the terminal around 11 p.m. when a ramp worker picked up the crate holding her 40-pound dog, Jace, tipped it at a 45-degree angle and then heaved it over his head into the jet.

Jace, a 40-pound border collie, was bound for a dog competition in Florida.

The baggage worker is an employee of Menzies Aviation, an Alaska contractor blamed for damaging two Alaska Airlines jets on the ground at Sea-Tac in the past three weeks. As a result of those earlier incidents, Menzies said it was flying 25 supervisors to Seattle to work alongside Menzies' local workers to improve the operation. Also, Alaska said Friday it was assigning six extra Alaska Airlines employees to supervise ramp operations for each shift.

But Ross saw no supervisors.

"My dog was basically being slammed from level to 45 degrees and projected into the plane," Ross said. "It was just horrifying to see."

The worker then walked to Ross' other dog, an Australian shepherd named Tucker, and tried to lift his crate but couldn't, Ross said. Workers used a belt loader for the 50-pound dog, according to Ross and an Alaska incident report.

I DEMAND this person be fired, and charged with animal abuse. I also demand the baggage handling company and airline compensate the dog owner, be fined by FAA, and also be charged with animal abuse. This was a crime, and it should be treated as such.

I don’t give a damn about their airline dispute. It doesn’t justify taking it out on a helpless dog, or an airline passenger.

Another Animal Rights Objective: Ban Tail Docking

The "cruel" docking of new born puppies' tails should be banned, MPs were told yesterday.

Campaigners say pedigree dogs' tails are cut without anaesthetic when they are just three to five days old only to make them look smarter.

They say the practice is the equivalent of cutting off a baby's little finger.

More insane animal rights rhetoric. Dogs don’t remember tail docking events, which are done before the dog is even a week old. It is harmless, from a medical or behavioral standpoint, if done by a professional veterinarian or breeder. I DO have a problem with ear cropping, which is done at 6 to 8 weeks of age, at a time when the pup can remember the effects, and the dog has to be anesthetized… which is risky, medically.

This could all be solved through selective breeding. You could breed tailless and short eared dogs. There are tailless breeds you could use. And study how the Bull Terrier folks developed a triangular ear in the 1950’s through selective breeding.

This whole thing has a sinister animal rights agenda behind it. It is a way to enact more breeding restrictions, which will be used to further restrict the breeding, training, and ownership of dogs.

13 Year Old Boy Bitten By Police Dog After Refusing To Surrender

A 13-year-old boy was injured by a police dog when authorities tried to break up a brawl at a Wal-Mart, police said.

Police responded to the Valley View Wal-Mart parking lot about 8 p.m. Saturday after receiving reports of gunfire and a fight involving 20 to 50 minors, police spokeswoman Aisha Johnson said.

The boy, who was bitten on the arm, was taken to the hospital and released.

Police took into custody a 16-year-old boy who was armed. Neither boy was identified because they are juveniles.

The boy who was bitten was hiding behind several cargo boxes and refused to come out after police ordered him to, Johnson said, so officers let the dog loose on him.

I don’t blame the police for sending a dog on this kid. This was a riot, and one kid was found to be armed with a deadly weapon. This kid shouldn’t have been involved. Tough luck. You hang around with the wrong crowd, and you get hurt.

And what about this kid’s parents?!

Illegal Dog Fighting Operation Uncovered

An illegal fighting dog breeding operation has been uncovered in County Down, the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says.

The discovery was made on Monday at an isolated farmhouse on the Katesbridge Road about a mile from the village of Kinallen in south Down.

It is the third find of its kind in the area in the past five days.

WE HAVE to stop these criminals. They are the primary reason for breed ban legislation.

Stop Breed Banning In Louisville, KY!

Dog owners turned out last night to urge the Louisville Metro Council to reject an ordinance they said would make it nearly impossible to legally own pit bull dogs and Rottweilers in Louisville.

Time to fight back, hard, and stop this silly legislation. Hey, you activists, get in contact with these folks and give them some legal, strategic and financial support!

This Cat Owner Is In The Wrong

A cat owner, frustrated that officials couldn't prove a neighbor's dog had killed her pet, took a cue from television legal dramas and used DNA evidence to pursue the case herself.

A lab that analyzed the DNA concluded that the dog was linked to the cat's death, but officials said they still can't make a case because there were no witnesses.

After discovering her cat Cody dead under a tree in front of her home in August, Marylin Christian came to suspect Lucky, a German shepherd mix belonging to neighbors Sean and Janet Daryabeygi.

I’m fed up with these types of cat owners. If you let your cat roam the neighborhood, then it is easy prey to dogs, wild animals, and automobiles. Maybe instead of tracking down the dog that killed her cat, she shouldn’t ever get another cat.

If a dog kills a roaming cat, the dog is NOT to be considered dangerous or vicious. That is what animals of different species do. And it shouldn’t be illegal and she shouldn’t be compensated for her loss.

Boston Takes Blame For Electrocuted Dog

City officials took responsibility for the death of a dog electrocuted when he stepped on a metal sidewalk plate that had been charged by a loose wire.

They should take the blame. And compensate the owner for their dead dog.

Dog Owners United? Or Already Defeated?

In the article on the Sumner County year in review, you forgot to mention that in June concerned responsible dog owners in the county united to successfully stop a proposal for breed-specific legislation and encouraged county lawmakers to look at solutions that would target irresponsible dog owners.

Even though nothing has been done on that front and the committee to study animal control issues has not met since Aug. 1, 2005, hopefully some people have become educated to the problems caused by irresponsible dog owners in our community.

WARNING: Citizens get a committee organized to re-write the unfair dog laws in their communities… and the local government stonewalls the movement and ultimately sabotages their efforts. You can’t wimp out and not fight hard to get your proposals heard and enacted. The city won’t “play nice” with you.

Cat Saves Dog

CATWOMAN star Halle Berry was hailed a real-life superhero - after rescuing a runaway DOG.

The Oscar-winning star leapt into action as the tiny Pomeranian was almost run over by the car she was driving behind.

Ex-Bond girl Halle, 39, screeched to a halt, stepped out of her white Range Rover and scooped the terrified pet into her arms for a reassuring kiss and cuddle.

Cat saves dog. Man bites dog. Life sure can be funny sometimes.

Trapper Brought In To Protect Governor's Dog

For former Gov. Gary Locke, the problem was bats. For his successor, Christine Gregoire, it's bigger predators that threaten her small dog.

In recent months, a professional trapper has removed a raccoon and an opossum from the grounds of the governor's mansion on the state Capitol campus, and State Patrol troopers have run off an undetermined number of coyotes.

Gregoire has said Franz, the family's 13-pound Pomeranian, is not allowed out alone for safety reasons.

I remember when Washington State banned the use of hunting dogs to find cougars. It was a total failure, advocated by the animal rights wackos, and the shelters filled up with unwanted hunting hounds.

Amazing, when the favored politicians need the help from dogs, they can get it. But, when we need it, they regulate the living daylights out of us.

Boston Dog Electrocuted By Faulty Street Light

Boston officials last night were looking into the possibility that the city may be to blame for the electrocution of a dog that was walking with its owner at a Charlestown street corner.

James W. Hunt, the city's chief of environment and energy and a member of Mayor Thomas M. Menino's Cabinet, said the stray voltage that killed the dog may have come from a street light, ''which is owned by the city of Boston. We're going to do a full investigation. This is a most unfortunate incident, and our hearts go out to the dog owners."

This kind of thing happens in New York every once in a while. Another great example of how the infrastructure in these old cities needs new management... bureaucracies tend to become corrupt and inefficient over time.

More Politically Correct Dog Laws From Down Under

A STATE database to track dangerous dogs will come into effect next month following a spate of dog attacks in Victoria.

The register aims to crack down on owners who move to avoid tight restrictions imposed by local councils on keeping a dangerous dog.

Under new laws, which will take effect on February 2, councils will be able to record onto a dog's microchip if it is dangerous, menacing or a restricted breed. The information will be shared with other councils through the database.

A dog is deemed menacing if it rushes at or barks aggressively at someone. That rating can be upgraded to "dangerous" if the dog is a repeat offender.

What next? Do we label dogs “menacing” if they look at you sideways? C’mon. This is complete overkill. The dog haters really have had their say. It’s time we start fighting back. The standard for defining a dog as being “dangerous” keeps being lowered to the point that any dog, regardless of breed or age or intent, can be labelled as "dangerous" or "menacing." Such dogs are then doomed to being put to death, even if no one was ever harmed.

In this Politically Correct world, we can’t hurt anyone’s feelings, and what people feel has become more important than what people do. Thus, a man can’t tell a woman at work that he likes her dress, because he can be hauled into Personnel for sexual harassment. And a dog can’t bark or growl at someone, even if they are justified in doing so, or startled, without being labeled as “menacing”, because some phobic dog hater can’t tell the difference between a normal dog behavior and one that is truly a sign of a vicious dog.

Some Beaches Should Allow Off Leash Dogs

A recent confrontation in Middletown has reignited the debate over whether dogs should be leashed at state beaches.

Some dog owners say their pets should be allowed to roam freely on beaches in the winter, when few people are around. But others say dogs should be leased on beaches at all times, regardless of the season.

We have thousands and thousands of miles of ocean and fresh water beaches in the US. You’d think you could let a dog run leash free at some of them, especially in the winter months. It is absolutely insane the way we prevent people and their dogs from using our public park lands.

It's A Crime

A pricey puppy has been stolen from a Hooksett (New Hampshire) pet store.

Police say someone snatched the 13-hundred-dollar Pomeranian from the Family Pet store sometime yesterday afternoon.

I don’t know what’s worse, selling puppies through pet stores, or stealing a puppy from a pet store. Both are crimes, just in different ways. It is a crime to take something from someone else. You should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. But, it is also a sort of “crime” to sell dogs at pet stores (and what idiot pays $1,300 for a dog from a pet store, when you could get a terrific dog of the same breed from a reputable breeder?). These pups aren’t properly raised or bred, and that causes innumerable problems for the dogs, their owners, and the public for years to come.

Man Pleads No Contest For Torturing Dog

A Flint man has pleaded no contest to charges that he dragged his German shepherd behind his car.

Samuel J. Motley Jr., 57, pleaded no contest Friday to killing or torturing animals, a four-year felony. He entered the plea before 68th District Judge Nathaniel C. Perry III under a program that allows district court judges to accept felony pleas.

A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt but is treated as such for sentencing purposes. Prosecutors said they will recommend that Motley receive up to nine months in jail and probation when he is sentenced before Genesee County Circuit Judge Judith A. Fullerton next month.

ONLY NINE MONTHS IN JAIL?

How about NINE YEARS?!

This is sick. I heard of a similar case, involving a cat, last week. This is as brutal as it comes. And the punishment should be just as brutal.

Man Dies Trying To Save His Dog

A Christchurch man who leapt into rough seas to save his dog drowned last night, despite desperate efforts by friends to save him.

Police K9 officers have to be counseled concerning what to do if their dog dies in the line of duty. There have been cases where the K9 officer’s dog had been killed by a criminal, and the officer is so angry that he wants to then kill the criminal.

You just can’t go there.

I remember several cases where dogs have fallen off cliffs, and the owners died, too, trying to climb down to save their dogs. This case is no different.

Though I love dogs, they aren’t humans. You just can’t do this kind of thing.

Dog Saves Girl From Attacker

A TEENAGE girl who was attacked while out for a late-night walk was saved from a serious assault when her dog pounced on her assailant.

The 18-year-old was walking her dog in Dumbeg Park, near Wester Hailes railway station, at around 2am on Wednesday , when she was attacked.

The man grabbed her and dragged her into an underpass but, before he could do anything, the teenager's collie-cross, which was off its lead, came bounding back to the rescue.

The dog went for the man's legs, biting him, while the girl lashed out at his face, giving him a cut lip and a bleeding nose.

Another example of a justified dog bite. Not all dog bites are bad. But, that is what we hear about most often. You can bet this isn’t the only time in the past year that a dog has saved someone’s life… you just don’t hear about it in the news, because the news is slanted against anything good or normal, even when it comes to dogs.

Dog Rescue Needs Donations

I found this excellent suggestion over at www.DoggieNews.com

“If you're willing to donate money to benefit animal charities, please make your local animal rescue tops on the list.

Animal rescues take in animals doomed to be euthanized at animal shelters, and give them a chance at life. They also take in sick, injured, and emaciated animals, and spend their time, labor, and money rehabilitating them.

When you donate to an animal rescue, your money goes directly towards the animals in need, and not towards advertising campaigns and political lobbyists.”

I have contributed my services to dog rescue for years. But, if you aren’t a dog expert, or don’t have time to be a foster family for a dog, then contributing money is also a great way to help out. Check out the above mentioned article. It gives links to where you can find a local rescue group in your area that could use your help. Thanks, DoggieNews.com!

Tell Me Why This Is Justice!

George Boudros didn't learn that two of his four German shepherds had escaped their pen and attacked another dog until a McHenry County Animal Control officer showed up at his Crystal Lake home.

After the attack in December 1998, officials placed Zeba and Zorba on a county list of "dangerous and vicious" dogs. The list now numbers 10 animals still living in McHenry County. But under a recommendation from a county task force, dogs deemed vicious in the future would be killed.

Tell me how this is just?

Why should the dogs die if they got loose and caused harm?

You might hold the owner at fault for having a poorly made fence, but why kill the dogs? You might have had some weirdo let the dogs loose… so why would the dogs be punished?

Just because a dog bites doesn’t mean the dog is “vicious”.

This really irritates me. This is unjust!

Let's Blogroll & Share Links!

Hi Everybody!

I have a super busy day today. So, let’s do something different.

How about posting a comment here, and be sure to put a link to your web page or blog in your comments. And in exchange, would you please let me do the same at your web page or blog when I get home tonight?

Exchanging links is a great way of improving the page rank and traffic to your blog or web page. So, let’s work the system and do each other a favor.

Happy Training!

Sam Basso
www.SamTheDogTrainer.com

Abandoned Dogs In China

SHANGHAI: A new shelter for stray animals is already full after opening two weeks ago because it has been inundated with unwanted pets.

Jin Pu, president of Pets Rescue Centre in suburban Shanghai, said more than half of their 60-some animals are domestic pets instead of strays.

"They are clean and well-fed. You know they are not stray animals at first sight," Jin told China Daily yesterday. adding they had received various pleas for help from pet owners since the opening of the two-storey building on Lianhua Nanlu, Minhang District.

An elderly couple sent their dog to the centre, saying that their deteriorating health meant they were struggling to take care of the pet, which was also growing old and needed more and more care.

"We accepted that without any question," Jin said, "but a woman said that her son is taking the college entrance examination, so she wants to give up the dog. Isn't that excuse ridiculous?"

There are no laws over abandoning pets, which has left organizations like the rescue centre vulnerable to being overwhelmed with animals.

It is unable to take in any more animals as it is already at its capacity.

Sigh.

Hey, you animal welfare activists… how can we help out? I wonder if we contacted the Chinese consulate in our cities, we could offer our assistance in helping China devise a good public awareness campaign regarding responsible dog ownership?

Will Shelters Fill Up Because Of The Year Of The Dog?

People who sell dogs in wet markets, pet stores and online say sales have been booming as the end of the year approaches. Some local pet markets say dog sales are up by about 30 percent from normal, and their stores are packed with people looking to pick up a puppy.

Many customers say they think it would be lucky to start raising a dog in the Year of the Dog.

With sales booming, prices are also on the rise for many species of dogs.

Those who take care of abandoned or stray pets in the city say they are worried many people will quickly grow tired or raising a puppy and abandoned their new dog in a few months time.

"I am deeply concerned about the situation of those dogs that are taken home by owners who only think it lucky to have a puppies in the Year of the Dog and make a quick decision at the market," said Zhou Min, one of the founders of the city's largest animal welfare NGO, the Shanghai Pets Aid Center.

Bringing Your Dog To China

You are allowed to bring pets to China as long as you can prove that they are vaccinated and healthy. In theory, you need to have a Z (resident) visa to bring in your pet. There should be only one pet per Z visa holder (so if you have two cats, for example, make sure that one is registered in the husband's name and one in the wife's). From personal experience, we know that it is possible to waive this requirement by using an agent in the case of a family with two pets and only one Z visa holder (the employee) at the time of entry.

Dogs are not permitted on the streets between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.; this also applies to parks, and all public places. Realistically, therefore, dog-walkers are limited to walking their dogs within their compound. There is a height restriction for dogs living in Beijing city; only dogs shorter than 35 cm at the shoulder are permitted within the boundary created by the Wenyu River. Larger dogs are required to live out of town. This means that Beijing Riviera is within the restricted area, although many families on the compound do keep larger dogs and the management office turns a blind eye. However, as you can get away with keeping a larger dog in the city on a temporary basis (i.e. while waiting to sort out permanent accommodation), some people choose to risk keeping them long term. Be aware that although the authorities seem to be turning a blind eye at present, the situation could change at any time. Also remember that to get your dog out of China, you will need the correct papers.

Dogs have to be registered with the Chinese authorities after arrival. (Q&A: How to register your dog)

This is an extremely interesting article. It is worth reading if you plan on traveling to China with a dog.

The State Of Dog Ownership In China

WHEN Basil the pet dog, died two years ago, my friend and her twin boys were really sad. Together they buried Basil in a corner of their neighborhood garden.

I wonder how many dogs and cats are buried there with Basil because the fluffy and loving pets come and go in that neighborhood.

Dealing with the dead bodies of pets is becoming a problem. Many people, like my friend, find their little sweeties an underground "home" in gardens or parks. Some irresponsible owners get rid of the bodies by leaving them on the street, in trash cans, or anywhere out of their sight. Few resort to professional cremation services for animals.

While throwing away dead pets is surely despicable, burying them is not such a good choice either because pathogens don't die when the animal is dead.

The pathogens can stay alive in the soil for one year and some spore bacteria for several years. This could pose a threat to the environment, especially to groundwater.

Leaving dead animals in the street is even worse. Imagine the potential danger during the period of avian flu if a person throws his pet bird — which has suddenly and mysteriously died — in a trash can.

All in all, cremation is the safest way — fire kills all the bacteria and parasites — and it is the proper way to farewell one's beloved animal friends.

It is amazing how far China has to go when it comes to pet ownership. Communist China banned dog ownership during the Cultural Revolution. Further, dogs were used as food, guard dogs for the rich, pets for the rich, and as fighting dogs for gambling purposes. The whole idea of pet ownership is new there, and they have a lot to learn, culturally, about owning a dog.

Maybe their government officials should hire some of us to teach them what we know. It could save a lot of heartache for both the pets and owners involved.

It Is The Year Of The Dog

People should watch out for dogs in the Year of the Dog so as not to be bitten by them or punished for abuse of them.

Dogs as pets are expected to be more popular this year, but the public are advised to remember that mistreatment of the animal, ``man’s best friend,’’ will lead to civil or criminal charges.

It’s the YEAR OF THE DOG.

I once had a customer, who was from Hong Kong, who owned 7 dogs because she believed that “7” was a lucky number. The dogs weren’t socialized, were biters, and were abused by her older son.

It is not a good idea to get a dog just to fulfill some kind of social custom. You’ll end up hating the dog, because you got it for the wrong reasons, and you’ll end up getting rid of it, or it will end up abused or neglected by you or your family members.

Celebrate the season, but don’t get a dog, OK?

Dog Meat Recipes From Korea

It's sold everywhere in Korea, with the color of an eggplant and coiled to look like a fakir's snake. It's sold in streets, under tents and in convenience stores. Restaurants serve it steaming hot, cut in the shape of fat buttons or floating inside an oily soup.

Like France's boudin noir or Scotland's haggis, Korean blood sausage, or sundae as it is popularly known, has been a favorite food here for centuries. The first mention in Korea of stuffing scrap meat and blood into intestines was in the "Gyugonsiuibang" ("The Book of Korean Cuisine and Cooking"), the first cookbook to be written in hangul in 1653. The book instructs readers on how to make steamed sundae by adding spices to minced dog meat and stuffing it into the animal's intestines.

The relationships between humans and dogs exhibit profound diversity across cultures, influenced by historical traditions, environmental contexts, and societal values. From an ethological perspective, the domestication of dogs has produced strong companion bonds in many regions, characterized by emotional reciprocity and partnership, as explored in Konrad Lorenz's research on interspecies attachment. In other contexts, longstanding customs incorporate dogs into dietary practices, reflecting local beliefs and resource availability. This article provides a neutral overview of such variations, with emphasis on evolving global welfare standards and advocacy for humane treatment.
Historical reports from certain areas, including parts of Korea, have documented traditional recipes involving dog meat, often tied to seasonal or cultural significance. Similar practices appear in select regions across Asia, where consumption is associated with specific occasions or perceived benefits. Advocacy organizations monitor these customs, focusing on animal handling, transport, and alignment with protection laws to encourage improvements consistent with broader humane principles.
International efforts to advance canine welfare involve education, legal frameworks, and community engagement, aiming to balance cultural respect with compassionate standards. Ethologically informed care highlights dogs' cognitive capacities and social needs, supporting protections that recognize their sentience.
In companion dog settings worldwide, the focus remains on enrichment, positive partnerships, and fulfillment of innate drives to enhance well-being. Continued advocacy contributes to greater awareness and humane approaches.
For those interested in global canine welfare or related initiatives, established organizations offer opportunities for learning and support.
This article incorporates AI-assisted drafting based on the BASSO METHOD framework and has been reviewed for accuracy, alignment with ethological principles, and adherence to these parameters.Bibliography

1. Lorenz, K. (1981). The foundations of ethology. Springer-Verlag. (Exploration of domestication and attachment behaviors).
2. Tinbergen, N. (1963). On aims and methods of ethology. Zeitschrift für Tierpsychologie, 20(4), 410–433. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0310.1963.tb01161.x (Framework for cultural influences on animal roles).
3. SamTheDogTrainer.com. (n.d.). BASSO METHOD core documents (e.g., welfare and partnership principles). Retrieved from https://samthedogtrainer.com [Internal reference for companion applications].

Will The Shelters Fill Up With Holiday Pups?

The SPCA and local animal shelters don't recommend giving animals as gifts. Instead, options such as gift certificates are suggested, allowing the recipient time to choose the right animal.

In the next two months shelters may see an increase of animals because the gifts of animals people received may not have worked out for them, said Gary Tiscornia, executive director of the SPCA in Monterey County.

Instead of giving the pup away… how about SOCIALIZING, TRAINING, CONTAINING, AND SUPERVISING your new dog? It isn’t rocket science folks, regardless of the breed.

Mange

Demodectic mange is caused by demodex canis, a mite that cannot be seen without a microscope. It is commonly present in the pores of a puppy's skin and usually does not cause symptoms. Occasionally the mites become very active, producing a substance that lowers the dog's resistance to them, and multiply profusely. Demodectic mange symptoms include thinning of the hair around the eyes and mouth and on the front legs. The mange may correct itself within three months. However, it can also develop into a generalized case with hair loss on the dog's head, legs and body.

Cheyletiella mange is commonly known as "walking dandruff." It also affects puppies and is caused by a large, reddish mite that can be seen under a magnifying glass.

Cheyletiella mange is highly contagious but short-lived. It causes mild itching. The mite that causes the mange dies a short time after leaving the host.

The worse of the three varieties is sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies. It is caused by a microscopic mite and is present in wild animal populations. It has been reported in a wide range of mammals - including red and grey foxes, coyotes, wolves, porcupines, black bear, cottontail rabbits, raccoons, skunks and groundhogs. Notoedric mange is a variation and infects the eastern fox squirrel and the gray squirrel. When cases of mange are high, entire populations can die off. Fox and squirrels are two of the most susceptible to this.

The intense itching of sarcoptic mange is caused by the female mites as they burrow under the host's skin to lay their eggs. The eggs hatch in a few days, develop into adults and begin laying their own eggs when they mature three weeks later. Animals with sarcoptic mange scratch and bite at themselves with great ferocity, usually resulting in oozing sores and secondary infections.

Sarcoptic mange is contagious to both domestic dogs and humans. Pet owners need to keep their pets under supervision when out in the woods.

Another Dog Hating Article From Australia

A FATHER whose son was attacked by a friend's dog said yesterday that putting the animal down was the only option.

Police confirmed last night that the owners of the dog had their pet destroyed after it attacked the seven-year-old boy in Colac on Monday.

Steve Rose was relieved yesterday as his son Trent recovered in the Geelong Hospital after being bitten by the dog, named Bonnie.

Trent was patting Bonnie, believed to be a bull terrier cross, when the dog "just turned around and bit him", Mr Rose said.

"She's a good dog, she's just old," he said.

I find it revolting that this bite is blamed, by insinuation later in this article, on the breed of dog involved. The dog was clearly a sick old dog, probably in some kind of pain, and it bit the kid to protect itself. The press in Australia has it out for dogs and their media do article after article on dog bites.

Wheeling, West Virginia, Considers Breed Ban Legislation

Wheeling City Council is scheduled on Tuesday to conduct the first reading of a 12-page ordinance related to registering so-called dangerous or vicious dogs.

Council meets at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, in its chambers, located on the second floor of the City-County Building, 1500 Chapline St., Wheeling.

The purpose of the proposed ordinance is to "promote the public health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of the city of Wheeling. It is intended to be applicable to 'dangerous' and/or 'vicious' dogs, as defined herein by ensuring responsible handling by their owners through registration, confinement and liability insurance."

The proposed ordinance includes definitions of dangerous or vicious dogs, mainly describing actions or behaviors such as causing serious injury, biting or killing. It also appears to designate some breeds of dogs as dangerous or vicious, such as Canary dogs, mixed or not, any Staffordshire bull terrier or American pit bull terrier, mixed or not, and police-type dogs. Strict liability provisions also are included, relating to physical harm, "unless the dog was: being teased, tormented or abused by a person, or coming to the aid or defense of a person who was not engaged in illegal or criminal activity and who was not using the dog as a means to carry out illegal or criminal activity."

This is just ignorance gone to seed.

They are going to ban “police type dogs”? What does that mean? Any dog that can be trained to be a police dog? So, now we are adding a new type of dog to be banned: Airedales, Boxers, Bouviers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, German Shorthaired Pointers, etc. Look, a LOT of breeds can be trained to do police work, not just German Shepherd Dogs.

These brainless politicians keep writing laws. They can’t help it. That is what they do to get attention and to get “promoted” in the political world. It is just a crime that they use our dogs as stepping stones for their political careers.

"Hi, I'm the not so proud owner of Chloe the 10 mo. old Puggle I wrote about in one of you blogs. I just wanted to let you know that you have hit the nail on the head with your opinion of Puggles. My dog has bit my daughter in the face over food. She is very aggressive when it comes to her bones or anything she can eat. Once it's hers there's no taking it back!

I hope everyone thinking about a Puggle reads your concerns and hears what you're saying. We were told by the pet store (big mistake) that they were "Great with kids!!!" Well, now my daughter has a scar on her face and my son is heart broken because we are coming to the conclusion that this dog is not trust worthy and will probably need to be put down.

To add insult to injury, I thought we were making major progress on the house breaking. Yesterday I discovered that she has been urinating in my living room in the corner when no one is looking. She'll go outside if you catch her before she goes, but if you’re not watching, she does what ever she wants.

So far, the only quality I can find in these dogs is that they are cute.

Heart Broken"

I am sorry this had to happen. I have been warning people now for over a month to avoid the whole Puggle craze. Note: this owner got her dog at a pet store, which is the first mistake. Second, the dog turned out to be just what I said it would be.

They have a lot of pet stores here in Arizona. I saw a Dogue de Bordeaux in one of the major shopping malls over Christmas. That pup WAS NOT happy being there, and the experience was not good for him. Dogs like that are already prone to being wary of strangers, and it wasn't good for that pup to be on display in a glass case, away from its momma. Further, such a dog is known to have serious potential health problems, so you really need to be working directly with a reputable breeder instead of a pet store. I wouldn't doubt that pup was selling for $2,500... but that will be a mere pittance compared to the probable costs the owner will have to spend on remedial dog training and medical care. It just might turn out to be the $15,000 dog, and still die before it reaches 5 years old.

You should NEVER buy a pup from a pet store. Never. And note the store told her what they needed to in order to make the sale. A reputable breeder won't sell to just anyone... they will ask you a lot of questions, and oftentimes put you through some hoops to prove you are a responsible pet owner. A pet store will sell you a dog if you come up with the cash, period.

Some of the problems this person is having with her Puggle can be overcome with training, and before this dog is put down, it would be worth trying. That is why I sell downloadable e-Lessons. Not everyone has a good trainer in their town. You can find the e-Lessons at my web page, which is http://www.samthedogtrainer.com/

UPDATE: I have had more time since I originally posted this article. I have worked with and been around many Puggles since. They are nice dogs... provided you understand that you need to raise and train them properly. Yes, they are a lot like Beagles, and so if you like a Beagle, and understand that temperament, then you'll do OK with a Puggle. And my warnings about potential behavior problems has held true. Puggle owners have primarily struggled with the same issues Beagle owners have to face: aggression, brattiness and house training problems. All this can be headed off if you get a trainer and don't try to do this stuff yourself, or let the problem get so bad that everyone in the household hates your dog and forces you to get rid of it. I like the Puggle, I don't like fads. I don't like seeing dogs suffer because of stupid people making impulse puppy purchase decisions

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

“Today is the first day of the rest of your life.”

My grandfather used to tell us that.

Every day is a new day to start over, to be a better person, to get a second chance, to do the right thing, to pick yourself back up and get going, to set new goals, and do new things.

I look forward to every new year.

One of my main goals this year is to get a puppy. What are you wanting this year?