Getting Into Your Dog’s Head

They’re not fierce wolves; they’re not furry people. What are they? Our pets; our companions; our friends. They are not intrinsically aggressive, but neither do they think the same way as humans. This, says animal behaviorist John Bradshaw, is the key to having a successful dog/owner relationship. Bradshaw’s new book, Dog Sense: How the New Science of Dog Behavior Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet, provides useful information for any pet owner who wants get to know his dogs. One area of particular concern that Bradshaw covers is discipline. What does he suggest?

What do you do when your dog jumps up on a guest? Some owners are likely to physically discipline the dog, such as with a swat on the nose. But negative attention is still attention. Bradshaw suggests that you ignore your dog. Just look away and fold your arms. Don’t give him what he really wants – attention – unless he’s doing a good behavior. Dogs are incredibly sensitive to body language, and they will get the point. Withdrawing attention is like taking away a kid’s Wii, perhaps more effective though because dogs are easier to train!

Bradshaw says, that, “surprisingly, most dogs, given the choice, will actually prefer human company to other dog company.” They want to be with you and please you. Your withdrawal of attention is far more effective, and humane, than physical reprimands. Likewise, your attention is far more powerful than anything else – yes, even treats and bones. Most, not all, but most, dogs want to make you happy. They will pick up on your cues and follow your lead.

This makes training a dog sound simple and easy – it’s not! It can be very, very challenging. But the point is to remember that physical or verbal reprimands are not particularly effective. What your body says is far more important than what your mouth says.

Bad Dog: Great Plan

Is there really such a thing as a bad dog? Or are there just bad owners? In any case, Marty Kihn and is Burmese Mountain dog, Hola, were a perfect match. The 85-pound Hola chewed furniture, jumped on (and tackled) people, and chased people on the street. Marty wasn’t much of a prize himself: he was an alcoholic whose wife had just left him. Rather than drowning his sorrows, though, Marty said, “I finally realized I could actually lose everything that mattered to me – that it was an actual possibility. That’s what it took to get me to open my mind and get help.”

He found help in an unlikely place: yes, Hola became an integral part of Marty’s recovery, which he details in Bad Dog: A Love Story. Marty replaced his bad habits, and filled the time formerly taken by drinking and being hung over, with dog training. He decided to put Hola through the paces and have her master the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen test, a rigorous test of “obedience, good manners, and grooming.” Hola, the 85-pound tackle, had to learn to accept a stranger, sit politely for a stranger, and other tests that Marty thought would be “impossible.”

While Marty worked on the 12 steps of AA, Hola worked on the 10 steps of the Canine Good Citizen test. “Both are structured programs of recovery – from alcohol and from bad behavior. And both work better if you do them alongside others. The prize for them is not money or fame or anything material – both programs reward the human and dog with the greatest gift of all: A better life.”

Hola passed the AKC’s test – and on that same day, Marty and his wife got back together.

This story has an incredibly happy ending for all and serves to illustrate just how many benefits there are to owning pets. From lowering blood pressure, stress, and depression to sniffing out tumors or alerting caretakers to seizures, dogs really are man’s best friend. Hola helped Marty because he was committed to both making a change and caring for his dog. While dog training probably won’t replace AA anytime soon, Hola deserves an extra treat or two.

National Dog Bite Prevention Week Coming Up

Of course your dog doesn’t bite – but there are almost five million bites per year, and about 20 percent of them require medical attention. Prevention is key, and this is the theme of the upcoming National Dog Bite Prevention Week. This is an important issue for everyone, regardless of whether or not they own dogs. There are over 72 million dogs in the US – and most are kind, gentle, and loving. But, as American Veterinary Medical Association president Dr. Larry M. Kornegay, says, “[A]ny dog can bite if it is frightened or feels threatened, even the family pet.” What should you know about dog bites – and, most importantly, prevention?

• Houston, Texas, leads the country in the number of mail carriers who are attacked by dogs each year. Every year, these professionals face the danger of dog bites and 5,669 of them are injured.

• Fear and anxiety are big triggers for bites, and owners can unwittingly encourage these behaviors by doing things to force a dog into submission, such as yanking a leash or rolling the dog onto their backs.

• Children age 5 to 9 are most commonly injured by dog bites.

• In children, 30 percent of bites are from the family dog, and another 50 percent are inflicted by a neighbor’s pet.

• Fear of dogs is listed as the number one deterrent for outdoor walking and exercise.

Notice pit bulls and rottweilers do not appear on this list. Victoria Stilwell of the National Dog Bite Prevention campaign reminds us, “It’s not the breed of the dog that causes the bite, but rather how well the dog is trained and controlled.” It also depends on how the dog feels and if it is scared, feeling threatened, or has been mistreated.

You should begin helping children understand the necessity of using caution around animals when they are very young. Always ask owners if you can pet their animals and require your children to do so. Talk to them about staying away from “stranger” dogs, even if they look cuddly and friendly. Don’t forget that prevention begins at home. Treat the family dog well, and he will do the same for you and your family.

Enjoy the Dog Days of Summer Without the Ticks

Spring has sprung, and for most of us, that means more walks, more tromps through the woods, more hikes, and more backyard fun. Unfortunately, it also means ticks. These lovely little “ectoparasites” burrow themselves under your dog’s skin (or yours) and make themselves at home. While not all ticks carry disease, it is always a concern and you want to be vigilant in protecting yourself, your family, and your pets. A simple tick can transmit Lyme disease and other serious illnesses. How do you keep your dog healthy this summer?

It is easier to prevent ticks from taking root than it is to detect and remove them. Try a flea and tick repellent, like Advantix, bioSpot, or Frontline, that is specifically designed for dogs. These need to be applied monthly. You also have the option of using a collar, like Preventic, though some dogs do not tolerate flea and tick collars very well. Know your dog’s needs, and talk to your vet about the right type of protection.

You can also do some yard work to keep ticks from vacationing in your yard. If you keep your grass and plants mowed and trimmed neatly, it can reduce the threat of tick infestation. Some people treat their lawns with pesticides, but these often irritate dog noses, eyes, and paws – not to mention those of the people in the house. If you want to try this, opt for an environmentally-friendly product so you don’t trade ticks for another problem.

After your dog goes outdoors, check him for ticks. This is tricky, because your dog’s coat is like a playground to these little pests. Ticks can be difficult to see, so you’ll have to feel your way as well. Look closely at his ears, neck, skin folds, and other crevices. Ticks prefer warm areas, and those that are moist. Part your dog’s hair and take a look. You are looking for something the size of a pencil point, so take your time and use a flashlight if necessary. If you see a tick that is as small as the point of a pencil, it has not become engorged – which means it hasn’t snacked on your dog’s blood yet. Pick it off immediately.

An engorged tick is bigger, about the size of a lima bean. You can’t just pick these off because they are embedded in your dog’s skin. Use a pair of tweezers or tick removal tools. Grasp the tick at the point where it has become attached to your dog. Do this as close to the skin as possible. Pull it out straight from the skin, slowly. You do not want to twist it or squeeze the tick. Your dog may bleed; if so, apply light pressure.

Now, what do you do with this tick? Some people kill them or flush them. If you are concerned about Lyme disease or other illnesses, though, get a small, airtight container and lock the tick away. You can add some rubbing alcohol for preservation, if you want. Write the date on the container and store safely away. If your dog becomes sick, it may be necessary for a vet to identify the type of tick and determine what type of illness your dog has.

Ticks are no fun – but staying inside all summer is not the answer! Get out there – but remember to protect your dog first and always check for ticks once or twice a day in the spring and summer.