Some stress signs may be difficult to see, while others are very noticeable. Some signs relate to an increase in activity, as in acute stress – body and mind go into “red alert” status. Others relate to a decrease in activity or shutting down – in response to chronic stress. These differences are due to …
Travelling in search of information on training has provided many opportunities to broaden my understanding of canine behaviour. Understanding canine behaviour is the essential ingredient in developing training programs which will produce a dog that works correctly and enthusiastically. It is the understanding of canine behaviour which determines correction or stimulation, the …
An old dog is a special friend. We remember the times we shared and are often saddened by the changes we see. As our companions age, they undergo both physical and metabolic changes that affect our interaction with them. These physical and metabolic changes can often manifest themselves as behavioral changes. Understanding these changes can …
Submissive urination is NOT a house-training problem. It is exhibited during greetings, either because the dog instinctively feels a need to show submission, or when the dog loses control due to being excited. Submissive urination or “Happy Bladder” is not a willful behavior, and punishment can make it worse. Many dogs outgrow submissive urination by …
First of all, recognize that you have an obligation to prevent problems by using good management of the environment. A puppy sees the whole world as her chew toy. You need to puppy proof the area where your young dog will be, and to provide appropriate chew toys for her. This is a prevention exercise. …
Dogs dig for a variety of reasons — to bury or recover bones, dig up prey, to make cooling pits and even as means of escape from a boring environment. But the main reason is that it is FUN. Digging passes the time of day when there is nothing better to do. We have to …
Hypothyroidism is a common and serious genetic problem in purebred dogs.There is virtually no breed of dog unaffected. The scope of the problem cannot be accurately defined because of a lack of complete statistical information; however, it is certain that veterinarians are seeing and treating a lot of thyroid cases. Because of a degree of …
Travelling in search of information on training has provided many opportunities to broaden my understanding of canine behaviour. Understanding canine behaviour is the essential ingredient in developing training programs which will produce a dog that works correctly and enthusiastically. It is the understanding of canine behaviour which determines correction or stimulation, the levels of each …
Mentally, puppies are like a sponge in that they soak up everything, and if they’ve been properly raised will approach almost anything without a preconceived attitude. As they mature, some of this predisposition to “I wonder what that is, it might be interesting” attitude wears off, and the “you can’t teach an old dog new …
Here is a list of symptoms that may mean your dog is hypothyroid (from Dr. Jean Dodds) Alterations in Cellular Metabolism lethargy mental dullness exercise intolerance neurologic signs like polyneuropathy seizures weight gain cold intolerance mood swings hyperexcitability stunted growth chronic infections Neuromuscular Problems (like loss of smooth muscle tone) weakness (esp. hind end) stiffness …