Maybe the dog just couldn't hold it any longer

Last year, I was sitting in a dog training class. One of my fellow human students told the instructor that her dog marks in the house. The response: "That's dominance. Use belly bands."

Humans With Separation Anxiety

A reader asked me about what anxious humans should do when they are worried about leaving their dogs.

I'm really glad I got this question.  It has made me rethink something I wrote in my last post. 

Many Pets Aren't Getting Enough Rest

According to the experts, dogs might need up to 17 hours of sleep every day.  Those who don't get enough rest might experience behavioral or medical issues.  So try not to worry about your pup when you leave him/her alone.  The time alone might be the down time that Rex or Fifi need to rejuvenate.

Did You Know That Your Dog is Crepuscular?

According to Pamela Reid's "Dog In Sight":
Dogs have evolved from predatory ancestors and so, by evolutionary design, are crepuscular (more active at dawn and dusk).  This is common in predators because prey species are more abundant-although more difficult to see- at dawn and dusk.

From Ian Dunbar's "Before and After Getting Your New Puppy"
Dogs are crepuscular and quite happy to sleep all day and all night.  ...they have two activity peaks, at dawn and dusk.

For Dogs Who Don't Want Us To Leave

Note: Separation Anxiety can be a serious condition that might require the skills of a behaviorist or veterinary behaviorist. If your dog panics when  you leave him or her alone, seek the advice of a competent professional now.

Below are a few things that have helped my dogs feel a little bit better about being left alone.  These tips might not work for every dog.

Old Dog Doesn't Like New Dog

Help. I just brought home a new puppy and my dog doesn’t like him

My dog growled at me; what do I do?

Your best friend growls at you.  It can be an awful feeling.

Lost and Found Stories - Carlos

I saw Carlos wondering around on my street. He appeared to be in good shape. Not injured, not scared.  I decided that he would probably make his way home so I left him alone.

Lost and Found Stories - Spot

"Spot" was an escape artist who lived at a large animal shelter.  He escaped from his foster home and walked back to the shelter.  Later he was adopted, and walked back to the shelter.  When he was adopted again, no one heard anything from the new parents so assumed all was well.  Then a week later, Spot showed up at the shelter. He was a bit thinner but mostly in good shape -- considering that his latest adoptive home was 17 miles from the shelter.

He Followed Me Home. Can I Keep Him?

When can you claim a stray as your own?

I'll attempt to address this legally, then morally. Then I'll share a few stories

You've found a stray. What next?

Caution - any animal can bite. And strays have an unknown vaccination history. Exercise extreme caution. Get the help of a professional if needed.

I.  If you pick up the stray
A. If there are tags, contact the number on the tags

The two handed, bent kneed people

The dogs and I have been going to some of the same parks for several years.  And we often notice other regular visitors: 
The joggers, the slow pokes like us, the cell phone users, the serial yankers, etc. 

Grooming - Brushing

Caution. If any grooming attempt might result in a bite, seek the help of an experienced professional.

There are different reasons why some dogs don't enjoy having their coats groomed. After a thorough vet check

Alternative Therapies

Does your dog have separation anxiety? Noise phobia? Fear of normal objects, etc..?

For those pet parents who are reluctant to use conventional therapies, here is list of things to research and discuss with your pet's veterinarian.

The Double Fence Movement

Stress; Lost and Found

July 5th is the worst day of the year for lost pets. If you pick up a stray, get the wayward animal scanned for a microchip at the nearest vet or shelter. If there is no chip or if the chip is not registered, start advertising the lost pet - flyers, craigslist, local paper ads, etc..

Hopefully the scariest part of the holiday is over.  But pets might be all wound up for the next few days. Keep things as calm as possible.

These Are The Creatures In Your Neighborhood

Don't bark with your mouth full

There are plenty of ways to curb barking.  Pet parents should first ascertain their why dogs are barking, then help the dogs feel better about whatever is bothering them.

Helping dogs who guard windows

We need to start working below threshold and set our dogs up  for success.

Tips for stress reduction

1.  All training should be fun and completely hands off.  No physical manipulation

2. Eliminate the use of all equipment  and/or techniques that startle, scare,shock, hurt or intimidate our dogs

Reward what we like instead of punishing what we don't like

Do we reward “obnoxious” behavior instead of the behavior that we like?

Bad Trainers and Bad Pickup Artists