Police dogs die in hot parked car

I have just been looking at the news on the internet, and come accross a tragic story....two police dogs were found dead after their handler left them in his vehicle in tempratures reaching 29 C.

It makes you think about the relationships we have with our dogs, and the resons why we keep dogs in the first place. I have to say it, a lot of these dogs that go into police service are just used! I have spoken to many police officers over the years about their dogs, how they train them, who they live with etc. and the answers are mixed depending where you go.

I have seen police dogs who can't get along with other dogs, through lack of socialisation with them, dogs who are too aggressive to take near any person, unless they are a criminal of course. In some police forces, the dogs who have the most aggressive temperaments are used for crowd control, as they are much harder dogs, who are able to handle violent confontation.

I visited a police station just out side Birmingham in the UK a few years ago and had a chance to look round the dogs living area. I have to say, the police dogs there were treated like royalty, however, there was an brushed young German Shepherd dog in a straw filled shed, and when I enquired about it, I was told the dog had hip problems, and was no use to the force, so he was waiting for a new home.

Obviously there are many police officers who love there dogs, however, the fact remains that many police dogs don't see other dogs, may not actually live with their handlers, and have very little contact with humans, other than during their long work shift. Some people may argue "well thats what the dogs are trained for"......may be; we train horses to jump big fences, and animals to performe in the circus, but that doesn't make that right either, or a quality life for the animals.

Oh, I could go on, but thats my opinion with regard to the some times paracitic relationships we have with dogs in our culture....we take much more than they could possibly give in return. Think of the numbers of police dogs who die each year around the world through the course of their 'duty'. Is it easier to sacrifise the life of a dog appossed to a human?

You can read the story of the poor police dogs who died while left in their handlers car here.



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One week old puppy gets stuck in a drain

Look what happened according to a recent news report, when a child of 4 was left unsupervised with a very young puppy. The child decided to wash the puppy in the toilet. The toilet was accidently flushed, and the poor puppy found himself stuck in the waste pipe.

Fortunately for for the puppy, a team including drain experts, the RSPCA and the fire brigade come to his aid and saved him.

you can read the full story here.



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Take the test and find your perfect dog

Are you thinking of bringing a new dog into your home, but can't decide what breed would suit you? Well, take this simple test and, you will have some ideas to help you along. I took the test a few days ago, and the most suitable breeds suggested for my personality and life style quite suprised me.

It is a multiple choice test, that covers things such as your personality and life style, through 5 sections. At the end of the test, you will be given quite a comprehensive list of the types pof breeds that would suite you best. You can use this as a starting point, and any breeds that take your fancy, you can research more.

Have a go. Its free to do, and doesn't take long. You can find the test at http://dogtime.co/matchup



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Foods NOT to feed your dog

Maybe I'm missing something, but haven't our dogs always eaten leftovers? When I was younger, it seemed that all my friends lived on leftovers from the dinner table, and their dogs seemed to live for years!

It is true that our dogs can eat leftovers, however, it's best to be sensible in relation to the amounts of leftovers you give your dog. Small amounts of food leftover from your plate on an occasional basic are best.

There are however, some foods that your dog should not be allowed to eat, or if eaten, should only be consumed in small amounts. I have included a list here for you.

Chocolate

Most dog owners are aware that chocolate is not good for their dogs, in fact it can be poisonous, and in worst cases even kill.

Fish and chicken

I mean fish and chicken that has not had the bones removed. Small bones can fragment and cause intestinal damage, or get lodged in the dogs throat.

Cat food

I have known dog owners, especially those owners of smaller dogs feed their dogs on cat food. Cat food however is generally too high in protein and fats for dogs.

Grapes and raisins

It has been found over the last few years or so that grapes and raisins contain an unknown toxin which can which can cause damage to a dogs kidneys.

Liver

My friends dad used to make his dog a plate of liver every Friday without fail. He would fry the liver and make it with gravy. It smelled wonderful. Liver is OK for your dog, but not in large quantities, as it can cause vitamin A toxicity, effecting the bones and muscles.

Fat trimmings

Feeding your dog fat trimmings could cause pancreatitis. It has been found that Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers are quite prone to this condition.

Garlic and onions

Onions fed to your dog can have the effect of of damaging the red blood cells and causing anaemia. Garlic contains similar properties to onions, bit can be safely given to your dog in small amounts.

Potato and tomato leaves and stems

Unless you grow tomatoes or potatoes, your dog is not likely to come into contact with their leaves or stems and eat them. However if you do grow tomatoes or potatoes, be aware that their leaves and stems can be toxic to a dogs digestive and nervous system.

Salty and sugary food

Avoid giving your dog food that is high in salt and sugar. Apart from salt causing sodium imbalances, too much sugar can lead to your dog becoming obese.




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Teach your puppy to walk on a loose leash

If you own a puppy, then why not teach him or her to walk on a loose leash now, rather than leaving it until your dog is older and bigger, and is pulling down the street!!

An great many people complain that they find it difficult, or even imposible to get there dog to walk on a loose leash; but it's not really that difficult if you take things in stages, and teach your puppy early. I will share with you the method you can use to teach your puppy to walk along side you happily on a loose leash.

The first thing is not become the perfectionist. Leave the walking to heel to the obedience classes. I'm not knocking obedience clsasses here, they do have there place, but you don't need to have your dog attached to your side; the aim is to have your dog walk with you, and not pulling you along.

The best way to begin teaching your puppy this exercise, to to find some where quiet, perhaps the back garden or a quiet room in the house. Begin by getting your puppys attention; the best way to do this is with clicker training. I have a post on this blog on how to teach your puppy in this way. Take a look at that post first if you like.

Once you have your puppy's attention when you call him on a consistent basis, you can then move on. Attach you puppy to a training lead; you can buy these leads quite cheaply, and they are a good way to help you manage your puppy while training him.

Have a food treat or you dogs favourite toy in your left hand, and the lead in your right hand. Take a couple of steps forward, and call your puppy's name, and at the same time show him his treat or toy. As you puppy reaches your side, show him his toy, or let him sniff his food treat, then raise the food or treat to shoulder hight, so as your puppy begins looking at you, in this way you will have more control of his actions. Keep your puppy interested by using your voice as well; saying to him 'whats this' or 'what have I got' etc. Do this for short distances at first, and then stop, give your puppy his treat or play a game with him with his toy.

Increase the distance you walk gradually. If your puppy decides to walk ahead of you, simply turn in the opposite direction and lure him back to you with his food treat or toy. Keeping up a brisk pace will help with the problem of your dog walking ahead of you.

When you have this execise well practiced in the house, go out into the local park when it's not too busy and practice there also.

The trick with this exercise is to keep your puppy interested in walking with you, so remember to keep sessions short, fun and rewarding and your puppy will be happy to follow you and not run ahead of you.




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Sharing your life with a deaf dog

sharing your life with a deaf dog can be an enlighening experience. You see, for most of us who own dogs that have both good hearing and sight this can often make us a little bit lazy, when it comes to communicating effectively our pets. Most of us struggle along with a few voice commands and maybe the occasional hand signal, that often change depending on the situation and, the mood we are in. Fortunately enough, our dogs are experts in comparison to ourselves, when it comes to reading body langugage, so they quickly learn to 'catch on' to what it is we want from them.

Congenital Deafness, is caused a defective gene and, the dog dog is born deaf. There are over 60 breeds by the way, who are susceptible to congenital deafness, including, White Boxer dogs, Dalmations, English Setters and, White Great Danes. Other causes of deafness in dogs are usually the result of accidents, illness or old age.

If you are thinking of sharing your life with a deaf dog, then understanding, patience and, a willingness to adapt will put you in good stead. Amongst the most important things to consider are keeping your new pet safe, developing an appropriate means of communication, and making your home a comfortable and, secure place for your dog to live.

deaf dogs are often prone to being touch sensitive and, can also become startled much easier that dog who have no problems with their hearing, for example, if somebody approaches them from behind and touches them, or if roused from sleep. If you are thinking about adopting a deaf dog, then keep this in mind, especially if you have young children, as a dog that is unable to hear could become nervous or even bite, if he is constantly and unexpectedly touched.

In order to help your deaf dog become accustomed to you approaching him, try approaching him head on, stamping your feet as you walk up behind your dog can also be helpful, as your vibrations will alert him to your presence.

To help your dog become accustomed to being touched unexpectedly, give your dog a tasty food treat each time you touch him, especially from behind, when he will be unaware of you approaching him. With practice, your dog will begin to associate your 'unexpected' touch with a feeling of pleasure.

When making your home a safe and pleasurable place for your dog, remember to keep gates and doors locked, so as your dog can not escape. A dog roaming free who has his hearing in tact, is potentially dangerous enough.

If your new dog is going to be left alone for some time during the day, you may want to to encourage him to spend time in a dog crate; remember, because your dog cannot hear, he may become restless, or even frightened at being left alone in his crate. Deaf dogs can also be particularly prone to separation anxiety, so do make sure your dog has plenty to occupy himself with during the time he spends alone. Dog toys, and toys stuffed with food and other food treats your dog enjoys will help keep him occupied while your gone.

The biggest dangers posed to your deaf dog will be when you are out and about, especially if you live in a town or city, where there is a lot of traffic. Keep your dog on his leash, at least until you are in a place where it is safe to manage him off leash. However, it is important to do this only when your dog is performing a consistent recall.

Working on building a way of communication that both you and your dog are familiar with is vitally important to sharing your life with a deaf dog. As your dog will not be able to hear you, only hand signals will do. The hand signals you choose to use can be up to you, but do remember to be consistent with your signals and, keep them simple. You could try the following:

• Thumbs up = Good dog!!
• Wagging index finger = Bad dog :(
• Open arms = Come
  
• Raised arm with open plam = Stay

In reality owning a deaf dog is not that much different to owning a dog that has his hearing in tact. All is needed is a little extra patience, understanding, love and, a little work on your part and, you will come to develop a relationship with your dog that is difficult to compare.

To learn more about how to use hand signals to help communicate with your deaf dog, visit these two great websites.

http://www.bordercollierescue.org/breed_advice/Content/UniCommands.html

http://www.dfordog.com/deafdogs_signals.htm




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Who are more healthier happier and sociable - dog owners or non dog owners?

I was talking to a friend recently and, she was complaining how lonely her life is and, I suggested to her that buying a dog, or better still look at adopting a dog would certainly change her outlook. She seriously wondered if a dog could really have a positive influence on her life and, I suppose this has crossed the minds of many people in the non dog owning population.

For many people who are not dog owners responsibilities are probably all that come to mind, when it comes to thinking about living with a dog. Granted, there are many responsibilities to dog ownership and, no one should ever think of taking on a new dog without considering this important aspect, however, along with the responsibility of owning a dog, come enormous benefits both psychological and physical. For any of you doubters out there, just read on.

Numerous studies have shown that dog owners are not only healthier in general than non dog owners. Dog owners are less likely to be isolated or lonely, than their non dog owning counter parts.

We relate to our dogs through nurturing and caring for them and, as a result dog owners experience less stress, lower blood pressure and lower levels of cholesterol. A study carried out by Deborah Wells from the Canine Behaviour Centre of Queens University, Belfast, not only found that dog owners are healthier than non dog owners, more interestingly, dog owners are less likely to suffer minor or major illness. In the event of a dog owner suffering from a major illness, for example a heart attack, Wells' study reported a higher rate of survival in those patients who owned dogs.

It has also been found that our family dog can have a therapeutic effect upon their owners, especially those who are suffering from depression, or some other psychological illness.

The benefits of dog ownership can also enhance the the lives of families who have young children. Through dog ownership, children can learn about caring, and the importance of commitment and responsibility. Even in those unfortunate cases where a child looses his or her pet through illness or death, valuable lessons in learning to deal with the feelings of loss can still be learned.

So there you are; a snapshot of the marvelous health benefits we get through owning a dog. So, the next time a non dog owner questions your sanity for owning a dog, don't defend your position, relax, just how your dog has taught you to and, just think how fortunate you really are!!

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