When Dogs Meet Other Dogs: What Are They Saying To Each Other?

How can you tell if your puppy's encounter with an unfamiliar dog will be a delight or a disaster? That depends on how the other dog acts and how your puppy responds.

Pet dogs, though domesticated, interact with each other according to pack protocol. The pack (the basic canine social unit) is structured around a hierarchy of dominance and subordinance (submission).

Every pack member is dominant to some and subordinate to others, with the exception of the alpha male (who is dominant to all) and the lowest-ranking pack member (who is subordinate to all). Social rank is communicated and enforced through body language - a complex combination of movements, posture and other physical signals.

When two dogs meet for the first time, the outcome depends on several factors:

1) Age: Most adult dogs tolerate puppies, but this isn't always the case. If your puppy is approaching maturity and tries to out some dominant behaviors, an older dog may feel obligated to put your youngster in its place. However, puppies of similar ages usually get along well with each other, because puppies usually don't attempt to dominate each other.

2) Sex: Adult dogs often have friendlier interactions with dogs of the opposite sex than those of the same sex. Because this characteristic is related to maturity, it doesn't affect interactions involving young puppies

3) Location: Dogs naturally try to protect their own territory (their house and yard), so they often get along better when they meet on neutral ground, such as a park. This tactic doesn't work, however, if either dog decides that a frequently visited public location is part of its territory. Most puppies, especially young ones, aren't really territorial, but an adult dog may still regard your youngster as an intruder.

4) Owner Presence: And finally, some dogs are more amiable with one another when their owners aren't around. This may be due to decreased feelings of jealousy or protectiveness. It may also be that socialization proceeds more smoothly without human interference.

A friendly dog will approach your puppy with a slightly crouched posture, low wagging tail, laid-back ears and a soft, indirect gaze. A not-so-friendly dog will approach standing tall, with its tail and ears erect. It's gaze will be direct and staring; it may snarl or growl as it approaches.

Your puppy will probably respond to either of these dogs with submissive behavior, which is similar to that of the friendly dog, but more pronounced. Your puppy may even roll over on its back or urinate a bit -signs of complete submission. Even the most aggressive dog won't attack another dog in this position.

Scenting Ability - The Remarkable Nose Of Your Dog (Part 1)

Whether you own a 160 lb St. Bernard, designed to track down and hunt people, or enjoy the company of an adorable little Chihuahua, every dog has an incredible nose that can pick up the most uncanny of scents.

Your canine friend may not have as good eyesight as you do, but his sense of smell is far superior to any human. It is through his acute ability to pick up on scents that he knows and understands the world around him. Whenever your dog dashes off and escapes outside, he is not wandering off on some sightseeing adventure. Instead, he is roaming on a scenting delight.

And when those country-living hunting dogs head out into the open field, their nose sets a rapid pace with all of his other senses to help direct him on the exact way to go towards hunting down his prey. These dogs are aware of people, things, animals, food, vegetation, literally everything, all through the amazing sense of smell.

How A Dog's Nose Works

The physical makeup of a dog's nose is suited specifically for his laser targeted scenting talent. A dog picks up on an odor by drawing in several short breaths into the nasal passage. This odor mixes with the air and comes into contact with a mucous membrane which covers the olfactory nerves. Dogs have a much larger smelling membrane surface than people do.

Every living thing around us gives off molecules of odor. When a dog inhales these molecules, they are dissolved onto the mucous membrane. Once this happens, the scent is ready for the dog's highly sensitive smelling equipment to take over. There are tiny nerves that relay the message of an odor, which travels to the olfactory nerve, and then signals directly to the brain.

Once the completed message is picked up by the brain, the dog's scenting ability is so precise in interpreting the odor, that he can distinguish each one from hundreds of other similar type smells. For example, if a stick is marked and touched by a dog's owner, the trained canine can individually single out this same stick out of hundreds of other sticks.

Dogs also have the ability to remember each scent it comes across and match it to the experience the brain produced. This memory to last a dog's entire lifetime. A particular odor of a dog picked up could be remembered 8 - 10 years later in a dog's life.

Moving Into A Small Apartment: Does Your Pet Feel Welcome? Part 1

As cities across the world continue to get bigger, small suburban towns are also increasing their population and spawning large apartment facilities to handle the growth. These complexes not only attract newcomers, but also homeowners in the area. Many families are trading the bother of keeping up a house for the convenience of an apartment. Perhaps your family is one of these.

You face the move with mixed feelings. Sadness at parting from old friends, relief at knowing someone else will fix the faucets and cut grass, and anticipation of more time to do the things you want to do. Of course, the task of moving is enormous. You know it will take a while before your family is comfortable in the new home. But you're prepared for some turbulence in the family routine. But what about your pet?

The advertisement read "Pets Welcome!" but will Sparky feel welcome?

Veterinarian Christina Slater, from Houston, Texas, rejects the idea that breeders can foretell how your pet will adjust to life in an apartment complex. "Every dog has its own personality," Christina says, "The way you have trained him determines how your pet will cope with a new situation"

Apartment dweller Bob Carter says, "We've had our dog, Dusty, for five years. We lived in a house, but did not confine Dusty to the yard. He ran with other dogs in the neighborhood. Now Dusty is kept on a leash, and he does not like it. He has taken a dislike to two other dogs in our building, and when I walk him he won't relieve himself unless I drop the leash."

There are eight buildings where Bob lives, and every tenant family has children or dogs - or both. If, in this type of situation, your pet would not be dangerous to other dogs or children, there is always the chance that harm might come to him from them, or he might be injured by a car in the parking area. Even the well-disciplined pet cannot be allowed to run at will in a compact living arrangement, and dogs who have never worn a leash before must become accustomed to restraint.

On the other hand, some dogs react to life in an apartment complex with enthusiasm. A pet who had a lonely yard life to himself may be delighted to accompany his owner on long walks, and may respond happily to meeting other dogs.

Such an eager young dog is named Tiger, whose size is awesome compared to the small dogs living in nearby apartments. In his last home, Tiger was allowed to run, but there were no other dogs in his neighborhood. Tiger is only now learning to socialize with other dogs. His customary greeting to a new acquaintance is a swipe of his large paw! And he does so with the fullest of affection and excitement. Truly, this is one dog that is loving the new changes of living in a small apartment.

Security Dogs: Is A Security Dog Right For Your Company?

With increasing crime rate constantly on the news, more and more guard dogs have been on demand. So much so that in some areas almost everybody who is anybody owns one - or so it seems. Many businessmen are purchasing guard dogs under the misconception that they will be the answer to their countless security problems.

However, once they purchase these security dogs, they find the animals ineffective, poorly trained, or unnecessary in the first place. So they get rid of their canine security and are poorer, but wiser, for the experience. Each time this occurs, the credibility of the guard dog as an effective and viable tool in industrial security is tarnished.

Having researched and discussed the problem with numerous businessmen and other executives, it appears that several factors contribute to the frequent failure of guard dogs when employed in an industrial environment. Among the most common of these are:

1. Misunderstanding of the capabilities of these dogs.
2. Inability to procure properly trained animals.
3. Failure to identify a valid need for security dogs before a program is initiated.

Other problems exist, of course, but the above reasons seem to recur most frequently. Obviously then, there is a need for a fair discussion of guard dogs in the industry, their strengths and weaknesses, and their use and misuse.

When employed properly, guard dogs can be valuable assets to a security program. Valuable, that is, if they are properly trained and expertly handled. Unfortunately, many people in the business of dog security are dishonest and are only out to make a sale. By the time a security dog salesman gets through with a prospecting client, the client is going to buy several of those wonderful dogs whether he really needs them or not.

Therefore, the decision whether or not to purchase security dogs should be based on an honest and realistic analysis of the criminal threat involved - not fad, emotion, or beliefs.

Sometimes this is difficult to do, especially when your boss is pressuring you to reduce burglary from open storage areas and increase the overall protection of the company assets. Regardless of the pressure, however, clear thinking must be applied before a security dog is added to the company staff.

We must keep in mind that canine security is not the answer for all of the problems facing security planners. Instead, it is merely one of many choices available that can help in suppressing criminal misconduct.

Dog Breed Training Groups - Investigate Each Group Thoroughly Before Signing Up

There are hundreds of dog training books that can be found in libraries, bookstores, and on the Internet. Most of them are just fine and teach thorough, positive training methods. But I have yet to see any of them that make a point of stressing the fact that dogs are living, breathing beings that have emotions, feelings, and unique personalities.

You can have two Labrador Retrievers that, emotionally, may be as different between each each as a Rottweiler would be to a Pomeranian. The training protocol and corrections for one dog may not be necessarily suited to the character and personality of the other.

A suitable training correction for a dog that has an outgoing personality and is on the stubborn side may cause trauma to a dog that is naturally sensitive and cannot emotionally handle such dog training tactics, even if both dogs are the exact same breed.

Professional Obedience & Dog Breed Clubs

You'll find many clubs devoted to specific breeds and training groups all around the country. They are considered to be the most reliable and educated people to go to for training and specific breed information. For the vast majority of information, this is probably true, but some are are also guilty at assuming all dogs of the same breed should be trained and treated in the exact same manner.

The blame should rest upon whomever is running the group. However, choosing this leader is typically nothing more than a personality contest instead of their education and training history with canines. Criterion for the selection usually boils down to whomever is the most persuasive speaker, has had the longest membership, or even how bad the person wants the job.

There was one group who selected the lead trainer and spokesperson solely based on the fact that she had the best working dog the year before. There ware no requirements about success in the dog training area.

Another group had a specific opening for just "trainer" and the only requirement was that they had to have worked their own dog up to receive the Companion Dog Title. What training methods that person used, or whether or not it was positive or aggressive, had no bearing on the position. Pretty important stuff if you ask me, right?

Investigate Before Allowing Your Dog To Be Trained By Such A Group

If you are considering paying for dog training lessons with a specific group, even if the group is nationally recognized, asked the same questions you would from any dog trainer:

1. What are his or her references?
2. How many dogs have the trained?
3. Where did they get their knowledge and training advice from?
4. Do they admit that no 2 dogs are alike, even from the same breed type?
5. Do they use harsh training methods?

It is possible for children and pets to coexist in the same household, peacefully. Many people mistakenly think that as soon as they start having children that their pet needs to head to the local shelter. They fear that the cat or dog will not get along with the new child and it will result in biting or scratching. This is not always the case and if you take the time to introduce your pets to your children properly, your kids and pets can live in harmony.

One of the biggest concerns that new parents have when it comes to pets in the home is how it will react to a baby. Many of the old wives tales such as cats sucking the breath out of babies simply are not true. In fact, many cats and dogs readily accept a new child into the home and become fiercely loyal and protective over the baby.

When you bring your baby home from the hospital, you should introduce your pet to your new baby. Of course, these introductions need supervision. Allow your cat or dog time to sniff your child at his or her own pace. Make the introduction pleasant for your cat or dog. In most cases, your cat or dog will not give your baby a second thought. Allow your pet to adjust to the new situation on his or her own terms. When a baby comes to the house, it is an adjustment for everybody.

The other thing that you might want to consider doing when you bring a baby into the home is to make sure that your cat or dog is properly groomed. This includes trimming your dog or cat nails. Your dog may want to put a paw on your baby. If his or hers nails are long and sharp, your dog may accidentally scratch your infant. While you can never eliminate pet hair from your home, if your dog or cat clipped and brushed it will certainly help your home stay a little cleaner. Many new parents also worry about allergies. The fact is, many studies have shown that children who are exposed to pets from a very young age, actually have less pet allergies than children who are not exposed to pets.

Another good idea is to make sure that your pets do not have access to your baby's room during naptime or at night without supervision. While your pet probably means no harm to your child, pets are naturally curious. A cat may jump into your infant crib, or in large dogs could easily a knock bassinet or cradle over. You should always supervise your pet when it is around your new baby at all times. Most of all, you should try to make sure that you are still spending quality time with your pet when possible. This especially pertains to dogs, which are used to playing in the backyard and going for walks.

As your child grows, you need to begin teaching your child proper pet etiquette. If your dog or cat has learned to respect your child, then your child also needs to learn to respect your pet. Teach your child from a young age that they should never pull or yank a cat or dog's tail or ears. Your child can learn proper pet etiquette even at a very young age. You will also want to teach your child to respect your pet's space. This includes making sure that your child understands that he or she should never wake a sleeping pet. This could cause your pet to become startled and could result in biting or scratching.
In addition, you will want to make sure that your child understands to stay out of your pet's food, water and litter box. Your child will be naturally curious, so it is always best to give your pet some private space away from your child.

There are many things you can do to make sure that children and pets coexist peacefully. Your children and pets need to learn to respect each other from the very beginning. There is no reason to get rid of your cat or dog just because you have a child in the home.

Most unnecessary deaths of dogs that occur due to flea collar poisoning are the result of an allergic reaction to the active ingredient. Even if your dog is perfectly well at the time the device placed around his neck, observe your dog closely for the first few days.

If your dog should become ill while wearing a flea collar device, remove it until the reason for the illness can be determined. Leave the device off until the dog is completely recovered.

By observing the following eight precautions, you can use the flea collar to your dog's best advantage:

1. Buckle the collar securely, but not tightly around his neck. These collars, as well as any collar for that matter, should be worn loosely.

2. When bathing your dog, remove the collar until the dog is completely dry. Never let your dog get wet while wearing a flea-killing device.

3. Animals should never be allowed to chew on flea collars or other flea-killing devices. Keep in mind, if you have more than one dog, they may be tempted to chew at these collars worn by the other dogs.

4. Observe the neck area every few days for signs of irritation and loss of hair. Should these signs occur, remove the collar and allow the area to heal.

5. Do not use such devices on sick or convalescing dogs. If your dog becomes ill while wearing a flea-killing device, remove it at once.

6. Do not use any other pesticide on your dog while a flea collar is being worn.

7. Worming medicines should not be administered to a dog while the dog is wearing a flea-killing device.

8. If you take your dog to a veterinarian for any reason, be sure to advise him that your dog is, or has been, wearing a flea-killing device.

Flea collars, and similar type of pest-killing devices, can serve as an effective aid in preventing the accumulation of fleas and ticks on the family pet. The absence of fleas and ticks can make the warm summer months much happier and healthier for your dog, but, as with any form of medication, simple precautions as outlined by the various manufacturers must be adhered to for maximum effectiveness and complete safety.

The concept of utilizing dogs for police services is certainly not a new innovation. Records in history account such animals being used for law enforcement safety and service as early as the fifteenth century.

However, the organized application of the canine as police dogs was instituted in the early 1900's and was mainly brought about with the help of purebred dog organizations. Early distinguished police dog forces were in Belgium, Germany, and England.

Today, the majority of law enforcement agencies in the United States have recognized the value of canine police. Dogs are being utilized for police work with good results and widespread acceptance from the public. Some parts of the country, such as a small southern town in California, even hold a ceremony for newly graduated police dogs, where the general public is invited to attend the graduation.

Before the dogs demonstrated their ability at police work, they were walked among the people who were allowed to play and pet with them. This would definitely not have been possible with a dog sporting a violent temperament. The newly-graduated canines were then escorted to an area, where each one demonstrates his prowess at pursuing and attacking on command, as well as holding a suspect. The community was amazed that these are the same dogs that a few moments earlier had shown themselves to be docile and sociable. In this public exhibition, the people could see the value of having highly-trained canine cops.

It is a known fact among policemen who patrol with dogs that a suspect running away from the scene of a crime will stop more quickly for a dog than for an officer who yells "stop or I'll shoot"! During a demonstration of police dogs in San Francisco, a policeman was heard to comment that cops can call a dog back if necessary, but a bullet will keep on going.

Not All Potential Canines Are Accepted As Police Dogs

The amount of intelligence required to become a police dog is revealed in the statistics that only three of every twenty dog-candidates are qualified. One experienced dog-trainer said that only three of every twenty dogs have the brains and ability to successfully complete training. Each canine candidate is given comprehensive schooling in basic obedience before actual police training starts.

Dogs are taught to jump through windows, climb ladders, walk along ledges, and focus on assigned tasks regardless of distractions. Once the dog is under complete control and responding instantly to the commands from his handler-officer, agitation training begins and proceeds to higher and more advanced levels. Not only are the dogs taught to attack with full fury, they are also taught to abort an attack, on command, or if the suspect freezes.

If an officer is attacked by the suspect while making an arrest, the dog is trained to respond immediately and without any verbal command. If the suspect should run, the dog is trained to chase him until cornered, regardless of distractions along the way. If an officer sends his dog after a fleeing suspect, and the suspect then stops in surrender, the dogs are trained to abort the attack and simply stand guard until the suspect is handcuffed.

Question: My Dog Bites

"I have a major biting problem with my dog. He is a 3-year-old, scrappy terrier. When I purchased him he had a rather cranky disposition. You could only pick him up when he wanted you to, not the other way around. Otherwise, he would growl or snap at you. Now he doesn't do it quite so often as before, but when I want to bathe him, or even pick him up, I still get bit. Can you help me figure out what is wrong, and more importantly, how to stop this aggressive biting behavior?"

Answer:

When a dog bites its owner for any reason at all, there are several root causes involved. Foremost among these causes must be a lack of respect. That is, the dog lacks respect for the owner. The reason a dog will lack respect is that the owner has failed to establish himself as the dominant being in the dog's life.

During one of the many critical periods of a puppy's life, he will take steps to establish himself as the dominant being in the pack (family). Unless this attempt is met with swift and firm disciplinary measures, the dog then feels that he is the dominant being - the boss, so to speak.

Let's use the perfect analogy of parenting a small child. What would you do if your child should take a poke at you with his fist for simply telling him to get ready for a bath?

It would indicate a spoiled child, lacking in parental respect. A small pat on the bottom would help the child attain the proper respect. Likewise, the same goes for your dog - as would a well-aimed cuff on the bridge of your dog's nose indicate to him that you love him devotedly, but by all that's holy, you are the parent, and you are the boss.

This method should NOT be applied to puppies.

Your dog is three years old, a scrappy terrier, and by your own admission, has a "cranky disposition." It is up to you to show your dog that you will pick him up whenever you want to - that he will do the things that you want - and that you are the dominant being - not he.

If he bites you, cuff him sharply on the nose, but be equally quick to forgive him for his discretion when he's ready to apologize.