Posts Tagged ‘training’

Dog’s Senses

Over the next several weeks I’ll tell you my thoughts about dogs’s senses:

There is no absolute scientific study of which I am aware indicating that dogs see color.  Their world is black and white, and maybe shades of grey; therefore they see better than humans in dimly lit space.  It is interesting that dogs recognize movement at a much greater distance than humans, yet the human eye maintains focus at a much greater distance then dogs.  Depending on the breed, some dogs see further than others and some discern moving objects better than others.  Many dogs respond as well to signals as verbal commands.  (On many occasions I have noticed my dogs’ blank stare into the fields where deer roamed.  It was only by a concentrated effort that I could distinguish the movement that he so easily recognized.)

WHAT IS IT ABOUT DOGS???

FROM CHAPTER 16, 14000 DOGS LATER:  “We use dogs more for our own edification than for theirs.  Too often, after the excitement of puppyhood has worn off, we leave them to fend for themselves.  We dispatch them to the basement, garage, or backyard.  Fortunately, we do not do this with our children.  Often, we are less than conscientious when we fail to feed and water them on time.  Yet, we never fail to feed and water ourselves at specific times throughout the day.

We leave them cooped up throughout the day until they are forced to relieve themselves, and then oftentimes we reprimand them for soiling the carpet.

Maybe the question should be, ‘what is it about humans?'”  WOOF!

ARE DOGS AMBIDEZTROUS?

This is a curious question and at first glance I started to throw it out.  But, since it was asked by two different persons I will answer.  Ambidextrous means having the ability to use either side of the body equally to complete some task.  Dogs are neither left-pawed nor right-pawed.  It all depends on how they are taught as to which side they use.  No dog, when you teach them to shake hands, will naturally lift up the right or left paw.  It all depends on how you train him as to which he will use.  Their dexterity is equally proficient on either side of the body.  WOOF!

What is your dog’s most tender possession?

…and what part of his body is he most protective of?

            “Don’t step on his feet!” is a phrase I have used thousands of times when training handlers of dogs.  Softly handling your puppy’s feet as soon as you get him home from the breeder is critical.  Take your time.  Just a little each day until he is comfortable.  Teaching him to shake hands is good.  If you allow your toddlers or children to lie on, or wrestle with your dog, teach them not to jump on or fall on his feet.  You should be able to handle his feet for cleaning, grooming, trimming nails, pulling splinters, etc.  Be careful of his feet when opening and closing doors, don’t take him on an escalator, and don’t allow him near cars entering and exiting your driveway.  Remember, his feet are his most tender possessions!

Truth or Myth #4: It’s OK to feed your dog table scraps

Many bones splinter into pieces causing serious problems…such as chicken bones.  Bones which shatter can possibly perforate the stomach or intestines…or can clog or inflame the rectum.  Knuckle bones, properly prepared, can help keep the teeth clean.  (Cook beef soup bones in boiling water with a sprinkle of salt for 1 to 1-1/2 hours…make it 2 if there’s lots of gristle)  Note:  I did not cover any aspect of feeding dogs in this book.  When you get your pup your veterinarian will provide a booklet on general health, shots, and feeding.  I happen to be a believer in a good dry food…I leave scraps on the table…and please do not allow your dog to beg, eat from your fork, or lick the plate while you are having dinner…especially if you have invited friends over.  Suspecting that you’ve done the same with their fork and plate, they may never return.  Woof!      

Dog Muzzles

In my book, 14000 Dogs Later, I have made it crystal clear how I feel regarding dogs that bite.  You can read my thoughts there.  Here’s statistics from various recent sources.

Over four and a half million people are bitten by dogs each year.  During the past ten years there has been an average of 26 deaths a year by dog bites.   It is estimated that dog bites send 44 people to the ER every hour.

O

ftentimes, by the time folks realize that their dog is a biter; it’s too late to turn him back in, give him up, or get your money back.  And besides that, you’ve already fallen in love.  Generally, these problem dogs are mixed breeds where the background is impossible to research, an older dog that someone is trying to find a home for, or a dog you find roaming the streets that tugs at your heart strings.  (At this point I am not including dogs breed with purposeful aggressive tendencies).

 

I

 get many calls from frantic dog owners after their dog has bitten another person or dog.  Generally, along with training I advise the use of a muzzle.  Which brings about another question:  “Where do we find a muzzle?”  Although many pet shops, and General Stores that sell pet supplies, offer muzzles, they do not provide education about that product.  So here are the two main factors that you need to know when purchasing a dog muzzle: does it provide ventilation and is it the proper size.  A mesh mussel that fits tight over a dogs mouth is okay for a short amount of time…but remember, a dog perspires through his mouth…so long term usage, especially in the summer, can cause him problems.  If you are in need of a muzzle for your dog there is an excellent site for you to review.  Go to www.dog-muzzle-store.com  WOOF!      

K-9 Dog stabbed

Comment from John:  Again, man’s best friend puts his life on the line.  Everyday, across this great nation of ours, dogs are working to save, rescue, protect, guard, patrol, seek out, and sound the alarm for your and I.   The following story is one such example.

UPDATE 1/21/11 @ 5:45 p.m.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSAZ) — Gallia County Sheriff Joseph Browning says the department’s K9 “Jeck” is in stable condition in a Columbus, Ohio veterinary hospital recovering from a knife wound to his neck.

Gallia County Sheriff’s Deputy Sgt. Richard Harrison deployed his K-9 partner “Jeck” in attempt to track Kelly Krebs. During this track deputies believe that Krebs attacked or struggled with the dog and stabbed it in the neck area causing severe bleeding.

Sgt. Harrison says Jeck continued to track and had to be called off the track to get medical aid. Jeck was taken to a Gallia County area veterinarian and later by Gallia County EMS to the Ohio State University Veterinarian Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. K-9 Jeck was operated on and is currently stable.

Dog Parks

 

I’d be interested in your thoughts on Dog Parks.  I have to admit, I am somewhat reserved in my opinion.  NO ONE loves dogs more than I do…that’s obvious when I make statements like, “dogs are one of the reasons I believe in God.”  I have also said, “dogs are a special gift from God, placed here because they can do for man things that man cannot do for man.”  Here’s the rub.  I continue to see dogs in our city park that are under no direct control by their owners.  Dogs bolt at other dogs, at humans, at kids on bikes, etc.  I am concerned that all dogs are not up on their shots, that all dogs have not been socialized appropriately ( I do not consider a dog park as socialization) and such parks may be a stimulation for the instincts of prey, chase, and assault.  On the other hand, properly supervised, such a facility has benefits.  Anyway, I was just wondering about your impressions of Dog Parks?  Bring ‘em on!  WOOF!

WV State Police K-9 Director

“IN 14,000 DOGS LATER, JOHN SMITH GETS IT RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING TO THE END. NOT ONLY IS IT AN OUTSTANDING READ, BUT HE PROVIDES A GUIDE FOR PEOPLE TO GET PAST, AND PREVENT PROBLEMS, AND ULTIMATELY ENJOY THEIR DOG MORE. HE DOES THIS IN A VERY ENTERTAINING WAY THAT MAKES THE READER FEEL LIKE PART OF THE EXPERIENCE. I HAVE TRAINED POLICE DOGS FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS AND MUST SAY THAT IF I HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY PET DOG IT IS JOHNS’ ADVICE AND WISDOM I WOULD SEEK”. RON ARTHUR WV STATE POLICE K-9 DIRECTOR.
www.14000dogslater.com

Truth or Myth?

Truth or myth:  Dogs should have a litter before they are spayed.  Not true.  Veterinarians tell me that there is a lower risk of cancer and infections in spayed dogs.  In fact, dogs spayed prior to their first heat cycle have a 95 per cent reduced risk of breast cancer compared to sexually intact females. WOOF!