Who Needs Words?

Who Needs Words? Crows? You? Wild Gorillas? Alison
Krauss?



A wonderful piece
by Bill Blakemore and ABC News. Thanks to Jan Casey for sharing. Read the
entire article at the link below.

"But various
mammals, including not only dolphins and whales but African wild dogs and
Norwegian rats, many species of bird, and even spiders and insects are now
being discovered by scientists around the world to have complex vocalizations
and other sound-wave communication systems so complex that old notions that
human language is somehow fundamentally unique are being thrown in doubt.

It’s also opening
up a broad new field in which scientists are exploring that ancient question:
whether and how the mental experience of animals is different from ours:

Are animals’
thought-processes, self-reflections, feelings for others, sense of enjoyment,
and even possible moral systems and consciousness itself (whatever that is)
different only by degree and complexity from ours, or is there a more
fundamental divide?

These expanding
scientific studies can also be great fun. Animals tickle our fancy in many
ways, and often fascinate us.

Most recently, the
fact that countless millions of humans around the world click on thousands of
videos of animal behavior found on the World Wide Web is itself evidence of
some form of intense communication in them — often without “words” or any other
sounds from the animals."

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/technology/2012/01/who-needs-words-crows-you-wild-gorillas-alison-krauss/

by Bill Blakemore

Courtesy of ABC News and Bill Blakemore

Can you count on your dog to perform?

Buzz doing his Dock Diving Thing!

Can I Count on the Dog to Perform?

Author, Jan Casey

For me, there is no greater pleasure than working with a dog and watching him catch on to what it is this silly human is asking him to do. Without a doubt, if my Buzz could talk, one of his most common questions would be "You want me to do what?" Trainers ask for bizarre behaviors – playing dead, weaving through legs, throwing rear feet on to a wall. As we start down the path of learning yet another ridiculous trick, Buzz usually gets quite vocal. I think I'm glad there is no such thing as a Doglish-to-English translator. Once learned, can I count on him to perform the behavior reliably?

What does it mean for a dog to have a behavior that is "reliable?" Basically, when you ask the dog to perform a behavior, he does so at least 80% of the time (or 8 out of 10 times for those who equate math to a foreign language). That means 20% of the time (2 out of 10 times), the behavior may not happen. What? You mean the dog doesn't do as asked every time? Is he rebelling? Doesn't he know who is boss? I mean, we are the superior beings who must be obeyed, right?

There's a saying in the training world that a behavior must be repeated 1000 times before a dog is considered to be proficient at that behavior. That means if you practice the behavior 10 times a day, it will only take 100 days before the dog performs that behavior reliably. Now think about the last time you tried to teach your dog something new. Did you practice that behavior 10 times a day, every day, for 100 days? Most likely not. You have a life and that life often includes other things like a job, eating, sleeping, and family. How many behaviors has your dog practiced 1000 times?

Perhaps one of the worst descriptions of dog behaviors I've heard is "He's blowing you off." Wow – you mean the dog is equating me to a leaf in the wind? Chances are, he's not. Dogs fail to respond to cues for a variety of reasons. One of the most common is the dog does not really know the behavior completely. Humans too often feel if they train the behavior in the living room at home, the dog will understand the behavior everywhere. Unfortunately, this is not the case. The behavior must be trained in a number of places with a variety of distractions. Try this simple experiment. Ask Princess to sit. Now ask her while your back is turned to her and then again as you are lying on the floor. Unfortunately, "sit" probably only happens when you are standing in front of her, with your hand lifting upward while you give the verbal instruction to sit. Continue the experiment in new places with distractions like tennis balls rolling by. How well does Princess really know the cue to sit?

If you've been a good owner, training your dog in the behaviors that are considered necessary for him to be well-mannered, perhaps the most frustrating experience you will have is when your dog backslides, he fails to perform a behavior that you know he knows, one you've practiced in all types of situations. Is he angry with you and trying to make you look foolish? Probably not. It is so important to initially rule out any kind of medical problem since a change in behavior is often the first sign that something is wrong with the dog physically. For instance, it makes no sense to try to fix a lapse in house training if the dog has a thyroid problem. He has no control over the need to urinate.

So what do you do when your dog stops being reliable and it's not physical? You back up. Yes, it's that simple. Make the behavior a little less challenging. Reduce the duration and the distractions and the distance. Bring the clicker back in to the picture, break the behavior into smaller steps, and increase the rewards when you get a response that shows the dog is headed back in the right direction. It's amazing how well dogs respond to something simple and familiar. The best part is it won't take long to regain the same excellent behavior you had previously.

Check your signals and communication to your dog. One of the great agility tee shirts states "Great dog. Shame about the handler." Double check your own body language, your cues. Have they changed? Is there something you are doing differently? Our dogs are so in tune with us that even slight changes in our cues can confuse them.

Retaining one's composure, accepting that the dog is not disrespecting you, can be far more challenging than it appears. I've seen experienced trainers lose their cool and incorporate physical punishment in an effort to correct a less-than-perfect behavior. A swift kick might get the dog back into alignment for a heel, but at what cost? When the pressure is on during a performance, will the dog associate that behavior with punishment or reward? What one gains in position may be lost in confident body language. I've never been willing to trade my dog's trust in me for a ribbon. Are you?

Jan Casey is a
reward-based trainer in Florida
at Courteous Canine, Inc. www.courteouscanine.com
and owner of Smiles and Wags Pet Services
www.smilesandwags.com. Mrs.
Casey is a member of the Association of Animal
Behavior Professionals. Mrs.
Casey is a columnist for the Cookeville,
Tennessee Herald-Citizen Pet
Pages and Kid's Korner . This column was originally written for the Herald-Citizen www.herald-citizen.com.

The Greatest of These is Love--Merry Christmas

The Greatest of These is Love—Merry Christmas
Author, Jan Casey

Christmas is such a busy time. People are on the run, attending parties to share love with friends and family, shopping to buy all the right gifts, decorating their homes, and
attempting to finish the end-of-the-year reports for the boss. The weather is
marginal, snow is in the forecast and colder days are guaranteed. Even in a
small town like Cookeville (Tennessee), stress overtakes many as they
attempt to do it all. I hope, as you sit and read the paper, you’ll take a
moment to reflect on the joys that are also a part of this season, particularly
the joys brought to you by the family pet(s).

I recently saw the
history of the Christmas carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” The song was
written during a time of religious persecution, when Roman Catholics were not
permitted to openly practice their faith in England. Each of the gifts was a
code for a religious symbol: the partridge in the pear tree is Jesus, the two
turtle doves are the Old and New Testament, and so on. When I reached the nine
ladies dancing, I read they represent the nine fruits of the Spirit: Love
(charity), Joy, Peace, Patience, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Humility, and
Self control. It strikes me that these virtues are the same things required of
us as we train and live with our furry companions.

Self Control: For the
human part of the team, self control is vital when training. Yes, we get angry
when our animals do something wrong or do not perform as we wish. Loss of self
control, becoming angry with the dog when he fails to meet our expectations,
leads to yelling (or worse) and weakens the bond you have with your pet. Better
to put him in a kennel with a good chew toy until you calm down. Dogs, too,
need to learn self control. They need to be taught to wait for a release cue to
get their dinner, to lie down and stay on a mat when asked, to “leave it”
whatever the “it” may be, to come when called. In other words, to follow the
cues you give, knowing that something wonderful will follow if they do.

Humility: This one just
comes with training a dog. There is nothing more humbling than to teach a dog
something new only to have her act as if she has never heard the cue before
when she is asked to perform. The standard cry heard in class? “But she does it
at home!” Don’t worry, with more practice in more locations, she will learn
what you want and her performance will make you proud.

Faith: Having faith in
one’s dog is not always easy. It may take years to build the trust, the
camaraderie necessary for you to trust your dog. I think service dogs are the
prime example owners placing their faith in their dogs. They trust the dog will
help them accomplish simple tasks: to cross a busy street, to alert them to a
phone ring or a baby’s cry, to help them lie down safely just before a seizure
strikes, to help them cope with a world that causes them anxiety.

Goodness: This is
definitely a two way street. Dogs will be good if people are good to them. They
are living beings who think, have emotions, and need the companionship of man.
It’s a partnership.

Gentleness: This is what
positive, reward-based training is all about. You can train your dog to a high
level by using gentleness. The Original Dog Whisperer, Paul Owens, is an
excellent example. There are so many others – Chris Bach, Pat Miller, Patricia
McConnell. Don’t buy into “You have to show them who is boss.” You’ll only set
up a relationship that is adversarial. Is that really why you got a dog?

Patience: Dogs are not
people. Though the laws of learning are the same for people and animals, we
still learn at different rates and through different reinforcements. Your dog
may learn some things incredibly fast and other things very slowly. Have
patience, seek suggestions for help on those things your dog is not doing well.

Peace: It’s not all work
all the time. Take time to sit with your pet and enjoy just being in her
company. Accept her for the being she is and make peace with the fact that
there may be some things you would like from her that she will never be able to
do. Accept this and be thankful for the miracle of her companionship.

Joy: People who love
their pets find joy in sharing their lives with these gifts from Above. Walking
together, playing together, cuddling on the couch, just being with your pet can
bring harmony and joy to your life. It is widely accepted that pet owners are
happier and healthier than non-pet owners. Need some joy? Get a pet.

Love: A verse in the
Bible states “The greatest of these is love.” You need not be rich or have much
to give to your pet, but if you love him, he will be the luckiest pet on earth.
It does not matter if he gets the best food, the newest toys, or top of the
line training. Love is the greatest gift you can give your pet.

Wishing you and your
pets the very best Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Jan Casey is a
reward-based trainer in Florida
at Courteous Canine, Inc. www.courteouscanine.com
and owner of Smiles and Wags Pet Services
www.smilesandwags.com. Mrs.
Casey is a member of the Association of Animal
Behavior Professionals. Mrs.

Casey is a columnist for the Cookeville,
Tennessee Herald-Citizen Pet
Pages and Kid's Korner . This column was originally written for the Herald-Citizen www.herald-citizen.com.

Christmas Gifts for Pets

Christmas Gifts for Pets
Author, Jan Casey

Christmas is two days
away. While… you may still be looking for that “special something” for Chanel
or Slider or Bugsey. Buzz recommends the following for your furry, four-legged
friends.

Dogs love to chew. Thus,
we seek toys that are (almost) indestructible. Orbee makes a line called Tuff
Cosmos Balls in a variety of colors including Luna, which glows in the dark.
These balls will also hold a treat to entice your dog to play just a little
longer (www.muttropolis.com). Dog slobber limiting your desire to play ball
with your dog? Try a Chuck-It! The long handled ball launcher doubles as a pick
up tool, keeping your hands dry and slime free (www.chuckit.com).

If a ball is just too
boring for Max, try the Tug-a-Jug (www.petexpertise.com). Another toy designed
to stand up to tough dog teeth, this puzzle is made of material similar to that
used in making bullet-proof glass. Treats are placed inside the transparent jug
and the dog must work to get them out. At Bark in the Park’s Splash Paws
Park, many dogs enjoyed
not only a dip in one of the bone shaped pools, but also had a chance to chase
chicken-flavored bubbles. Check out the wide variety of bubble machines
available at Activedogtoys.com (they have lots of other neat toys, too!).

What’s that? You don’t
have a furry tornado that needs exercise 28 hours a day? Well, how about a new,
personalized collar and leash set for the Princess? Besty Collars (http://bestydogcollars.com/)
has a wide variety of styles from pink ribbons and paws to skull and
crossbones. They’ll even take custom orders. And while you are looking for ways
to help Princess look her best, forget about sweaters and coats – they are so yesterday.
Look at the newest joggers, overalls, and formal wear for dogs. Locally,
Elizabeth of Pal World can dress your pup (On The Square in Livingston, TN).
Of course, if you’d like to think ahead for next year’s Bark in the Park Doggie
Bathing Suit Contest, check out the latest in bikinis and board shorts for your
pup at Cozy Pet Clothes (http://www.cozypetclothes.com/beach_and_swimwear).
New collar, new outfit, now add a collar charm (www.petedge.com) and Sophie is
ready for a night on the town with her best friend – you!

So maybe you just want
some quality time with Lexi. Did you know that BringFido.com lists forty-six
Bed and Breakfasts in the U.S.
that welcome dogs? These aren’t small town destinations like Spud, FL, but
places you might actually enjoy such as Asheville,
NC, Savannah, GA, and Kennebunk,
ME. Though most require a pet
fee, you’d be paying for Spike’s care if you left him home, so why not let him
enjoy some time away in an exotic locale with you?

If you decide to travel
by car, Trudy may enjoy a new seat. Check the luxury look-out seats by
snoozer-dog-beds (www.snoozer-dog-beds.com)
or just invest a few dollars in a seat saver sling from Duluth Trading (www.duluthtrading.com). To help your
dog stay calm, you might try Animals’ Apawthecary Ginger-Mint Dog Car Sickness
Supplement (if it doesn’t work, at least your dog’s breath will be fresher) and
Through a Dog’s Ear - Driving Edition (http://www.throughadogsear.com).

Of course, we must not
forget the cats in the house at Christmas time (not that they would let us
forget them). There is a wide variety of gifts appropriate for that finicky
feline who loves you and allows you to enjoy her presence. Catnip mice – bah,
humbug! How about an interactive Mouse in the House automatic cat toy? Designed
to interact with your cat while you are away, it plugs into the wall and emits
small animal noises before sending a mouse running around a track. That should
catch Patches interest! Also from Cattoys.com, a wide selection of interactive
and motorized toys is available as are DVDs to keep Laz busy while you have
other things to do. For those who would like to control their cats, check out
Thinkgeek.com. Their Control-A-Cat Remote Control uses no batteries or power,
just wishful thinking on your part.

Did you know we have
some seriously good pet artists in our area (of Tennessee)? For paintings and drawings,
check out Adrienne Stone (http://www.adriennestone.com)
or Kim Kuykendall (KimsArtLife@Gmail.com)
just to name two. For photography, I have recently seen some beautiful work by
Amy Callahan (amycallahan.com). Take a look at the work of some of our local
artists as you won’t find better than we have in this area. A photograph or
portrait is a gift that will last long after all the toys have been shredded.

If you no longer have a
pet, could you help another animal? The Cookeville/Putnam County Animal Shelter
Angel Tree at Food Lion (or an Angel Tree near you) has ornaments listing their
needs by the north exit door. Food, bleach, blankets, stamps, money, and detergent
are just a few items that could help. Other rescues in our area can use help as
well. Just email or call them and ask how you can help at this time of the
year. Perhaps your neighbor or a friend could use your help caring for her pet.
It doesn’t have to be money or things, it can be a little of your time. It is
the season of giving, after all. Giving a gift of your time and your care is
priceless.

Jan Casey is a
reward-based trainer in Florida
at Courteous Canine, Inc. www.courteouscanine.com
and owner of Smiles and Wags Pet Services
www.smilesandwags.com. Mrs.
Casey is a member of the Association of Animal
Behavior Professionals. Mrs.
Casey is a columnist for the Cookeville,
Tennessee Herald-Citizen Pet
Pages and Kid's Korner . This column was originally written for the Herald-Citizen www.herald-citizen.com.

Holiday Stress

Holiday Stress

Author, Jan Casey

Well, here it is again - "that" time of the year. For our dogs, there are some significant
changes which affect them: the weather, the number of hours we engage them in
outside activities, their feeding schedules, their sleeping schedules, our energy
and tolerance levels, perhaps even our demeanor toward them.

With the holidays looming, there may even be more changes for our dogs to
contend with - the invasion of strangers into "their" homes, foods
prepared that they may not share, normally quiet times shattered by raucous
cheers from fans gathered around the television as the favorite teams play
football. Our homes may be invaded by
small aliens - children. From a dog's point of view, we humans start to behave
in a way that can only be described as full-blown insanity.

While we can poke fun at our dogs' bewilderment of our changes in daily
life, what isn't so funny is the fact that the number of dog bites increases at
this time of the year. The stresses we
feel may transfer directly to our dogs.
Routines are interrupted, our dogs are treated differently, and we may
entertain people who are not dog-savvy.
If children are invited to a normally childless household, the
ingredients for disaster have been gathered.

To prevent the occurrence of an incident which will ruin the holidays and
could potentially cause a life to be lost, it's important to know the signs of
stress in your dog. Far too many people seem completely oblivious to the
signals their dogs are sending out fast and furiously. Panting when it is not hot and whining are two obvious signals of distress. Lip licking (also called tongue flicks) and
whale eye (whites of the dog's eye showing as a half moon) while little Johnny
gives McKinley a hug is the way a dog screams he is uncomfortable. The vast majority of dogs do not like to be hugged nor ridden like a horse, especially not by the small intruders. Unless you have spent many hours socializing your dog with children and know, without a doubt, that your dog is child-friendly, there is a risk when they are
together. If you think your dog will be just fine with the kids, please Google "child killed by family dog." The number of times parents report "the dog seemed friendly," or "the dog never showed aggression before" may astound you.
I can guarantee the dogs had been sending out stress signals for a long
time, but they went unheeded. Supervision and separation will be the keys to
safety.

The tail - a wag is not necessarily a sign of happiness. Wags convey many messages: large, circular wags or slow, sweeping wags may indicate happiness and comfort with a
situation; stiff, upright, tight wags may indicate discomfort with a situation,
a discomfort that can lead to a bite; fast, small wags at a very low elevation
or between the legs may indicate fear, another signal that a bite may be
imminent.

Dogs are such unique individuals, it's important that you learn to read
your dog and know the signals she sends when she is stressed. Look for wrinkly foreheads, the corners of her mouth pulled back tight, listen for growls (growling dogs mean business), ears plastered flat against the back of the neck, raised lips, yawning,
"shaking it off," scratching, sniffing, pilo-erection (hackles up),
and turning away. While any of these could be normal daily behaviors, when put in the context of stressful situations, recognition of these stress signs can prevent a bite.

While most of us will not change our plans for the holidays just to avoid
stressing our dogs, we can take steps to help the dogs cope with our madness.
Dogs should be given their own places to feel safe, away from all
visitors. A quiet room with a little soft music to dampen the other noises will help. Add a frozen stuffed Kong to the picture and perhaps spray the area with Comfort Zone (DAP). If there is any chance your guests may intrude on the dog's space
accidentally (or on purpose if you are lucky enough to have one of
"those" relatives or friends), then be sure your dog is safely locked
in a crate.

Try to make extra time available to exercise your dog thoroughly on the day
of the festivities. Feed him on schedule, if at all possible, and take him out for a good bathroom break before guests arrive. Ever suffered from a dry mouth during a stressful
situation? Consider your dog may also get dry mouth and leave a bowl of water within easy access as dogs may drink more when stressed as well.

If your dog is highly fearful and/or reactive, you may wish to talk with
your vet about medications to help calm her anxiety during the holidays. While some dogs may do fine with the changes you make to accommodate them, there are some who will be so seriously stressed, they may need extra help from a prescription drug.

Do your best to keep to a routine during the coming holiday months. Daily exercise, staying on a schedule, and sticking to a healthy diet will benefit the dog - and you!

Jan Casey is a reward-based trainer in Florida at Courteous Canine, Inc. www.courteouscanine.com and owner of Smiles and Wags Pet Services www.smilesandwags.com. Mrs. Casey is a member of the Association of Animal
Behavior Professionals. Mrs. Casey is a columnist for the Cookeville,
Tennessee Herald-Citizen Pet Pages and Kid's Korner . This column was originally written for the Herald-Citizen www.herald-citizen.com.

Pet Myths

Pet Myths
Author, Jan Casey
“Denver the Guilty Dog” has received over seven millions views on Youtube. The video became so popular, dog and owner were quickly signed to appear on Good
Morning America. Denver the Labrador was filmed “acting guilty” as his
owner berated him for allegedly pilfering cat treats from a mangled bag. Unfortunately, Denver was not acting guilty, he was responding with appeasement behaviors.
Uncomfortable with the camera eye “staring” at him (stares are considered aggressive behavior by dogs) and aware his owner was angry, Denver was trying to calm
down his owner using the tool dogs use best – body language. Every person who understands dog body language was cringing at the misinformation being given to the public. They felt for Denver, too, as he is stuck with an owner who does not understand what the dog is so clearly trying to tell him. (for more on guilt, see: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611065839.htm)

Animals are a central component of many myths and urban legends. Ever heard of the cactus which exploded a short time after being brought in from the desert, releasing thousands of baby tarantulas? Not true. While it is probably
not good for cactus sales, the story doesn't harm spiders. Other animal folklore taken as fact: ostriches bury their heads in the sand when frightened, penguins fall over
backwards when looking at airplanes, and toads cause warts. Again, all are popular
tales, none are true, and they have little-to-no effect on the well-being of
ostriches, penguins, or toads.

When it comes to our pets, however, folklore is abundant and often does
negatively affect their welfare. The very thing we use to help us connect with them – shared behaviors and emotions – can work to their detriment when we try to explain unique animal behaviors in human terms.

How many feline lifespans have been shortened by tales based on fiction
rather than fact? New parents are warned that a cat, jealous that he must
now share attention, may suck the breath out of a baby. A cat may be accused of mistaking the cries of a baby for the cries of another cat, provoking the cat to smother its competition. Hearing such tales, frightened parents re-home, abandon, or relinquish the cat to a shelter. Do cats have nine lives? Do they always
land on their feet? The answer to both questions is no, and cats will live
safer, more peaceful lives if people will learn the facts.

For man's best friend, the scenario is no better. Dog folklore includes both breed and behavior myths. Breed myths are interesting. “You have to watch out for Dobermans. They'll turn on you.” Normal, healthy dogs of any breed do not just go crazy, they give warning signals well in advance. People just don't recognize them. “Pit
Bulls have locking jaws.” Studies have found no locking jaw mechanism in any dog.
More breed myths: “all labs (or goldens) love people, especially children”; “Jack Russells make great lap dogs”; “border collies are easy to train”; “huskies are more closely related to wolves than other dogs.” People who accept
these breed myths as true may be in for a surprise.

Canine behavior myths are insidious. “Once a dog tastes blood, it will become a killer.” Did you become Charles Manson after you last ate rare roast beef? Dogs may bite (taste blood) more often if they learn that biting works to get them away from something they don't like. If small animals were injured or killed, the dog's fixed action pattern (prey drive) may have kicked in, making them oblivious to your recall. You may wish
to muzzle a dog who will be near small animals in the future, but there is no
reason to believe the dog will now attack people. In either case, it has nothing to do with developing a taste for blood. More training is called for, but not the destruction of the dog.

“A barking dog will not bite.” “Dogs who are wagging their tails are friendly.”
Believe these myths and chances are good you will get bitten. Barks have a lot of different meanings, one of which is to warn you to stay back or else be bitten. The same is true of tail wags – they have different meanings and not all are invitations to be friends. “Dogs are pack animals. A dog needs to have another dog in the house to be happy.” Sometimes dogs are forced to share their homes with other dogs when they
would be much happier as the only canine in the family. Dogs are loners,
scavengers who only form packs when necessary. “Dogs destroy your belongings because they are spiteful.” Dogs really don't understand the concept of
prized possessions or how hard you had to work in order to buy them. Objects are often chewed and mangled as a way for dogs to relieve anxiety or because they are bored.

Urban legends, myths, folklore can be harmless or they can cause misunderstandings which are detrimental to the well-being of pets.  If you've heard something repeated as fact, take a moment to research it. You'll enjoy your pets much more if
you truly understand why they do what they do.

Jan Casey is a reward-based trainer in Florida
at Courteous Canine, Inc. www.courteouscanine.com and owner of Smiles and Wags Pet Services www.smilesandwags.com. Mrs. Casey is a member of the Association of Animal Behavior Professionals. Mrs. Casey is a columnist for the Cookeville,
Tennessee Herald-Citizen Pet Pages and Kid's Korner . This column was originally written for the Herald-Citizen www.herald-citizen.com.

A Dog's Christmas

A
Dog’s Christmas

Author, Jan Casey

According to the
American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, 44.8% of households in the U.S.
owned a dog in 2006. From their survey, that equates to approximately 73.9
million dogs. They report “The overall majority of pet owners buy their pet a
gift, usually for Christmas or often for no occasion at all, spending an
average of almost $20.00 per pet gift.” Now that you see you are in good
company, what will you buy for your dog?

An article sent to me by
Bob McMillan of the Herald-Citizen prompted the topic for this column. The AP
wire service published a story about the latest offerings for the doggie
in-crowd. Included were puppooses (crocheted slings in which to carry your dog
across your chest), non-alcoholic dog beer, and wigs for dogs. Wigs for dogs?
As if they didn’t already leave enough hair behind. Rather than send you on a
search for these people-pleasing as opposed to dog- pleasing gifts, I have some
suggestions to make.

Most dogs like toys.
There are the usual toys – balls, stuffed plush animals, Frisbees, to name a
few. Better than those, look at toys that not only exercise the body, but also
the canine mind. Buster cubes, Kongs which can be stuffed with food, and treat
dispensing balls are great. For owners and dogs who know the rules of tugging
(a must before you play tug), a new tuggy toy or combination tug/leash is
great. For dogs that are well-socialized with both people and other dogs, a
gift of doggie day care would be wonderful. How about a sandbox for digging?

Food gifts are also high
on the list as dog gift favorites. Due to recent and ongoing scares within the
pet food industry, my first suggestion is to get online and research some
homemade doggie treats. There is such a wide variety of treats available with
just about every conceivable ingredient. Of course, if you think the smell of
baking liver or tuna might not add much to the wonderful smells of Christmas in
your house, check out some of the wholesome treats available through some of
the local retailers here. A few retailers subscribe to the Whole Dog Journal
which tracks the quality of pet foods and stock only the best suggested foods.
As the Journal does not accept advertisements, it can report in a completely
unbiased way.

While I doubt I would
find equipment on your dog’s wish list, it is something many folks give to
their pets at Christmas. You could make your selection more appealing to your
pet if you replace any aversive equipment (choke collars, prong collars, shock
collars) with more dog friendly equipment. There are wonderful new anti-pull
harnesses out there such as the Easy Walk and Sensi if you have a dedicated
puller. Many of the smaller dogs in my classes have arrived sporting very
flashy material harnesses, a great alternative to collars that can easily
damage tender throats and tracheas.

Of all my
recommendations, I most strongly suggest you give your dog the gift of more
time, not just during the holidays, but all year long. Dogs are social
creatures who want to be a part of the family. Buy yourself a book on games to
play with your dog. Enroll in a class with your dog – take something fun like
agility, flyball, or Rally-O. If your dog is lacking manners, take a basic
manners class that emphasizes building your relationship with your dog as well
as learning behaviors which make them more welcome companions. Commit to
walking a little more with your dog. It will do you both good. When the weather
is nasty, have some good inside games. Hide the dog’s toys. Make it easy at
first by showing the dog where you are hiding the toy, then ask him to find it.
As the dog gets good at this, make it harder. There is a game called 100 things
to do with a box. Set out an ordinary cardboard box and shape your dog into doing
different things with that box. Teach your old (or new) dog some tricks.
Nothing makes clients more tickled than to see their pups learning to hit the
Staples Easy button for a treat or learning a simple shake hands. There are
plenty of books available on trick training.

Christmas is a season
for giving. If you have the available funds, please remember the animal
organizations in the area that need donations – both money and goods – for the
many animals that will not be a part of someone’s Christmas celebration at
home. If you don’t have a dog or any other pet with which to share your life,
give yourself one of the best gifts ever – adopt a pet in need of a home.
You’ll get more back than you can ever imagine.

Jan Casey is a
reward-based trainer in Florida
at Courteous Canine, Inc. www.courteouscanine.com
and owner of Smiles and Wags Pet Services
www.smilesandwags.com. Mrs.
Casey is a member of the Association of Animal
Behavior Professionals. Mrs.
Casey is a columnist for the Cookeville,
Tennessee Herald-Citizen Pet
Pages and Kid's Korner . This column was originally written for the Herald-Citizen www.herald-citizen.com.

Gifts for Dogs From the People who Love Them

28 Christmas Gifts for Dogs From the People Who Love Them
Author, Jan Casey
Today is November 22nd. And yes, Thanksgiving is still a few days away but chances are you have put some thought into what to get for the one who gives you unconditional love, who greets you at the door with enthusiasm that makes Titans fans look subdued, who loves nothing more than to be with you. That special someone is, of course, your dog! According to the American Pet Association, over 31,000,000 owners buy Christmas gifts for their dogs, so that should help you feel a little more comfortable about celebrating the holiday with a gift for your furry friend.
So what would Spot like this year? There is no shortage of dog gifts on the market and prices range from nearly free to thousands of dollars. The best gifts are perhaps those which require some interaction between you and the dog since dogs are social beings who need companionship to remain mentally healthy. I took a look at several items that might be of interest – those that provide exercise for the dog and a chance for you to get outside and enjoy the scenery at the same time. As usual, there are warnings: you must research the proper use of this equipment, your dog should be in good physical shape, and children should always be supervised when interacting with the dog. Dogs, of course, should have basic skills including sit, stay, and down.
There are quite a few dog harness activities. Though I have seen few here in Tennessee, perhaps it’s time to begin to enjoy some of these sports here. Depending on the size of your dog, carting can involve pulling loads of materials to carting a person. A DVD available from www.Dogwise.com by Beth Ostrander titled Introduction to Canine Carting would be a good place to start. Once you understand the mechanics, carts and harnesses are available from a number of merchants such as American Cart and Harness (www.k9carting.com) or Dogworks (www.dogworks.com). A similar concept that involves human and dog teamwork and which requires a bit more exercise on the human’s part is a dog powered scooter found at www.dogpoweredscooter.com. The creator of this scooter has also created a dog powered trike and is currently working on a dog powered skateboard as well! As someone who has tried bicycling with her dog on a leash (and come crashing down - not a pretty sight), I would be much more inclined to try some of these dog powered transports as they offer a lot more control. The Southeast seems ready to take on the challenge. Check out www.dogsacrossamerica.org and note there is a link to Southeast Dryland Mushers, a Yahoo Group uniting people in the South interested in organizing fun runs.
Okay, so maybe you just aren’t the outdoors type or Spot doesn’t meet the size or physical fitness requirements for harness activities. What else is new this year? One site that offers new and creative toys for dogs is www.activedogtoys.com . Toys of interest are the X-Tire Blinky Ball or, for those dogs who are not sensitive to sound, the X-Tire Ball with Animal Sounds. For the small dog with a couch potato owner, I found the Dog Fisher, basically a fishing pole with a lure attached for the dog to chase and a reel so the owner does not need to leave his seat to retrieve the toy. Again, for the activity-challenged owner, there is a Jumbubbler that blows giant scented bubbles for the dog to pop and an automatic tennis ball launcher called the “Go Dog Go.” Little dogs have plenty of options just their size at www.smalldogmall.com with toys sized from small to mini. For folks with big dogs who are big chewers, check out the “indestructible” toys at www.bigtimedogtoys.net/ultra-tough-toys.html . If you have a puppy, one of the newest toys on the market is the Snuggle Puppies, complete with a warmer and a heartbeat, and found at www.petexpertise.com .
Of course, finances are tight for a lot of people. That doesn’t mean the dog has to be left out of the loop when gifts are handed out! A little creativity and you can make toys for your pup using materials you may have laying about the house. While I hesitate to suggest using clothing as toy material (dogs have trouble distinguishing between your wardrobe and their toys), socks make great toys. You can stuff them with other socks, tie them together in knots, or use them to hold tennis balls or rubber toys. Old ropes provide a great way to play tug and can be used alone or threaded through a tennis ball. If you have old fleece from pajamas or sheets, you can make an excellent tug toy by following directions at http://www.hgtv.com/crafting/fleece-rope-dog-toy/index.html . One friend places a soda can inside a large plastic popcorn jar and her dog goes nuts chasing it about. Look around your house and use your creativity!
Jan Casey is a reward-based trainer in Florida at Courteous Canine, Inc. www.courteouscanine.com and owner of Smiles and Wags Pet Services www.smilesandwags.com. Mrs. Casey is a member of the Association of Animal Behavior Professionals. Mrs. Casey is a columnist for the Cookeville, Tennessee Herald-Citizen Pet Pages and Kid's Korner . This column was originally written for the Herald-Citizen www.herald-citizen.com.

Why Do You Have A Pet?

Why Do You Have a Pet?

Author, Jan Casey

It really seems like such an easy question to answer. Why do you have a pet? People volunteer lots of reasons why they don’t have a dog or cat – they don’t want to be tied
down, too much hair, too expensive, not enough space. I am always glad these
folks don’t have pets since they have clearly outlined in their heads what it
is about another living creature that would disrupt their daily existence.
Still, the responses I got when I informally surveyed folks about why they do
have a pet proved thought provoking.

I’ve tried to group responses into classifications, though I doubt it is fair. The reason a person gets a pet may start out for one stated purpose, but the relationship often
evolves, changing the ultimate answer to the question of “why.” For example, as
the Disabilities Coordinator at the University of Tampa, I had the
pleasure of working with a young woman who had been challenged with multiple
sclerosis, leaving her wheelchair bound and in need of help for even simple tasks.
She obtained a wonderful golden retriever specifically trained to pick up
dropped items, turn on lights, provide her with physical stability, and get
assistance if needed. Though her initial intent was to have help, she later
confided that it was the dog who made her want to get up in the morning, who
made her feel as if she could go on each day.

I received many responses that highlighted the bond that develops between pet and owner. One person stated “It seems to me dogs and I are able to communicate with each
other more clearly and more easily than I can with most people.” I had multiple
responses that made note of the deep connection felt with dogs, one that is
hard to describe. Indeed, authors such as Patricia McConnell, when speaking of
her beloved border collie Luke, and John Grogan, who wrote about his Labrador
in Marley and Me, have worked hard to convey this special bond, yet some
still do not understand it.

For several people, having children, naturally or through adoption, was not an option and they felt a dog would fill that void in their lives, giving them an opportunity to share with another being the love that they have. I smiled when I read the statement
“Turns out we are the ones who got so much love in return.” For couples who can
have children, some have chosen to have pets first as an opportunity to
practice their joint “nurturing skills” before bringing another human into the
world. Clearly, pets provide an opportunity to experience a love and bond that
might not otherwise exist.

Some responded “You mean there is life without animals?” They have had animals all their lives and they seem unaware that a daily routine can exist without feeding times, grooming schedules, trips to the vets, training, and exercising. They are, however, wonderfully aware of the warmth shared by a furry being cuddled next to them on a cold winter day, the look a pet can give that conveys trust and love, the joy of
having a companion ready to go for a walk on a cool Fall morning.

Many respondents claimed to have gotten pets to help out friends or to save the animal’s life. “To care for just a few who could not care for themselves” or “she needed help finding homes for 12 giant puppies” are two responses typifying acts of kindness which brought some to pet ownership. Another writes “[we] saved a cat that had been
hit by a car. It took 3 surgeries, 2 months of recovery & hour-by-hour care
never knowing if the cat would make it before he woke up one morning &
played with a toy ball I had bought for him.
I put every bit of myself into nursing Lazarus back to health & despite the
odds we made it.” I think most people who have rescued an animal would agree
they received as much love or more in return for that act of kindness.

Animals give people a
chance to look outside themselves, to make improvements in character. To quote
one friend who responded about dogs, “Their cognitive abilities test our
character to make ideal choices, to be loving rather than impatient.” They
allow humans to give of themselves without the question of motive arising. And
for those who have an animal with a handicap or issue, the lesson of patience
is more what we learn from observing the animal as he copes with daily life
rather than something we learn in caring for the pet. They are marvelous teachers,
tolerant of their pupils (us) who are often blind to all the information they
have to offer.

To those who still don’t understand why some of us have pets, why we treat them with love and respect, why we advocate for the well-being of all animals, you may never understand. It is difficult to put into words. We don’t care more for animals and less for
people. For most of us it’s an extension of our love for all living beings.
It’s not an either/or proposition. Two Biblical passages say it all: “A righteous
man cares for the needs of his animals” and “Blessed are the compassionate, for
they shall receive compassion.”

Jan Casey is a reward-based trainer in Florida
at Courteous Canine, Inc. www.courteouscanine.com
and owner of Smiles and Wags Pet Services www.smilesandwags.com. Mrs.
Casey is a member of the Association of Animal
Behavior Professionals. Mrs. Casey is a columnist for the Cookeville,
Tennessee Herald-Citizen PetPages and Kid's Korner . This column was originally written for the Herald-Citizen www.herald-citizen.com.

What's All The Bark About?

The Controversy About Dogs

Author, Jan Casey

Controversy. Where does it not exist? We all have been warned not to discuss politics or religion. If you live in Tennessee, you may want to add football teams to that list. What about dogs? What could be controversial about dogs? Well, it seems just about everything.

Let’s start with breed specific legislation. Many municipalities across the country have established a restriction on owning certain breeds of dog. Pit bulls are by far the most
recognized breed to be outlawed by communities, which is ironic as it is also a
breed which is so often misidentified. I checked the Center for Disease Control
in Atlanta website for statistics and found they stopped recording bites by breed in 1998. Looking at all the years combined, pits did have the highest number of
incidents for dog bite related fatalities. However, bites resulting in human
fatalities were recorded for thirty breeds including a Labrador,
a Dachshund, and a Yorkie. In the later years of the statistics, it is noted
that Rottweilers surpassed Pit Bulls in the number of dog bite related
fatalities. If you read further, you will find the CDC is opposed to breed
specific regulation. The CDC suggests “generic, non-breed-specific, dangerous
dog laws be enacted that place primary responsibility for a dog’s behavior on
the owner, regardless of the dog’s breed. In particular, targeting chronically
irresponsible dog owners may be effective.” It is their belief that educating
owners as to the appropriate breed for their life style as well as teaching
people about the importance of training and socialization will do much to
reduce the number of dog bites and the fatalities that result from them. I
admit I agree with them. The entire report can be read at http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/dogbreeds.pdf

Another topic currently
creating a wealth of controversy concerns the ability of the dog to think and
to have emotions. There has been some fascinating work coming out of Europe regarding the abilities of dogs to solve problems.
Cysani has shown that dogs pay very close attention to people and use their
observations to communicate. In a type of animal shell game, he would place a
treat under one scent-proof cup, shuffle the cups, then point to the cup which
contained the treat. Dogs outperformed chimps significantly in this test. A
Border Collie named Guiness has been able to identify different landscapes,
different faces, and even different dog breeds. Another Border Collie, Rico,
has been shown to identify 200 different toys. Studies have shown dogs can tell
the difference in abstract concepts such as large and small, and in sizes and
shapes. While I don’t for a minute equate a dog’s ability to think with that of
a person, I do believe we have far underestimated the thinking capabilities of
dogs. The same can be said of emotions and dogs. The structure of the part of
the brain that controls emotions, the limbic system, is similar in dogs and
people and would suggest that dogs do experience emotion even though it may not
be exactly like human emotion. For some people, there must be scientific
measurement recorded to prove emotions in dogs. For other people, those who
come home after a brief absence to a barking, wagging, smiling dog, there is no
study on earth that will convince them dogs don’t have emotions. Most believers
will tell stories of a dog’s fear, anger, happiness, and love. Studies at this
time can only confirm the remarkable similarity between dog and human brains
and use this to conclude some sort of emotion on the part of dogs exists. If
you are interested in thought and emotion in dogs, I would highly recommend the
book For the Love of a Dog – Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best
Friend by Dr. Patricia McConnell.

Why does it matter if dogs think or have emotions? The answer leads to yet another controversy – how dogs should be trained. Consider a fearful dog. If a trainer does not believe or care if a dog has emotions, then the solution will probably consist of
dominating the dog (use of a shock collar or leash pops) or a technique called
“flooding” – overloading the dog with whatever it is the dog fears. The trainer
who believes the dog has emotions will choose to desensitize the dog to the
fearful object and then change the dog’s emotional state when encountering that
object (counter conditioning). I use this example with my clients: If you are
scared of snakes and I don’t care about your emotions, I will just throw you in
a room full of snakes. You’ll get over it, right? On the other hand, if I do
consider your emotional state, I will start at a distance by showing you a
picture of a snake and gradually work up to you handling a snake. I will reward
you with a $100 bill each time you are able to work more closely with the snake
to change your emotional reaction to the snake. Which would you prefer?

People will always disagree. When choosing a side, defend your position with the most current information available. Most of all, just love your dog. Dogs don’t create
controversy, people do.

Jan Casey is a reward-based trainer in Florida
at Courteous Canine, Inc. www.courteouscanine.com
and owner of Smiles and Wags Pet Services www.smilesandwags.com. Mrs.
Casey is a member of the Association of Animal
Behavior Professionals. Mrs. Casey is a columnist for the Cookeville,
Tennessee Herald-Citizen Pet Pages and Kid's Korner . This column was originally written for the Herald-Citizen www.herald-citizen.com.

Social Butterfly or Wallflower?

Need for Social Interaction

Author, Jan Casey

You’re a dog lover. You play with your dog. You exercise your dog. You feed her, you shelter her, you see that she gets her checkups with the veterinarian. This is what dog lovers do. They care for the beings they brought into their homes, it was a promise
they made, that they would attend to its needs. What happened to that promise,
that some owners now relegate their dogs to the backyard, no longer providing
the dog with the basic need of companionship?

I read an article - Critics Challenge ‘Dog Whisperer’ Methods (http://www.livescience.com/animals/091112-dog-training.html)
– searching for any new insight in support of positive training. The article
focuses on the contentious battle between trainers who use current scientific
methods and those who still use traditional, punishment-based methods. While it
delineates the arguments of those with differing philosophies, it also notes
the sides do share some points of agreement. “Both sides of the training spectrum teach that a lack of discipline or structure is not conducive to a well-behaved dog… ‘You
have to be calm, you have to be clear, you have to be consistent, and you have
to make sure you meet your pet’s needs for other things: exercise, play, social
interaction,’ says Herron of The Ohio State University.” … The sad existence of
some dogs receiving no social interaction with people keeps popping up in my
daily conversations and consultations.

Social interaction is vital to the well-being of people and pets. When
humans are to be punished for crimes against society, short of death, solitary
confinement is considered the harshest punishment delivered by a civilized
society. Parrots, considered by scientists to have the intelligence of a five
year old human, can literally go insane from lack of attention. These birds
pluck their feathers until their bodies are naked, they scream night and day,
and swing back and forth endlessly. Parrots did not evolve in a relationship
with man, yet lack of interaction with him can make them crazy. Dogs and man
evolved together and have the closest interspecies relationship in existence.
What does lack of interaction do to dogs?

The relationship developed as one of mutual benefit. Man used dogs for many
purposes – to retrieve game, to protect, to pull carts loaded with goods. Dog
used man as a resource for necessities – food and shelter. A bond formed
between them. It’s been a nice relationship through the centuries. Now things
have changed, at least for man. With the development of grocery stores, guns,
and cars, dogs are no longer vital to our existence. Dogs still count on us for
food and shelter. People are able to interact socially with one another through
computers, jobs, phones, and social engagements. Dogs? They are still dependent
on owners for companionship.

I realize the people who read this column are not the ones I am writing
about. It’s more likely I am writing about a neighbor, a family member, a
friend, even a stranger who has a dog and refuses to meet its basic need for
social interaction. While we are more likely to see our dogs as family members,
they view their dogs as property. The question arises “What can I do about it?”
The best you can do is attempt to enlighten the owner who thinks his dog is
“just fine” left alone 24 hours a day.

When I work with people whose dog is not valued, I try to find out why.
Certainly no one goes out and gets a dog with the intention of having it sit
outside, alone, consuming food, while the owner gets nothing in return. Try to
find out what changed. Did the dog get too big? Is the dog too rambunctious? Is
the dog destroying the owner’s possessions? Has the dog become aggressive? Is
the dog barking day and night? Is the dog not housetrained, or loosing its
ability to control its bodily functions due to age or a physical problem? Once
you can determine the “why,” it can be easy to resolve if the owner is willing
to try some things.

For behavioral problems, once any physical problem is ruled out, providing
mental and physical exercise can do a lot toward resolving the dog’s issues.
Suggestions which I offer to owners : try using a frozen Kong or a Tug-A-Jug
with breakfast and dinner inside, making the dog work to eat. Play hide and
seek with some of the dog’s favorite toys. Teach the dog some tricks. Walk.
Play with a disc or tennis ball. Hire someone to exercise your dog. Get help
from a trainer for problem behaviors. If the owner is not receptive to working
with the dog, suggest re-homing. There are some wonderful rescue groups. Most
are overcrowded, but often have a waiting list. It’s a far better alternative
than to allow the dog to suffer by spending its life alone with no social
interaction.

Until better laws protecting our pets are enacted, we can only try to help dogs who are isolated. To quote Dr. Patricia McConnell, "I wish more people would consider owning smaller pets, such as rats. They're social, interactive, trainable, and you don't have
to feel guilty about not walking them."

Jan Casey is a reward-based trainer in Florida at Courteous Canine, Inc. www.courteouscanine.com and owner of Smiles and Wags Pet Services
www.smilesandwags.com. Mrs. Casey is a member of the Association of Animal
Behavior Professionals. Mrs. Casey is a columnist for the Cookeville,
Tennessee Herald-Citizen Pet Pages and Kid's Korner . This column was originally written for the Herald-Citizen www.herald-citizen.com.