Strange facts about canine instincts

Can your dog read your mind?

Here is a great article from Cesar’s Way – And yes, when it comes to treats, all dogs can read your mind!!

By Jon Bastian

Has this ever happened to you? It’s time to take the dog somewhere she doesn’t like to go, like the vet or groomer; or you’ve decided it’s bath time — but when you look for the dog, she’s nowhere to be found. You haven’t even said the words “vet” or “bath,” and yet your dog somehow seems to know something unpleasant is coming and hides from you.

It may seem like psychic ability, and you probably find yourself wondering, “How did the dog know what I was thinking?” As science is learning, though, the answer is because dogs are a lot more perceptive and tuned into us than we realize.

One of the questions behaviorists have been studying in animals for years is “Do they have a theory of mind?” What does that mean? As described by veterinarian Nicholas Dodman, “Theory of mind implies self-awareness and the ability to understand that other individuals may possess information and agendas.”

In other words, the question is whether dogs are aware of their own emotional states, and understand that other living things have their own unique emotional states and awareness.

Humans obviously have this ability — we know what we’re thinking and feeling, and we know that other people have different thoughts and feelings. Now, the evidence is increasingly pointing to the likelihood that dogs have theories of mind as well.

For the evidence, we only need to look at some of the abilities that our dogs have.

They can have empathy for us

Defined as “the ability to understand and share the feelings of another,” humans clearly have empathy, for each other and animals — this is the entire reason that storytelling works for us; we can put ourselves in the place of the characters, feeling what they’re feeling as well as feeling for them.

A study published in Biology Letters used a novel but valid test to determine whether dogs have empathy: contagious yawning. This is the phenomenon in which one person yawning will cause others in the group to do the same, and its cause was a mystery for a long time. It wasn’t until scientists determined that children with autism do not “catch” yawns from others that they realized it was caused by, and is a sign of, empathy, which is something that many autistic people lack.

Many species exhibit contagious yawning, but only within the species. Dogs and people seem to be the only exceptions. The study noted above found that dogs would start yawning if humans did, and especially if it was their human who yawned.

Score one for “theory of mind.” Dogs can understand that we have feelings.

They can understand our point of view

In another experiment, reported in Behaviour, researchers determined that dogs can tell whether or not a human can see something and then respond appropriately.

In the experiment, a human sat at one end of a table, with a dog at the other. There were two barriers between them, one transparent and the other opaque, with two toys placed on the dog’s side, one behind each barrier. When the human called to the dog to “bring it,” the dog would only choose the toy that they knew the human could see, ignoring the other.

But when the human turned their back on the dog and toys or sat on the same side as the dog, then the toy selection was completely random. This means that dogs can understand that our point of view is different than theirs and figure out what we can see — score another point for theory of mind.

They trust our judgment

Give a dog a choice between a huge bowl of food and a small one and they’ll choose the bigger one every time, right? Apparently not. According to a study published in PLoS ONE, a dog will choose the bowl that a human seems to prefer, regardless of size or what’s in it. They still don’t know why this is the case, but it does show how dogs look to us for leadership. Eating is a primal need, and yet our opinion can influence what a dog eats.

This is also why begging can be such a problem with dogs. They’re not trying to be annoying; they just want in on what we seem to enjoy. They understand that we have information that they don’t. Three points for theory of mind.

They can feel jealousy… sort of

Humans have two kinds of emotions: primary emotions like fear, joy, grief and anger, and secondary emotions including hatred, anxiety, insecurity, and jealousy. Multiple studies have indicated that dogs can feel jealousy.

In one study, researchers had dog owners give affection to a stuffed dog while their own dog was present. The dogs reacted by trying to get between the human and toy, nudging the human, or even snapping at the fake dog. They showed none of these behaviors when the human showed the same affection to a different object, like a book.

Another study at the University of Vienna found that dogs have a sense of fairness. Alone, a dog would “shake” with or without a reward. However, in the presence of another dog, the first dog would stop cooperating if its rival received a reward and they didn’t, or if the other dog got a better reward — in this case sausage versus plain brown bread.

Secondary emotions require self-awareness, as well as an understanding of what another animal is experiencing; more support for dogs having a theory of mind

They get the point

Or, rather, they get pointing and respond to it, something that even chimpanzees cannot do. For this one, you don’t even need a panel of scientists. Just get your dog’s attention and point at something — he’ll probably look at it. In fact, you don’t even need to point. Just focus your attention on something and your dog will, too.

When you have intention, you have an agenda. Dogs can pick up on this, another important part of having a theory of mind.

Put this all together, and you have the explanation for your dog’s apparent psychic ability. They are constantly looking to us for leadership because they trust our judgment, and they are aware of what we are aware of. They can read our intentions through our body language and energy, and respond accordingly. They know that we have information that they don’t, so are always trying to figure us out.

Most importantly, they are acutely aware of the clues we are giving even when we aren’t. It can be as simple as the dog figuring out that when you go on a car trip on the day you don’t leave for work in the morning that it might be a bad thing for her, or as complex as sensing the hidden feelings you always have right before that trip to the vet or the bath.

Dogs continuously pay close attention to us for clues on what they should do. When we start to pay the same attention to them and to our own behavior, then we’re one more step on the way to becoming a successful Pack Leader.

In Praise of Senior Dogs

Atlanta Lab Rescue has rescued so many senior dogs from shelters and taken them in as owner surrenders (don’t get us started).  They hold a special place in our hearts.  Cassie (above) was an incredible black lab, rescued and provided for (in luxury) for her final years – which turned out to be many but not enough for her foster Mom who fell in love with her. Senior dogs are easy to foster and for we humans, being able to provide them with love and care for their final years is a blessing. Check out this great article below from Cesar on how to make the best of life for your senior dog.  Consider fostering a senior from ALR too!  You will be doing a great service!

A Tribute to Cassie – 2014  This is a beautiful video dedicated to Cassie!

In praise of senior dogs

By: Cesar Millan

Humans can’t join AARP until they’re 50 and really aren’t considered senior citizens until their 60s, but for dogs most breeds are considered seniors once they reach eight years of age. As with all things related to dogs aging, this number is a bit lower for larger dogs and a bit higher for smaller dogs.

If we take the proper steps to keep our senior dogs healthy, they can remain active and happy well into the equivalent of their 80s or 90s. This is a wonderful thing, because senior dogs also tend to be calmer and mellower, and less likely to suddenly develop misbehaviors or phobias because they’ve been around longer and have had a lot more experience than younger dogs.

Junior isn’t quite a senior yet at six years old, but his predecessor Daddy lived to be sixteen and was active and lively up until the last year or two. Even then, when he was dying from cancer and suffering hip problems that made it difficult to walk, he still served as my right hand, helping me with dog rehabilitation. Dogs don’t focus on what’s wrong with them — they focus on getting around to the best of their abilities.

Learn NOW about the product Cesar wishes were available for Daddy in his senior years.

If we want our senior dogs to keep getting around with a minimum of pain and difficulty, then there are some steps we can take to help them out:

1. Keep their weight under control

Obesity isn’t just a problem for humans; it can affect our dogs as well. If your senior dog starts to gain weight, it may be time for a change in diet. Your vet can recommend food formulated for your dog’s specific needs and nutrition. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight will minimize the likelihood of the same conditions humans can suffer, like heart disease and diabetes. It can also help alleviate joint pain from aging and arthritis.
 

1. Don’t neglect their teeth

As dogs age, their teeth can build up plaque, crack, or fall out; this is especially true for smaller dogs. If you aren’t already, you should have your dog’s teeth cleaned once a year by a licensed veterinarian. You should also clean your dog’s teeth regularly with a brush and toothpaste designed specifically for dogs.

1. Visit the vet more often

For younger dogs, an annual wellness exam is the norm, but for seniors this schedule should increase to once every six months. You should also consider having your vet run full blood tests at least once a year to reveal any potential problems that might not be visible yet.

1. Watch your dog’s behavior

Notice whether there are any sudden changes in your dog’s behavior, particularly if they suddenly seem to have trouble getting up or down stairs, into or out of the car, or standing up after lying down. These signs may indicate joint discomfort or pain, which you can prevent like I do with natural supplements like Antinol. If your dog suddenly becomes lethargic, has a change in appetite or elimination habits, then it’s time to see the vet.

1. Senior-proof your dog’s life

As your dog grows older, there may be certain things they cannot do as well anymore. You may have to shorten walk times because they have less energy. If you live in a place with two floors, you might have to move the bed and food downstairs. If your dog is going blind, you can create “scent trails” with things like lavender oil to help her find her way around, and use swimming pool noodles to pad sharp edges on furniture. Dogs are incredibly adaptable but humans are incredibly clever — combine the two to make life easier for both of you.

Veterinary care of senior and geriatric dogs has made big advances in just the last decade, so there’s no reason that your dog can’t live a long, happy, comfortable life. By taking the steps above and continuing to provide exercise, discipline, and affection, you can be the Pack Leader your dog needs to achieve that longevity while staying balanced.

Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/health/In-praise-of-senior-dogs#ixzz3hIs7MCDY

How to get your dog to listen to you!

By Juliana Weiss-Roessler

When your dog won’t listen to your commands, it can be frustrating — and it can also be dangerous. After all, this kind of communication can help keep your dog out of trouble, preventing him from running out into a busy street or eating something he shouldn’t. It can also help keep you sane by helping you manage problem behaviors.

But it’s not always easy to get to the root of the problem. So where do you start if your dog doesn’t obey — either in specific situations or all of the time? Here are a few problems you may be encountering.

Remove excess energy
If you’ve ever tried to communicate with a hyper toddler, then you know how excited energy can be distracting. It’s no different with dogs. When your pup is raring to go, his only focus is on releasing all that pent-up energy inside, and he’s going to have a hard time listening to you.

So remember to practice first exercise, then discipline, and then affection. A daily walk that truly drains all of your dog’s energy will go a long way.

Be consistent
If your dog is receiving different messages about his behavior, he won’t understand what you want from him. That’s also true if individual family members enforce different rules. Sit down as a family and discuss the rules, boundaries, and limitations you want to set for your dog. It can be helpful to write them down and display them somewhere prominent.

Master your energy
Dogs listen to their pack leaders, and you can only be that leader if you are displaying calm-assertive energy. If you’re frantic or uncertain as you give a command, your dog will tune you out. Unfortunately, many of us aren’t really aware of the energy we are giving off. Have a friend observe your behavior and give you feedback — or even film it so you can see for yourself.

Go back to basics
Does your dog truly know the command? It can take hundreds or even thousands of repetitions for some dogs to learn a new skill. Practice makes perfect. You may need to focus on training again to ensure your dog really has it down.

Stop relying on verbal commands
Dogs don’t speak to one another; they use energy and body language to communicate. So it’s not surprising that they sometimes have trouble picking up on our verbal commands, particularly when they are bombarded by our constant yammering all day.

Even if they know a command, they may actually associate it more with a non-verbal cue you give at the same time — something you may not even realize you’re doing.

If your dog is listening to you, consider what may have changed about your physical presence. Are you holding a baby? Are you sitting down? Are you looking away? Small changes like these may be impacting your ability to fully communicate your message like you normally would.

Notice your dog’s emotional state
Beyond pent-up energy, your dog may be distracted by a number of emotions. If you are trying to train her to come when a neighbor’s dog approaches, your pup may instead be so focused on claiming her territory that she’s tuned you out. Or she may be so frightened by the sound of thunder and lightning that there’s little mental space to hear your command to go to her crate. You have to deal with the underlying issue before you can get your dog to really listen to you.

If you continue to have problems, consider hiring a professional to help. Communication between you and your dog is important for both of you and worth the investment of your time and energy.

Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-training/leadership/How-to-get-your-dog-to-listen-to-you#ixzz3gczGccFF

Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-training/leadership/How-to-get-your-dog-to-listen-to-you#ixzz3gczevknH

Never Pee and Poop inside again- EVER!

Start from Scratch

When you bring home an adult dog, it’s best to just start from scratch with housebreaking, as if she were your new puppy. You don’t know exactly where and how your new canine companion was taught to relieve herself and you don’t know her signals that she needs to pee or poop. Also, the stress of a new home environment can cause a grown dog stress and anxiety that throw off her normal behavior. If you have other pets, their scents may also prompt some territorial urine marking that makes you think a new grown dog isn’t properly potty trained. The bottom line is, there’s too much confusing the situation at first, so the best way to proceed is simply to start from the beginning.

Identify the Potty

Figure out exactly where you want your grown furry friend to eliminate. Pick a spot outside for most dogs; if your dog is elderly, it may be more convenient to provide her with a litter box or pee pad inside. Lead your dog to her potty, preferably on a leash at first. Keep on eye on her as much as possible, watching for circling, sniffing the ground, scratching at a door or window, whining and other ways she might be saying, “Hey, I need to go!” Confine her in a crate or small room where she won’t want to go when you can’t watch her. Bring her to her potty when she wakes up, after meals and after playing, as well as once every hour or two.

Reward, Reward, Reward

Positive reinforcement is the only way to train a dog, young or old. When yours relieves herself where she’s supposed to, immediately hand-feed her a delicious treat, rub her head, and enthusiastically tell her what a great job she did. It’s important that you offer the rewards and praise right away; otherwise your pooch won’t realize she’s getting them for going potty as you want her to. Accidents are bound to happen, especially if your dog is confused by a conflict between prior training and what you’re doing. Don’t ever punish or yell at her; it won’t do any good. Instead, clap in her general direction and tell her no with a disapproving tone of voice. Take her promptly to where she should be going potty and reward her when she finishes where she’s supposed to.

Rule Out Health Concerns

If your adult four-legged friend is soiling the house regularly or otherwise seems to have a hard time controlling her bladder or bowel movements, your vet needs to investigate for possible health problems. Senior dogs may suffer from canine cognitive dysfunction, the dog version of Alzheimer’s. They may also just have difficulty moving fast enough or recognizing the urge to go. Digestive disorders, food allergies and intolerances, intestinal parasites, anxiety disorders, certain cancers, kidney dysfunction and other illnesses can also cause incontinence. Some medications may also cause your pooch to pee or poop in an untimely way, and your vet might be able to find a suitable alternative treatment with more manageable side effects (or, ideally, none at all).

Article Courtesy of:   www.trainpetdog.com

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Rescue Dogs

We found a great article in Woman’s Day magazine and wanted to share it here with you! 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Rescue Dogs shares some great facts about how to rescue a dog, the patience that it takes sometimes to become a “family”, and so many warm hearted moments that you can only experience with a dog that you have saved!  We invite you to check out this article and share it with your dog loving friends!

CPR for your Pet

The American Red Cross is not not only a resource for people but pets too!  Check out the details below regarding pet CPR.

Please remember in any emergency situation to stay calm, and call your emergency vet hospital as soon as you can.