Fur Baby Inc

Mutt Does Math

I found this story of a mutt does math difficult to believe at first, but then thought, why not?  It could be possible. I wonder how much time it could have taken for the farmer to train the dog. 

As an owner of two pet dogs and going by my personal experience, I feel a dog’s brain is much more intelligent than what we perceive. It all depends upon how we understand the dog’s talent and how we nurture it. Such dogs, I feel, could be trained to handle petty cash and manage simple accounting tasks. I am sure; dogs would be equally capable as human beings. Such dogs can be hired as an assistant for shopping purposes for disabled humans, especially paraplegic and quadriplegic ones.

I strongly feel that pet training exercise imparted to dogs needs a serious rethink. Certain modifications need to be done in the procedure so that the dog’s specific talent could be brought out. The training method has to be essentially different for different breeds of dogs. After completion of training, these dogs could be allotted to different sections and departments based on their interest.

As for the ‘mathematician’ dog Wawa, my best wishes for it. Let’s hope the dog scales new heights in arithmetic and stands as a shining example for other dogs to emulate!  

Meditate With Your Dog

Have you ever tried meditating with your dog? James Jacobson has been practicing it for a long time with his Maltese dogs.  I am going to give it a try too.  Let me know your experience if you have tried it.

Scientists Trace Origin of Dogs

We all knew that pet canines evolved from wolves. The news is that scientists traced origin of dogs back to only a handful of wolves 15,000 years ago! 

It is an interesting finding. The research was nicely done on the entire topic. What I did not understand was how such different varieties of dogs could evolve directly from just three female wolves! 

This makes it difficult to know how numerous dog breeds came into existence within such a short span. In comparison, it took millions of years for humans to evolve from monkeys. Besides, it is difficult to comprehend as to how these pet dogs could have been transported from one continent to another when proper modes of transporation weren’t available in that period. It could be possible that there could be three instances wherein three dogs from three different land mass could have evolved from wolves of different breeds. However, further research has to be carried out before arriving at any conclusions.

Secondly, I would like to question as to when and how did dogs start to socialize, and what made them befriend humans? Was there any compulsion or necessity that made humans socialize with dogs and vice versa?

I still wonder and feel the following points need to be researched upon:

• The first dog variety that evolved directly from wolves
• Why did the first direct dog descendant from the wolf felt the need to evolve?
• How did the dog alter its behavior from that of the wolf?
• How can three wolf eves give rise to a vast breed of different dogs?

Though scientists have derived some conclusion in relation to dogs and their origin, I think they should further analyze dog behavior in terms of breed and place of domestication.

Another Dog Poisoning Incident in Ontario

Just read this news about dog poisoning in Ontario. This is second such incident in Ontario province!

Police yet to nab culprits. 

Horrible news indeed!  How can anyone even think of killing a poor and innocent animal?  I think the culprit was desperate to seek retribution for whatever reasons, and unfortunately, the object of revenge in this case, turned out to be the poor dogs. 

I feel pity for the stray dogs.  This is the second event in a row following the Toronto incident. While saying so, one cannot rule out a strong link between the two cases.  What’s more worrying is that the perpetrator of crime is still at large. And the sad thing is, few more dogs may fall prey to the culprits before they could be arrested. :-(

I think:

• The culprits should be delivered a stringent punishment so that other perverts could think twice before committing such heinous crime. It should also act as a deterrent for those who take animals and stray pets for granted. 
• It’s high time that the Canadian authorities modified animal laws and pursued capital punishment for those who abuse stray animals.
• Harming a stray dog has to be considered equivalent to poaching and smuggling of animal items.  The media could also play a sheet-anchors role in pursuing the case till justice is meted out to the animals.
• Last, but not the least, it is the duty of citizens to stay on guard and report any untoward occurrence or suspicious activities to the cops.  Remember, your single step can save the lives of several innocent dogs!

Fundraising Photo Session - 1pm to 3pm MDT on April 4, 2009 (Calgary)

I am going to do a fundraising photo session for “The Calgary Small & Toy Breed Play Group” on April 4 (from 1pm to 3pm).  Photos will be posted on the Internet for download.

The price for a photo is $20.00 all the proceeds go to the Cochrane & Area Humane Society. 

RSVP is required as seating is limited.  Please RSVP at:
http://smallbreeddogs.meetup.com/54/calendar/9968844/

If you have any questions, please email me.
 

Thanks,

Jessica

UPDATE: We raised $423.00 with the photo shoot and raffle for the Cochrane & Area Humane Society

Dog’s Aggression Linked to Illness or Behavior Issues

I read this interesting article stating that confrontational or aversive methods does not help training aggressive pets. "Veterinary researchers have found that most of these animals will continue to be aggressive unless training techniques are modified."

Territory and fear are the two common factors for aggression:

• Territorial aggression – It is directed towards approaching people or animals outside the pack in defence of the dog’s area (yard, room or home), or pack members. Sometimes, it's due to resource guarding. For example, the dog may guard his food, toys, water, kennel or people - if the dog think that person is his.
• Fear induced aggression – It occurs when animals or people approach a fearful dog. It is most common when the dog finds it difficult to escape. Unpredictable children could also trigger such form of aggression.

Certain medical reason could also be the reason behind the aggressiveness of a dog (source: http://www.petplace.com/dogs/aggression-in-dogs/page1.aspx). For example, dogs having neck pain often display aggression when they are pulled by the collar.

The best approach is to consult your vet, a professional dog trainer or dog behaviourist.

Dog Ate $400 Cash

A North Carolina family's dog ate $400!  Owner left the money in the bedroom and later found the 2-year old dog ate it!  Luckly, A professor at the North Carolina State University Veterinary School said the money shouldn't hurt the dog.  According to the news article, "she found parts of three $100 bills and five $20s in his leavings."  That's kind of funny and a little disgusting!  Would you start collecting bits and pieces of dollar bills from your dog’s poop?  I don't think I would.  Alright, I understand we are under a looming recession and millions of homeowners are reeling under debt.  But, still... yikes!  I also wonder would bank accept those bits and pieces? 

People, please train your dog to only play with his toys and eat his food.  Another great comment to train is "Leave It!"  It could save your dog's life or a smaller animal's life.

Clicker Training

In a nutshell, clicker training is a positive reinforcement training method - rewarding those behaviors which you like rather than punishing those which you dislike. The moment the dog offers a behaviour/trick you like, quickly single-click and give the dog a treat. You train the dog to associate the click sound with the meaning of "good boy, I'm giving you a treat!"

A clicker is a plastic box with a metal plate inside, which makes click sound when pressed. The click sound marks the precise moment when the dog carries out a behavior that you like.  This timing is essential when you teach the dog a new behaviour.  

Clicker avoids two potential issues in the regular training:

1. When we praise the dog, we could be using a different tone depending on our mood - we may not even be aware of it. Dogs are extremely sensitive to tone and body language.  The main advantage of clicker is its consistent sound. 

2. The other major problem with the regular training is timing. By the time we praise the dog; the dog could have stopped behaviour and could have already done something else. Dogs would not be able to determine which of their behaviors was rewarded. So, it could take longer to train a new behaviour.

How to Click Train Your Dog?

First, you'll need a clicker and some good treats.  Most dogs find small pieces of cheese or cut jerky, hot dog or sausages irresistible. :-)

Find a good location for training: alway start the new trick's training with minimal of distractions - best to do it at home without any excitment and distraction around. 

At the begining, you need to teach the meaning of clicker to the dog. Stand in front of the dog, click and give the treat.  Spend some time doing click and a treat without any tricks.  The dog soon would know that a click means a treat is coming.  You'd see his ears picks up the click sound and his behavior would show as he starts expecting the treat following the click.

Then, watch your dog.  As soon as he offers a behaviour/trick you want, click and treat!  Most dogs picks up the new behaviour quickly with click training.  If he repeatedly offer the same behaviour/trick, then you can add a commend right before he does it. And, of course, you click and treat him once he does it.  Gradually, you can click, treat and say "Good Boy!"  If you want, you can remove click and treat when he's good with the trick.

Basic Clicker Training Rules:

1. Always offer treat after you click.  If you clicked by accident, you should still give a treat.  You have to instill complete faith in the dog that “click means treat” routine. By the way, don’t allow the kids to touch your clicker.  It's not a toy.

2. Click once. Don't double-click!  ;-)  Practice quick single-click!

3. Keep your training sessions short, around five minutes. It has to be fun for both!

Try this game with your human friend:

While your dog is not around you, practice quick single-click and treat with your friend. 

e.g. (No talking) Click when your friend blinks her eyes and give a piece of Cheerio cereal.  Try it - it's not as easy as you think!  It's a great way to practice click and treat before you start click training with your dog!

Pet DNA Test

I just found out on Tuesday night that pet DNA test is not expensive at all!  It's about $50 or so and it is available to pet owners, breeders and veterinarians.  Pet DNA test is simple, safe and secure.

Many mixed-breed dog owner are curious about the lineage of their dogs.  Veterinarians and shelters are frequently asked, “Which breed is my dog?” Though all can make calculated and educated guesses, only pet DNA testing helps ascertain the dog’s true lineage.

Many new dog owners get confused between DNA testing and pet cloning. Pet cloning is a different thing altogether and you can gather information about it from Google search engine.

If you have a pet whose ancestry is unknown, pet DNA test is fun and informative.  With DNA testing, you can gather vital details of your pet's breeds and that result could explain some of the pet behaviors - it's helpful when you do the dog training!  Once you know the breeds, you can also find out the information on the common health issues or concerns of the breeds.

Currently, there are only two ways to conduct a pet DNA sample testing – blood sample and cheek swab - as seen on TV shows like CSI.  :-) The cheek swab method is easier of the two and offers quick results. The findings from the Animal DNA Services Veterinary Diagnostics Center confirms that the most preferred method to collect DNA from skin cells is buccal (cheek) swab.

Let me know if you have tried it and what you think about it.   

Crate Training Your Dog

First-time dog owners may think crate training or kennel training is not necessary and it's "not nice" to lock dog away in a kennel.  Well, I was one of them.  I know better now. :-)

My Top Reasons to Crate Train Your Dog:

• If you have a new dog or puppy, you can use the crate or kennel to limit his access to the house until he learns all the house rules.

• Crate training (or kennel training) could be an effective and efficient way to house train dogs.  Crate training also helps the dog to learn to control its bowel and bladder rather than going whenever they feel it. The dog eventually learns to hold it and "go" in a more regular routine.  Fact: Dogs never like to soil their sleeping/ resting quarters.

• A crate is a safe way of transporting your dog in the car.

If you properly train your dog to use the crate, he'll think of it as his safe and private den, and he will be happy to spend time there.

How to Crate/Kennel Train Your Dog:

1. Make a great first impression during the initial introduction!  Make it a very comfortable place for your dog.  Put an old t-shirt of yours in there.  Leave the kennel door open and leave treats in there. 

2. Feed and treat your dog in the kennel, so he associates the crate with positive feelings.  Give lots of encouragement and treat when you find him in the crate.

3. Slowly increase the time & distance away from you - don't rush the process.  Start from 1 minute with the door closed and you can sit in front of it.  Then moved to 3, 5, 10, 20 minutes and so on.  Initially, you can sit in front of the kennel or walk around where the dog can see you.  The next level would be out of the dog's sight while he is in the kennel.

Kennel Training Notes and Tips:

• You may encounter some whining and crying.  If the whining continues after you've ignored him for several minutes, use the phrase he associates with going outside to eliminate, and take him outside right away. This should be a trip with a purpose - not play time!  If you're convinced that your dog doesn't need to "go", the best response is to ignore him until he stops whining.  When he stops whining (wait for a few seconds of silence), then let him out and play with him.  Don't give in; if you do, you'll teach your dog to whine loud and long to get what he wants - just like kids. ;-)
• As soon as you let the dog out of the crate, you should immediately put him on a leash and then take him outside. Once you are outside, it is important to give your dog enough time - don't expect the dog to do it under pressure - no one likes that.  Would you like your mom keep rushing you to "go" in a public washroom?  :-) When the dog goes, you should give lots of encouragement, praise and reward.  Soon, the dog would try to do it only when a person is present to praise and reward him/her.
• Do not use the crate as a remedy for separation anxiety - it won't solve the problem. A crate may prevent your dog from being destructive to your place, but he may injure himself in an attempt to escape from the crate or kennel.  Separation anxiety is a totally different discussion.
• Care has to be exercised that the crate training should not get abused. Otherwise, there are high chances that the problem would worsen. The crate isn’t intended to lock the dog and let him remain there for an extended time period.  Please keep in mind that young puppies tend to need to relieve themselves almost each hour.  In case the dog soils the crate only because it was left there for a long period, then the house training process may get rolled back several weeks or even months!