COME, SIT, STAY Canine Etiquette

05/12/2024

Wanted to wish all of you out there a wonderful & beautiful Mother's Day!!! And, that does include the 4 leggers!!!!! I wanted to share MY Mom with you. She was born 06-14-1929 & she went to "meet her maker" 11-15-2016!! Mom was the "rock, the heart, & the soul" of our entire family!

The best way to share "who" she was is something I always say & did while she was still with us: If you met her as a total stranger, and you spent 2-3 minutes with her....afterwards you would know that "she" had blessed you in those couple of minutes!!! Her favorite thing to say when something wonderful occurred, or someone shared something with Mom...she would say: It's a God Thing"!!! I have always felt & said so often was/IS if I could be ½ the person she was, then I would be able to say my life was a success!! Trust me, for that life goal...I am a "work in progress"!

Be sure to share things with your Mom that would be what you would wish you had said while she was still here. Thank God, I did exactly that frequently. Here are pics of my Mom. The first one is when she & her twin brothers arrived at an orphanage when both of their parents had passed away within 3 wks of each other from Typhoid Fever. The second pic is her in a dress she made herself for her High School Graduation. Third: is when she was in her 40's. Fourth: Mom's Day (2014) 2 yrs before God called her home (2016).

Mom was an utterly beautiful person inside & out...

05/06/2024

I SHARE THIS INFOGRAPHIC A COUPLE OF TIMES A YEAR! It is so easy to follow...I hope everyone will "share" this. IF even one person sees it or shares it...it is worth reposting. This is especially important for children. And, really anyone who has a dog...a good reminder!!

05/03/2024

DO YOU TRULY UNDERSTAND YOUR DOG/S' GROWLIE SOUNDS & OTHER VOCALIZATIONS??? I think you would be surprised how very often people (including each of us) truly MISUNDERSTAND/MISINTERPRET our dogs' (& other dogs') vocalizations.

Here are links to two Chapters from my E-Book regarding our dogs' vocalizations. I truly hope you will take the time to access these two Chapters...and, possibly sharing with others.

Link to UNDERSTANDING GROWL SOUNDS & OTHER COMMUNICATIONS:
https://www.thedogspeaks.com/artgrowlsounds.htm

Link to EVALUATING OTHER GROWLS:
https://www.thedogspeaks.com/artgrowlother.htm

04/27/2024

SPIDER BITES IN THE DOGS...This is excellent & important information. Would be good to save this entire article. IT can be hard to know your dog has been bitten by a spider. So, the next best precaution is to know what symptoms to looks for & understand what you may be seeing occur. This is the link to the AKC article:

What should you do if your dog is bitten by a spider? It depends on the type of spider.

04/26/2024

This is an excellent article & well worth the read. You may want to save the article to refer to should you encounter an issue. I cannot tell you how important it is to handle these issues "sooner, rather than later"!!!

Burrs can attach themselves to your dog's coat when they're outdoors. Here's how to safely remove them from your dog's coat.

04/20/2024

This is so similar to things I have explained to people for many years. And, one of the first things I start doing with any rescue OR my own "puppy or new adult dog (rescue)" is to teach the "watch" command. I have a specific way I do this. I use a treat to have the dog/pup follow the treat...side to side, up & down...and, then to my "face" area & then my eyes. I do this so they will connect with me & also learn that when they make eye contact with me...this is a great communication & connection between us. If ever a question in their mind about this or that situation...they will know to connect with me" for me to give them information about what this situation really is.

This is a really good article by the AKC (American Kennel Club)!!

Staring at dogs can mean very different things to dogs than humans. Here's why it's good to avoid staring directly at dogs, especially strange ones.

04/11/2024

DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO IF A STRANGE DOG THREATENS/ATTACKS YOU & YOUR DOG? This is something every dog owner should know what to do...BEFORE the fact. Be aware that many of your "normal/human nature" responses could, & very likely will, elicit a more pronounced attack. I wrote an article that has received tremendously positive responses. If you never read another of my articles, "please" read this one. If you never "share" another article, please "share" this one. Here is the link to my article: ENCOUNTERING A THREATENING OFF LEASH DOG ON A WALK http://www.thedogspeaks.com/artdog.htm

03/31/2024

Wishing everyone a very BLESSED Easter!!! God Bless you all...

03/30/2024

SPRING HAS SPRUNG...Make sure nothing in your yard has!!!!!!! Use this weekend look around your yard, inch by inch, foot by foot & make sure that all is okay!

Wood fences can deteriorate during the wet, snow, cold (especially for long periods!). The same can occur with metal or wire. So, check your fences visually, but also physically. Push on all sections of fences or barriers, pay close attention to the base of wood fences.

Make sure nails have not stared to work out of the wood. Dogs can raise up & catch a paw. They can cut their paw or snag a nail. Be sure to reinforce or replace any rotting wood or weakened wood.
Be sure there is no metal or wire has come loose or rusted out.

Check all of your fence latches! Check areas for standing water that is dirty or stagnant. When spending time outside, your dogs could lap up the nearest water. If you have a shed or place where you store things, make sure the door is securely fastened so your dogs can't get in.

Honestly, I cannot stress enough how important the Spring "yard check over" is to the safety of your dogs!!! (www.thedogspeaks.com)

03/29/2024

Thanks Mom for providing me the best Doggie Spa Day!! The MUD treatment is the BEST!!!

03/27/2024

THis is so true & so important...I had to share this post!!!

Everyone who is thinking of getting dogs should read this because you need to understand this reality:

***I am a 21st century dog.***
-I'm a Malinois.
Overskilled among dogs, I excel in all disciplines and I'm always ready to work: I NEED to work.
But nowadays I get asked to chill on the couch all day everyday.

-I am an Akita Inu.
My ancestors were selected for fighting bears.
Today I get asked to be tolerant and I get scolded for my reactivity when another approaches me.

-I am a Beagle.
When I chase my prey, I raise my voice so the hunters could follow.
Today they put an electric collar on me to shut up, and you make me come back to you - no running - with a snap of your fingers.

-I am a Yorkshire Terrier.
I was a terrifying rat hunter in English mines.
Today they think I can't use my legs and they always hold me in their arms.

-I'm a Labrador Retriever.
My vision of happiness is a dive into a pond to bring back the duck he shot to my master.
Today you forget I'm a walking, running, swimming dog; as a result I'm fat, made to stay indoors, and to babysit.

-I am a Jack Russell.
I can take on a fox, a mean badger, and a rat bigger than me in his den.
Today I get scolded for my character and high energy, and forced to turn into a quiet living room dog.

-I am a Siberian Husky.
Experienced the great, wide open spaces of Northern Europe, where I could drag sleds for long distances at impressive speeds.
Today I only have the walls of the house or small garden as a horizon, and the holes I dig in the ground just to release energy and frustration, trying to stay sane.

-I am a border collie
I was made to work hours a day in partnershipwith my master, and I am an unmistakable artist of working with the herd.
Today they are mad at me because, for lack of sheep, I try to check bikes, cars, children in the house and everything in motion.

I am ...
I am a 21st century dog.
I'm pretty, I'm alert, I'm obedient, I stay in a bag...but I'm also an individual who, from centuries of training, needs to express my instincts, and I am *not* suited for the sedentary life you'd want me to lead.
Spending eight hours a day alone in the house or in the garden - with no work and no one to play or run with, seeing you for a short time in the evening when you get home, and only getting a small toilet walk will make me deeply unhappy.
I'll express it by barking all day, turning your yard into a minefield, doing my needs indoors, being unmanageable the rare times I'll find myself outside, and sometimes spending my days sunk, sad, lonely, and depressed, on my pillow.
You may think that I should be happy to be able to enjoy all this comfort while you go to work, but actually I’ll be exhausted and frustrated, because this is absolutely NOT what I'm meant to do, or what I need to be doing.
If you love me, if you've always dreamed of me, if my beautiful blue eyes or my athletic look make you want me, but you can't give me a real dog's life, a life that's really worth living according to my breed, and if you can't offer me the job that my genes are asking, DO NOT buy or adopt me!
If you like the way I look but aren't willing to accept my temperament, gifts, and traits derived from long genetic selection, and you think you can change them with only your good will, then DO NOT BUY OR ADOPT ME.
I’m a dog from the 21st century, yes, but deep inside me, the one who fought, the one who hunted, the one who pulled sleds, the one who guided and protected a herd still lives within.
So think **very** carefully before you choose your dog. And think about getting two, rather than one, so I won't be so very lonely waiting for you all day. Eight or ten hours is just a workday to you, but it's an eternity for me to be alone.
Like David Attenborough Fans for more:

03/26/2024

DOES YOUR DOG GET EXCITED & BECOME A DOG ON A "POGO STICK"? This behavior is really cute & I know we have all seen the videos of dogs jumping up & down like they are on a pogo stick. Every time I see this, I cringe. WHY? Because this behavior is harder on the dogs' back legs than you can imagine. Consider ACL/CCL injuries (knees area) & how common those are even in dogs that do "not" pogo stick!! Then, you have to consider the hips as well.

When the dogs pogo stick, they land with a good deal of force (their entire body weight, which increases when they land). That weight is absorbed by the hips & especially the knees. While jumping up & down every now then when they get excited is one thing. BUT, many dogs jump, jump, jump...up/down...up down...up down. And, the dogs that jump really "high"...that makes it more extreme.

The reason I cringe when I see those videos or see a dog do this in person is because I know if that is done "too much & too often"...the dog has an increased chance of an ACL problem. Even if that doesn't occur...the dog will likely pay for it later in life with "arthritis" in the hips & /or knees.

The reason I decided to do a post on this is because my rescue dog, TEX...started this behavior about a year ago. I didn't want to stifle this because it shows how much his world is expanding. BUT...I have been using my hand to minimize how high he jumps & how much. So far, he only does this when I am taking his food bowl to his "feeding station" (maybe 5 -6 ft). Even so, he can sure get a lot of "pogo sticking" in that short distance...LOL! I have come up with another game to play to divert his reflexing into the jumping up/down. This has helped minimize the behavior & not stifle his excitement. He may pogo stick a time or two & that is all. I rest a bit easier going this route.

I share this so you can give some thought to this behavior & at the same time not stifle their excitement!!! (www.thedogspeaks.com)

03/23/2024

PROTECT YOUR DOG FROM THESE TOP 10 PET POISONS...This is an excellent article. It is worth taking the time to read & make sure you keep your pets safe.

Be aware of the top 10 pet poisons that could harm your dog. Here are some helpful tips about how to poison-proof your home.

03/18/2024

TROUBLE "PILLING" YOUR DOG...I came up with a suggestion for how to help you "pill" your dog when nothing else seems to work. Many people have trouble when they have to give their dog/s a medication pill. I had always just opened one of my dog's mouth & put the pill in the back (on the side) of their throat. Never had an issue.

But, through the years I kept hearing so many people having trouble giving their dog a pill. When I would tell them about what I always did, they would say there was no way they could do that. As I heard this more & more...even after the "pill pockets" came out...I started to think about it & came up with an approach that, thus far, has always worked when people use this approach. So, thought I would share it with you.

This is what I call "the big fake out". You have the pill. Get a soft cheese, like a "processed" cheese slice. Take some pieces of that & wrap some of it around the pill. Then, prepare 2 more pieces of this cheese. This means you have 3 cheese treats. One with the pill & two without, just the cheese. Be prepared to give one immediately after the other.

Give the first one "no pill", follow immediately with the second one (with pill), & follow that immediately with the third one (no cheese)!!! This is quickly one right after the other. IF your dog likes treats of any sort or cheese....this is almost guaranteed to work. The reason is, the dog gets all excited for the treat/cheese, pop the next one (with pill) immediately & then follow with the last one (no pill).

The reason this works is because...the dog does not have time to "think about" being given a PILL. They just want the next treat. Further, even when the cheese with pill is given...another cheese treat is given immediately! They don't even have the chance to "taste" or "smell" the pill because the last treat comes so quickly!!

NOTE: One additional benefit of this approach is...that 3rd treat immediately following the "treat with the pill" allows the "swallowing process" to be completed. If you have ever managed to give your dog a pill & then, later on...you find the pill somewhere in the house. That is because, while it appears they swallowed it, they didn't complete the swallowing process due to the dryness on the back of the tongue/throat...the pill got stuck & was not able to be fully swallowed. So, they worked it up & out. Hence, finding the pill later!!

02/24/2024

DO YOU WALK YOUR DOG OR DOES YOUR DOG WALK YOU?? I have previously discussed how a harness can help with the pulling issue. I strongly recommend ALL dogs are walked in a harness, even the most well behaved dog on walks. IF an unexpected situation occurs & your dog has to react OR you need to protect your dog, you have mush more control over your dog in a safer & healthier way that with the leash attached to the collar! In most cases, even with a harness, the dog still has to learn to not pull on their walk.

Step one is for the owner to understand why a dog pulls. One reason is once outside with all the wonders that being not only outside, but out of the enclosure of the yard, provides is very exciting & "stimulating"!! You can almost hear the dogs say..."free, free at last"...LOL!

Another reason the dogs pull is they catch the "scent" of something so intriguing that must be explored & they are driven to begin their investigation asap! There is no time to waste when such matters are "at paw & nose". Another reason for the pulling is the old adage: For every action, there is an equal & opposite "reaction". Hence, the harder you hold them back, the harder they pull forward. Sometimes, they will pull so hard their belly will seem to drag the ground.

The simple answer is to "hold your ground"!! Your dog wants to/is driven to move forward. Only allow forward motion when there is no tension on the leash. The moment there is pressure on the leash (no slack), you STOP dead in your tracks. The moment there is the slightest release of the pressure/tension, you step forward. Be prepared...you WILL have to stop again almost immediately. This is part of the process.

Ultimately, what will happen is...your dog learns that they ONLY get to move forward when there is NO pressure on the leash. This realization & thought process does not happen quickly. It will take many sessions. Note: When the dog is not pulling & you actually go a ways without having to stop...you likely will be back to square one the next day. The difference is, they will "reconnect" with what clicked for them the day before...and that "connection" will happen sooner the next day...even sooner the following day & so on.

Caution: Do NOT...I repeat, do not walk your dog when you cannot follow the fundamental ground rule of "no forward movement, unless there is NO pressure/tension on the leash"!! When you fail to follow this tenet, you set their progress back. You are prolonging the entire learning process. If you want to have your dog take power walks with you or jog, that is great....just NOT until the dog can do so without pulling on the leash!!

Caution: During this entire process, start to finish, do NOT yank, jerk on the leash. Merely stop in your tracks. Do not get irritated or impatient. KNOW beforehand that this IS a process. The first day, you will take one step forward & instantly have to stop again. The moment no pressure, the dog is OFF to the races (literally...LOL!). You have to be prepared. to stop each & every single time. It is like one step forward, stop...2 steps forward, stop, one step forward stop, maybe if you are lucky 3 steps forward, stop...LOL...LOL!!

If walking your dog is your exercise...NOT while training them to not pull on the leash. You take your walk for you. And, you do their walk to teach.

Personally, when I "stop" I do not say anything to my dog. No verbal correction or command. I want their learning process to be theirs. BY the same token, when no pressure on the leash & step forward...again, nothing verbal from me. I know this sounds counterintuitive. BUT, as they are trying to figure out what lets them go forward & what prevents them from going forward...I don't want my words to be part of their processing. I definitely think this is a case of "actions speak louder than words"!!

When teaching your dog anything, never...never get irritated or impatient. If you have had a bad day & are short on patience, skip their walk that day (during their training process). (www.thedogspeaks.com)

02/23/2024

WHEN & HOW TO CHECK YOUR DOG'S TEMPERATURE: This is a very informative article. Worth reading & keep handy because you never know when you might need the information!!! IF you find yourself in a situation when you need to take your dog's temperature....better to have the info on hand & readily accessible. This is rather than trying to find it or where you put the information.

You may have noticed how warm your dog feels when you're cuddling with them. It's not just your imagination. A dog's normal body temperature is higher...

02/17/2024

WHY IS MY DOG SCOOTING, ETC...Here is an excellent article that covers the various reasons your dog/s may be scooting their butt on the ground or carpet &/OR licking...chewing their a**l area. The article is from the American Kennel Club (AKC). [BTW, two things not mentioned are: Your dog can have some dried p**p on their butt hairs &/or a**l area. If they are having loose stools or straining to p**p...they can scoot, lick, &/or chew this same area. !!!] Hope this is helpful should you be having this problem or do in the future. Here is the link

You may ask "Why is my dog scooting? However, there may be a medical reason why your dog is scooting their butt across the floor.

02/10/2024

ROTTEN TEETH & OTHER DENTAL ISSUES IN THE DOGS...Very interesting article. Worth the read!!

Rotten dog teeth or cavities have the same cause in dogs as in humans. Although they're rare in dogs, it's important to know the signs and treatment.

01/29/2024

Are heated Dog Beds SAFE? Here is an article by the AKC that covers this topic.

As temperatures drop, most dog owners are looking to keep their pets warm and cozy by buying them heated beds, especially when the dog gets older.

01/22/2024

CAN YOUR DOGS GET "FROSTBITE"?? Can the dogs get frostbite, how to recognize it & what to do...This is an ecellent article by the AKC (American Kennel Club) Canine Health Foundation.

Like humans, dogs can get frostbite. Dogs are at risk of frostbite once the temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

01/21/2024

FDA Approves First Monoclonal Antibody for Dogs With OSTEOARTHRITIS...This sounds interesting...BUT, it has not been out very long, just recently received FDA approval. Usually, I like to wait a year before going with a NEW medication. That said, I have already gotten a lot of input from people using it on their dogs. Librela is a once a month injection. Just wanted make the group aware of this information in case you have a dog with osteoarthritis.

The U.S. FDA has approved the monoclonal antibody Librela (bedinvetmab injection) for the control of pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.

01/17/2024

Thought this might be worth sharing. Has some good info & suggestions. From AKC (American Kennel Club).

Do snow, ice, and salt hurt a dog's paws? Yes. Fortunately, there are several ways to protect your dog’s paws this winter.

01/14/2024

I pray every day that it be God's will that this Counrty & her people survive AS intended & AS founded in HIS name & through HIS divine guidance to our Founding Fathers!!!

01/13/2024

'TIS THE COLD & FLU SEASON..."BEWARE" OF COLD/FLU MEDS...KEEP YOUR DOGS "SAFE"!! This is the time of year when we, family members, & visiting guests are suffering with colds or the flu. That means taking OTC cold/flu medications. When you feel like total crap, you can be careless or others around your dogs can. PLEASE take extra precautions & make sure none of these type meds are within your dog/s' reach. End tables, bedside tables...are all prime for the dogs to have access to. Here is a short article I think you may find informative. (www.thedogspeaks.com)
Keep Toxic Cold and Flu Medicine Away From Pets
by VetDepot on November 4, 2014

Cold and flu season is almost here! With all the sniffles and sneezing starting to go around, there’s probably some cold medicine lying somewhere around your house. While these medications may be helpful in keeping your family’s symptoms at bay, it’s important to keep them out of reach from four-legged members of the household. Many common cold and flu medicines contain ingredients that are toxic to pets. Below are a few of those dangerous ingredients:
Acetaminophen: This common fever reducer is harmful to both dogs and cats, but is especially dangerous for felines. Ingestion can lead to liver failure and methemoglobinemia (a blood disorder that results in a decrease in much-needed oxygen to body tissue). Should ingestion occur, swelling of the paws or face indicate the need for immediate emergency veterinary assistance.

Phenylephrine and Pseudoephedrine: Both of these ingredients aid in decongestion and are common in allergy medications as well as cold and flu products. Ingestion by dogs and cats can lead to an increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, seizures, and even death. Phenylephrine is sometimes abbreviated as “PE” on medication packaging.

Naproxen and Ibuprofen: These pain relieving ingredients are both NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). They’re often found in multi-symptom cold and flu medications, especially products labeled specifically for sinus pain and congestion. These ingredients pose a risk for ulcers, kidney and liver damage, and stomach bleeding in pets.

To avoid a potentially tragic situation, keep all medications safely out of reach from curious pets. If you ever suspect your pet has swallowed human medication, immediately contact the pet poison hotline or seek veterinary assistance.

01/08/2024

CAUTION!!! COLD WEATHER/HOT WEATHER...PUPPY THERMOSTATS & SENIOR DOGS THERMOSTATS!!! A pup's body thermostat is not fully developed & does not work efficiently. This means a pup cannot handle temperature extremes (cold & hot)! Senior dogs' body thermostats...as a dog ages, their body thermostat does not work efficiently. This means our "seniors" are very susceptible to temperature extremes (cold & hot)!!

This means we must take extra precautions with pups & seniors in cold weather & hot weather!! With Winter temps, please extra precautions to keep your pups & seniors SAFE! Make sure they are not outside too long in cold temps. This is even more of a concern when there is snow &/or rain.

Just as with a very small child, our pups & seniors can become compromised in situations & temps we would not normally expect to be an issue.

I beseech you...please do not take this warning/caution lightly. (www.thedogspeaks.com)

01/06/2024

HAD TO SHARE...JUST TOO FUNNY!!!

01/01/2024

WISHING EVERYONE A VERY "BLESSED" 2024...God Bless!!

12/30/2023

ANTI-FREEZE POISONING IN DOGS...This is such an important & excellent article. I urge everyone to read & share.

Antifreeze is a life-threatening danger to dogs if ingested. Learn to recognize the signs and how to protect your dog from antifreeze poisoning.

12/26/2023

I wrote this so many years ago when my first SOUL DOG (Beowulf) was in the waning years of his remarkable life with me. I had totally forgotten about this UNTIL I was going through one of the folders of some of my writings. I debated several months whether to post this. It keeps calling me back to it, so I am thinking that some others will be able to relate & may be helped. Being the end of 2023...I thought it might be the right time to share this. Since I wrote it, it has fit all of my dogs who have joined Beowulf at the Rainbow Bridge.

TIME PASSES ALL TOO QUICKLY...
by Deb Duncan
How long ago was it when you were just a pup making me laugh?

Wasn't it just a mere couple of years ago we couldn't wait to go for our walks together & play ball in the yard?

Surely, it was just last year you rolled on the floor with your toy & when that didn't get my attention...you brought your toy to me, sat by my chair & placed your paw on my leg. Yes, I would always get on the floor & we played.

Seems it was just last month you needed & were content just to be near me. Wherever I was in the house, you would somehow manage to follow & sleep nearby.

It had to be just last week you stayed where you were when I left the room. Did you not see or hear when I left the room or were you sleeping too soundly or would it have hurt too much to get up & follow? I promised to pay attention to know which it was, so I could help you be near me.

Was it just yesterday, you needed me to let you know when I left a room. I would walk slowly in front of you so you could bump your nose against my leg to follow. I knew your "dignity" required that you still do things yourself. My job is to help you retain the dignity that is you!

Today, I realized just how quickly our "golden" time together is passing. So often when I look at you sleeping, my breath stops as I watch closely to be sure you are breathing. You are!

Time is racing by us. I promise to make the most of whatever time we have left. There are so many "golden memories" to make & so many special moments to share.

I promise not to waste one precious moment grieving...now! There will be plenty of time for that when God calls you home & you wait for me at the Bridge.

How have you always known exactly what I needed & when? Now, it is my turn & I pray I learned the life lessons you taught so selflessly & beautifully.

When you are asleep on the couch or the floor, I will sit beside you & settle in close so we touch. You taught me how important touching each other is. How many times did you do this? I could feel your love & would smile & feel all warm & fuzzy inside.

When you are awake & looking out the window, I will sit & we will watch out the window together. I know you can't possibly see much, if anything. But, you are so intense I know it must be important & we must share it together.

Whatever you "enjoy" doing, I will make sure we do it every day. If this means a sling, wheelchair, stroller, wagon so we can go for our walks together...this I will do. Sunning yourself on the patio or in the yard, this we will do together.

Our time is precious & treasured. I shall guard it well...just as you have guarded me & my heart for years.